Statistical Inference of Type-II Progressively Hybrid Censored Data with Weibull Lifetimes

In this article, we discuss the maximum likelihood estimators and approximate maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters of the Weibull distribution with two different progressively hybrid censoring schemes. We also present the associated expressions of the expected total test time and the expected effective sample size which will be useful for experimental planning purpose. Finally, the efficiency of the point estimation of the parameters based on the two progressive hybrid censoring schemes are compared and the merits of each censoring scheme are discussed.     

A Multivariate Threshold Varying Conditional Correlations Model

In this article, a multivariate threshold varying conditional correlation (TVCC) model is proposed. The model extends the idea of Engle (2002 Engle , R. F. ( 2002 ). Dynamic conditional correlation: a simple class of multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models . Journal of Business and Economic Statistics 20 ( 3 ): 339 – 350 .[Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and Tse and Tsui (2002 Tse , Y. K. , Tsui , A. K. C. ( 2002 ). A multivariate GARCH model with time-varying correlations . Journal of Business and Economic Statistics , July 2002 , 20 ( 3 ): 351 – 362 .[Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) to a threshold framework. This model retains the interpretation of the univariate threshold GARCH model and allows for dynamic conditional correlations. Techniques of model identification, estimation, and model checking are developed. Some simulation results are reported on the finite sample distribution of the maximum likelihood estimate of the TVCC model. Real examples demonstrate the asymmetric behavior of the mean and the variance in financial time series and the ability of the TVCC model to capture these phenomena.     

Why Creators Are Dogmatic People, “Nice” People Are Not Creative, and Creative People Are Not “Nice”

This article presents a provocative perspective on creativity with two controversial assertions. First, it challenges the conventional view of the creator as an innovative person, by promoting the notion of the dogmatic creator. Second, it argues that nice people are not creative, and creative people are not nice. An integrative review of the empirical literature on culture, creativity, and conflict ensues. In the process, four sets of hypotheses are developed which are embedded in two theoretical models of behavior. In Theoretical Model A, it is postulated that cultural individualism-collectivism has a positive causal impact on independent self-construal (Hypothesis 1A). In turn, independent self-construal is posited to have a positive causal impact on positive perception of conflict (Hypothesis 2A), confrontational conflict style (Hypothesis 3A), and creative behavior (Hypothesis 4A). In Theoretical Model B, it is postulated that cultural individualism-collectivism has a negative causal impact on interdependent self-construal (Hypothesis 1B). In turn, interdependent self-construal was postulated to have a positive causal impact on negative perception of conflict (Hypothesis 2B), non-confrontational conflict style (Hypothesis 3B), and conforming behavior (Hypothesis 4B). One-hundred-eighty-six university students in Singapore and 158 students in Australia responded to a survey, which consisted of various scales tapping the constructs in these two theoretical models of behavior. SEM analyses using LISREL 8.0 provided empirical support for both models of behavior. Based on these findings, several points are raised. First, creativity should not be perceived in a naïve manner. Second, there is an urgent need to assist parents, teachers, and employers to deal with creative individuals. Finally, since creativity is a cultural phenomenon, the cultural context must be made amenable for this type of behavior.     

A note on the complexity of the problem of two-agent scheduling on a single machine

We consider a two-agent scheduling problem on a single machine, where the objective is to minimize the total completion time of the first agent with the restriction that the number of tardy jobs of the second agent cannot exceed a given number. It is reported in the literature that the complexity of this problem is still open. We show in this paper that this problem is NP-hard under high multiplicity encoding and can be solved in pseudo-polynomial time under binary encoding. When the first agent's objective is to minimize the total weighted completion time, we show that the problem is strongly NP-hard even when the number of tardy jobs of the second agent is restricted to be zero.     

Characteristics of child sexual abuse cases referred for psychological services in Hong Kong:a comparison between multiple incident versus single incident cases

This study examined 58 sexually abused children referred for clinical psychological services in 1999 in Hong Kong and compared the characteristics and disclosure patterns between those with multiple incidents of abuse and those with single incident. The former group was more likely to have been abused by a family member, took a longer time to disclose, and was more often abused in contexts where the abusers had control and power. Over 40% of subjects also reported presence of other persons during abuse. Myths and misconceptions among professionals are highlighted. Implications on future service development and training needs in child protection are discussed.     

Evaluation of a Goal Attainment Program using the Goal Attainment Scale for Psychiatric In-patients in vocational rehabilitation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the newly developed clinical protocol "Goal Attainment Program" to assist psychiatric in-patients in Hong Kong to formulate realistic life goals, with a view to shortening their length of stay and motivating them to join in work rehabilitation. The Goal Attainment Scale for Psychiatric In-patients was validated and used to evaluate the change in life goals after attending the four-session Goal Attainment Program. The validated 10-item version of the Goal Attainment Scale for Psychiatric In-patients (GASPI-10) was found to have good inter-rater reliability (rho_{I} ranged from 0.64 to 0.88,p < 0.01; N = 26) and internal consistency (alpha of rater 1 = 0.92, rater 2 = 0.87, N = 26). Twenty-five chronic psychiatric in-patients of Castle Peak Hospital in Hong Kong completed the Goal Attainment Program and were assessed using a pre and post-test quasi-experimental design. The T-score computation of GASPI-10 indicated that 92% of patients showed improvement in goal attainment. Some 92% of patients stated that they were willing to leave hospital, and 72% of participants planned to seek paid employment upon discharge after completion of the program. The overall results of this study verified the effectiveness of the Goal Attainment Program in instilling hope in chronic patients with schizophrenia and the use of the Goal Attainment Scale in documenting patients' progress.     

Studies on women's sexuality in China since 1980: a critical review

Over the last 20 years, women's sexuality has become one of the most written about and intensely debated subjects in sexology, sociology and women's studies in mainland China. From these studies, one can trace the development of academic discourse on women's sexuality through three distinct phases: from a predominantly medical discourse, to the use of survey methods to investigate women's real experiences, and finally to a phase in which Western theories have become increasingly influential. Each phase features a distinct stereotype of woman. The implications of this review for sexual research in China will also be discussed.