Accurate estimation for extra-Poisson variability assuming random effect models

In this study, the components of extra-Poisson variability are estimated assuming random effect models under a Bayesian approach. A standard existing methodology to estimate extra-Poisson variability assumes a negative binomial distribution. The obtained results show that using the proposed random effect model it is possible to get more accurate estimates for the extra-Poisson variability components when compared to the use of a negative binomial distribution where it is possible to estimate only one component of extra-Poisson variability. Some illustrative examples are introduced considering real data sets.     

A new regression model for bimodal data and applications in agriculture

We define the odd log-logistic exponential Gaussian regression with two systematic components, which extends the heteroscedastic Gaussian regression and it is suitable for bimodal data quite common in the agriculture area. We estimate the parameters by the method of maximum likelihood. Some simulations indicate that the maximum-likelihood estimators are accurate. The model assumptions are checked through case deletion and quantile residuals. The usefulness of the new regression model is illustrated by means of three real data sets in different areas of agriculture, where the data present bimodality.     

Learning from a lot: Empirical Bayes for high‐dimensional model‐based prediction

Empirical Bayes is a versatile approach to “learn from a lot” in two ways: first, from a large number of variables and, second, from a potentially large amount of prior information, for example, stored in public repositories. We review applications of a variety of empirical Bayes methods to several well‐known model‐based prediction methods, including penalized regression, linear discriminant analysis, and Bayesian models with sparse or dense priors. We discuss “formal” empirical Bayes methods that maximize the marginal likelihood but also more informal approaches based on other data summaries. We contrast empirical Bayes to cross‐validation and full Bayes and discuss hybrid approaches. To study the relation between the quality of an empirical Bayes estimator and p, the number of variables, we consider a simple empirical Bayes estimator in a linear model setting. We argue that empirical Bayes is particularly useful when the prior contains multiple parameters, which model a priori information on variables termed “co‐data”. In particular, we present two novel examples that allow for co‐data: first, a Bayesian spike‐and‐slab setting that facilitates inclusion of multiple co‐data sources and types and, second, a hybrid empirical Bayes–full Bayes ridge regression approach for estimation of the posterior predictive interval.     

“Migrant Capital” and Domestic Work: Labour Trajectories of Immigrant Women in Spain

This article analyses the labour trajectory of migrant women in domestic service. The research considers women's working conditions upon arrival, or their “migrant capital” (i.e. their human, social and economic capital) as the defining factors in their labour trajectories. The study, conducted on a sample of migrant women in domestic service, reveals the different value each type of capital has at each stage of a labour trajectory. The social network is the core capital in their first job. Nevertheless, the key factors in labour mobility are human capital and a household's financial needs. The processes of administrative regularization and family reunification prompt far‐reaching changes in these women's labour trajectories. Finally, labour trajectories during the economic crisis have been shaped by financial needs, leading to a decapitalization of the human capital acquired, with even legal status surrendering its value.     

Urban ecosystem Services in Latin America: mismatch between global concepts and regional realities?

Urban Ecosystems - Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is one of the most urbanized and biologically diverse regions in the world but is often characterized by weak environmental governance and...     

African-American and white inequality in the nineteenth century American South: a biological comparison

The use of height data to measure living standards is now a well-established method in economic history. By using a new source of nineteenth century Texas state prison records, the present study contrasts the heights of comparable blacks and whites between the Civil War and Reconstruction in the American South. White stature exceeded black stature. Between 1850 and 1870, black stature declined by more than 1 cm but recovered toward the end of the nineteenth century. Postbellum white stature declined by more than 1 1/2 cm over the same period yet never recovered.

外观设计的法律保护

在知识产权的保护对象中 ,外观设计较为特殊。作为一种发明 ,它可以受到专利法的保护 ;作为某种美学思想的表述 ,它可以受到版权法的保护 ;当它在市场上获得显著性或第二含义后 ,又可以作为商标得到商标法的保护 ,或作为商品外观得到反不正当竞争法的保护。外观设计问题涉及专利权、版权法、商标法和反不正当竞争法。外观设计与商品包装外观设计可获得专利法的保护 ,但商品包装只能获得反不正当竞争法的保护 ,不能将二者混为一谈     

公共物品公共性的变化及其有效提供

在一端为公共物品 ,一端为私人物品的物品序列中 ,同一物品的相对位置会因为排他性技术水平的不同而表现出不确定性 ,导致物品公共性的不断变化。这种位置变化决定了对于公共物品提供者的选择 ,改变了政府提供公共物品的传统观点。据此 ,公共物品提供的理论基础应是公共物品提供的经济发展观 :依据公共物品在不同阶段特性的改变选择不同的提供者。这就为非政府组织、私人提供公共物品准备了条件。在中国城市大力引进非政府组织提供城市各种公共物品的同时 ,广大农村公共物品的提供在现阶段只能由政府来提供     

大学英语专业教学中输入输出探究

语言习得过程其实质就是语言的输入输出过程,其质量的高低直接影响其成败。文本结构理论介入基础英语课堂教学和学生的英语学习在一定程度上有助于改变课堂上以教师为中心的教学模式,丰富课堂教学方法,调动学生英语学习的积极性和主动性,有利于学生思维能力和创新能力的培养,对提高学生课外语言输入输出的质和量有一定的促进作用。