Nonparametric Benchmark Dose Estimation with Continuous Dose‐Response Data

We propose a new method for risk‐analytic benchmark dose (BMD) estimation in a dose‐response setting when the responses are measured on a continuous scale. For each dose level d, the observation X(d) is assumed to follow a normal distribution: . No specific parametric form is imposed upon the mean μ(d), however. Instead, nonparametric maximum likelihood estimates of μ(d) and σ are obtained under a monotonicity constraint on μ(d). For purposes of quantitative risk assessment, a ‘hybrid’ form of risk function is defined for any dose d as R(d) = P[X(d) < c], where c > 0 is a constant independent of d. The BMD is then determined by inverting the additional risk functionR_A(d) = R(d) ? R(0) at some specified value of benchmark response. Asymptotic theory for the point estimators is derived, and a finite‐sample study is conducted, using both real and simulated data. When a large number of doses are available, we propose an adaptive grouping method for estimating the BMD, which is shown to have optimal mean integrated squared error under appropriate designs.     

What is the role of e-technology in mental health services and psychiatric research?

In this article, the role of e-technology is explored, with an emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages of its use for health care and mental health research. E-technology is broadly understood to include the Internet and related information technologies, and in recent years, its use has grown rapidly. The Internet is a major source of health information, and there is potential to deliver enhanced services through this medium. In addition, e-technology's role in future mental health service delivery and research will continue to expand as increased numbers of consumers, caregivers, health professionals, and the general population go online, particularly as the technology is refined and made even more user friendly.     

Social work education in Europe: towards 2025

ABSTRACT

Responses to profound contemporary transformation processes are characterised by ‘situationalism’ as the expression of resignation in the face of overwhelming complexity. An overemphasis on personal autonomy accompanied by a withdrawal to the seeming security of ‘given boundaries’ undermines programmes of social solidarity, which had been a means of creating stability and social integration at national and European levels. Social work’s origins as an academic discipline and as a profession reach back to the crisis phenomena that accompanied the early ‘project of modernity’, and reflection on that history can help to identify a critical role of social work education in view of what could be described as the current crisis of modernity. A future vision of social work education centres on the conventional mandate of this profession to ‘make a critical difference’ with regard to the deepening of social divisions through rampant individualism as well as concerning trends to impose uniformity as a substitute for equality.     

Effects of labeled child benefits on family savings

Contrary to standard microeconomic principles, it is by now well understood that income is not fungible. For example, the label of a government transfer can induce individuals to make expenditure decisions that are skewed towards the label. In this paper, I show that child benefits are disproportionately used for savings assignable to children. I exploit a policy reform in a difference-in-differences approach to estimate the effect of child benefits on savings. The results suggest a significant positive effect on long-term savings and weak evidence for effects on child-assignable consumption. I conclude that labeling effects should be considered carefully by policy makers, if not for nudging individuals, then to avoid affecting decisions unintentionally.     

Effects of resistance training on liver structure and function of aged rats

The aging process may cause negative physiological changes. However, exercises as resistance training (RT) have been considered an important intervention to attenuate these changes. Additionally, liver plays an important role in blood glucose homeostasis in exercise.

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the effects of RT on the liver components of aged animals.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: 24 months’ group (CONTROL); and group submitted to a progressive RT protocol for 16 weeks (EXERCISE). Both groups were sacrificed at 24 months.

Results: We observed a decrease in blood flow due to the practice of resistance exercises. Besides, our results showed that hepatic tissue plays an important role in glycemic homeostasis during RT. In addition, RT increased mitogen capacity of hepatocytes.

Conclusions: Our study showed many implications for the knowledge about the effects of strength training on old animals’ liver.     

Estimation of the Percentage of Aid Received from the Food Bank Using a Stratified Sampling

The interval estimate of the percentage of food received from the Food Bank with reference to household necessity is the main purpose of this article. A group of families having difficulty in purchasing enough food and thus receiving it from a charitable organization near Milan was considered. The group of families was divided into two groups depending on whether the householder was Italian or a foreigner. For the interval estimate of the ratio in question to be provided, we use the confidence intervals proposed by Galeone (2007) and Galeone and Pollastri (2012) but, in order to consider that the sample is stratified, it is necessary to introduce new methodologies. In fact, if a stratified sample is used, the properties of the estimator can be improved with respect to the estimator obtained from a simple random sample. In order to take into account the uncertainty of the estimate due to sampling, this paper proposes a new technique for the construction of confidence intervals of the indicator under examination based on the distribution of the ratio of two correlated Normal random variables when the sample is stratified. Using simulations, the confidence intervals for the ratio were compared when using the simple random sample with the confidence intervals based on a stratified sample. As a result, by using the stratified sample, the confidence intervals for the ratio can be improved because the width results reduced. Therefore, a combined ratio estimator was used in order to evaluate whether the help provided to the families satisfies their needs.