Unbiased estimation of a nonlinear function a normal mean with application to measurement err oorf models

Let W be a normal random variable with mean μand known variance σ². Conditions on the function f(·) are given under which there exists an unbiased estimator, f(W), of f(μ) for all real μ. In particular it is shown that f(·) must be an entire function over the complex plane. Infinite series solutions for F(·) are obtained which are shown to be valid under growth conditions of the derivatives, f^k( ·), of f(·). Approximate solutions are given for the cases in which no exact solution exists. The theory is applied to nonlinear measurement-error models as a means of finding unbiased score functions when measurement error is normally distributed. Relative efficiencies comparing the proposed method to the use of conditional scores (Stefanski and Carroll, 1987) are given for the Poisson regression model with canonical link.     

Election Day Registration's Effect on U.S. Voter Turnout

Objective . Early voter registration deadlines make voting more difficult for many American citizens. In an attempt to facilitate voting, several U.S. states now permit registration on election day, at the height of the campaign. This article examines the turnout effects of adopting election day registration (EDR) and other smaller reductions in closing dates. Methods . Primarily using the Current Population Study (1972-1996), we estimate the turnout advantage of EDR for citizens having low, middle, and high socioeconomic status. Results . The elimination of closing dates, through EDR, is predicted to produce about a 7-percentage-point turnout boost in the average state. Those having a high school education and middle incomes are expected to see the largest turnout gains, with the less educated and poorer citizens doing almost as well. No evidence is found to link the implementation of EDR to subsequent changes in the electorate's partisan balance. Conclusions . Even the most dramatic easing of voter registration costs has a modest effect on the total number of voters and little impact on the long-standing skew toward greater representation of those having higher status in the voting electorate of the United States.     

Market behavior of gaming stocks: An analysis of the first twenty years

Gaming stocks have now been publicly traded on the stock exchange for about twenty years. This study looks at the price movement patterns of gaming stocks compared with the broader market for six stock market cycles between 1973 and 1992. The study suggests that gaming stocks tend to be more volatile than the market as a whole and that this has been true throughout the twenty year period. It also shows that gaming stocks have risen in price during this period at a rate much greater than that for the general market. Special events, such as the establishment of gaming in New Jersey, can cause the gaming stocks to move in a direction opposite to the general market. Finally, the findings indicate that gaming stocks are especially susceptible to stock market declines which are related to concerns about the price or availability of oil.     

Self-perception of aging and health among older adults in Korea

The way that each individual perceives his or her own aging and health may be a key indicator of adaptation and well-being in old age. This study explored the determinants of self-perception of aging and health using 291 community-dwelling older adults in Korea (mean AGE=69.9). Older individuals with lower levels of education and economic status and various types of health problems (more chronic conditions, greater disability, poorer vision, and greater numbers of sick days) were found to have more negative self-perception of aging and health. In addition, a significant role of psychological factors was observed. For self-perception of health, sense of mastery was found to be a significant factor, and for self-perception of aging, neuroticism was observed to be significant along with sense of mastery. The mediating role of self-perception of health was supported that positive perception of health intervened the adverse effects of health problems on self-perception of aging. The findings demonstrate the important roles of psychological resources and subjective perceptions and suggest a need to consider them when planning interventions.     

Incarceration and the Formation and Stability of Marital Unions

Rising imprisonment rates and declining marriage rates among low‐education African Americans motivate an analysis of the effects of incarceration on marriage. An event history analysis of 2,041 unmarried men from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth suggests that men are unlikely to marry in the years they serve in prison. A separate analysis of 2,762 married men shows that incarceration during marriage significantly increases the risk of divorce or separation. We simulate aggregate marriage rates using estimates from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and find that the prevalence of marriage would change little if incarceration rates were reduced.     

The impact of urbanization on construction minerals

Construction minerals (sand, gravel and crushed stone used in the production of concrete) are among our most plentiful mineral resources by volume. Increasing quantities of these materials are required for construction within urban areas. However, continuing and accelerating suburbanization is rapidly making unusable deposits of these minerals due to zoning and other restrictions. In addition, the low intrinsic value of mineral aggregates and their bulkiness make the economics of the industry extremely sensitive to location. Mathematical programming is used to investigate the economic impact of urbanization on the production and distribution of construction minerals.     

Health: A cross-cultural examination of gender and marital status

An examination of the literature implies that being single is not a healthy situation. However, there appears to be disagreement as to whether this finding holds for both males and females. A probability-proportionate-to-size cluster sample of 400 households was drawn from the Dayton Metropolitan area, and a questionnaire about health and civil status was administered. The study was replicated in Australia and New Zealand. A summary of 12 stress-related items reveals that a divorced person is more likely to note feelings of worry, worthlessness, guilt, despondency, and loneliness than a married person. This held true cross-culturally. It is the divorced who are most likely to be involved in suicide thoughts and attempts. Getting drunk once per week or more is largely a singles (as well as a male) prerogative; however, it is more likely to be a never married rather than the divorced person. Overall, the findings indicate that marriage is good for both sexes but seemingly more so for males.     

While the Cat's Away,Do the Mice Play? Maternal Employment and the After‐School Activities of Adolescents*

Objective. This study determines if a relationship exists between a mother's employment and the activities in which her adolescent children participate after school. Methods. The author uses panel data from the 1996 Survey of Income and Program Participation with logit and fixed‐effects logit models to estimate this relationship. Results. Fixed‐effects models suggest a positive relationship between maternal employment and participation in lessons after school for the adolescent children of married women and also for those with at least a high school education. Maternal employment is also positively related to sports participation for the adolescent children of unmarried mothers. Conclusions. First, this article shows the importance of accounting for unobserved heterogeneity in inquiries into the links between maternal employment and adolescent outcomes. Second, it suggests that high‐socioeconomic‐status mothers may use after‐school activities, particularly lessons, as a form of after‐school care, while unmarried mothers may use sports.