Estimating and explaining efficiency in a multilevel setting: A robust two-stage approach

Various applications require multilevel settings (e.g., for estimating fixed and random effects). However, due to the curse of dimensionality, the literature on non-parametric efficiency analysis did not yet explore the estimation of performance drivers in highly multilevel settings. As such, it lacks models which are particularly designed for multilevel estimations. This paper suggests a semi-parametric two-stage framework in which, in a first stage, non-parametric a effciency estimators are determined. As such, we do not require any a priori information on the production possibility set. In a second stage, a semiparametric Generalized Additive Mixed Model (GAMM) examines the sign and significance of both discrete and continuous background characteristics. The proper working of the procedure is illustrated by simulated data. Finally, the model is applied on real life data. In particular, using the proposed robust two-stage approach, we examine a claim by the Dutch Ministry of Education in that three out of the twelve Dutch provinces would provide lower quality education. When properly controlled for abilities, background variables, peer group and ability track effects, we do not observe differences among the provinces in educational attainments.Productivity estimation; Multilevel setting; Generalized Additive Mixed Model; Education; Social segregation

On estimating the effectiveness of resources. A local maximum likelihood frontier approach on care for students

To study education as a complex production process in a noisy and heterogeneous setting, this paper suggests to using a stochastic frontier model estimated by a local maximum likelihood approach (LMLSF). The LMLSF smoothly combines the virtues of the non-parametric Data Envelopment Analysis model and the semi-parametric Stochastic Frontier model. Additionally, by the LMLSF approach one can deduce the eectiveness of resources by examining the impact of inputs on the frontier. Indeed, while eciency estimations (i.e., doing the things right) received considerable attention in the literature, the analysis of effectiveness (i.e., doing the right things) is less explored. The approach is illustrated on a sample of Dutch primary education pupils. We examine the eectiveness of instruction time, experience of the teacher, and student care (both social worker and psychologist) on educational attainments of native and non-native students.Stochastic Frontier Analysis; Data Envelopment Analysis; Local Maximum Likelihood; Education; Student care

Touched by the Spirit. Converting the senses in a Ghanaian charismatic church

This article discusses the bodily mass reproduction of divine touch in Ghanaian charismatic Pentecostalism and argues for an understanding of conversion as an ongoing bodily process that ‘tunes’ the senses to specific sensory experiences. Presenting a case study of the International Central Gospel Church in Accra, it asks how the church’s explicit appeal to the body relates to its strong suspicion of bodily mediation and its ideology of conversion as an inner transformation of the spirit and only secondarily of the body. It shows that the learning of church doctrine that grounds born-again subjectivity in spontaneous and immediate experiences of being touched by the Holy Spirit goes together with repeated performance and gradual embodiment of sensory and bodily ‘formats’ that evoke such experiences, but also raise concerns about their authenticity

Television and the gospel of entertainment in Ghana

Charismatic-Pentecostal 'media ministries' have become very successful in Africa's new media fields. They shape new forms of public religiosity that spill over into various forms of popular culture and resonate with broad audiences. This article explores the emergence of new Pentecostal publics at the intersection of media, religion, and entertainment in Ghana, raising critical questions concerning the relations between these domains. It analyses two different religious television broadcasts: a television ministry by a well-known celebrity pastor and a gospel reality show featuring a preaching competition for youth. It also considers the debates and concerns such programmes evoke locally. The analysis shows that Pentecostalism's employment of popular media and entertainment styles is an effective source of persuasive power, but also poses challenges with regard to binding people as committed Christians. The blurring of boundaries between religion and entertainment business causes insecurities about the authenticity of religious authority and religious subjectivity. © 2012 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden

Emerging technologies with potential care and support applications for older people : review of gray literature

Background: The number of older people with unmet care and support needs is increasing substantially due to the challenges facing the formal and informal care systems. Emerging technological developments have the potential to address some of the care and support challenges of older people. However, limited work has been done to identify emerging technological developments with the potential to meet the care and support needs of the aging population. Objective: This review aimed to gain an overview of emerging technologies with potential care and support applications for older people, particularly for those living at home. Methods: A scoping gray literature review was carried out by using the databases of 13 key organizations, hand searching reference lists of included documents, using funding data, and consulting technology experts. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze and summarize the findings of the literature review. Results: A total of 39 documents were included in the final analysis. From the analysis, 8 emerging technologies were identified that could potentially be used to meet older people’s needs in various care and support domains. These emerging technologies were (1) assistive autonomous robots; (2) self-driving vehicles; (3) artificial intelligence–enabled health smart apps and wearables; (4) new drug release mechanisms; (5) portable diagnostics; (6) voice-activated devices; (7) virtual, augmented, and mixed reality; and (8) intelligent homes. These emerging technologies were at different levels of development, with some being trialed for care applications, whereas others being in the early phases of development. However, only a few documents mentioned including older people during the process of designing and developing these technologies. Conclusions: This review has identified key emerging technologies with the potential to contribute to the support and care needs of older people. However, to increase the adoption of these technologies by older people, there is a need to involve them and other stakeholders, such as formal and informal carers, in the process of designing and developing these technologies

Emerging Technologies With Potential Care and Support Applications for Older People: Review of Gray Literature

BACKGROUND:The number of older people with unmet care and support needs is increasing substantially due to the challenges facing the formal and informal care systems. Emerging technological developments have the potential to address some of the care and support challenges of older people. However, limited work has been done to identify emerging technological developments with the potential to meet the care and support needs of the aging population. OBJECTIVE:This review aimed to gain an overview of emerging technologies with potential care and support applications for older people, particularly for those living at home. METHODS:A scoping gray literature review was carried out by using the databases of 13 key organizations, hand searching reference lists of included documents, using funding data, and consulting technology experts. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze and summarize the findings of the literature review. RESULTS:A total of 39 documents were included in the final analysis. From the analysis, 8 emerging technologies were identified that could potentially be used to meet older people's needs in various care and support domains. These emerging technologies were (1) assistive autonomous robots; (2) self-driving vehicles; (3) artificial intelligence-enabled health smart apps and wearables; (4) new drug release mechanisms; (5) portable diagnostics; (6) voice-activated devices; (7) virtual, augmented, and mixed reality; and (8) intelligent homes. These emerging technologies were at different levels of development, with some being trialed for care applications, whereas others being in the early phases of development. However, only a few documents mentioned including older people during the process of designing and developing these technologies. CONCLUSIONS:This review has identified key emerging technologies with the potential to contribute to the support and care needs of older people. However, to increase the adoption of these technologies by older people, there is a need to involve them and other stakeholders, such as formal and informal carers, in the process of designing and developing these technologies