Copula-based regression models: A survey

In this review paper we collect several results about copula-based models, especially concerning regression models, by focusing on some insurance applications.     

A new estimation method for Weibull-type tails based on the mean excess function

Studying the right tail of a distribution, one can classify the distributions into three classes based on the extreme value index γ$\gamma$. The class γ>0$\gamma >0$ corresponds to Pareto-type or heavy tailed distributions, while γ<0$\gamma <0$ indicates that the underlying distribution has a finite endpoint. The Weibull-type distributions form an important subgroup within the Gumbel class with γ=0$\gamma =0$. The tail behaviour can then be specified using the Weibull tail index. Classical estimators of this index show severe bias. In this paper we present a new estimation approach based on the mean excess function, which exhibits improved bias and mean squared error. The asserted properties are supported by simulation experiments and asymptotic results. Illustrations with real life data sets are provided.     

政府干预理论:证券监管的必要性和适度性

证券市场具有市场的一般特征,同时具有高风险和高效集资的独有特征.当证券市场同样面临市场失灵的问题时,政府监管部门有责任对市场进行有效干预.在政府宏观干预理论视域下,结合一般市场与证券市场的共性与特性之比较,探讨证券监管的必要性及证券监管"度"的把握,对于优化证券市场具有一定的理论意义和现实意义.     

改革开放以来中国民族理论若干问题研究述评

改革开放30年来,在国内外大势的影响下,中国民族理论研究经历了诸多的变化,但总趋势是:在探讨中发展,在摸索中前进。本文所论及的民族概念问题、民族形成问题、民族结构与民族属性问题、民族意识与民族关系问题,只是改革开放以来中国民族理论研究领域中很少但却是比较重要的几个问题。适逢改革开放30年,对这几个问题的研究成果进行归纳、概括和总结,无疑将有助于进一步推进中国民族理论研究的深入和发展。     

从马克思主义的国家学说看达赖集团分裂祖国的反动本质

西藏自古以来就是中国的一部分,这无论是过去还是现在都是全世界各国所公认的事实.以达赖为首的民族分裂集团,自1959年叛逃后,在国外长期从事民族分裂活动,利用国际上提供的各种场合,到处宣称"西藏自古以来是一个独立国家"的反动谬论,利用混淆古代国家与现代国家的概念,不仅搞乱了人民群众的思想,模糊了人民群众的视线,同时也造成了极大的危害,为其推行"民族独立"的分裂活动张目.我们必须以马克思主义国家学说为指导,牢固掌握西藏自古以来就是中国的一部分的科学内涵,牢固树立正确的马克思主义祖国观,以实际行动抵制达赖的民族分裂活动,积极维护祖国统一和民族团结,为建设团结、富裕、文明、和谐的社会主义新西藏而努力奋斗.     

Is the Study of Happiness a Worthy Scientific Pursuit?

This paper critiques the view that the study of happiness is not a worthy scientific pursuit. The happiness set point and hedonic treadmill theories denote the complexity of increasing happiness levels due to genetic limitations and adaptation, however, there is mounting evidence to suggest that with the use of appropriate measures and specific interventions aimed at fostering strengths and virtues, happiness can be increased. Furthermore, the benefits of investigating methods for increasing happiness include improvements in physical, psychological and social health and well-being. It is concluded that approaching human needs from a top down or holistic standpoint where individuals can use their strengths to overcome life’s challenges, is beneficial to health and well-being. Hence, the study of happiness is a worthy scientific pursuit.     

Monitoring the complexities: Nuclear power and public opinion

Interaction between organizations and stakeholders today takes place on virtual and physical ‘issue arenas’. This study examined opinions on nuclear power and asked who are the players discussing nuclear power in Finland? Through content analysis, surveys and interviews, the study concluded that politicians, power companies and regulators were the ones with voice, as NGOs and citizens were hardly heard. The paper suggests the future role of PR practitioners to be to find the right issue arenas and facilitate corporate voice and reputation on those arenas.     

A play for rurality – Modernization versus local autonomy

It is common to understand the governing of rural space as the outcome of a conflict between some romantic protectors of a lost past on the one hand, and the people who worry about creating economic values on the other. However, the power to shape the rural should not only be searched for in the open struggle between protectors and developers, but also should be analysed at the level of discourse, in the play between discourses about how to deal with the rural. In this paper I therefore present a modernist discourse and demonstrate how taken-for-granted truths about the rural – its history, its present and its future – are made possible by this discourse. Secondly, I will reveal how rurality takes on a different meaning in an alternative to the modernist discourse, emphasizing local and regional autonomy. In demonstrating that rurality is contingent upon a play between these two discourses, I want to provide some new insights into an important force behind the persistence of ideas about rurality in Norway.     

Evidence-based practice: a critical reflection

This article employs the process of critical reflection to uncover and challenge the hegemonic assumptions of evidence-based practice (EBP). The critical reflection process results in a re-conceptualisation of best practices that, while still honouring empirical research, is less hierarchical and more inclusive of a broad spectrum of interests than traditional EBP. Multidimensional Evidence-Based Practice (MEBP) validates consumer wisdom, professional experience, and qualitative research as equal partners to quantitative research in determining current state-of-the art best practices. Furthermore, MEBP incorporates a value-critical analysis of those best practices that can lead to improvements and innovations, so that ‘best practices’ becomes a dynamic rather than a static construct.     

Negotiating the Intersection of Racial Oppression and Heteronormativity

This qualitative study examines the narratives of seven heterosexual, cisgender individuals who identify both as persons of color and as positively disposed toward LGB and transgender-identified persons. Using psycho-discursive qualitative methodology, the authors will present the narrative strategies taken up by these positively disposed cisgender heterosexuals of color as they attempt to position themselves as supportive of LGB and transgender persons while negotiating the discourse of heteronormativity. The three narrative strategies have been titled differentiation, empathy, and coherence. In addition to mapping the three narrative strategies, the authors also explore why informants may choose certain strategies over others and argue that the intersection of social identities must be considered when attempting to understand social oppression. Implications for the human services fields will be discussed.