Estimation of generalized linear latent variable models

Summary.  Generalized linear latent variable models (GLLVMs), as defined by Bartholomew and Knott, enable modelling of relationships between manifest and latent variables. They extend structural equation modelling techniques, which are powerful tools in the social sciences. However, because of the complexity of the log-likelihood function of a GLLVM, an approximation such as numerical integration must be used for inference. This can limit drastically the number of variables in the model and can lead to biased estimators. We propose a new estimator for the parameters of a GLLVM, based on a Laplace approximation to the likelihood function and which can be computed even for models with a large number of variables. The new estimator can be viewed as an M -estimator, leading to readily available asymptotic properties and correct inference. A simulation study shows its excellent finite sample properties, in particular when compared with a well-established approach such as LISREL. A real data example on the measurement of wealth for the computation of multidimensional inequality is analysed to highlight the importance of the methodology.     

Refugee Children in Wales: Coping and Adaptation in the Face of Adversity

This article aims to makes a contribution to redressing a methodological and theoretical imbalance in existing research on refugee and asylum‐seeking children. It draws on two qualitative studies from Wales with children and young people. The samples include unaccompanied minors and children living with families as well as both children who are supported in the asylum system and those who have been granted refugee status. The focus on ecological post‐migratory stressors and coping processes that young people identify as being integral to their well‐being and, once granted status, to how they adapt to settlement includes a selective study of some of the sources of resilience referred to in the children's talk. Recognising the interplay between individual and environment leads to a discussion of both personal attributes and collective cultural identities.     

Individualism vs Collectivism in Different Cultures: A cross-cultural study

In this study, individualism vs collectivism, in line with the work of Triandis in 1985, was assessed in two groups of male and female students, in Egypt and Germany. The results confirm the effect that cultural background has on individualist vs collectivist orientations in both of these cultures for male and female students. Men and women scored higher on individualism in Germany than in Egypt, whereas collectivism scores were higher in Egypt than in Germany. These findings are discussed in terms of general recommendations for intercultural interventions that discourage viewing people solely in terms of group membership, and instead as distinct individuals.     

基于混合智能算法的电子市场供应链期权合同协调

在电子市场环境下,考虑了需求、市场价格和市场准入程度的随机性,基于Stack-erlberg主从对策,建立了供应链期权合同协调的随机期望值模型。在这一主从对策模型中,主方供应商的目标函数是预期利润,决策变量是期权合同预订费用和执行费用;从方分销商的目标函数是预期利润,决策变量是订货量。应用包括随机模拟、人工神经元网络和遗传算法组成的混合智能算法求解该主从对策问题。最后,结合上海宝钢集团益昌公司电子商务的运作实例,运用混合智能算法进行了仿真计算与分析。     

秦巴山脉重庆片区旅游竞争力评价与提升研究

秦巴山脉重庆片区,旅游业发展相对缓慢,旅游竞争力不强,旅游资源优势未能完全转化为旅游经济优势,旅游扶贫作用尚未充分显现。运用加权求和多指标综合评价模型对该区域旅游竞争力进行评价,秦巴山脉重庆片区旅游竞争力年均增幅超过9%,总体保持较快上升态势,但增长的稳定性较差,内部差异明显。秦巴山脉重庆片区应采取多措并举,持续推进,扬长补短,强力营销,完善旅游公用设施,重视旅游人才队伍建设,营造良好文化环境来增强其旅游竞争力。