A stratified randomized response model for sensitive characteristics using the negative hypergeometric distribution

Taking clue from the pioneer work of Singh and Sedory (2013 Singh, S., Sedory, S.A. (2013). A new randomized response device for sensitive characteristics: an application of the negative hypergeometric distribution. Metron 71:3–8.[Crossref] , [Google Scholar]), we have suggested a new stratified randomized response (RR) model. The properties of the suggested stratified RR model have been studied under proportional and “Neyman” allocations. The study has been also carried out in the presence of crude prior estimates. Numerical illustrations are also given in support of the present study.     

Some efficient classes of estimators of population mean in two-phase successive sampling under random non response

In this paper, an attempt has been made to present some efficient classes of estimators of population mean on current occasion in two-occasion successive sampling under random non response in two-phase setup. Effectiveness of the proposed classes of estimators has been studied under the assumptions that sampling units follow a distribution under the random non response. To check the performances, the proposed classes of estimators are compared with an estimator under the similar situation under the complete response. Results are demonstrated through empirical studies which show the reliable nature of the proposed classes of estimators. Suitable recommendations have been made to the survey practitioners.     

Efficient use of multi-auxiliary information in search of good rotation patterns in successive sampling

This article considers the problem of estimating the population mean on the current (second) occasion using multi-auxiliary information in successive sampling over two occasions. A general class of estimators is proposed for estimating population mean on the current occasion and expressions for bias and mean square error for these estimators are obtained up to first degree of approximation. The minimum variance bound estimator in the proposed class is discussed. Many popular estimators have been shown to belong to this class. Optimum replacement policy is also discussed. Finally, the superiority of the proposed class of estimators over multivariate version of chain type ratio estimator envisaged by Singh (2005 Singh, G.N. (2005). On the use of chain type ratio estimator in successive sampling. Stat Transition 7:21–26. [Google Scholar]) is established empirically.     

Effectual variance estimation strategy in two-occasion successive sampling in presence of random non response

Present investigation deals with the problem of random non response in estimation of population variance on current occasion in two-occasion successive sampling. To reduce the negative impact of random non response on both occasions, regression type imputation method has been suggested. Using auxiliary information, efficient estimation strategies have been developed for estimation of population variance on the current occasion. Estimator for the population variance is also derived as a special case when random non response occurs only on the current occasion. Empirical studies are carried out to show the dominance of suggested estimators over sample variance and exponential type estimators. Results are interpreted.     

Improvement over variance estimation using auxiliary information in sample surveys

This paper addresses the problem of estimating the population variance S²_y of the study variable y using auxiliary information in sample surveys. We have suggested a class of estimators of the population variance S²_y of the study variable y when the population variance S²_x of the auxiliary variable x is known. Asymptotic expressions of bias and mean squared error (MSE) of the proposed class of estimators have been obtained. Asymptotic optimum estimators in the proposed class of estimators have also been identified along with its MSE formula. A comparison has been provided. We have further provided the double sampling version of the proposed class of estimators. The properties of the double sampling version have been provided under large sample approximation. In addition, we support the present study with aid of a numerical illustration.     

Cross‐Cultural Measurement Invariance of Adolescent Self‐Report on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0

This study evaluated the cross‐cultural measurement invariance of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL^?) among adolescents sampled from Bulgaria, Croatia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Serbia, and Turkey. The multiple‐indicator multiple‐cause (MIMIC) model was used, which allowed controlling of demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, and socioeconomic status). Significant effects of country on scores within the PedsQL^? domains were observed, with up to 17 items showing differential item functioning (DIF) across the countries. We did not find support for cross‐cultural measurement invariance hypotheses for scores on the PedsQL^? adolescent self‐report in this study. Researchers should use caution in making cross‐cultural quality of life comparisons while using the PedsQL.     

