Estimation and diagnostic for skew-normal partially linear models

Partially linear models (PLMs) are an important tool in modelling economic and biometric data and are considered as a flexible generalization of the linear model by including a nonparametric component of some covariate into the linear predictor. Usually, the error component is assumed to follow a normal distribution. However, the theory and application (through simulation or experimentation) often generate a great amount of data sets that are skewed. The objective of this paper is to extend the PLMs allowing the errors to follow a skew-normal distribution [A. Azzalini, A class of distributions which includes the normal ones, Scand. J. Statist. 12 (1985), pp. 171–178], increasing the flexibility of the model. In particular, we develop the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for linear regression models and diagnostic analysis via local influence as well as generalized leverage, following [H. Zhu and S. Lee, Local influence for incomplete-data models, J. R. Stat. Soc. Ser. B 63 (2001), pp. 111–126]. A simulation study is also conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the EM algorithm. Finally, a suitable transformation is applied in a data set on ragweed pollen concentration in order to fit PLMs under asymmetric distributions. An illustrative comparison is performed between normal and skew-normal errors.     

Contextual influence on evaluation capacity building in a rapidly changing environment under new governmental policies

Evaluation capacity building (ECB) is a context-dependent process. Contextual factors affecting ECB implementation have been explored theoretically and practically, but their influence within a changing environment has seldom been discussed. This study examined essential context-sensitive parameters, particularly those involved in implementing new governmental policies regarding higher education. Taiwan was used as a case study for exploring the effect of contextual change on ECB attributes from the perspectives of training receivers and providers. Surveys and interviews were used for data collection and importance–performance analysis was applied for data analysis. Four prominent features were identified. First, the ECB attributes perceived as important by receivers were performed adequately, whereas those perceived as less important were performed less well. Second, under new policies, training provider designed training covering a wide range of ECB, whereas receivers focused on those can be directly applied in evaluation process. Third, in a small education system such as Taiwan’s, the complexity of peer review is high and ethical issues become important. Fourth, because the evaluation structure has been changed from single- to dual-track, receivers expect more training for institution staff, whereas providers insist on hierarchical training. Aligning ECB supply and needs is paramount for adaptation to new policies.     

Family or friends: what counts more for drinking behaviour of young adults? / Familia o amigos: ¿qué pesa más en los hábitos de consumo de alcohol de los jóvenes?

The scientific literature stresses the importance of culture and social environment in determining what people think about alcohol consumption and consequently do. Several pieces of research have proved the influence on young adults’ alcohol use of proximal social contexts of their family and peers. The present study aimed at investigating the influence of family behaviours and norms compared to the peers’ influence in a context where the culture of alcohol is changing between the different generations. Data were collected by means of a self-report questionnaire on a sample of 598 young adults (average age 22.20 years). The variables investigated were socio-demographic characteristics, the alcohol consumption of parents and friends and the parents’ and peers’ approval of alcohol consumption. The results confirmed the role of family and friends in influencing young adults’ consumption of alcohol, stressing a difference between perceived behaviours and norms. The perceived consumption of parents and friends influenced the participants’ consumption. On the contrary, the effects of the approval of drinking were limited. Globally friends had a stronger influence on alcohol consumption in comparison with family.     

Developing an undue influence screening tool for Adult Protective Services

The study purpose was to develop and pilot an undue influence screening tool for California’s Adult Protective Services (APS) personnel based on the definition of undue influence enacted into California law January 1, 2014. Methods included four focus groups with APS providers (n = 33), piloting the preliminary tool by APS personnel (n = 15), and interviews with four elder abuse experts and two APS administrators. Social service literature—including existing undue influence models—was reviewed, as were existing screening and assessment tools. Using the information from these various sources, the California Undue Influence Screening Tool (CUIST) was developed. It can be applied to APS cases and potentially adapted for use by other professionals and for use in other states. Implementation of the tool into APS practice, policy, procedures, and training of personnel will depend on the initiative of APS management. Future work will need to address the reliability and validity of CUIST.     

创新网络中知识转移“度”及其维度

在创新网络中,知识转移及其转化程度直接影响创新网络成员之间的关系及创新结果。网络中知识转移的一个突出问题是知识转移存在很多限制性因素,而一旦限制性因素被突破,则知识转移又表现为其他特征,例如知识转移速度加快、知识转移范围扩大等。创新网络中知识转移"度",指网络成员在一定的制度约束下或者在内外条件约束下,知识转移活动所能达到的程度。在知识转移过程中,接受组织的吸收能力、知识的显性度、各种智力资本的复杂性以及知识转移背景的相似性等方面左右了知识转移的广度、速度和深度。作为知识产品的科技成果,其可转移性的高低是影响转化的根本因素。为加快中国高校科技成果的转移,必须改进现有的高校科研导向、科技成果评价机制,提高高校科研人员开展面向产业化研究的积极性,加强企业创新能力和科技成果转移体系建设。     

The Influence of Confucianism on the World’s Diverse Culture

Confucianism plays an important role in the w orld’s diverse culture.Since C onfucianism w as spread from Asia to Europe,it has communicated,integrated and innovated w ith W estern culture,and even had a major impact on the European Enlightenment M ovement of ideas.T here is no doubt that it is important to interpret the cross-cultural values of C onfucianism and to explore its influence on the development of contemporary society.C onfucianism is an open ideological system,w hich needs us to treat it w ith an open mind.O nly by constantly absorbing the essence of the cultures from all over the w orld,enhancing civilization and exchanges betw een countries,seeking common ground w hile reserving differences,can w e uphold C hinese culture and make great contribution to the progress and development of the w hole human civilization.     

高校经管类学生参与科研意愿的影响因素分析——基于安徽省8所高校的问卷调查

大学生参与科研是高校培养双创型人才的重要途径之一,高校经管类专业学生培养存在重理论、轻实践的现象。安徽省8所高校1406名经济管理类学生科研意愿的实证分析表明:年级、学习成绩、科研重要性认知、科研了解程度和学校科研活动开展对大学生科研意愿有显著影响。高校在经管类学生培养过程中应通过加强科研宣传推广、开设科研训练课程、丰富科研活动多样性、激励教师科研指导和开拓校外实践教学基地建设等措施增强学生参与科研的积极性,提升学生的双创能力。     

日语复合动词中的甚词研究

日语复合动词里的部分后项动词以及部分前项动词在构词过程中产生了语法化变化,失去了该词汇所具有的本来意义。其语法作用相当于汉语中表示极端程度的甚词表达,主要用来表示程度或者强调等意义。但是,日语甚词表达和汉语甚词表达之间在所用词汇上没有交集。所以,不能使用汉语甚词表达去套用日语的甚词表达。