Goodness-of-fit tests for lifetime distributions based on Type II censored data

In this article, the general test statistic introduced by Alizadeh Noughabi and Balakrishnan [Goodness of fit using a new estimate of Kullback-Leibler information based on Type II censored data. IEEE Trans Reliab. 2015;64:627–635.] is applied for testing goodness of fit of lifetime distributions based on Type II censored data. The test statistic is constructed based on an estimate of Kullback–Leibler (KL) information. We investigate the properties of the proposed test statistic such as the test statistic is nonnegative, just like KL information. We apply this test statistic to following distributions: Exponential, Weibull, Log-normal and Pareto. The critical values and Type I error of the proposed tests are obtained. It is shown that the proposed tests have an excellent Type I error and hence can be used confidently in practice. Then, by Monte Carlo simulations, the power values of the proposed tests are computed against several alternatives and compared with those of the existing tests. Finally, some real-world reliability data are used for illustrative purpose.     

构建东亚区域合作架构的挑战

经过20年的经济发展,东亚在世界上的地位已经大大提高,已成为世界上一支重要的力量。在新的历史条件和背景下,东亚须更有目标地和战略性地组织起来,但东亚区域架构的构建面临诸多挑战。中美关系是世界上和影响东亚地区合作的最重要的关系,构建东亚区域合作架构应当乐于见到美国的参与。总之,关于东亚区域合作架构的安排的共识正在形成,包括四个要素：即10＋3、10＋6、东盟以及APEC。10＋3应当成为东亚区域合作和东亚共同体建设的主导,10＋6应当发展成为关于地区重要战略利益问题有效的领导人对话论坛,东盟则必须实现东盟共同体的建设,APEC则在于推动亚太国家间的尤其是经济的关系。     

Procedures for the identification of multiple influential observations in linear regression

Since the seminal paper by Cook (1977) in which he introduced Cook's distance, the identification of influential observations has received a great deal of interest and extensive investigation in linear regression. It is well documented that most of the popular diagnostic measures that are based on single-case deletion can mislead the analysis in the presence of multiple influential observations because of the well-known masking and/or swamping phenomena. Atkinson (1981) proposed a modification of Cook's distance. In this paper we propose a further modification of the Cook's distance for the identification of a single influential observation. We then propose new measures for the identification of multiple influential observations, which are not affected by the masking and swamping problems. The efficiency of the new statistics is presented through several well-known data sets and a simulation study.     

Non-Statutory Mental Health Social Work in Primary Care: A Chance for Renewal?

Correspondence to Malcolm T. Firth, Honorary Research Fellow & Senior Psychiatric Social Worker, 'DEAL', Department of Psychiatric Social Work, 12th Floor, Mathematics Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. E-mail: malcolm.firth{at}mhsc.manchester.nhs.uk Summary The current status of evidence-based practice in the field ofmental health has led some to question the potential for innovationif social work practice is organizationally proscribed or reducedto a dogged adherence to methodological orthodoxy. Conversely,social work's value base is esteemed disproportionately to itsevidence base. Changing service contexts in the UK, particularlythe emergence of Primary Care Trusts as gatekeepers and commissionersof health and social care services, are providing opportunitiesfor social work to develop a new presence and purpose. The authorsdescribe their work in a small-scale service based in primarycare that anticipated these opportunities, by a retrospectivestudy of 120 cases. A new evidence base that derives directlyfrom practice is suggested as a way forward for social workeducation and training, as well as for service and professionaldevelopment.