Revitalizing sociology: urban life and mental illness between history and the present

This paper proposes a re‐thinking of the relationship between sociology and the biological sciences. Tracing lines of connection between the history of sociology and the contemporary landscape of biology, the paper argues for a reconfiguration of this relationship beyond popular rhetorics of ‘biologization' or ‘medicalization'. At the heart of the paper is a claim that, today, there are some potent new frames for re‐imagining the traffic between sociological and biological research – even for ‘revitalizing’ the sociological enterprise as such. The paper threads this argument through one empirical case: the relationship between urban life and mental illness. In its first section, it shows how this relationship enlivened both early psychiatric epidemiology, and some forms of the new discipline of sociology; it then traces the historical division of these sciences, as the sociological investment in psychiatric questions waned, and ‘the social' become marginalized within an increasingly ‘biological' psychiatry. In its third section, however, the paper shows how this relationship has lately been revivified, but now by a nuanced epigenetic and neurobiological attention to the links between mental health and urban life. What role can sociology play here? In its final section, the paper shows how this older sociology, with its lively interest in the psychiatric and neurobiological vicissitudes of urban social life, can be our guide in helping to identify intersections between sociological and biological attention. With a new century now underway, the paper concludes by suggesting that the relationship between urban life and mental illness may prove a core testing‐ground for a ‘revitalized' sociology.     

Social Metabolism and Labour in a Local Context: Changing Environmental Relations on Trinket Island

From a material and energetic perspective, this paper outlines the patterns of society-nature interactions of a local horticultural, hunter-and-gatherer population that lives on a remote island between India and Indonesia. Based on empirical research, we present several indicators to show an economic portfolio of a local society that combines horticulture, hunting and gathering activities with elements of industrialisation and market economy. In describing these environmental relations, the study narrows its focus to the use of three socio-ecological concepts, namely socio-economic metabolism, colonising natural processes, and the energetic return on investment. Using these concepts, we show the dynamics of social and environmental transformation at a local level and the consequences this may have for sustainability.     

The nature and culture of social work with children and families in long‐term casework: Findings from a qualitative longitudinal study

Social work in the United Kingdom is preoccupied with what social workers cannot do due to having limited time to spend with service users. Yet remarkably little research has examined what social workers actually do, especially in long‐term relationships. This paper draws from an ethnographic study of two social work departments in England that spent 15 months observing practice and organizational life. Our findings show that social work some of the time has a significant amount of involvement with some service users and the dominant view that relationship‐based practice is rarely achieved is in need of some revision. However, families at one research site received a much more substantial, reliable overall service due to the additional input of family support workers and having a stable workforce who had their own desks and were co‐located with managers in small team offices. This generated a much more supportive, reflective culture for social workers and service users than at the second site, a large open plan “hot‐desking” office. Drawing on relational, systemic, and complexity theories, the paper shows how the nature of what social workers do and culture of practice are shaped by the interaction between available services, office designs, and practitioners', managers', and service users' experiences of relating together.     

Gender involvement in manual material handling (mmh) tasks in agriculture and technology intervention to mitigate the resulting musculoskeletal disorders

The lifting and carrying of loads in agriculture on small landholdings are unavoidable. Rural communities often lack access to appropriate technologies which may result in various health hazards. The objective was to study gender participation in agricultural activities involving manual material handling tasks, to assess MSDs experienced in various MMH tasks and to evaluate traditional method and designed technology. The study was conducted on 100 agricultural workers. Data on gender participation in MMH tasks in household, animal husbandry and agriculture and resulting MSDs was gathered. Pre and post assessment of technology intervention was done for NIOSH Lifting Index, QEC, and RPE. The results revealed greater susceptibility of females to musculoskeletal problems in most of the household and animal husbandry tasks. The hand trucks designed were pushing type with power grasp handle. The respondents were advised to carry 5 kg of weight per lift instead of lifting more weight in one lift/minute while filling the hand truck. By decreasing the weight and increasing the number of lifts per minute the respondents were seen falling in green zone indicating significant reduction in NIOSH lifting index. QEC scores concluded that for filling the hand truck 5 kg of weight should be carried to keep the exposure level low.