An efficient Bayesian approach for Gaussian Bayesian network structure learning

This article proposes a Bayesian computing algorithm to infer Gaussian directed acyclic graphs (DAGs). It has the ability of escaping local modes and maintaining adequate computing speed compared to existing methods. Simulations demonstrated that the proposed algorithm has low false positives and false negatives in comparison to an algorithm applied to DAGs. We applied the algorithm to an epigenetic dataset to infer DAG's for smokers and nonsmokers.     

Potenzialanalysen als Instrument eines strategischen Personalmanagements in Unternehmen und die Integrierbarkeit des PZA

The person-centered approach (PCA) has many facets and it is a recognized and successful theory in many areas. Also in the economic field, Rogers?? theory is becoming increasingly important. Though at the first sight it is not obvious, in addition to coaching and change-management, there are also other areas in which the PCA could be integrated. In particular, the approach could be used for potential analyses, which are, in the meantime, worldwide widely used in companies for human resources development. Under traditional person-centered aspects, potential analyses are first to be regarded as critical because the judging and evaluating of people is obviously diametrically opposed to Rogers?? approach. However, it can be shown in the following that??depending on the used method of potential analyse??also the PCA can be realized and integrated in such a field.     

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Buchbesprechungen

Buchbesprechungen     

A MECHANISM DESIGN APPROACH TO CLIMATE‐CHANGE AGREEMENTS

We take a mechanism design perspective to investigate how environmental agreements should account for multilateral externalities, incentive compatibility, and voluntary participation by sovereign countries. The optimal mechanism involves a tradeoff between a free rider problem in the effort provision of participating countries and the necessity of inducing countries to ratify the agreement. This mechanism can be approximated by a simple menu with attractive implementation and robustness properties. Limits on enforcement and commitment might nevertheless hinder the performance of this menu, making the “business as usual” scenario more likely.     

风格、文化价值和挪用：西方艺术人类学历史中的三种范式

文章选取西赤道非洲的芳族雕像作为个案研究,探讨了西方过去半个世纪以来的艺术人类学的三种范式。第一种范式是风格分析,将雕像本体以及形态特征作为研究对象。这种定量分析方法旨在区分雕像风格以及亚风格,其目的是对于芳族的艺术生产作出地理定位。这样的类型学方法被认为带有殖民根源,服务于监管与控制的目的。第二种范式是定性分析,关注的是意义而非形式。在本土研究基础之上,人类学家将芳族雕像看做是芳族社会文化价值系统的体现。这种方法是建立在田野调查基础之上的,突出文化的独特价值与思维方式,这种方法被认为是古典文化人类学范式,承袭了博厄斯在美国所开创的学派,这种研究传统起源于十九世纪的德国。第三种范式是后殖民方法。这种范式考察了自十九世纪以来雕像进入欧洲以来西方艺术家、收藏家以及博物馆对于芳族雕像的态度。这种方式关注对这些物品的挪用,包括将它们重新标识为“艺术品”,以及它们在国际艺术市场上的商品化。     

Aller Anfang ist schwer — Problem-und Zieldefinition in der Organisationsberatung

The article examines the initial phase of (management) consulting projects from a sociological perspective. The main focus lies on the processes of defining the initial problems that lead to the consulting project and the goals of the project. The article describes the clarification process carried out jointly by consultants and clients in the first phase of a project. After stressing the importance of these activities for project success, the factors that might disturb these processes are then analyzed and discussed, primarily following system-theoretical and micro-political considerations.