An approximate confidence interval for recombination fraction in genetic linkage analysis using a two stage Monte Carlo method Gibbs sampling

One of the important parameters in genetic linkage analysis is recombination fraction. In this paper, we proposed a two stage Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method to calculate an approximate confidence interval (ACI) for the recombination fraction. We also presented a formula for calculation of simulation size namely: outer and inner Gibbs sample sizes.Key words: Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), Gibbs sampler, approximate confidence interval, simulation size

Development of the additively manufactured stainless steel 316L and AlSi10Mg alloys by in situ alloying and post-process treatment

L'abstract è presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen

The relationship between undergraduate education system and postgraduate achievement in statistics

The present study focuses on the relationship between undergraduate education system and the students’ achievement in statistics. The data was collected from 34 master students in Management Sciences who took an “inferential statistics” course. The history of their past education (long distance vs traditional), the type of exam questions and their mark on “inferential statistics” course were the important variables studied. The results showed a significant difference in achievements between those with long distance undergraduate education and those with traditional system (P<0.05). After doing analysis of covariance, using the pre-term evaluation mark, it still showed a significant difference between statistics achievement in two groups (P<0.05).The present study focuses on the relationship between undergraduate education system and the students’ achievement in statistics. The data was collected from 34 master students in Management Sciences who took an “inferential statistics” course. The history of their past education (long distance vs traditional), the type of exam questions and their mark on “inferential statistics” course were the important variables studied. The results showed a significant difference in achievements between those with long distance undergraduate education and those with traditional system (P<0.05). After doing analysis of covariance, using the pre-term evaluation mark, it still showed a significant difference between statistics achievement in two groups (P<0.05)

A Content Analysis of the Mission Statements of Iranian Joint Stock Firms in Four Industries: A further research to explore the implications of Peyrefitte & David (2006) findings

The actual purpose of mission statements has been subject to much debate in the academic literature. Some authors (e.g. Wright, 2002) argue that the mission statement is primarily used as a ‘public relations statement,’ and therefore mission statements do not reflect reality. However, authors with a less cynical view to mission statements claim that mission statements are useful tools for internal purposes, such as the development of company strategy, providing leadership, and performance evaluation (e.g. Drucker, 1977; Klemm et al., 1991). For example, Drucker stressed the strategic importance of the company mission (Drucker, 1977, p. 66): “Only a clear definition of the mission and purpose of the business makes possible clear and realistic business objectives. It is the foundation for priorities, strategies, plans, and work assignments.” Others have stressed the importance of mission statements for external communication purposes, for example to influence the perceptions of stakeholders (e.g. Campbell, 1997; Bartkus et al., 2000). This study through a content analysis tries to suggest that mission statements may be written to illustrate organizational objectives and values consistent with key stakeholders rather than to reveal organizational distinctiveness (Ashforth & Gibbs, 1990; Wright, 2002; Campbell et al. 2001; Peyrefitte & David 2006). This study along side of other studies may help to explain why some mission statements fail to provide direction and specificity (Bart, 1997; Leuthesser & Kohli, 1997), and why there have been few direct associations between mission content and performance (Bart, Bontis, & Taggar, 2001)

HUMANITY IN A CHILDREN’S CANCER HOSPITAL

Children, who are the future of the country, are the most important asset. If cancer in children is diagnosed at an early stage, effective precautionary measures can be taken in order to save their lives. Children sense their physical space in a very immediate and detailed manner and their response to spaces can be far more direct and energetic than adults. For children, visiting hospitals can be particularly difficult emotionally, as they are stressed by ill-health, painful medical procedures. The objectives of this research are first to understand what constitutes a supportive pediatric setting from children’s and adolescents’ perspectives and try to explore the role of architecture in making hospital stays more pleasant. Second, to define a vision for the sustainable hospital design movement; and third, to illustrate the value of participatory research for healthcare design. The outline is a new design of the children hospital and how architectural design steps can be taken to improve cancer patients’ care

Identifying and Developing Scientific and Performance Standards for Educational Administrators of Tehran’s High Schools and Providing an Appropriate Model

Nowadays, the necessity of continuous and permanent attendance of standard is felt in various fields of human life in general and in training and education field in particular because that standard is a ground for similar performance and an indicator for identifying the rate of individuals’ success in designated works. (Nilly Ahamad Abadi, 2003). Generally, one can study human resource standards in three aspects of knowledge, function and behavior. Knowledge standards consist of the knowledge expected to be possessed by the individuals. In fact, they define scientific issues that should be learned by individuals. Performance standards consist of a qualitative performance shown by the individual in order to perform his/her duties and to provide expected services (Rahimi, 2003). Behavioral standards belonged to individual’s values, beliefs and habits which can be derived from both scientific and performance aspects

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, EXPORTS, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A PANEL DATA APPROACH

This paper uses recently developed econometric techniques such as panel unit roots tests, panel cointegration, and panel generalized method of moment (GMM) to investigate the existence and the nature of the dynamic causal relationships among GDP, exports, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows for 57 developing countries from 1981 to 2006. The findings reveal that in the long-run equilibrium, exports and FDI inflows Granger cause GDP, and also exports and GDP do it for FDI inflows. The results also provide evidence of short-run causality running from exports and FDI inflows to GDP. On the other hand, GDP and FDI inflows do not cause exports in either the short run or the long run. Finally, the results of the strong causality are parallel to those of the long run causality.FDI, Exports, Economic Growth, Causality

Rate of validity, reliability and difficulty indices for teacher-designed exam questions in first year high school

The purpose of the research is to determine high school teachers’ skill rate in designing exam questions in mathematics subject. The statistical population was all of mathematics exam shits for two semesters in one school year from which a sample of 364 exam shits was drawn using multistage cluster sampling. Two experts assessed the shits and by using appropriate indices and z-test and chi-squared test the analysis of the data was done. We found that the designed exams have suitable coefficients of validity and reliability. The level of difficulty of exams was high. No significant relationship was found between male and female teachers in terms of the coefficient of validity and reliability but a significant difference between the difficulty level in male and female teachers was found (P<.001). It means that female teachers had designed more difficult questions. We did not find any significant relationship between the teachers’ gender and the coefficient of discrimination of the exams.The purpose of the research is to determine high school teachers’ skill rate in designing exam questions in mathematics subject. The statistical population was all of mathematics exam shits for two semesters in one school year from which a sample of 364 exam shits was drawn using multistage cluster sampling. Two experts assessed the shits and by using appropriate indices and z-test and chi-squared test the analysis of the data was done. We found that the designed exams have suitable coefficients of validity and reliability. The level of difficulty of exams was high. No significant relationship was found between male and female teachers in terms of the coefficient of validity and reliability but a significant difference between the difficulty level in male and female teachers was found (P<.001). It means that female teachers had designed more difficult questions. We did not find any significant relationship between the teachers’ gender and the coefficient of discrimination of the exams