Methods to assess measurement error in questionnaires of sedentary behavior

Sedentary behavior has already been associated with mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Questionnaires are an affordable tool for measuring sedentary behavior in large epidemiological studies. Here, we introduce and evaluate two statistical methods for quantifying measurement error in questionnaires. Accurate estimates are needed for assessing questionnaire quality. The two methods would be applied to validation studies that measure a sedentary behavior by both questionnaire and accelerometer on multiple days. The first method fits a reduced model by assuming the accelerometer is without error, while the second method fits a more complete model that allows both measures to have error. Because accelerometers tend to be highly accurate, we show that ignoring the accelerometer's measurement error, can result in more accurate estimates of measurement error in some scenarios. In this article, we derive asymptotic approximations for the mean-squared error of the estimated parameters from both methods, evaluate their dependence on study design and behavior characteristics, and offer an R package so investigators can make an informed choice between the two methods. We demonstrate the difference between the two methods in a recent validation study comparing previous day recalls to an accelerometer-based ActivPal.     

An F-type test for detecting departure from monotonicity in a functional linear model

When studying associations between a functional covariate and scalar response using a functional linear model (FLM), scientific knowledge may indicate possible monotonicity of the unknown parameter curve. In this context, we propose an F-type test of monotonicity, based on a full versus reduced nested model structure, where the reduced model with monotonically constrained parameter curve is nested within an unconstrained FLM. For estimation under the unconstrained FLM, we consider two approaches: penalised least-squares and linear mixed model effects estimation. We use a smooth then monotonise approach to estimate the reduced model, within the null space of monotone parameter curves. A bootstrap procedure is used to simulate the null distribution of the test statistic. We present a simulation study of the power of the proposed test, and illustrate the test using data from a head and neck cancer study.     

生态批评作为文学活动对于人的诗意生存

生态存在必然诗意地寻归生命有机性的运演节律。对人来说,或者对人的生存来说,生态对文学、文学对生态,都依生态存在而动,都是人的生命活动状态使然。生命有机性既是人的自然之身及感性生命的基础,又有机呈现人的多重存在关系,更需要精神性及审美化的提升,文学则是其中重要提升力量。生命、人与文学的生成及效应则依循诗意的节律,既形成整体的有效性,又显示着各方的魅力。当生态批评作为一种文学现象出现,从发生之初到广泛影响实际都在极大地关注着人的生存问题,并探寻人何以能诗意生存。当生态批评作为文学活动在助力,必然要成就那种“有效”及“魅力”,其方法、策略及目的性追寻,旨在助推人的活动不断地融入诗意生存。事实上,生态批评的阐释、评论、理性确证及学理基质,就是通过生态整体及诗意性的综合性体验,把控生态、生命、人与文学间的诗意关系,彰显其相互促动、相互映衬的魅力。     

Eminent Social Scientists’ Views on Immigration Issues: 1985 and 2006

Following up on a research note by Stephen Moore published in 1985, this article compares the results of the survey conducted in 1985 against one carried out in 2006 on the views of eminent social scientists (economists, political scientists, psychologists, sociologists, historians and anthropologists) on immigration issues. Specifically, the surveys report on whether the respondents are likely to favor an increase in the number of immigrants who are allowed into the United States and other issues such as whether immigrants improve the economy.

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现代管理科学中的直觉主义

随着信息技术发展迅猛,管理科学移植了许多自然科学的基础理论和研究方法,取得极大进步.然而,在管理实践工作中却经常受到自然科学理论和方法的局限.探索这种局限性的根源,指出直觉以及直觉主义在管理中的哲学意义;提出在管理科学中把握直觉的本质,将直觉主义引入管理科学,从而有效地选择战略和决策.     

Are mating strategies and mating tactics independent constructs?

This study explored the constructs of mating tactics and mating strategy. These constructs are conceptually related but distinct. In current research, the measurement of one of these constructs is often viewed as being indicative of the other. Therefore, an exploration of these constructs will enhance understanding of study outcomes in this research area. Self-report measures of mating tactics and strategies were administered to 183 female participants, aged 18-45 years. The Escalating Sexual Encounters Questionnaire (ESEQ, Greer & Buss, 1994), the Derogatis' Sexual Experience Scale (Derogatis & Melisaratos, 1979), the Sexual Strategies Measure (SSM, Schmitt, 1996), the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (Simpson & Gangestad, 1991), and two questions assessing age at menarche and total number of sexual partners were administered. Exploratory factor analysis with oblique rotation produced two distinct factors reflecting a "tactic"-based factor and a "strategy"-based factor. This finding is consistent with viewing mating tactics and mating strategies as distinct and varying independently. An important implication of this study is that measurement of mating tactics is not indicative of underlying mating strategies in women. Further, four patterns of female mating style emerged upon review of participant factor scores and are discussed within an evolutionary context.