Path analysis and determining the distribution of indirect effects via simulation

The difference between a path analysis and the other multivariate analyses is that the path analysis has the ability to compute the indirect effects apart from the direct effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the distribution of indirect effects that is one of the components of path analysis via generated data. To realize this, a simulation study has been conducted with four different sample sizes, three different numbers of explanatory variables and with three different correlation matrices. A replication of 1000 has been applied for every single combination. According to the results obtained, it is found that irrespective of the sample size path coefficients tend to be stable. Moreover, path coefficients are not affected by correlation types either. Since the replication number is 1000, which is fairly large, the indirect effects from the path models have been treated as normal and their confidence intervals have been presented as well. It is also found that the path analysis should not be used with three explanatory variables. We think that this study would help scientists who are working in both natural and social sciences to determine sample size and different number of variables in the path analysis.     

A geometric time-series model with an alternative dependent Bernoulli counting series

In this article, we first introduce an alternative way for construction of the generalized binomial thinning operator with dependent counting series. Some properties of this thinning operator are derived and discussed. Then, by using this thinning operator, we introduce an integer-valued time-series model with geometric marginals. Some conditional and unconditional properties of this model are derived and discussed. Some estimation methods are considered and for some of them, asymptotic properties of the obtained estimates are derived. Performances of the estimates are discussed through some simulations. Finally, a real data example is considered and the goodness-of-fit of this model is compared with the models based on the binomial, negative binomial, and dependent binomial thinning operators.     

An extension on INAR models with discrete Laplace marginal distributions

The main theme considered in this article is an integer-valued thinning operator with both positive and negative values, its properties, and a new time series with skew discrete Laplace marginals. Some properties of this model are discussed, as well as estimators of unknown parameters, similarities and differences with some other existing models, applications in real-life situations, and identification and approximation of latent processes affecting the concerning process.     

‘Kids’ Skills’ and ‘Mission Possible’ Innovations: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Models for Working with Children and Adolescents Revised and Expanded

This article explores the ‘Kids’ Skills’ and ‘Mission Possible’ models of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) with children and adolescents. Both models are presented, compared, revised, and expanded with further ideas and therapeutic tools in three crucial areas: 1. Future direction, 2. Resources, and 3. Initiation of change (action). Future direction is expanded by preferred future, skill(s), and goal(s). Resources is expanded by ‘small talk,’ progress and confidence scales, exceptions, metaphors, and engagement of supporters. Initiation of change (action) goes beyond practicing the skill to experiments or steps towards the goal. This gives more flexibility to therapists using SFBT with their clients. All this is illustrated with case examples.     

EU ideology

The idea of Europe was radically transformed after the accomplishment of the idea of European unification. The European Union (EU) and Europe at the beginning of the twenty-first century were defined by a broad common ideology that consists of ideologies such as antinationalism, social democracy, pacificism and environmentalism. These ideologies are presented by pro-EU scholars and politicians as ideologies rooted in European history and parts of European identity and as being mostly absent in the American policies. The emergence of EU ideology is traced in the relaunch of European integration in the mid-1980s and in Delors’ conflict with Thatcher. It is argued that the emergence of EU ideology is the result of two long-term historical developments: the deepening and enlargement of European integration; and the changing relations between the USA and Europe. It is concluded that the emergence of EU ideology resembles the emergence of nationalism and national ideologies.     

How to improve urban greenspace for woodland birds: site and local-scale determinants of bird species richness

Wooded habitats represent hotspots of urban biodiversity, however, urban development imposes pressure on biota in these refuges. Identification of the most influential habitat attributes and the role of local urban characteristics is crucial for proper decisions on management practices supporting biodiversity. We aimed to identify well manageable fine-scale habitat attributes to suggest specific, feasible and affordable management recommendations for green space in cities. We analysed species richness of woodland-associated bird communities and incidence of individual species at 290 sites in a wide variety of green areas scattered across the city of Prague, Czech Republic. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) and regression tree analyses were used to identify site-scale (100 m radius sampling sites) and local-scale (200 m and 500 m radius plots) habitat attributes shaping the bird communities at individual sites. Logistic regression was used to assess the responses of individual species to habitat characteristics. Our results imply that at the site scale, management practices should focus on maintenance and promoting species-diverse and older tree stands, with a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees. Water-bodies and accompanying riparian habitats should be maintained and carefully managed to preserve high-quality remnants of natural vegetation. Presence of a few old trees (about 12 % of tree cover with DBH?>?50 cm) or small urban standing water and watercourses enrich the bird community by at least two species. Species richness of woodland avifauna at particular sites is further supported by the total amount of tree cover in the surroundings, including scattered greenery of public spaces and private gardens. We conclude that proper management at site scale has the potential to increase biodiversity of the urban environment.     

Crisis? What crisis?: How European professionals handle crises and crisis communication

A broad study in 43 European countries shows that 70% of communication professionals encounter at least one crisis a year, mostly institutional, related to the performance of the organization or a crisis in management or leadership. Organizational response and image restoration approaches are mainly based on information, sympathy and defense strategies. Traditional media relations and personal communication are the most important instruments used in crisis communication, while social media is used less often. The variation of crisis types, responses and instruments across European regions and types of organization indicate that economic and cultural aspects play a role in defining a crisis and communicating about it.