The problem of outlier tests in sample surveys

Outliers can occur as readily in samples from the finite populations (e.g. in sample surveys) as in samples from infinite populations. However, in the vast literature on outliers there is almost no mention of outlier tests for data from sample surveys. We examine the behaviour of some standard outlier test statistics for infinite populations when these are applied to finite populations, examining their properties by extensive simulation studies. Some anomalous results are obtained Nsuggesting a fundamental difficulty in testing outliers for the finite population case.     

HowParadigms Shape the Stories We Tell: Paradigm Shifts in Gender and Health

The stories we tell about the linkages between gender and health are shaped by the paradigms that guide our inquiries. Paradigms direct our attention away from certain phenomena and toward others. In particular, the dominant paradigms in the study of gender and health have promoted studies of differences, not similarities. Even in the face of strong challenges, many old paradigms persist. Continued reliance on flawed and insensitive paradigms is a major social issue. The aim of this article is to illustrate where we have come from, where we are now, and where we are heading in the study of gender and health. I will do this by tracking changes in the underlying paradigms that have shaped this research area, focusing on the literature in the area of gender and psychosocial factors, especially social-role experiences, and stress-related mental and physical health, to highlight changes that have taken place in these paradigms.     

Social security in the USSR

Social security systems reflect the political and economic realities of their country. The history of the Soviet social security system lends support to this thesis. Its basic features were drawn during Stalin's forceful drive towards heavy industrialization and they remained pretty much the same over the years despite many changes, often of significant detail. It was a system financed by the state, providing earnings-related benefits to workers who fulfilled their work obligations and favouring those in the Communist Party, government and industry whose contribution was deemed to be most useful to the state and the economy. The absence of political freedom meant that open criticism of existing provisions was very difficult, while the emphasis of successive governments on defence and space exploration inevitably meant that state funds for social security suffered and with them the level and range of benefits. The collapse of the Soviet Union has resulted in widespread hardship among those relying on benefits and has created a situation where new social security systems are needed to reflect the new political and economic realities.     

Incorporating natural helpers to address service disparities for young children with conduct problems

In response to the high levels of unmet need among historically underserved young children with conduct problems, this paper outlines some of the key issues involved in incorporating natural helpers into the delivery of parenting interventions for the treatment of conduct problems among historically underserved children. Strategies for the selection and training of natural helpers are discussed along with challenges that might be encountered in these processes. Directions for future research are also highlighted. With appropriate selection and training procedures in place, natural helpers may increase the accessibility of services for children and families and foster the reduction of service disparities.     

A multiple goal methodology for evaluating management information systems

The behavior and performance of an organization are intimately tied to the mode and effectiveness of its information processing function. While there is a rapidly expanding level of research concerned with the design, development, and implementation of management information systems (MIS), relatively few approaches to the evaluation and improvement of these systems have been suggested. The current paper develops a multiple goal methodology aimed at filling this gap by evaluating and, if necessary, subsequently modifying any given set of MIS design variables considered capable of enhancing a series of operational and, perhaps, conflicting goals. The methodology is based on a series of significant findings from the MIS design literature. In particular, the procedure incorporates the tripartite of decision type/decision-maker/MIS design into the evaluation process. The methodology is user-based, being flexible with respect to the definition of performance objectives, evaluation measures, design variables, and correction strategies. A brief example applies the methodology to the evaluation of an MIS within a health services organization.     

DETECTION AND TESTING OF DIFFEFENT TYPES OF OUTLIER IN LINEAR STRAUCTURAL RELATIONASHIPS

The linear structural model provides one way of modelling a linear relationship between two random variables. It is well known that problems of unidentifiability arise for unreplicated observations and normal error structure. As in all data sets, outliers can arise and methods are needed for detecting and testing them. An outlier-generating model of mean–slippage type can be used to characterise four different forms of outlier manifestation. It is interesting to find that the unidentifiability problem provides no obstacle for detecting or testing the outliers for three of the four forms. Detection principles, and specific discordancy tests, are derived and illustrated by application to some data on physical measurements of Pacific squid.     

A new role for ambulatory care: managing the system

Buffeted for many years by the winds of financial pressures, the American health care system is in severe disarray. The major components of this system are expending resources on maintaining their traditional roles in order to serve a public that cannot afford all of them. These elements, namely the hospital industry, the insurance industry, and physicians, are trying to achieve a measure of profitability in a system that seems to have little profit to yield. Perhaps the time has arrived for a restructuring of the basic system in order to reward quality and efficient management rather than to perpetuate systems becoming increasingly irrelevant.     

A physician's perspective on capitation

Change is not on the horizon; it is already here. Capitation is only the latest form of competition with which we physicians have dealt through high school, college, medical school, postgraduate training, and even entry into practice. Capitation is a reality. It is here to stay. It will not disappear. It is a concept that must be understood, embraced, and managed to ensure financial survival. Physicians face issues of life and death on a daily basis. It is not too much for them to handle capitation.     

Association between sex,race/ethnicity,season, day of week,and alcohol use and related risks in college student athletes and nonathletes

Objective: To examine personal and social constructs (eg, sex, race) and external influences (ie, competition schedules) that are associated with the pattern and amount of alcohol consumption by student athletes compared to nonathletes. Participants: Students (n?=?2,984; 57% female, 61% white, 16% athlete) on a single campus were surveyed in Fall 2011 and Spring 2012. Methods: Anonymous surveys included demographics, alcohol use, and related problems. Results: Student athletes consumed more alcohol than nonathletes, with male and white athletes posing the highest levels of risk for heavy consumption. Expanded examination of in- and out-of-season athletes found out-of-season athletes drink more frequently and more per occasion than their in-season peers. Athletes were more likely than nonathletes to drink on specific days of the week and daily patterns differed between in- and out-of-season athletes. Conclusions: The risk of athlete status is moderated by sex, race, season, and day of the week.