Checking validity of monotone domain mean estimators

Estimates of population characteristics such as domain means are often expected to follow monotonicity assumptions. Recently, a method to adaptively pool neighbouring domains was proposed, which ensures that the resulting domain mean estimates follow monotone constraints. The method leads to asymptotically valid estimation and inference, and can lead to substantial improvements in efficiency, in comparison with unconstrained domain estimators. However, assuming incorrect shape constraints may lead to biased estimators. Here, we develop the Cone Information Criterion for Survey Data as a diagnostic method to measure monotonicity departures on population domain means. We show that the criterion leads to a consistent methodology that makes an asymptotically correct decision choosing between unconstrained and constrained domain mean estimators. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 47: 315–331; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada     

Model selection for factor analysis: Some new criteria and performance comparisons

This paper derives Akaike information criterion (AIC), corrected AIC, the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and Hannan and Quinn’s information criterion for approximate factor models assuming a large number of cross-sectional observations and studies the consistency properties of these information criteria. It also reports extensive simulation results comparing the performance of the extant and new procedures for the selection of the number of factors. The simulation results show the di?culty of determining which criterion performs best. In practice, it is advisable to consider several criteria at the same time, especially Hannan and Quinn’s information criterion, Bai and Ng’s IC_p2 and BIC₃, and Onatski’s and Ahn and Horenstein’s eigenvalue-based criteria. The model-selection criteria considered in this paper are also applied to Stock and Watson’s two macroeconomic data sets. The results differ considerably depending on the model-selection criterion in use, but evidence suggesting five factors for the first data and five to seven factors for the second data is obtainable.     

The effect of small sample on optimal designs for logistic regression models

Asymptotic methods are commonly used in statistical inference for unknown parameters in binary data models. These methods are based on large sample theory, a condition which may be in conflict with small sample size and hence leads to poor results in the optimal designs theory. In this paper, we apply the second order expansions of the maximum likelihood estimator and derive a matrix formula for the mean square error (MSE) to obtain more precise optimal designs based on the MSE. Numerical results indicate the new optimal designs are more efficient than the optimal designs based on the information matrix.     

Lurking Behavior in Online Psychosocial Discussion Forums: Theoretical Perspectives and Implications for Practice

Improving outcomes of telebehavioral psychoeducation requires rethinking program design when delivered wholly or partially for self-directed participation. Discussion forum participation often follows the “90-9-1 Rule” where 90% of participants lurk, rather than contribute content. A theoretical perspective on the behavior can help explain its adaptive functions, as well as the threats that this behavior poses to the lurker. Implications for practice require program redesign that actively links individual skills training and group-based discussion. The proposed linking design can synergize individual and group participation to support the development of mutual aid, as well as greater interaction with psychoeducation content and materials.     

刑事证明标准的经济分析

提高证明标准,边际收益递减,边际成本递增。但证明标准不是越高越好,也不是越低越好,最佳证明标准应当由社会净收益最大化来决定。当证明标准的边际社会收益等于边际社会成本时,社会净收益实现了最大化,证明标准达到了最佳程度。对于不同性质的案件、刑事诉讼中不同阶段的诉讼行为来说,证明标准的边际收益是不同的,应当采取不同的证明标准。提高证明标准对于公、检、法等部门具有不同的边际收益和成本。部门收益和成本与社会收益和成本之间存在差异会导致部门行为的扭曲,损害社会利益。所以,必须采取措施促使部门和社会之间收益与成本趋于一致,从而实现社会利益的最大化。     

对神灵的殷勤与祭祀

仪式的流程是所有与神灵和祖先相关的中国仪式中最为基础的。这些仪式所涉及的是组织仪式活动的祭祀者以及接受祭祀并能够对祭祀活动作出反应的神灵之间的一种关系。在人类学中对仪式的描述有两种范式。一种是“殷勤”（hospitality）,另一种则是“祭祀”（sacrifice）。     

多维一体教学法在加拿大原住民课程教学中的实践运用

以加拿大渥太华大学的《加拿大原住民社会文化概况》课程为例,从课程授课对象、教学目的出发,重点对加拿大原住民课程教学中的多维一体教学法展开了详细的探讨,提出多方资源力量的参与、课堂教学的互动、课后多形式的交流和课程教学实践的运用等方法的整体多维运用,共同构成了加拿大原住民课程教学中的多维一体教学法。多维一体教学法可以为我国民族高校相关课程教学提供重要的教学启发和经验借鉴。     

“文化语境”的变化对当代羌族剪纸的影响及对策建议——基于茂县羌族剪纸的调查

羌族剪纸是羌族文化艺术的精华。经历了2008年“汶川大的地震”、灾后重建、城镇化发展之后,羌族剪纸的“文化语境”正发生着较大变化。以茂县羌族剪纸为例,其变化的外部原因包括现代流行服饰的融入、自然灾害、城镇化进程以及茂县手画花样市场的兴起对花样剪纸的冲击等,而内部原因则表现为传统习俗的变化、宗教祭祀的淡化及服饰审美观念的变化等。因此,羌族剪纸传承和发展需注意处理好传承与传播、活态与活用、变与不变等关系。     

云南旅游翻译中的问题与对策

本文以云南一家商务旅游公司的对外宣传云南旅游线路的资料为对象,分析了这份资料对外宣传翻译中存在的问题,进一步讨论了这些问题的成因,并提出相应的对策,以大力推动云南旅游产业的发展,提高对外宣传的质量。