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There is a growing literature in nonparametric econometrics in the recent two decades. Given the space limitation, it is impossible to survey all the important recent developments in nonparametric econometrics. Therefore, we choose to limit our focus on the following areas. In Section 2, we review the recent developments of nonparametric estimation and testing of regression functions with mixed discrete and continuous covariates. We discuss nonparametric estimation and testing of econometric models for nonstationary data in Section 3. Section 4 is devoted to surveying the literature of nonparametric instrumental variable (IV) models. We review nonparametric estimation of quantile regression models in Section 5. In Sections 2–5, we also point out some open research problems, which might be useful for graduate students to review the important research papers in this field and to search for their own research interests, particularly dissertation topics for doctoral students. Finally, in Section 6 we highlight some important research areas that are not covered in this paper due to space limitation. We plan to write a separate survey paper to discuss some of the omitted topics.

In this chapter we begin by discussing the concept of inclusion, with a particular focus on inclusion in literacy learning in the early years (birth to five) in Australia. We then consider the research evidence for the potential impact of home literacy practices in the early years on later school and life outcomes, and examine some early childhood family literacy initiatives that aim to help develop young children’s literacy learning. We describe how Better Beginnings, a universal family literacy programme, supports parents/carers and children to build their skills, knowledge and understandings of early literacy. We show how Better Beginnings has operated, adapted and expanded in response to longitudinal systematic evaluations and explain how new programmes have been created to address the specific needs of particular groups of families, with the long-term intent of maximising inclusion for all families of young children in Western Australia. We identify aspects of inclusion, through which diversity is constructed as the norm rather than the exception. We conclude by suggesting that establishing connections between family literacy practices and school literacy programmes which embrace inclusivity is one of the first steps towards ensuring that all children are able to reach their potential and become active participants in a literate society.

Modern complex integrated circuits require more input/output connections and operate at faster switching speeds and higher power levels than was the case before LSI and VLSI devices. As a result, there is a need for packages with high electrical conductivity, low dielectric constant, high thermal conductivity, precise line resolution and low unit cost. Ideally, it should also be possible to include resistors and for the package to be manufactured in‐house for maximum control. Multilayer printed circuit boards, complex multilayer hybrid circuits and high temperature co‐fired ceramic packages have been used to accomplish the interconnection of complex ICs. A new technology has been developed which combines the benefits of thick film with the processing advantages of co‐fired ceramic. The thick film process begins with a bare substrate, usually 96% alumina, upon which gold, silver alloy or copper metallisation, and screen‐printable dielectric paste are applied. Processing is a series of printing and firing operations; the firing temperature is usually between 800°C and 1000°C. Interconnecting vias are typically formed by screen printing and are usually a minimum of 250 ?m (10 mil) in diameter. The high temperature co‐fired approach uses no substrate. Printing of tungsten, molybdenum or molymanganese metallisation is carried out on alumina tape dielectric. The vias are formed by mechanical punching and are typically a minimum of 200 ?m (8 mil) in diameter. A single firing is performed in a special atmosphere, usually at 1500°C. This paper describes a new materials system which consists of a tape dielectric and gold, silver and silver/palladium inner layer and via fill conductor compositions. Circuits and packages made with the system are fired in an air atmosphere in standard thick film furnaces and are compatible with other conventional thick film materials. The process for making these parts is described and critical process parameters are identified. The results of reliability testing under temperature, humidity and bias are discussed and supporting microstructural analysis is presented.

In Michigan’s state-wide social studies test, eleven-year-old students have been expected to defend or challenge a piece of public policy, citing a core democratic value in their written argument. In this study thirty-six fifth graders across three schools were asked to define a number of these values and to talk about them. Few students made explicit connections between these values and civic life. Many students spoke to the role of the physical classroom environment in reinforcing the rote learning of definitions. Boys and girls cited different sources for their knowledge. Differences in the quality of responses across schools illustrate how students’ understandings of citizenship were shaped by teachers’ practices and individuals’ experiences in their communities.

