Particle swarm optimization-based variable selection in Poisson regression analysis via information complexity-type criteria

Modeling of count responses is widely performed via Poisson regression models. This paper covers the problem of variable selection in Poisson regression analysis. The basic emphasis of this paper is to present the usefulness of information complexity-based criteria for Poisson regression. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was adopted to minimize the information criteria. A real dataset example and two simulation studies were conducted for highly collinear and lowly correlated datasets. Results demonstrate the capability of information complexity-type criteria. According to the results, information complexity-type criteria can be effectively used instead of classical criteria in count data modeling via the PSO algorithm.     

The Buffering Role of Social Support on the Psychosocial Wellbeing of Orphans in Rwanda

Little is known about the buffering role of social support among orphans living in Africa. This study examined (1) how perceived social support (PSS) varied across orphan‐related characteristics (e.g., orphan status, such as single, maternal or paternal, and their living environments, such as in child‐headed households, on the street, in an orphanage or in a foster home) and (2) the relative importance of sources of PSS (relatives/community/adults and peers) and functional social support (emotional/informational/instrumental and social) and its association with emotional well‐being and mental distress. The participants included 430 orphaned Rwandan children and youth aged between 10 and 25 years (Mean age = 17.74), of whom (n = 179, 41.6%) were females and (n = 251, 58.4%) were males. Result showed that children living in an orphanage exhibited a higher level of PSS from all sources of social support than did children in other living environments. A higher level of PSS from relatives, communities and adults was associated with high level of emotional well‐being, and only adult support was associated with low level of mental distress. Furthermore, the functional PSS indicated that emotional support and companionship support were equally important in their association with higher levels of emotional well‐being and lower levels of mental distress. The findings highlight the importance of having different sources of social support and their functions in relation to psychosocial well‐being.