A Rejoinder to Forman on AHP,with Emphasis on the Requirements of Composite Ratio Scales*

In an earlier paper [11], the problems of rank reversals and invalid composite priorities in AHP were addressed by modifications to the AHP procedure. That solution was subsequently criticized [5]. In this paper, we rebut these criticisms, and we show how rank reversals in AHP can arise merely from the process of normalizing local priorities.     

Predictors of Treatment Outcome Among Asian Pathological Gamblers (PGs): Clinical,Behavioural, Demographic,and Treatment Process Factors

Research on predictors of treatment outcome among pathological gamblers (PGs) is inconclusive and dominated by studies from Western countries. Using a prospective longitudinal design, the current study examined demographic, clinical, behavioural and treatment programme predictors of gambling frequency at 3, 6 and 12-months, among PGs treated at an addiction clinic in Singapore. Measures included the Hospital anxiety and depression scale, gambling symptom assessment scale (GSAS), personal well-being index (PWI), treatment perception questionnaire and gambling readiness to change scale. Treatment response in relation to changes in symptom severity, personal wellbeing and abstinence were also assessed. Abstinence rates were 38.6, 46.0 and 44.4 % at 3, 6 and 12-months respectively. Significant reductions in gambling frequency, GSAS, and improvement in PWI were reported between baseline and subsequent outcome assessments, with the greatest change occurring in the initial three months. No demographic, clinical, behavioural or treatment programme variable consistently predicted outcome at all three assessments, though treatment satisfaction was the most frequent significant predictor. However, being unemployed, having larger than average debts, poor treatment satisfaction and attending fewer sessions at the later stages of treatment were associated with significantly poorer outcomes, up to 1-year after initiating treatment. These findings show promise for the effectiveness of a CBT-based treatment approach for the treatment of predominantly Chinese PGs. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. Taken together, the findings suggest early treatment satisfaction is paramount in improving short-term outcomes, with baseline gambling behaviour and treatment intensity playing a more significant role in the longer term.     

模糊满意关系上的决策

在许多决策问题中,备选方案上的二元优先关系是模糊的。本文分析了基于二元模糊优先关系上的奥尔洛夫斯基(Orlovsky)算法。该算法中,具有最大的不劣于程度的元是最佳元,因此算法存在一些缺陷。本文提出了一种新算法。新算法中,具有最大满意程度的元是最佳元。新算法弥补了 Orlovsky 算法的缺陷。     

人类学与散居人口研究:侨乡研究中的一些注意事项

探讨如何在侨乡研究中运用多学科方法.在研究位于大陆的侨乡村庄和他们散居在海外的亲属之间关系的时候,有必要考虑这些华人群体在互动过程中的空间和时间问题.因此,对地理空间和历史时间的超越要求一种结合人类学和散居人口研究的方法,以便理解侨乡研究中不断遇到的新的社会关系的出现和兴起的过程.     

21世纪我国会计师事务所发展的新趋势

21世纪我国的会计师事务所将会呈现出一些新的趋势 ,即 :事务所的规模逐步扩大 ,并向国际化方向发展 ,组织形式逐步趋于合理化 ,业务范围趋于多样化 ,人才结构趋于多元化 ,服务方式趋于网络化。     

Least Absolute Regression Revisited

We describe a method for fitting a least absolute residual (LAR) line through a set of two–dimensional points. The algorithm is based on a labeling technique derived from linear programming. It is suited for interactive data analysis and can be carried out with graph paper and a programmable hand calculator. Tests conducted with a Pascal program indicate that the algorithm is computationally efficient.     

Comment on ‘the economic marginality of ethnic minorities: An analysis of ethnic income inequality in Singapore’

This note comments on the article concerning income disparity among the major ethnic groups in Singapore, entitled ‘The Economic Marginality of Ethnic Minorities: An Analysis of Ethnic Income Inequality in Singapore’. 1 1?William Lee, ‘The Economic Marginality of Ethnic Minorities: An Analysis of Ethnic Income Inequality in Singapore’, Asian Ethnicity, vol. 5, no. 1 (February 2004). View all notes The article was written by William Lee of Lingnan University in Hong Kong and appeared in the February 2004 issue of Asian Ethnicity, vol. 5, no. 1. The authors of this comment work in the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Singapore.     

面向21世纪的微生物(发酵)生理学

21世纪人类所面临的环境污染、温室效应、食品短缺和能源枯竭等问题,既对21世纪微生物(发酵)生理学提出了严峻的挑战,也给微生物(发酵)生理学提供了广阔的发展机遇.21世纪微生物(发酵)生理学与许多学科会有更广泛的交叉与综合,并将在微生物分子生理学、空间微生物生理学、微生物环境生理学和微生物生态生理学等领域的研究中获得深入发展.微生物(发酵)工程学方面的教学与科研工作者,应主动接受其他学科的一些新概念、新理论、新方法和新技术,使教学内容尽可能体现宽口径、新颖性和实用性等要求;科研工作也要注意学科的交叉与综合,尤其要善于在学科交叉处寻找科研内容的生长点和有应用前景的研究课题.     

Participation and well-Being Among Older Adults Living with Chronic Conditions

This study explored the unique contribution of participation (daily activities and social roles) in explaining well-being of older adults living with chronic conditions and examined which aspect of participation (accomplishment of participation or satisfaction with participation) was more important in describing their well-being. Two hundred older adults with chronic conditions completed the following assessments: Satisfaction with Life Scale to measure well-being; Assessment of Life Habits to evaluate two aspects of participation: (a) accomplishment of daily activities and social roles and (b) level of satisfaction with participation; Interpersonal Support Evaluation List to assess level of social support and Affect Balance scale to measure level of balance confidence. In addition, participants’ level of mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test. Regression analysis was performed. Results indicated that number of chronic conditions, social support and satisfaction with participation had a significant contribution to well-being and altogether explained 31% of its variance whereas accomplishment of participation did not play as significant role in the model. In conclusion, participation has a unique contribution to older adults’ well-being where satisfaction with participation rather than the accomplishment of activities is of importance. Additional aspects of participation and level of disability are key factors identified for further inquiry.