Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Lessons From An Evaluation Of Five State Supported Delinquency Prevention Projects, Preston Elrod

Kentucky Justice and Safety Research Bulletin

Presents an overview of findings from an evaluation of five state supported delinquency prevention projects that was conducted between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002. Each of the projects evaluated was funded as part of the Kentucky Community Partnerships to Prevent Delinquency Initiative. This initiative represented a major effort by the Commonwealth through its state Department of Juvenile Justice to assist communities in their efforts to develop local delinquency prevention plans and to fund programs that address local needs in eight geographic areas within the state that were identified by DJJ as having high levels of juvenile crime.

The Inside Game Race, Power And Politics In The Nba, Wayne Embry, Mary Schmitt Boyer

University of Akron Press Publications

Wayne Embry went from being an All-Star basketball player at Miami University to an NBA Executive of the Year. In his new autobiography, The Inside Game, Embry chronicles his 40 years in The National Basketball Association (NBA) and discusses the problems threatening to undermine it. Embry, who was once sent home from a game in the old Richfield Coliseum when a bullet was found on his seat, tells the inside story of his fall from grace.

Prejudice is nothing new to Embry, a pioneer who became the first African American general manager in sports when the Milwaukee Bucks named …

Beta-Normal Distribution: Bimodality Properties And Application, Felix Famoye, Carl Lee, Nicholas Eugene

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

The beta-normal distribution is characterized by four parameters that jointly describe the location, the scale and the shape properties. The beta-normal distribution can be unimodal or bimodal. This paper studies the bimodality properties of the beta-normal distribution. The region of bimodality in the parameter space is obtained. The beta-normal distribution is applied to fit a numerical bimodal data set. The beta-normal fits are compared with the fits of mixture-normal distribution through simulation.

Some Improvements In Kernel Estimation Using Line Transect Sampling, Omar M. Eidous

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Kernel estimation provides a nonparametric estimate of the probability density function from which a set of data is drawn. This article proposes a method to choose a reference density in bandwidth calculation for kernel estimator using line transect sampling. The method based on testing the shoulder condition, if the shoulder condition seems to be valid using as reference the half normal density, while if the shoulder condition does not seem to be valid, we will use exponential reference density. Accordingly, the performances of the resultant estimator are studied under a wide range of underlying models using simulation techniques. The results …

A Visually Adaptive Bayesian Model In Wavelet Regression, Dongfeng Wu

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

The implementation of a Bayesian approach to wavelet regression that corresponds to the human visual system is examined. Most existing research in this area assumes non-informative priors, that is, a prior with mean zero. A new way is offered to implement prior information that mimics a visual inspection of noisy data, to obtain a first impression about the shape of the function that results in a prior with non-zero mean. This visually adaptive Bayesian (VAB) prior has a simple structure, intuitive interpretation, and is easy to implement. Skorohod topology is suggested as a more appropriate measure in signal recovering than …

Estimation Using Bivariate Extreme Ranked Set Sampling With Application To The Bivariate Normal Distribution, Mohammad Fraiwan Al-Saleh, Hani M. Samawi

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

In this article, the procedure of bivariate extreme ranked set sampling (BVERSS) is introduced and investigated as a procedure of obtaining more accurate samples for estimating the parameters of bivariate populations. This procedure takes its strength from the advantages of bivariate ranked set sampling (BVRSS) over the usual ranked set sampling in dealing with two characteristics simultaneously, and the advantages of extreme ranked set sampling (ERSS) over usual RSS in reducing the ranking errors and hence in being more applicable. The BVERSS procedure will be applied to the case of the parameters of the bivariate normal distributions. Illustration using real …

Kernel-Based Estimation Of P(X Less Than Y)With Paired Data, Omar M. Eidous, Ayman Baklizi

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

A point estimation of P(X < Y) was considered. A nonparametric estimator for P(X < Y) was developed using the kernel density estimator of the joint distribution of X and Y, may be dependent. The resulting estimator was found to be similar to the estimator based on the sign statistic, however it assigns smooth continuous scores to each pair of the observations rather than the zero or one scores of the sign statistic. The asymptotic equivalence of the sign statistic and the proposed estimator is shown and a simulation study is conducted to investigate the performance of the proposed estimator. Results indicate that …

Respondent-Generated Intervals (Rgi) For Recall In Sample Surveys, S. James Press

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Respondents are asked for both a basic response to a recall-type question, their usage quantity, and are asked to provide lower and upper bounds for the (Respondent-Generated) interval in which their true values might possibly lie. A Bayesian hierarchical model for estimating the population mean and its variance is presented.. Telephone: (989) 774-

Jmasm11: Comparing Two Small Binomial Proportions, James F. Reed Iii

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

A large volume of research has focused on comparing the difference between two small binomial proportions. Statisticians recognize that Fisher’s Exact test and Yates chi-square test are excessively conservative. Likewise, many statisticians feel that Pearson’s Chi-square or the likelihood statistic may be inappropriate for small samples. Viable alternatives exist.

