Structural Changes to Electronic Gaming Machines as Effective Harm Minimization Strategies for Non-Problem and Problem Gamblers

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three proposed modifications to the structural characteristics of electronic gaming machines as harm minimisation strategies for non-problem and probable problem gamblers. Structural changes included reducing the maximum bet size, reducing reel spin and removing large note acceptors. Behavioural patterns of play were observed in 779 participants attending clubs and hotels. Observations were conducted in the gaming venue during regular gaming sessions. Eight experimental machines were designed to represent every combination of the modifications. 210 participants played at least one modified and one unmodified machine. Following play, the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) was administered. More problem than non-problem gamblers used high denomination bill acceptors and bet over one-dollar per wager. Machines modified to accept the one-dollar maximum bet were played for less time and were associated with smaller losses, fewer individual wagers and lower levels of alcohol consumption and smoking. It was concluded that the reduction of maximum bet levels was the only modification likely to be effective as a harm minimization strategy for problem gamblers.     

Bureaucratic power in note‐writing: authoritative expertise within the state

What produces the power of senior civil servants at ministries of finance, positioned at the top of the bureaucratic hierarchy? Max Weber has claimed that a hierarchical organization, meritocratic recruitment and procedural work provide bureaucracies with legitimacy. In particular he insisted on the role of Fachwissen (disciplinary knowledge) obtained through formal education. However, he also argued for the role of Dienstwissen, forms of knowledge and skills stemming from the experience of service in itself. Weber did not elaborate on this concept in detail, and few analysts of governmental expertise have examined this notion. We draw on the practice‐turn in sociology, combining the study of governmental expertise with micro‐sociological studies of administrative practices. By analysing interviews with 48 senior civil servants at the British, French and Norwegian ministries of finance about their daily practices, this article demonstrates that bureaucratic note‐writing and the procedural evaluation of such notes constitute a key form of expertise that yields authority. The study provides an analytical framework for understanding what administrative expertise consists of, how it is integral to procedural work, the forms bureaucratic hierarchies take in practice and how these three dimensions provide authority.     

A note on the convergence rates for empirical bayes estimators of parameters in multiple-parameter exponential families

Under suitable conditions upon prior distribution, the convergence rates for empirical Bayes estimators of parameters in multi-parameter exponential families (M-PEF) are obtained. It is shown that the assumptions Tong (1996) imposed on the marginal density can be reduced. The above result can also be extended to more general forms of M-PEF. Finally, some examples which satisfy the conditions of the theorems are given.     

题、序、注、诗四位一体——论集会背景下宋诗形制的变化

文人集会唱和背景下,北宋诗歌外在形制发生变化,出现长题、长序、自注,担负说明、叙事等功能,对诗歌内容进行铺垫、补充、解释,诗人并进而追求诗题和诗序的抒情性、艺术性,使之与诗形成意境上的互补。题、序、注与诗歌相辅相成、“四位一体”特点的成因：首先是文人交往密切、集会频繁这一创作背景的影响;其次是诗歌作者传播意识决定;第三也反映宋人“尊体”与“破体”的文体观念的影响。     

试谈英语阅读文章中生词汉注的原则

英语阅读文章中往往出现超出阅读者水平的生词 ,对这些词通常采取在生词后直接加汉注的方式进行注释。由于对此没有统一的认识 ,操作起来各行其是 ,有的忽视具体语境照抄词典中的释义 ;有的不加选择并列出几个近义词语 ,致使汉注难以起到帮助阅读者准确理解原文的作用。针对这一现象 ,作者提出阅读文章中生词后直接加汉注应从上下文出发 ,遵循选词准确单一的原则 ,选择最能反映该词在文中具有确切含义的汉语词语进行注释