Exact estimability of the transfer functions of linear systems

In this paper we show the exact estimability of the transfer functions of linear stochastic systems under two sets of conditions.The main point is to demonstrate the measurability of the “identifying” function.The estimability od the transfer functions is not only of interest for its own but also for the estimability of the system parameters.     

Building a professional development system: a case study of North Carolina's parenting education experiences

Designing a professional development system for parent educators requires weaving together multiple pieces from within the network of organizations providing parenting education. North Carolina examined how to build a system using the influence of evidence-based programs as well as professional credentialing for parenting educators. A system built with professionals who understand sound parenting practices and networked together to use best practices with parents is critical to support families and prevent child abuse.     

A comparison of methods for studentizing the sample median

Various methods for “Studentizing” the sample median are com-pared on the basis of a Monte Carlo study. Several of the methods do rather poorly while two, the bootstrap and the standardized length of a distribution free confidence interval, behave accept-ably acrors a wide range of sample sizes and several distributions of varying tail length. These two methods seem to agree closely with the distribution free confidence intervals and moreover, un-like these intervals, the methods can be extended to a method of accurate inference for λ₁ regreasion.     

Robust analysis of variance

The classes of R- and M-estimates contain practical robust alternatives to least squares estimation in linear models. These estimates form the basis for a robust analysis of variance. This inference procedure is described and its versatility demonstrated.     

Eliciting and Combining Decision Criteria Using a Limited Palette of Utility Functions and Uncertainty Distributions: Illustrated by Application to Pest Risk Analysis

Utility functions in the form of tables or matrices have often been used to combine discretely rated decision‐making criteria. Matrix elements are usually specified individually, so no one rule or principle can be easily stated for the utility function as a whole. A series of five matrices are presented that aggregate criteria two at a time using simple rules that express a varying degree of constraint of the lower rating over the higher. A further nine possible matrices were obtained by using a different rule either side of the main axis of the matrix to describe situations where the criteria have a differential influence on the outcome. Uncertainties in the criteria are represented by three alternative frequency distributions from which the assessors select the most appropriate. The output of the utility function is a distribution of rating frequencies that is dependent on the distributions of the input criteria. In pest risk analysis (PRA), seven of these utility functions were required to mimic the logic by which assessors for the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization arrive at an overall rating of pest risk. The framework enables the development of PRAs that are consistent and easy to understand, criticize, compare, and change. When tested in workshops, PRA practitioners thought that the approach accorded with both the logic and the level of resolution that they used in the risk assessments.     

Nachruf auf Prof. Dr. Georg Elwert

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Twenty years of the Journal of Homosexuality: a bibliometric examination of the first 24 volumes, 1974-1993

This study examines and evaluates the contents of the first 24 volumes of Journal of Homosexuality (JH), from 1974 to 1993. Data from each issue of JH, in terms of source articles and contributing authors, were collected and analyzed. JH is shown to be a scholarly journal, with high rates of citations per article, high levels of author education, a prevalence of scholarly methodological approaches, and a low rate of self-citation. Articles that disseminated the findings of empirical research noticeably decreased over time, while articles focusing on historical analysis noticeably increased. This trend was consonant with the change over time of JH's mission statement and editorial policy.