A modification of Honoré's triple-link model in the synoptic problem

Summary.  In New Testament studies, the synoptic problem is concerned with the relationships between the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. In an earlier paper a careful specification in probabilistic terms was set up of Honoré's triple-link model. In the present paper, a modification of Honoré's model is proposed. As previously, counts of the numbers of verbal agreements between the gospels are examined to investigate which of the possible triple-link models appears to give the best fit to the data, but now using the modified version of the model and additional sets of data.     

A statistical study of the triple-link model in the synoptic problem

Summary.  In New Testament studies, the synoptic problem is concerned with the relationships between the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. A careful specification in probabilistic terms is set up of what is known as the triple-link model, and, as a special case, the double-link model. Counts of the numbers of verbal agreements between the gospels are examined to investigate which of the possible triple-link models appears to give the best fit to the data.     

Prevention efforts underlying decreases in binge drinking at institutions of higher education

Analyses of 94 Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE)-sponsored drug-prevention programs and their outcomes used the Core Survey to identify 34 institutions where college students' binge drinking increased (M = 5.44%) and 60 institutions where it decreased (M = -4.59%) during 2 years of program operation. The authors used an inductively derived taxonomy of prevention program elements, student variables, student substance use, use-related variables, and institutional variables to compare the 2 groups of institutions. Only prevention program elements discriminated between groups. Factor analysis of discriminating elements identified 8 prevention factors that improved base-rate prediction of institutional decrease in binge drinking by 28.1%. Factor synthesis yielded a 3-construct binge-drinking prevention model based on student participation and involvement strategies, educational and informational processes, and campus regulatory and physical change efforts. This model improved base-rate prediction of decreased binge drinking by 33.2%.     

The synoptic problem and statistics

In New Testament studies, the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are known as the synoptic gospels. They contain much common material, and this is particularly clear when their texts are laid out side by side. The gospel of John has a very different style, and there is not such a close correspondence between it and the synoptic gospels. Andris Abakuks focuses on the synoptic problem , hypotheses that attempt to explain the relationships between the synoptic gospels.     

Optimal regional distribution of petroleum products

An economic model is presented which applies linear programming to determine the most efficient distribution of petroleum products among industries and regions. The model maximizes employment while (1) ensuring a balanced economy via input-output relationships, (2) maintaining at least the minimum production of basic goods and services necessary to prevent abnormally high inflation which could be caused by shortages, (3) ensuring that regional economies do not become severely depressed due to energy unavailability for their industrial base, (4) making sure that the industry capacity in each region is not exceeded, and (5) allowing policy makers control over the balance of payments. The model utilizes an input-output framework at both the national and regional level and makes adjustments for regional differences by incorporating regional multipliers.