Estimation for semiparametric varying coefficient models with different smoothing variables under random right censoring

In this paper we study a semiparametric varying coefficient model when the response is subject to random right censoring. The model gives an easy interpretation due to its direct connectivity to the classical linear model and is very flexible since nonparametric functions which accommodates various nonlinear interaction effects between covariates are admitted in the model. We propose estimators for this model using mean-preserving transformation and establish their asymptotic properties. The estimation procedure is based on the profiling and the smooth backfitting techniques. A simulation study is presented to show the reliability of the proposed estimators and an automatic bandwidth selector is given in a data-driven way.     

A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE: THE CULTURE OF HONOR AND HOMICIDE IN THE US SOUTH

The paper tests the popular hypothesis that the high prevalence of homicide in the South of the United States originates from the settlement by herders from the fringes of Britain in the 18th century. I find that historical Scots‐Irish presence is associated with higher contemporary homicide, particularly by white offenders, and that a culture of violence was transmitted to subsequent generations—but only in the South and, more generally, where historical institutional quality was low. The interpretation is that the Scots‐Irish culture of honor prevailed and persisted as an adaptive behavior to weak institutions. As institutional quality converged between the South and North over the last 200 years, the influence of the culture of honor has been fading over time. The results are robust to controlling for state fixed effects and for a large number of historical and contemporary factors, as well as to relying on instrumental variables for historical settlements. The results are also specific to a particular type of homicide and background of settlers.     

基于序数信息的博弈理论

在许多社会或政治科学的问题中, 个人的主观偏好信息往往是通过定性分析得到的, 难 以表示成效用形式, 但却可以用序数形式来表示. 本文基于决策者对策略的偏好序数信息而不 是支付函数或效用水平, 讨论了一种新的博弈理论或模型, 给出了若干序均衡的概念, 并进行 了例示分析. 这种基于序数信息的博弈理论可以看作是现有基于支付函数博弈理论的推广和 补充.     

Promises to keep. An evaluator's perspective on employee assistance programs.

This paper presents a critical review of the rapidly expanding literature concerning employee assistance programs (EAPs). Several essential features of EAPs are identified and the assumptions underlying these components are examined. The latter section of this report offers some tentative suggestions for correcting this situation so that the EAP movement will no longer suffer from the lack of a firm database upon which to build more coherent and defensible theories and programs.     

N．I环上的M－余平坦模和余平坦模

给出了在Ｎ．Ｉ环上的Ｍ－余平坦模和余平坦模的概念，得到了一系列有趣的结果。     

Metaphysics and professional resistance to program evaluation

One of the most common and most difficult problems confronting program evaluators is the resistance they encounter when attempting to implement evaluation efforts. The philosophical and psychological foundations of this resistance are explored. Problems in the evaluative paradigm are presented. Value differences between evaluators and practitioners are highlighted. Emotional bases for practitioner behavior are clarified and types and loci of resistance are outlined. Suggestions for coping strategies are discussed.     

Triangulation in practice

An evaluation study was designed using a between-method triangulation strategy. Two study teams gathered and analyzed data about the effectiveness of a formal process for long range program planning. One team used a mail questionnaire and the other, on-site open-ended interviews. Initial plans for coordination between the two teams were misguided and, fortunately, were subverted during data collection and analysis. The evaluation strategy and its derailment are discussed in terms of the purposes of triangulation and the forces that work against sensible intentions for coordination in multimethod studies.