Model specification tests against non-nested alternatives

Non-nested hypothesis tests provide a way to test the specification of an econometric model against the evidence provided by one or more non-nested alternatives. This paper surveys the recent literature on non-nested hypothesis testing in the context of regression and related models. Much of the purely statistical 1iterature which has evolved from the fundamental work of Cox (1961, 1962) is discussed briefly or not at all. Instead, emphasis is placed on those techniques which are easy to employ in practice and are likely to be useful to applied workers.     

A Systems-Developmental Approach to Counselling Couples with Sexual Problems: Part I — Theoretical Framework

We present a two part model for the understanding and treatment of long-standing sexual problems, especially those involving desire discrepancy between partners. In Part I, a theoretical model is outlined in terms of the normal developmental patterns of relationship development in current Western culture. We then discuss the balances and imbalances that develop as a consequence of differences in styles of loving, which affect sexual expectations and behaviour. In Part II we will examine the implications of the theoretical model for therapeutic intervention.     

Knowledge,attitudes and experiences of Macao's casino workers with regard to second-hand smoke exposure at work

This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of casino workers in Macao with regard to exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) in the workplace through structured face-to-face interviews with 377 workers. The results indicate that the majority of casino workers dislike SHS exposure at work, recognise that such exposure is harmful to their health, support the establishment of separate smoking and non-smoking areas for customers and would like greater restrictions than those that exist at present. The survey also found that there are statistically significant differences in knowledge, attitudes and experiences among workers of different smoking status. The findings of this study support the need for more comprehensive smoke-free legislation in casinos in Macao. The results also add to the existing evidence for smoke-free legislation across casinos worldwide.     

Understanding knowledge transfer in an ergonomics intervention at a poultry processing plant

This case study reviews the knowledge transfer (KT) process of implementing a knife sharpening and steeling program into a poultry processing plant via a participatory ergonomics intervention. This ergonomics intervention required stakeholder participation at the company level to move a 'train-the-trainer' program, developed in Québec, Canada, into action on the plant's deboning line. Communications and exchanges with key stakeholders, as well as changes in steeling and production behaviours were recorded. The intervention was assumed to be at least partially successful because positive changes in work operations occurred. Ergonomic-related changes such as those documented have been cited in the academic literature as beneficial to worker health. However, several components cited in literature that are associated with a successful participatory ergonomics intervention were not attained during the project. A Dynamic Knowledge Transfer Model was used to identify KT issues that impacted on the success of train-the-trainer program. A debriefing analysis reveals that a failure to consider key participatory ergonomics factors necessary for success were related to capacity deficits in the knowledge dissemination strategy.     

The Old Old — or the New Old?

This paper gives an account of the demographic trends that are bringing about changes in the population aged 80 years and older in Australia. The old old population of the future will differ in size and structure from earlier cohorts reaching advanced age: an examination is made of the contribution of the effects of past birth rates; recent changes in mortality at older ages; the impact of immigration especially on the cultural diversity of the old old; and changes in sex ratios and marriage patterns that result in changes in social circumstances. The indications are that a much more dynamic view of the old old is required. The present report is the first in a three-part study which mill cover social and health trends and discuss the implications of the newly emergent old old population for social policy.     

The One-Box Challenge: Providing a Federated Search That Benefits the Research Process

The one-box federated search of databases brings as many challenges as promises to database searching, especially in terms of adapting these systems to user needs and the effects this new mode of searching will have on users' research behaviors. This issue of “The Balance Point” presents several librarians with strong interests in reference and instruction, who tell the story of adapting a federated search system for their libraries and reflect upon how federated searching can change the way students do research and on the implications federated searching has on information literacy skills and the quality of results found.