Bayesian inference for the parameters of Weibull distribution under progressive Type-I interval censored data with beta-binomial removals

This article considers the problem of estimating the parameters of Weibull distribution under progressive Type-I interval censoring scheme with beta-binomial removals. Classical as well as the Bayesian procedures for the estimation of unknown model parameters have been developed. The Bayes estimators are obtained under SELF and GELF using MCMC technique. The performance of the estimators, has been discussed in terms of their MSEs. Further, expression for the expected number of total failures has been obtained. A real dataset of the survival times for patients with plasma cell myeloma is used to illustrate the suitability of the proposed methodology.     

Optimal and lead-in adaptive allocation for binary outcomes: A comparison of Bayesian methods

We compare posterior and predictive estimators and probabilities in response-adaptive randomization designs for two- and three-group clinical trials with binary outcomes. Adaptation based upon posterior estimates are discussed, as are two predictive probability algorithms: one using the traditional definition, the other using a skeptical distribution. Optimal and natural lead-in designs are covered. Simulation studies show that efficacy comparisons lead to more adaptation than center comparisons, though at some power loss, skeptically predictive efficacy comparisons and natural lead-in approaches lead to less adaptation but offer reduced allocation variability. Though nuanced, these results help clarify the power-adaptation trade-off in adaptive randomization.     

Sample size estimation for comparing rates of change in K-group repeated count outcomes

Sample size estimation for comparing the rates of change in two-arm repeated measurements has been investigated by many investigators. In contrast, the literature has paid relatively less attention to sample size estimation for studies with multi-arm repeated measurements where the design and data analysis can be more complex than two-arm trials. For continuous outcomes, Jung and Ahn (2004 Jung, S., Ahn, C. (2004). K-sample test and sample size calculation for comparing slopes in data with repeated measurements. Biometrical J. 46(5):554–564.[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and Zhang and Ahn (2013 Zhang, S., Ahn, C. (2013). Sample size calculation for comparing time-averaged responses in k-group repeated measurement studies. Comput. Stat. Data Anal. 58:283–291.[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) have presented sample size formulas to compare the rates of change and time-averaged responses in multi-arm trials, using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach. To our knowledge, there has been no corresponding development for multi-arm trials with count outcomes. We present a sample size formula for comparing the rates of change in multi-arm repeated count outcomes using the GEE approach that accommodates various correlation structures, missing data patterns, and unbalanced designs. We conduct simulation studies to assess the performance of the proposed sample size formula under a wide range of designing configurations. Simulation results suggest that empirical type I error and power are maintained close to their nominal levels. The proposed method is illustrated using an epileptic clinical trial example.     

iConstruct: virtual disabilities in online settings

The present study focused on cultural constructions of disability in virtual settings, examining specifically how cultural constructions of disability were mediated through the use of online technology. This was accomplished by identifying and analyzing Greek Cypriot online news media articles and online readers’ posts in response to these articles. Findings indicated that disability in these online settings mainly reproduced traditional models of disability, with the charity model being more prevalent. However, there were instances in which dominant discourses of disability were ruptured through the introduction of counter-narratives in users’ posts which echoed the human rights model of disability. Implications for the fields of media, education and disability studies are discussed in relation to the possibility of using digital media to contribute to the challenge of critical media literacy to address issues of diversity and disability.     

电子商务会计假设探讨

随着基于互联网的电子商务时代的来临,网络化、数字化在各行各业的普及和应用日趋广泛,传统的会计假设观已不能适应新的社会经济环境,应予改造或重新构建。虚拟企业的出现突破了传统会计主体假设的实体观;有限持续经营假设取代持续经营假设;固定分期变为弹性分期;货币计量的范围扩大,计量手段更为丰富。     

网络负面问题及伦理思考

网络文明的到来给人类的政治、经济、文化教育、社会生活方式等带来了深刻的变化,同时也带来了诸如信息欺诈、黄色泛滥、信息安全受损、网民人格异化等网络负面问题.产生网络负面问题的伦理根源是网络自身的特点弱化了传统伦理的约束力;网络空间的道德冲突使网民陷入道德相对主义之中;网络法律和道德建设的滞后使网络负面问题有可乘之机;网民自我宣泄和自我表现的心理要求促使了网络负面问题的形成.加强网络法制建设、整合传统伦理资源、扬弃西方网络伦理理论、强化网民的内在道德自觉,是消除网络负面行为的有效途径.     

虚拟社会与道德构建

随着网络的普及 ,虚拟社会中人们的思想、行为、生存方式都发生了新的变化。虚拟社会具有虚拟性、自由性、开放性、非人性化的特点 ;虚拟社会的自由和民主精神、权利意识和平等意识、自主精神、奉献精神、开放思想为道德建设提供了新的生长点 ,但同时带来了一系列负效应。因此 ,道德建设要采取一系列相应的措施 ,以构造文明虚拟社会     

叙事的创造与受众的接受——论中国都市电影的叙事特质

从叙事的创造与受众的接受这个角度分析中国都市电影的叙事特质 ,中国都市平民电影时刻关注社会现实 ,与观众的审美心态一直保持着不同程度的同步状态 ,采取的是面对观众的叙事策略 ,即尊重观众的欣赏习惯 ,迎合和满足观众的情感期待及心理欲望。中国电影与好莱坞相抗衡的力量正缘于此