Embedding latent class regression and latent class distal outcome models into cluster-weighted latent class analysis: a detailed simulation experiment

Usually in latent class (LC) analysis, external predictors are taken to be cluster conditional probability predictors (LC models with external predictors), and/or score conditional probability predictors (LC regression models). In such cases, their distribution is not of interest. Class-specific distribution is of interest in the distal outcome model, when the distribution of the external variables is assumed to depend on LC membership. In this paper, we consider a more general formulation, that embeds both the LC regression and the distal outcome models, as is typically done in cluster-weighted modelling. This allows us to investigate (1) whether the distribution of the external variables differs across classes, (2) whether there are significant direct effects of the external variables on the indicators, by modelling jointly the relationship between the external and the latent variables. We show the advantages of the proposed modelling approach through a set of artificial examples, an extensive simulation study and an empirical application about psychological contracts among employees and employers in Belgium and the Netherlands.     

Adjusted empirical likelihood models with estimating equations for accelerated life tests

This article proposes an adjusted empirical likelihood estimation (AMELE) method to model and analyze accelerated life testing data. This approach flexibly and rigorously incorporates distribution assumptions and regression structures by estimating equations within a semiparametric estimation framework. An efficient method is provided to compute the empirical likelihood estimates, and asymptotic properties are studied. Real-life examples and numerical studies demonstrate the advantage of the proposed methodology.     

Adaptive cluster sampling with a data driven stopping rule

The adaptive cluster sampling (ACS) is a suitable sampling design for rare and clustered populations. In environmental and ecological applications, biological populations are generally animals or plants with highly patchy spatial distribution. However, ACS would be a less efficient design when the study population is not rare with low aggregation since the final sample size could be easily out of control. In this paper, a new variant of ACS is proposed in order to improve the performance (in term of precision and cost) of ACS versus simple random sampling (SRS). The idea is to detect the optimal sample size by means of a data-driven stopping rule in order to determine when to stop the adaptive procedure. By introducing a stopping rule the theoretical basis of ACS are not respected and the behaviour of the ordinary estimators used in ACS is explored by using Monte Carlo simulations. Results show that the proposed variant of ACS allows to control the effective sample size and to prevent from excessive efficiency loss typical of ACS when the population is less clustered than anticipated. The proposed strategy may be recommended especially when no prior information about the population structure is available as it does not require a prior knowledge of the degree of rarity and clustering of the population of interest.     

Recall searching with and without recall

We revisit the sequential search problem by Hey (J Econ Behav Organ 8:137–144, 1987). In a 2 \(\times \) 2 factorial design, varying fixed and random cost treatments with and without recall, we address open research questions that were originally stated by Hey (1987). Our results provide clear evidence for Hey’s (1987) conjecture that recall negatively affects performance in sequential search. With experience, however, search behavior with and without recall converges toward the optimal reservation rule. We further find that the utilization of optimal reservation rules is independent from the stochastic nature of the search cost.     

论《行政许可法》实施后我国的行政审批制度改革

<行政许可法>的颁布和实施对我国的行政审批制度改革产生了重大而积极的影响,但<行政许可法>的出台并没有解决行政审批制度改革中存在的所有问题.从行政审批和行政许可的关系入手,阐述了<行政许可法>实施后我国行政审批制度改革存在的问题以及进一步深化行政审批制度改革的对策.     

企业DNA中的文化力

与生物体类似,企业也拥有其基因,了解这种基因有利于明确企业固有的特性,进而可以了解影响企业绩效的因素和原理.将企业基因与DNA模型相类比,研究对企业影响较大的四个因素(决策权、组织架构、激励机制和信息传导),可以构建出企业基因的模型,文化力作用于各因素之间,并对企业发展起着重要作用.     

贯穿于陶诗的思想是生命思索

陶诗主题具有多义性,并可分为五大题材.然而其反映出的内在思想是对人生价值、意义和终极目的的认知和实践.因此可以说贯穿于陶诗的思想是生命思索,是人生实践中对儒、释、道思想的感悟和认识.     

农民工子弟与城市中小学生人文素质发展相互影响研究

农民工子弟是我国城市化进程中产生的特殊教育群体。这一群体的存在,给部分城市中小学生人文素质的发展带来了等级观念、交往障碍、自负心理、集体意识等方面消极影响。相应地,可通过价值观的教育、人际交往能力的培养、自我认知能力的提升和良好班集体的创建来培养城市中小学生良好的人文素质。     

古代公文政治功能探微

公文是一种很古老的文体,起源于人类社会活动。公文是国家权力的触须,只要它能到达的地方便是国家权力可控制的地方。皇帝通过公文控制政府,政府通过公文控制国家。公文有着强烈的政治特性。公文反映的是各个阶级之间的斗争,能够在国家的日常工作中发挥重要的作用。因此,＂公文必然受一定的政治观点的指导,为一定的政治制度服务,从而体现出鲜明的政治倾向性。＂〔1〕     

公司价值评估方法新思考

自19世纪60年代以来,公司并购与重组不断发生,导致对公司价值的重新评估,而评估方法的选择一直是理论界与实务界争论的焦点。因素分析法作为一种新型的方法,根据影响公司的内部因素与外部因素,分别设置详细的标准与计算公式,结合信息计算公司价值。因素分析法试图规避传统方法存在的缺陷,为公司并购双方、投资者等对公司价值的评估提供方法论借鉴。