Deviance Residuals for an Angular Response

This paper discusses deviance residual approximations in von Mises regression models. By using a relationship between the von Mises and the wrapped normal distributions, the paper shows that the deviance component of the von Mises distribution is approximately a linear function of the standard normal distribution. Two standardized forms are proposed for the deviance residual, and a simulation study is performed to compare the approximation of the proposed residuals to the standard normal distribution. An illustrative example is given.     

Diagonalization matrix and its application in distribution theory

Some matrix representations of diverse diagonal arrays are studied in this work; the results allow new definitions of classes of elliptical distributions indexed by kernels mixing Hadamard and usual products. A number of applications are derived in the setting of prior densities from the Bayesian multivariate regression model and families of non-elliptical distributions, such as the matrix multivariate generalized Birnbaum–Saunders density. The philosophy of the research about matrix representations of quadratic and inverse quadratic forms can be extended as a methodology for exploring possible new applications in non-standard distributions, matrix transformations and inference.     

Regularized estimation for highly multivariate log Gaussian Cox processes

Statistical inference for highly multivariate point pattern data is challenging due to complex models with large numbers of parameters. In this paper, we develop numerically stable and efficient parameter estimation and model selection algorithms for a class of multivariate log Gaussian Cox processes. The methodology is applied to a highly multivariate point pattern data set from tropical rain forest ecology.     

A Comparison Between Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Estimation of Stochastic Frontier Production Models

In this paper, the finite sample properties of the maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimators of the half-normal stochastic frontier production function are analyzed and compared through a Monte Carlo study. The results show that the Bayesian estimator should be used in preference to the maximum likelihood owing to the fact that the mean square error performance is substantially better in the Bayesian framework.     

Conflicto,Identificacion y Poder en la Influencia Minoritaria

En 6 condiciones experimentales se presenta a los sujetos un texto minoritario extremamente favorable al aborto, siendo evaluada la influencia en una dimensión directa (actitud frente al aborto) y en una dimensión indirecta (actitud frente a la contracepción). En tres condiciones se introduce una pequeña amenaza y en las otras tres una fuerte amenaza que implica un fuerte costo social simbólico en caso de un eventual acuerdo con la minoría. En cada caso, o bien no se explica ninguna identificación (condiciones control) o bien se lleva a los sujetos a percibirse identificados ya a la Iglesia ya a la minoría. Los resultados principales muestran que a) en las condiciones sin identificación explícita, la minoría obtiene el efecto de conversión esperado por el modelo de la influencia minoritaria, en el caso de que el costo social es elevado; b) por el contrario, en caso de identificación explícita con la minoría el costo social disminuye tanto la influencia indirecta como la directa, lo que aboga en defensa del modelo del poder; c) en las condiciones en las que los sujetos son identificados con la Iglesia aparece un curioso efecto: cuanto mayor es el costo social más se acercan los sujetos a la minoría. Dado que las explicaciones divergen según la interpretación que los autores dan de este efecto paradójico y del conjunto de los resultados, se presentan dos interpretaciones complementarias, incluso aunque se contradigan entre ellas.     

Implementation of an ergonomics program for the welding department inside a car assembly company

The premise for this project is to implement an ergonomics program for the welding department of a car assembly company, considering that this area represents the highest occupational risk in relation to musculoskeletal injuries. The project also allows the demonstration of the different implementation processes of an ergonomics program; it also permits the determination of individual risks faced by workers of the welding department, and finally gives a chance of improving common injuries using the sentinel system. The main challenge is to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and absenteeism among welders through actions implemented by the ergonomics program.     

Qui donnera effet à la convention du travail maritime de l'OIT, 2006?

La convention du travail maritime, 2006, qui entrera en vigueur le 20 août 2013, regroupe des dizaines de normes de l'OIT adoptées depuis les années 1920. Elle a été décrite comme le «quatrième pilier» de la réglementation internationale maritime, aux côtés de trois grandes conventions de l'OMI sur la sécurité en mer et la prévention de la pollution marine. Selon les auteurs, le défi consistera à l'appliquer au moyen des mécanismes réglementaires existants, soit la mise en ?uvre par l'Etat du pavillon et le contrôle par l'Etat du port. Techniquement, la responsabilité repose sur les premiers, mais la prolifération des pavillons de complaisance donne à penser que ces derniers joueront également un rôle crucial, tout comme, dans ces deux cas, la formation des inspecteurs.     

Subjective and Occupational Well-Being in a Sample of Mexican Workers

This article examines the well-being of workers, observing that subjective and occupational well-being are interrelated but independent dimensions and analyzing their interaction with their modulating factors. Specifically, the relationships between well-being and personal value structures are examined, hypothesizing that congruence between personal and socially predominant values improves the well-being of workers. The influence of various occupational and personal factors is also analyzed. We studied 209 workers of a multinational company in Mexico using different standardized questionnaires. The results demonstrate that subjective and occupational well-being are related but are independent variables influenced by differentiated variables. Specifically, the occupational wellbeing of workers is influenced by the nature of their work, whereas subjective well-being is affected by their social values and level of education. We present a model for the interaction of these variables and their consequences with the intention of the worker to stay with or leave the company. We discuss some practical issues raised by the study and make recommendations for future.     

Does higher income equal higher levels of happiness in every society? The case of the Mayan people

Guardiola J, González‐Gómez F, García‐Rubio MA, Lendechy‐Grajales Á. Does higher income equal higher levels of happiness in every society? The case of the Mayan people This study analysed happiness and several domains of life of Mayan people in the poor rural areas of Yucatan, Mexico. Using a sample of 373 households, we examined the influence of income on happiness and its domains, obtaining results that lend support to the ‘paradox of happy peasants and miserable millionaires’. According to the results, income influences happiness among the Mayan people, as do material domains and health, but income does not influence the domains related to intangible feelings and public goods. A number of reasons, such as a lack of a means for comparison, close contact with nature, adaptation to deprivation, general material improvements compared with the past, low aspirations and a Mayan culture that is devoted to solidarity and enjoyment of social relationships, could explain why the sample population reported high levels of happiness. Although the Mayans' level of happiness is high, their situation nevertheless requires political attention.