Some exact results on the sample autocovariances of a seasonal ARIMA model

A seasonal random walk is an ARIMA process such that the first difference of order s (s ≥ 1) is a white noise. Given a series of observations from a particular linear transformation of a seasonal random walk, we study the autocovariances c'(k) based on uncentered data and the autocovariances c(k) based on centered data. In both cases, we provide exact, explicit formulae for the mean, variance, and covariance of the sample autocovariances. It is seen that the moments of the c(k)'s are different from those of the c'(k)'s, even asymptotically. Several analytical results presented in the paper were derived by using a symbolic manipulation program.     

The ‘isolated mass’ revisited: strikes in British coal mining

The authors examine how far inter-colliery variations in local strike activity in Britain between the Wars can be explained by the characteristics of their immediate localities highlighted by Kerr and Siegel's ‘isolated mass’ theory. A regression analysis suggests that some of the variables indicated by Kerr and Siegel did affect strike activity but only weakly. A contingency table analysis confirms that some of the Kerr-Siegel variables serve to define groups of collieries which experienced significantly different levels of strike activity. Whilst supporting many of the criticisms levelled at the Kerr-Siegel hypothesis, the authors conclude that the empirically based rejection of the hypothesis has been too emphatic.     

Understanding the emotional aspects of infertility: implications for nursing practice

Approximately 10% to 15% of childbearing-age couples experience infertility. Infertility has multiple aspects, including physical, emotional, financial, social, and psychological effects. Although most health care professionals are more aware of problems related to physical aspects of infertility, the difficulties and needs that arise from the emotional aspects are often more significant for couples. Thus, it is crucial that health care professionals, particularly nurses, understand these needs. This article provides some practical information to help nurses do just that.     

Orally disintegrating olanzapine: a possible alternative to injection of antipsychotic drugs

1. The orally disintegrating formulation of olanzapine dissolves rapidly on contact with saliva. 2. In certain cases, orally disintegrating olanzapine may be administered, instead of injection of an antipsychotic agent. 3. Orally disintegrating olanzapine is intended to deliver a dose analogous to regular olanzapine tablets.     

Why do drug treatment organizations use contingent staffing arrangements? An analysis of market and social influences

Contingent staffing arrangements are defined as conditional and transitory work arrangements. In the drug abuse treatment sector, contingent staffing arrangements have the potential to improve treatment if they are used to increase access to needed services. Alternatively, such arrangements could interfere with the development of consistent, long-term client-staff relationships. Unfortunately, little is known about the consequences of or influences on contingent staff arrangements in this sector. The goal of this study is to examine the conditions under which outpatient substance abuse treatment organizations are more likely to use contingent staffing arrangements. Building on previous research on the social organization of health care structures and practices, we develop a conceptual model based in market economics and institutional perspectives to suggest that treatment organizations choose contingent arrangements in response to market conditions and uncertainty, institutional demands, and client needs. Using data from a nationally representative study conducted in 1988, 1990, and 1995, we find limited evidence that drug treatment units use contingent staff in response to market pressures. Labor market and demand uncertainty, however, are systematically associated with greater use of contingent staff. Study results suggest that expectations and norms from the institutional environment, particularly the organizational context of the treatment unit are strong predictors of the use of contingent staff. By considering both market and social influences of contingent staffing, we contribute to a growing body of research on how markets and institutions interact to influence organizational structures and practices in the health care system.     

The Development of Idealism in Pharmacy School

This article traces the transformation and development of idealism in a cohort of pharmacy students in a Canadian pharmacy school. The data show that a form of professional idealism which emphasizes a patient-oriented practice of pharmacy and reflects the profession's vision of the future role of the pharmacist emerges during the first year of study, wanes during the second year, is revitalized during the latter part of the third, and develops throughout the fourth, reaching its peak as students approach graduation. This unusual pattern is explained in terms of factors related to and arising from the attempt to reprofessionalize pharmacy.     

A NOTE ON COMPETING VARIANCE ESTIMATORS IN RANDOMISED RESPONSE SURVEYS

When gathering randomised rather than direct responses on a variable of interest relating to sensitive issues, one may use a modified version of the well-known generalised regression predictor of a finite population total. To construct confidence intervals, this paper proposes four alternative variance estimators – modifications to those usable with direct responses – and examines their relative efficiencies through simulations from simple super-population models.     

Rule enforcement in a public setting: The case of basketball officiating

This participant observation study examines some of the definitional and dramaturgical work performed by basketball officials attempting to enforce formal rules in the presence of audiences (e.g., spectators, coaches, players and fellow officials). Our analysis begins with the discovery that officiating requires participation in both a real world of physical events and objects, and a social world of subjective identifications. Second, we explore the contexts of legitimation by which decisions are justified. Third, we identify dramaturgical strategies used by officials to enhance legitimacy in the face of problematic decisions. Finally, we consider the assumptions officials make about the character of their work. The paper concludes with a discussion of indexical and interpretive features of organizational and bureaucratic use of formal rules, including the case of basketball officiating.An earlier draft of this paper was presented at the annual meeting of the Southern Sociological Society, Knoxville, Tennessee, March, 1980. We would like to thank Michael Hughes and James Michaels for abetting suggestions and comments. The authors share equal responsibility for the paper; the names have been listed alphabetically.