Convergence of non-linear functionals of smoothed empirical processes and kernel density estimates

We consider regularizations by convolution of the empirical process and study the asymptotic behaviour of non-linear functionals of this process. Using a result for the same type of non-linear functionals of the Brownian bridge, shown in a previous paper [4], and a strong approximation theorem, we prove several results for the p-deviation in estimation of the derivatives of the density. We also study the asymptotic behaviour of the number of crossings of the smoothed empirical process defined by Yukich [17] and of a modified version of the Kullback deviation.     

Determining Process Death Based on Censored Activity Data

This article addresses the problem of estimating the time of apparent death in a binary stochastic process. We show that, when only censored data are available, a fitted logistic regression model may estimate the time of death incorrectly. We improve this estimation by utilizing discrete-event simulation to produce simulated complete time series data. The proposed methodology may be applied to situations where time of death cannot be formally determined and has to be estimated based on prolonged inactivity. As an illustration, we use observed monthly activity patterns from 300 real Open Source Software development projects sampled from Sourceforge.net.     

Development of an innovative process evaluation approach for the Families Improving Together (FIT) for weight loss trial in African American adolescents

This study demonstrates how a multi-theoretical, multilevel process evaluation was used to assess implementation of the Families Improving Together (FIT) for weight loss intervention. FIT is a randomized controlled trial evaluating a culturally tailored, motivational plus family-based program on weight loss in African American adolescents and their parents. Social Cognitive, Self Determination, Family Systems theories and cultural tailoring principles guided the conceptualization of essential elements across individual/family, facilitator, and group levels. Data collection included an observational rating tool, attendance records, and a validated psychosocial measure.ResultsAttendance records (0 = absent, 1 = present, criteria = ≥70%) indicated that 71.5% of families attended each session. The survey (1 = false, 6 = true, criteria = ≥4.5) indicated that participants perceived a positive group climate (M = 5.16, SD = 0.69). A trained evaluator reported that facilitator dose delivered (0 = no, 1 = yes, criteria = ≥75%) was high (99.6%), and fidelity (1 = none to 4 = all, criteria = ≥3) was adequate at facilitator (M = 3.63, SD = 0.41) and group levels (M = 3.35, SD = 0.49). Five cultural topics were raised by participants related to eating (n = 3) and physical activity (n = 2) behaviors and were integrated as part of the final curriculum.DiscussionResults identify areas for program improvement related to delivery of multi-theoretical and cultural tailoring elements. Findings may inform future strategies for implementing effective weight loss programs for ethnic minority families.     

Modelling process robustness: a case study of centrifugal casting

A robust process minimises the effect of the noise factors on the performance of a product or process. The variation of the performance of a robust process can be measured through modelling and analysis of process robustness. In this paper, a comprehensive methodology for modelling and analysis of process robustness is developed considering a number of relevant tools and techniques such as multivariate regression, control charting and simulation within the broad framework of Taguchi method. The methodology as developed considers, in specific terms, process modelling using historical data pertaining to responses, inputs variables and parameters as well as simulated noise variables data, identification of the model responses at each experimental setting of the controllable variables, estimation of multivariate process capability indices and control of their variability using control charting for determining optimal settings of the process variables using design of experiment-based Taguchi Method. The methodology is applied to a centrifugal casting process that produces worm-wheels for steam power plants in view of its critical importance of maintaining consistent performance in various under controllable situations (input conditions). The results show that the process settings as determined ensure minimum in-control variability with maximum performance of the centrifugal casting process, indicating improved level of robustness.     

Evaluation of Embedded Intelligent Real‐time Systems*

Over the past two decades, questions have surfaced about the effectiveness and contribution of intelligent systems to decision makers in a variety of settings. This paper focuses on the evaluation challenges associated with intelligent real‐time software systems that are embedded in larger host systems. With the proliferation of such systems in operational settings such as aerospace, medical, manufacturing, and transportation systems, increased attention to evaluations of such systems, and to resulting software safety, is warranted. This paper describes one such evaluation and proposes a set of evaluation criteria for embedded intelligent real‐time systems (EIRTS). Implications of the evaluation and the evaluation criteria are discussed.     

中国的知情权保障与信息公开制度的发展进程

中国对公众知情权的保障主要通过建立政府信息公开制度来实现,并已经将这一在信息时代迅速生长的基本人权写入了中共第十七次全国代表大会的报告和中国首部《国家人权行动计划》之中。中国的政府信息公开制度建设具有中央和地方立法平行、建章立制与维权实践共举的特点。实证资料表明2009年《政府信息公开条例》的实施情况好于2008年,但还存在着法律落后于制度发展、规则体系和执行机制还有待继续完善以及救济机制的实效性不强等问题。在十二五规划期间应考虑尽快制定信息公开法等法律来确认知情权,抓紧完善信息公开的实施机制和以行政复议与诉讼制度为核心的救济机制,扩展公众参与的范围,提升其水平。     

血亲情理还是理性主义--中西方德性与知识研究视角透视

知性在西方的哲学中是一个认识论的概念,是理性在意识中的思辨反思,是感觉知觉的综合而形成的概念能力向度。但一旦当知性所欲求的知识与力的冲动相联系而具有伦理精神,其德性的形成即具有理性主义的特征,或者说,知识与德性之间也形或了概念话语的某种关系的张力,在西方,倾向于德性的理性主义,在东方则是知识的德性主义,或说知性德性、而在中国古代,没有知性的概念,和古希腊一样是以知和智实现向德性的转换。但是由于传统心性儒家赋予知或智以道德情感,心性相融本身已经祛魅知识在德性形成中的作用,甚至其知行合一预示了对道德行为的漠视。而萄予与心性儒宋不同,心无德蕴涵了对知识的渴求和转知成德的期望,其复反其初的知性思维把知识与德性的关系嵌入行为的践援之中,而其现实主义品格、实践理性的精神又隐分了对德性的尊重并且把知识与伪相结合赋予知性分的特埂及其追求义利和谐、德得相通的和一特征。     

Anchoring Economic Predictions in Common Knowledge

The paper examines within a unified methodology expectational coordination in a series of economic models. The methodology views the predictions associated with the Rational Expectations Hypothesis as reasonable whenever they can be derived from the more basic Common Knowledge Hypothesis. The paper successively considers a simple non‐noisy N‐dimensional model, standard models with “intrinsic” uncertainty, and reference intertemporal models with infinite horizon. It reviews existing results and suggests new ones. It translates the formal results into looser but economically intuitive statements, whose robustness, in the present state of knowledge, is tentatively ascertained.     

大学生个性培养与素质教育

知识经济要求素质教育应注重大学生个性的培养和发展 ,创新精神是素质教育的核心 ,注重个性的正确引导和培养是培养大学生创新精神的前提和有效方式。现行的教育方式缺乏个性培养 ,扼制了创新精神的树立和创新能力的发展 ,需要下大力气予以改进和提高。