Misuse of statistical tests in three decades of psychotherapy research.

Reviews the misuse of statistical tests in psychotherapy research studies published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in the years 1967–1968, 1977–1978, and 1987–1988. It focuses on 3 major problems in statistical practice: inappropriate uses of null hypothesis tests and p values, neglect of effect size, and inflation of Type 1 error rate. The impressive frequency of these problems is documented, and changes in statistical practices over the past 3 decades are interpreted in light of trends in psychotherapy research. The article concludes with practical suggestions for rational application of statistical tests. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On the effect of nuisance parameters on the threshold SNR value ofthe Barankin bound

The performance of nonlinear estimators of signal parameters in noise appears to exhibit a threshold phenomenon. Below a critical value of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the performance of these estimators deviates significantly from the Cramer-Rao bound. In a large-error (ambiguity-prone) SNR region, the Barankin bound has been proved to be an advantageous tool to assess the attainable performance and the threshold value. Obviously, when the estimation problem involves additional unknown nuisance parameters, the mean square error (MSE) of the estimator does not decrease. However, the impact of these nuisance parameters on the threshold value is not clear. In this correspondence, we discuss the influence of unknown nuisance parameters on the threshold value. The analysis is done for the common problem concerning estimating parameters of a Gaussian process. We confine our scope to a simplified problem concerning only two estimated parameters. However, we explain how this simplified analysis can be used to handle a more complicated problem comprising multiple nuisance parameters. We derive a sufficient condition applied to the structure of the data covariance matrix. When the condition is satisfied, then the need to estimate additional nuisance parameters does not change the threshold value. Using the proposed condition, we prove that the threshold SNR in passive source localization does not increase when the spectral parameters of the source are unknown, whereas the presence of another source at an unknown bearing may change the threshold SNR     

A methodological framework for formulating information policy

Effective operation, control and management of the information service within an organization are essential to its success. Nevertheless, many management decisions that effect this service are made by default, or through a play of forces, rather than in accordance with general management policy. This paper presents a framework for formulating an information policy in an organization. Its architecture is built up of four components: information policy goals, measures to determine how well these are achieved, policy actions and alternatives, and the information services system itself.A list of policy actions, outlining the decisions which should be made by management, in cooperation with information service department and its users, is organized into an Information Policy Matrix. This provides a structured approach.     

Hyperspectral nanoscale imaging on dielectric substrates with coaxial optical antenna scan probes

We have demonstrated hyperspectral tip-enhanced Raman imaging on dielectric substrates using linearly polarized light and nanofabricated coaxial antenna tips. A full Raman spectrum was acquired at each pixel of a 256 by 256 pixel contact-mode atomic force microscope image of carbon nanotubes grown on a fused silica microscope coverslip, allowing D and G mode intensity and D-mode peak shifts to be measured with ～20 nm spatial resolution. Tip enhancement was sufficient to acquire useful Raman spectra in 50-100 ms. Coaxial scan probes combine the efficiency and enhanced, ultralocalized optical fields of plasmonically coupled antennae with the superior topographical imaging properties of sharp metal tips. The yield of the coaxial tip fabrication process is close to 100%, and the tips are sufficiently durable to support hours of contact-mode force microscope imaging. Our coaxial probes avoid the limitations associated with the "gap-mode" imaging geometry used in most tip-enhanced Raman studies to date, where a sharp metal tip is held ～1 nm above a metallic substrate with the sample located in the gap.     

Changing trends in three decades of psychotherapy research: The flight from theory into pragmatics.

Reviews 252 empirical studies of psychotherapy published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in the years 1967/1968, 1977/1978, and 1987/1988. Articles were rated on variables related to theoretical relevance, clinical validity, and methodology. It is shown that the main trend over this period of time has been a decline in theory-guided and a rise in pragmatic, clinically oriented research. Related changes in specific norms and practices in this area are illustrated. The disadvantages of a purely empirical approach to psychotherapy research are discussed, and recommendations are made in light of the distinction between the different aims of pragmatic and theoretical research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An efficient approximation for the Generalized Assignment Problem

We present a simple family of algorithms for solving the Generalized Assignment Problem (GAP). Our technique is based on a novel combinatorial translation of any algorithm for the knapsack problem into an approximation algorithm for GAP. If the approximation ratio of the knapsack algorithm is α and its running time is O(f(N)), our algorithm guarantees a (1+α)-approximation ratio, and it runs in O(M⋅f(N)+M⋅N), where N is the number of items and M is the number of bins. Not only does our technique comprise a general interesting framework for the GAP problem; it also matches the best combinatorial approximation for this problem, with a much simpler algorithm and a better running time.     

A tool for the conceptual design of production and operations systems

This paper proposes a conceptual design tool, based upon inferential design theory. It has been specifically developed for the design of production and operations systems, but its use can be extended to other engineering areas, such as mechanical and structural systems. Inferential design theory and its foundation in the inferential theory of learning are briefly outlined. Both theories are based on the idea of using specialised knowledge operators in learning and design, termed knowledge transmutations and design knowledge transmutations respectively. The 24 transmutations existing in the two theories are outlined, and a further 12 design-specific transmutations are proposed. These have been developed as a result of our research. A conceptual design process is proposed, in which design knowledge transmutations are used. A software tool for design, CREDO, is also described and an example of its use in the generation of design concepts for an after-sales service facility is presented. The conclusions discuss the initial methodological experience of using CREDO to generate design concepts. They are based on the introductory use of CREDO at Technion in Israel for teaching purposes. Directions for further research are also provided.