A Test-Retest Transition Matrix: A Modification Of Mcnemar’S Test, J. Wanzer Drane, W. Gregory Thatcher

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

McNemar introduced what is known today as a test for symmetry in a two by two contingency tables. The logic of the test is based on a sample of matched pairs with a dichotomous response. In our example, the sample consists of the scores before and after an education program and the responses before and after the program. Each pair of scores is from only one person. The pretest divides the group of responders according to their answers to a dichotomous question. The posttest divides the two groups into two groups of like labels. The result is a two by …

On The Reporting Of Reliability In Content Analysis, Patric R. Spence

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

This article explores one type of misreporting of reliability that has been seen in recent conference papers and articles using the method of content analysis. The reporting of reliability is central to the validity of claims made using this method. A brief overview of content analysis is offered, followed by the exploration of one type of misreporting of reliability. Suggestions are offered to address the problem.

Validation Studies: Matters Of Dimensionality, Accuracy, And Parsimony With Predictive Discriminant Analysis And Factor Analysis, David A. Walker

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Two studies were used as examples that examined issues of dimensionality, accuracy, and parsimony in educational research via the use of predictive discriminant analysis and factor analysis. Using a two-group problem, study 1 looked at how accurately group membership could be predicted from subjects’ test scores. Study 2 looked at the dimensionality structure of an instrument and if it developed constructs that would measure theorized domains.

Stratified Extreme Ranked Set Sample With Application To Ratio Estimators, Hani M. Samawai, Laith J. Saeid

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Stratified extreme ranked set sample (SERSS) is introduced. The performance of the combined and separate ratio estimates using SERSS is investigated. Theoretical and simulation study are presented. Results indicate that using SERSS for estimating the ratios is more efficient than using stratified simple random sample (SSRS) and simple random sample (SRS). In some cases it is more efficient than ranked set sample (RSS) and stratified ranked set sample (SRSS), when the underlying distribution is symmetric. An application to real data on the bilirubin level in jaundice babies is introduced to illustrate the method.

Depth Based Permutation Test For General Differences In Two Multivariate Populations, Yonghong Gao

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

For two p-dimensional data sets, interest exists in testing if they come from the common population distribution. Proposed is a practical, effective and easy to implement procedure for the testing problem. The proposed procedure is a permutation test based on the concept of the depth of one observation relative to some population distribution. The proposed test is demonstrated to be consistent. A small Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to evaluate the power of the proposed test. The proposed test is applied to some numerical examples.

Accurate Binary Decisions For Assessing Coronary Artery Disease, Mehmet Ali Cengiz

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Generalized linear models offer convenient and highly applicable tools for modeling and predicting the behavior of random variables in terms of observable factors and covariates. This paper investigates applications of a special case of generalized linear model to improve the accuracy of predictions and decisions adopting Bayesian methods, in the specific context of assessing coronary artery disease. The basic model is developed for this application using binary response. The results clearly demonstrate the potential advantages offered by this approach.

Statistical Pronouncements Iii, Jmasm Editors

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

No abstract provided.

Meta-Analysis Of Results And Individual Patient Data In Epidemiologal Studies, Aurelio Tobías, Marc Saez, Manolis Kogevinas

Journal of Modern Applied Statistical Methods

Epidemiological information can be aggregated by combining results through a meta-analysis technique, or by pooling and analyzing primary data. Common approaches to analyzing pooled studies through an example on the effect of occupational exposure to wood dust on sinonasal cancer are described. Results were combined applying a meta-analysis technique. Alternatively, primary data from all studies were pooled and re-analyzed using mixed effect models. The combination of individual information rather than results is desirable to facilitate interpretations of epidemiological findings, leading also to more precise estimations and more powerful statistical tests for study heterogeneity.

Rhode Island Current Conditions Index -- May 2004, Leonard Lardaro

The Rhode Island Current Conditions Index

No abstract provided.

