Finite mixture of regression models for a stratified sample

Despite the popularity and importance, there is limited work on modelling data which come from complex survey design using finite mixture models. In this work, we explored the use of finite mixture regression models when the samples were drawn using a complex survey design. In particular, we considered modelling data collected based on stratified sampling design. We developed a new design-based inference where we integrated sampling weights in the complete-data log-likelihood function. The expectation–maximisation algorithm was developed accordingly. A simulation study was conducted to compare the new methodology with the usual finite mixture of a regression model. The comparison was done using bias-variance components of mean square error. Additionally, a simulation study was conducted to assess the ability of the Bayesian information criterion to select the optimal number of components under the proposed modelling approach. The methodology was implemented on real data with good results.     

Design selection for strong orthogonal arrays

Strong orthogonal arrays (SOAs) were recently introduced and studied as a class of space‐filling designs for computer experiments. An important problem that has not been addressed in the literature is that of design selection for such arrays. In this article, we conduct a systematic investigation into this problem, and we focus on the most useful SOA(n,m,4,2 + )s and SOA(n,m,4,2)s. This article first addresses the problem of design selection for SOAs of strength 2+ by examining their three‐dimensional projections. Both theoretical and computational results are presented. When SOAs of strength 2+ do not exist, we formulate a general framework for the selection of SOAs of strength 2 by looking at their two‐dimensional projections. The approach is fruitful, as it is applicable when SOAs of strength 2+ do not exist and it gives rise to them when they do. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 47: 302–314; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada     

A dynamic business modelling approach to design and experiment new business venture strategies

Business Modelling has evolved as a key activity to reflect new business venture strategy by framing the way a firm will operate and how it will function in achieving its goals (e.g., profitability, growth, innovation, social impact). However, scholars and practitioners have criticized the adoption of a too static perspective in the design and use of conventional Business Model representations. Such a static perspective prevents nascent entrepreneurs experimenting with their Business Models and, as a result, identifying the most effective strategies, especially in terms of business sustainability and profitability. In this paper, we argue that combining conventional Business Model schemas with System Dynamics modelling results in a strategy design tool that may overcome several limitations related to a static view of Business Model representation. Mapping the different key elements underlying value creation processes into a system of causal interdependencies – through the use of simulation – allows strategy analysts and entrepreneurs to experiment and learn how the business reacts to strategic and organizational changes in terms of performance, innovation and value creation. As such, Dynamic Business Models provide useful insights to strategy formulation and business venturing by capturing how critical Business Model elements interact to produce enduring competitive advantages over time.     

住宅小区景观的配套设计与绿化

当前，小区的景观配置及绿化已经成为人们选择住宅的重要条件之一。小区景观设计的细节往往是小区景观的配套设计与绿化成功的关键。住宅小区景观的配套设计与绿化是自然与人的完美协调与交融，是人的精神通过加工寄托于景物的一个过程。     

Evaluation of an intervention supporting breastfeeding among late-preterm infants during in-hospital stay

BackgroundLate-preterm infants show lower breastfeeding rates when compared with term infants. Current practice is to keep them in low-risk wards where clinical guidelines to support breastfeeding are well established for term infants but can be insufficient for late-preterm.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate an intervention supporting breastfeeding among late-preterm infants in a maternity service in the Basque Country, Spain.MethodsThe intervention was designed to promote parents’ education and involvement, provide a multidisciplinary approach and decision-making, and avoid separation of the mother-infant dyad. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a control (n = 212) and an intervention group (n = 161). Data was collected from clinical records from November 2012 to January 2015. Feeding rate at discharge, breast-pump use, incidence of morbidities, infant weight loss and hospital stay length were compared between the two groups.ResultsInfants in the control group were 50.7% exclusive breastfeeding, 37.8% breastfeeding, and, 11.5% formula feeding at discharge, whereas in the intervention group, frequencies were 68.4%, 25.9%, and 5.7%, respectively (p = 0.002). Mothers in the intervention group were 2.66 times more likely to use the breast-pump after almost all or all feeds and 2.09 times more likely to exclusively breastfeed at discharge. There were no significant differences in morbidities and infant weight loss between groups. Hospital stay was longer for infants who required phototherapy in the intervention group (p = 0.009).ConclusionThe intervention resulted in a higher breastfeeding rate at discharge. Interventions aimed to provide specific support among late-pretem infants in maternity services are effective.     

Modifications of sequential designs in bioequivalence trials

Bioequivalence (BE) studies are designed to show that two formulations of one drug are equivalent and they play an important role in drug development. When in a design stage, it is possible that there is a high degree of uncertainty on variability of the formulations and the actual performance of the test versus reference formulation. Therefore, an interim look may be desirable to stop the study if there is no chance of claiming BE at the end (futility), or claim BE if evidence is sufficient (efficacy), or adjust the sample size. Sequential design approaches specially for BE studies have been proposed previously in publications. We applied modification to the existing methods focusing on simplified multiplicity adjustment and futility stopping. We name our method modified sequential design for BE studies (MSDBE). Simulation results demonstrate comparable performance between MSDBE and the original published methods while MSDBE offers more transparency and better applicability. The R package MSDBE is available at https://sites.google.com/site/modsdbe/ . Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

三维实体设计与工程制图课程的改革

三维实体设计是工程设计的必然趋势,设计方法的变革导致企业对人才的新需求,也给传统的工程制图课程体系带来了巨大的冲击。改革与现代生产和人才需求不相适应的教学内容,建立以三维设计为主线,以培养创新思维和创新能力为目标的工程制图新体系,是工程制图课程改革的方向。     

基于WEB的远程教学管理软件分析与设计

本论文主要讨论了基于WEB远程教学管理软件的分析与设计。首先对远程教育与传统教育进行了比较研究,确定远程教育是现代教育发展的方向;其次对开发基于WEB远程教学管理软件进行了环境分析和需求分析;最后讨论了远程教学管理软件的实现,包括软件模块结构设计和网站的总体框架。     

试析多媒体教学中存在的若干问题

通过对多媒体教学中普遍存在的问题的探讨 ,重点阐述了传统教育技术和现代教育技术的关系、多媒体教学软件的教学设计、教学软件库的建设、教育技术培训及多媒体教学管理等问题     

工业设计专业数字化设计类课程体系建设的思考

针对数字化技术对工业设计的巨大影响 ,提出了工业设计专业数字化设计类课程体系的框架和对一些课程设置及教学方法的设想