Testing independence based on Bernstein empirical copula and copula density

In this paper we provide three nonparametric tests of independence between continuous random variables based on the Bernstein copula distribution function and the Bernstein copula density function. The first test is constructed based on a Cramér-von Mises divergence-type functional based on the empirical Bernstein copula process. The two other tests are based on the Bernstein copula density and use Cramér-von Mises and Kullback–Leibler divergence-type functionals, respectively. Furthermore, we study the asymptotic null distribution of each of these test statistics. Finally, we consider a Monte Carlo experiment to investigate the performance of our tests. In particular we examine their size and power which we compare with those of the classical nonparametric tests that are based on the empirical distribution function.     

Multiphase experiments in practice: A look back

Multiphase experiments are introduced and an overview of their design and analysis as it is currently practised is given via an account of their development since 1955 and a literature survey. Methods that are available for designing and analysing them are outlined, with an emphasis on making explicit the role of the model in their design. The availability of software and its use is described in detail. Overall, while multiphase designs have been applied in areas such as plant breeding, plant pathology, greenhouse experimentation, product storage, gene expression studies, and sensory evaluation, their deployment has been limited.     

Construction of bivariate and multivariate weighted distributions via conditioning

Weighted distributions (univariate and bivariate) have received widespread attention over the last two decades because of their flexibility for analyzing skewed data. In this article, we propose an alternative method to construct a new family of bivariate and multivariate weighted distributions. For illustrative purposes, some examples of the proposed method are presented. Several structural properties of the bivariate weighted distributions including marginal distributions together with distributions of the minimum and maximum, evaluation of the reliability parameter, and verification of total positivity of order two are also presented. In addition, we provide some multivariate extensions of the proposed models. A real-life data set is used to show the applicability of these bivariate weighted distributions.     

Some alternative bivariate Kumaraswamy models

In this article we discuss various strategies for constructing bivariate Kumaraswamy distributions. As alternatives to the Nadarajah et al. (2011) bivariate model, four different models are introduced utilizing a conditional specification approach, a conditional survival function approach, and an Arnold–Ng bivariate beta distribution construction approach. Distributional properties for such bivariate distributions are investigated. Parameter estimation strategies for the models are discussed, as are the consequences of fitting two of the models to a particular data set involving the proportion of foggy days at two different airports in Colombia.     

农业企业的盈余操控更为严重吗?——基于中国上市公司的实证研究

采用2007—2014年中国沪深两市A股上市公司数据,研究行业特征和盈利能力对上市公司盈余管理水平的影响,实证分析结果表明:农业上市公司较非农上市公司具有更高的应计盈余管理水平和真实盈余管理水平;上市公司的盈利能力与应计盈余管理水平正相关,而与真实盈余管理水平负相关;较高的盈利能力强化了行业特征对真实盈余管理水平的正向影响,而对应计盈余管理水平则不具有这种影响。该研究不仅证实了农业上市公司较非农上市公司实施了更为严重的盈余操控,还揭示出上市公司的盈利能力对应计盈余管理水平和真实盈余管理水平的影响存在异质性以及盈利能力对行业特征与两种盈余管理水平之间关系的调节作用也存在异质性。     

The Relation of Negative Career Thoughts to Depression and Hopelessness

Although some research literature focuses on the integration of mental health and career counseling, there has been little that examines both areas in relation to depression and hopelessness. This study investigated the relationship among dysfunctional career thinking, depression, and hopelessness in a sample of 139 undergraduate and graduate students seeking drop‐in or individual career counseling services at a university career center. The authors found that two aspects of dysfunctional career thinking, decision‐making confusion and commitment anxiety, accounted for a significant amount of variance in depression. Decision‐making confusion also accounted for a significant amount of variance in hopelessness. Implications for counseling practice include the need for more careful screening of career clients who present with high levels of anxiety and negative thinking. Future research could involve more diverse client populations, such as unemployed adults, and explore the use of additional screening measures to assess the intersection of career and mental health issues.     

Promoting healthy transition to college through mindfulness training with first-year college students: Pilot randomized controlled trial

Objective: Given the importance of developmental transitions on young adults' lives and the high rates of mental health issues among U.S. college students, first-year college students can be particularly vulnerable to stress and adversity. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of mindfulness training aiming to promote first-year college students' health and wellbeing. Participants: 109 freshmen were recruited from residential halls (50% Caucasian, 66% female). Data collection was completed in November 2014. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted utilizing the Learning to BREATHE (L2B) program, a universal mindfulness program adapted to match the developmental tasks of college transition. Results: Participation in the pilot intervention was associated with significant increase in students' life satisfaction, and significant decrease in depression and anxiety. Marginally significant decrease was found for sleep issues and alcohol consequences. Conclusions: Mindfulness-based programs may be an effective strategy to enhance a healthy transition into college.     

What survivors want: Understanding the needs of sexual assault survivors

Objective: Sexual assault is a pervasive crime on our college campuses and many survivors do not seek post-assault resources. This study will explore components of alternative interventions to consider in the development of campus-based interventions for sexual assault survivors. Participants: Three stakeholder groups including survivors (n = 8), healthcare providers (n = 6), and advocates (n = 19) were recruited from May 2014 to December 2014 from two university campus communities using flyers and purposive sampling. Methods: A qualitative study design utilized semi-structured interviews and semi-structured focus groups with survivors, healthcare providers, and advocates. Results: Five themes emerged to consider for future campus-based sexual assault interventions: (a) culture of caring, (b) one-stop shop, (c) validation, (d) survivor control and agency, and (e) confidentiality. Conclusions: Although accessible and effective options for post-assault care do currently exist, participants described alternative future interventions that were either (a) print materials or (b) technology-based.