The new Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic process combines the advantages of thick film standard and cofired ceramic technologies for the implementation of high interconnection density hybrid circuits, at a reasonable cost. Due to the wide diversity of devices required in the telecommunications field, it is important to have for drilling and scribing a system capable of being easily integrated onto a LAN, in order to reduce the machine preparation time, using all the information already existing in CAD. As laser systems are standard in thick film production, the investments involved to implement a new technology are minimised. This paper describes the use of laser technology for drilling green ceramic to achieve interconnection paths between different levels, manufacturing of screen mask (via metallisation), and scribing of substrates already synthesised. A preliminary characterisation of Telettra's technology follows.

On 20 April ISHM‐Benelux held its 1988 Spring meeting at the Grand Hotel Heerlen. This meeting was totally devoted to implantable devices, in particular to the technologies used for these high reliability, extremely demanding devices. For this meeting ISHM‐Benelux was the guest of the Kerkrade facility of Medtronic. Medtronic (headquartered in Minneapolis, USA) is the world's leading manufacturer of implantable electronic devices. Apart from the assembly of pacemakers and heart‐wires, the Kerkrade facility acts as a manufacturing technology centre for Medtronic's European facilities.

Purpose – To synthesize the literature on coping among adolescents of color in the U.S., we examine normative and circumstantial stressors, describe coping strategies, and summarize the literature on coping for the promotion of well-being among adolescents of color, including descriptive and intervention studies.

Methods/approach – We conducted an extensive review of the literature in four scientific databases (medline, CINAHL, ERIC, and PyschInfo) between July 2010 and June 2011 (key words: (minority) adolescent(s) (of color), cope/coping, stress (ors), and adaptation/psychological). Studies included in our review were peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and June 2011 that presented original data on the coping strategies and outcomes of adolescents of color (e.g., studies including a majority from underrepresented racial/ethnic communities) between the ages of 12 and 18.

Findings – We identified a total of 91 articles for inclusion, including 83 descriptive and 8 intervention studies. We use a matrix approach to compare descriptive studies by their purpose, study design, sample, targeted stressors, and outcomes. We then discuss the eight interventions we identified, highlighting the targeted population, intervention protocol/adaptation, feasibility/acceptability, and study outcomes.

Implications – The breadth and depth of research on coping among adolescents of color has improved significantly over the past decade, yet our review reveals several areas where further exploration is needed, including research on intra-group differences, validation of coping measures in diverse groups, measurement of the effectiveness of coping strategies over time, and most importantly, the translation of available knowledge on effective coping into culturally relevant, multifaceted interventions for adolescents and their families.

To elaborate the picture of credibility assessment by examining how participants of online discussion evaluate the informational credibility of conspiracy theories.

Descriptive quantitative analysis and qualitative content analysis of 2,663 posts submitted to seven Reddit threads discussing a conspiracy operation, that is, the damage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in September 2022. It was examined how the participants of online discussion assess the credibility of information constitutive of conspiracy theories speculating about (1) suspected actors responsible for the damage, (2) their motives and (3) the ways in which the damage was made. The credibility assessments focussed on diverse sources offering information about the above three factors.

The participants assessed the credibility of information by drawing on four main criteria: plausibility of arguments, honesty in argumentation, similarity to one's beliefs and provision of evidence. Most assessments were negative and indicated doubt about the informational believability of conspiracy theories about the damage. Of the information sources referred to in the discussion, the posts submitted by fellow participants, television programmes and statements provided by governmental organizations were judged most critically, due to implausible argumentation and advocacy of biased views.

As the study focuses on a sample of posts dealing with conspiracy theories about a particular event, the findings cannot be generalized to concern the informational credibility conspiracy narratives.

The study pioneers by providing an in-depth analysis of the nature of credibility assessments by focussing on information constitutive of conspiracy theories.

A month or so after the Stresa meeting, the French ISHM chapter, organising a session on ‘Gallic inks’ (!), summoned me to deliver some comments on the 5th European Hybrid Microelectronics Conference. Although it was only a matter of interlude during this technical session, I felt the task quite a difficult one. It became a hazardous project when Brian C. Waterfield kindly asked me to let what is in fact a personal opinion—my personal opinion, standing back from my daily work—appear in Hybrid Circuits. I'll do my best.