Estimating likelihoods for spatio-temporal models using importance sampling

This paper describes how importance sampling can be applied to estimate likelihoods for spatio-temporal stochastic models of epidemics in plant populations, where observations consist of the set of diseased individuals at two or more distinct times. Likelihood computation is problematic because of the inherent lack of independence of the status of individuals in the population whenever disease transmission is distance-dependent. The methods of this paper overcome this by partitioning the population into a number of sectors and then attempting to take account of this dependence within each sector, while neglecting that between-sectors. Application to both simulated and real epidemic data sets show that the techniques perform well in comparison with existing approaches. Moreover, the results confirm the validity of likelihood estimates obtained elsewhere using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.     

Attitudes and Values of Scottish Farmers: “Yeoman” and “Entrepreneur” as Factors,Not Distinct Types1

Abstract We investigate the validity of the classification of farmers into two or more distinct types on the basis of attitudes, objectives, and values. Factor analysis of data from a survey of farm pluriactivity in Scotland (N=472) shows that attributes ascribed to “yeoman” and “entrepreneur” types emerge as separate factors rather than as a single bipolar factor. No clustering of the factor scores corresponding to distinct types is found. We also present correlations of the factor scores with attitudes to on- and off-farm pluriactivity and with observables such as age and off-farm employment. The desirability of analyzing survey data by methods which do not make assumptions about typology is discussed.     

Marital Power,Roles, and Solidarity and Husbands' and Wives' Appraisals of Self and Other*

The purpose of this study was to investigate conditions underlying the social self process within marital relationships. Two hypotheses were tested in a mail questionnaire survey of 165 couples: 1) Mead and Cooley's hypothesis that self-appraisal is positively associated with other's view of self, and 2) an extension of this hypothesis suggesting that the association between self-appraisal and spouse's appraisal is greater, and the appraisals are more favorable, when marital power is shared, household role responsibilities are shared, and marital solidarity is high. The first hypothesis was supported: self-appraisal was significantly correlated with other's view of self. The second hypothesis was strongly supported for solidarity: the greater the couple's solidarity, the more favorable and the more similar were self-appraisal and other's appraisal of self. Only partial support was found for a positive association of shared marital power and roles with appraisals of self and other.     

The Banks Set in Infinite Spaces

I provide a definition of the Banks set, or set of sophisticated voting outcomes, over an infinite policy space and when individual preferences are weak. I also show that the Banks set is a subset of one definition of the uncovered set, but not another. The interpretation of the Banks set in this setting differs from Banks’s original interpretation in the implicit role of the agenda setter. In addition, a characterization of the Banks set is provided for a three-player game of distributive politics. In this special setting, the Banks set and all definitions of the uncovered set have full measure over the space of alternatives.     

B.T.K. Strangler versus Wichita Police Department: The significance of serial murder media relations

The B.T.K. Strangler confounded residents of Wichita, Kansas, as he killed and communicated from 1974 until 2005. This study examines the media relations of the serial murderer and the Wichita Police Department (W.P.D.). Also considered is the attempt of W.P.D. to use subliminal advertising to reach the killer, by a Wichita TV station working with the police. The serial murderer performed basic media relations rather effectively. But W.P.D. did not. Subliminal persuasion was unsuccessful in influencing B.T.K. to surrender.     

Introduction of the 1995 Kurt Lewin Memorial Award Recipient: Marilynn B. Brewer

It is my great pleasure to introduce Dr. Marilynn Brewer, Regents Professor of Psychology at the Ohio State University and this year's recipient of the Kurt Lewin Memorial Award. This award is given annually by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues to an individual whose career and professional achievements reflect the values and ideals of Kurt Lewin. It was the judgment of the 1995 committee members, Peggy Clark, Jack Dovidio, and myself, that Dr. Brewer is an extremely appropriate recipient of this award. But, before I tell you about Dr. Brewer, I want to briefly discuss some aspects of Kurt Lewin's life, some of his contributions to social issues and action research, and the origins of this award. Then I will tell you about Marilynn Brewer and some of the reasons why we chose her for this award.     

Beyond a 'culture of silence': inclusive education and the liberation of 'voice'

Contemporary research into 'voice as discourse' alerts one to the continuing presence of barriers in education settings. With reference to the 'voice' of those labelled with 'Special Educational Needs' and/or 'Disability', this article suggests these barriers are the effects of an unconscious commitment to aspects of modernism leading to distortions in understandings. The effect of these distortions is not only that the voices of the 'disabled' and other oppressed groups cannot find expression, but that all inhabitants of the institution, including staff and non-disabled peers, are victims of a 'Culture of Silence', an alienation muffling authentic voices rendering dialogue impossible. The article concludes by arguing for these barriers to be acknowledged, creating a space where the Culture of Silence can be explored, understood and challenged. In so doing it is argued that possibilities may emerge for more inclusive ways of being and working in education.     

Giving courts the information necessary to implement limited guardianships: are we there yet?

A retrospective analysis of written court records and audiotapes of court testimony for adult guardianship cases in 2 Kentucky counties was conducted. Two hundred forty clinical assessments were reviewed for 80 court petitions. The purpose of this research was to learn how interdisciplinary assessment teams contributed to the guardianship process for older adults. Guardianship assessments and court testimony were reviewed to explore the comprehensiveness of reports to the court, the consideration of less restrictive alternatives, and the use of limited guardianships. Recommendations are given for ways in which social workers can improve information given to the courts and advocate for elders in this situation. The role of social work in this national phenomenon is discussed.