Long Term Effects Of Lincoln’S Head Start Programs, Katie Taylor, Kendra Woodburn, Carolyn P. Edwards, Deila Steiner

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

The Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) Head Start program is administered federally out of the US Department of Health and Human Services. In 2002, a total of 380 LPS children aged 3-4 received Head Start services in center-based, home-based, and combination program options. Looking backwards in time, some of the long-term outcomes of its system of Head Start classrooms have been calculated, beginning in 1986. The purpose was to examine later correlates of improved school success, including higher attendance rates, lower mobility rates, improved academic achievement, and lower high school dropout rates.

A Study Of Mechanical Application In Demining, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

The GICHD Study of Mechanical Application in Demining is published after two years of research. The study puts the spotlight onto the use of machines as part of worldwide efforts to clear land mines. It looks at how machines work, the physical interaction between the machine tool, the ground struck, and the effects on the mines and UXO. The main roles for machines - potential for clearance, area reduction, and ground preparation - are explained, giving a description of each methodology, and illustrating these with actual case studies from the field.

The study also deals with how machines can be …

Information Outlook, May 2004, Special Libraries Association

Information Outlook, 2004

Volume 8, Issue 5

New Expression: May 2004 (Volume 27, Issue 1), Columbia College Chicago

New Expression

May 2004, Volume 27, Issue 1, edition of New Expression, a news publication researched, contributed, written, and edited by Chicago high school journalists

Effective School Reform, Sarah C. Mckenzie, Gary W. Ritter

Policy Briefs

At the forefront of education research and policy agendas is an effort to ensure that all children, especially those in low performing, high-poverty schools, get a quality education. The question of which programs and strategies are most effective in reforming K-12 education is complex. School administrators and policymakers throughout the nation are seeking strategies that will help all students to achieve mastery of basic grade-level academic skills as measured by standardized tests. This brief summarizes current research on the characteristics of effective schools and effective teachers. Also, we highlight several comprehensive school reform models with evidence of effectiveness in improving …

Special Masters’ Report, Sarah C. Mckenzie, Gary W. Ritter

Policy Briefs

The final ruling in the 1992 Lake View School District case was upheld by the State Supreme Court in November 2002 in a decision known as “Lake View III.” The ruling found that the school system for Arkansas failed to meet the mandate in the Arkansas Constitution requiring that the State provide a “general, suitable and efficient system of free public schools equally available to all" (Article 14, § 1) and required that the legislature develop remedies by January 1, 2004. The Arkansas General Assembly convened in a Special Session from December 8, 2003 to February 6, 2004 to address …

Recent Dissertations On Service And Service-Learning Topics: Volume Iii (2001-2003), Katrina Norvell

Bibliographies

Bibliographic information for 127 dissertations on service learning topics.

From The Editor-In-Chief, Jeanie M. Forray

Organization Management Journal

No abstract provided.

Julia's Dilemna, Andra Gumbus, Jill Woodilla

Organization Management Journal

Julia, a professional woman in her mid-thirties, has had relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis as a part of her life for the last five years. Now she must decide whether to disclose her hidden illness at work. Julia disclosed her illness to her manager in a prior employment, when her MS was first diagnosed, and experienced a supportive response. But she was always mindful that her performance would likely be carefully scrutinized since she was in a job that required strict deadlines. Julia made a career change about a year ago, and did not tell anyone in her new organization that she …

Editors' Introduction, Theo Perdis, David Tranfield

Organization Management Journal

No abstract provided.

The Interplay Between Analytics And Computation In The Study Of Congestion Externalities: The Case Of The El Farol Problem, Eduardo Zambrano

Economics

In this paper I study the El Farol problem, a deterministic, boundedly rational, multi-agent model of a resource subject to congestion externalities that was initially studied computationally by Arthur (1994). I represent the interaction as a game, compute the set of Nash equilibria in mixed strategies of this game, and show analytically how the method of inductive inference employed by the agents in Arthur’s computer simulation leads the empirical distribution of aggregate attendance to be like those in the set of Nash equilibria of the game. This set contains only completely mixed strategy profiles, which explains why aggregate attendance appears …

Integration Of Medical Informatics Curriculum Into Problem-Based Learning (Pbl) Course For 1st Year Medical Students, Laura E. Abate, Anne Linton, Patricia Wilson

Himmelfarb Library Faculty Posters and Presentations

Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library librarians developed and taught "Introduction to Medical Informatics" to first-year medical students through the 2002/03 school year. In 2003/04, this course was restructured and integrated into the "Problem-Based Learning" (PBL) course taken by all first-year medical students. The goal was to improve resource selection and search skills, provide point-of-use learning and instruction, and to enhance the student experience. Librarians were assigned to individual PBL groups to act as advisors and guided the students through the informatics-related curriculum.