A nonparametric test for similarity of marginals—With applications to the assessment of population bioequivalence

In this paper we suggest a completely nonparametric test for the assessment of similar marginals of a multivariate distribution function. This test is based on the asymptotic normality of Mallows distance between marginals. It is also shown that the n out of n bootstrap is weakly consistent, thus providing a theoretical justification to the work in Czado, C. and Munk, A. [2001. Bootstrap methods for the nonparametric assessment of population bioequivalence and similarity of distributions. J. Statist. Comput. Simulation 68, 243–280]. The test is extended to cross-over trials and is applied to the problem of population bioequivalence, where two formulations of a drug are shown to be similar up to a tolerable limit. This approach was investigated in small samples using bootstrap techniques in Czado, C., Munk, A. [2001. Bootstrap methods for the nonparametric assessment of population bioequivalence and similarity of distributions. J. Statist. Comput. Simulation 68, 243–280], showing that the bias corrected and accelerated bootstrap yields a very accurate and powerful finite sample correction. A data example is discussed.     

Dignity and development

This paper explores how expanding the notion of informal institutions in the broader institutional framework provides a more complete explanation for development. Specifically, I incorporate McCloskey's notion of ‘dignity and liberty’ as part of the institutional nexus. By doing so, a richer explanation and understanding of the importance of institutions in explaining different economic outcomes is offered. Focusing on bourgeois dignity offers a precise mechanism to explain how institutions matter to support economic growth. In addition, analyzing the changing attitudes toward the bourgeoisie provides a specific example of mechanisms that can lead to institutional change.     

Nutzenpotenziale und Effekte betrieblicher Gesundheitsförderung

Research regarding workplace health promotion (WHP) frequently neglects the employees’ perspective. Due to that, assumptions regarding the effects of WHP for employees are typically based on experts’ opinions but not statements from the workforce. The present paper therefore exploratively investigates the effects of WHP as perceived by the staff. The results of problem-centred interviews with 19 employees in three organizations, and the four people there responsible for WHP show that potential effects of WHP from the employees’ perspective can be grouped in five areas: (1) prevention is facilitated, (2) cognitive and affective changes are possible, (3) physical effects are observed, (4) emotional effects can arise, and (5) WHP can lead to social effects. As WHP’s potential positive effects can be hindered in case the employees’ perspective is not sufficiently taken into account, the individuals’ expectations and aims should become more central in WHP design and research.     

Unfinished Business: Disentangling Sex,Gender, and Sexuality in Sociological Research on Gender Stratification

Focusing on two major strands of research on gender stratification, labor market inequality and health disparities, we argue that cisnormativity and heteronormativity obscure the rich variation in how people experience their own sense of gender and sexuality, as well as how others perceive them. Although researchers’ reliance on static notions of gender and sexuality is starting to shift, there is room for improvement, especially in the area of gender inequality. To highlight the advancements in researchers’ thinking, we spotlight exemplary work that incorporates gender expansive realities using empirically and/or theoretically grounded approaches. We conclude by outlining best practices to measure gender identity, sexual identity, gender expression, gender conformity, and other facets of gender and sexuality.     

Lean and green supply chain management through intermodal transport: insights from the fast moving consumer goods industry

Combining efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability is crucial for companies to succeed in today’s context of fierce competition. This paper investigates how intermodal transport can be adopted for managing supply chains according to a Lean and Green approach. A scenario-based estimation tool was developed to quantify the potential demand for intermodal transport. The tool was applied to the Italian Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) supply chain. Following, a single longitudinal case study on an FMCG company (Procter & Gamble) was carried out to investigate the enabling factors for the adoption of intermodal transport. Our results show that it is possible to shift demand from road to rail: a number of pathways for action were identified that related to planning and management, assets, train services, collaboration, legal issues and incentive schemes. Also, a collaborative business model for making the modal shift possible was presented. This paper is original because it offers an investigation of Lean and Green Supply Chain Management through intermodal transport by adopting a supply chain perspective and providing a bridging link between academic studies and field evidence.     

Housing crowding effects on children’s wellbeing

The degree to which children grow up in crowded housing is a neglected but potentially important aspect of social inequality. Poor living conditions can serve as a mechanism of social stratification, affecting children’s wellbeing and resulting in the intergenerational transmission of social inequality. This paper reports an investigation of housing crowding on children’s academic achievement, behavior, and health in the US and Los Angeles, a city with atypically high levels of crowding. We use data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics’ Child Development Supplement and the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey to explore the effect of living in a crowded home on an array of child wellbeing indicators. We find that several dimensions of children’s wellbeing suffer when exposed to crowded living conditions, particularly in Los Angeles, even after controlling for socioeconomic status. The negative effects on children raised in crowded homes can persist throughout life, affecting their future socioeconomic status and adult wellbeing.     

Job satisfaction among control room operators of electrical systems

Shift workers from control centers of electrical systems are a group that has received little attention in Brazil. This study aimed to compare workers' job satisfaction at five control centers of a Brazilian company electrical system, and according to their job titles. Method: The Organization Satisfaction Index (OSI) questionnaire to assess job satisfaction was used. ANOVA was used to compare OSI means, according to job title and control center. The results showed that there is no difference in job satisfaction among job titles, but a significant difference was found according to the control center. A single organizational culture cannot be applied to several branches. It is required to implement actions that would result in job satisfaction improvements among workers of all studied control rooms centers. The high level of education of operators working in all centers might have contributed to the similar values of perceived satisfaction among distinct job titles.     

Aesthetic taste versus utility: the emotional and rational of the individual

This article explores the development of an aesthetics framework that aims to provide designers with parameters to understand emotion, taste, and aesthetic judgment under their own cultural influence. This framework will equip designers with tangible criteria for judging cultural influences that have an impact on industrial design while preventing designers from adopting subjective options or being "followers of the current trend." To address the complexity of the topic, a systemic approach is taken so as to be able to capture its several elements. Therefore, the aesthetics framework adopts a systemic approach, which enables its constituents to be compared and the interplay or "links" between these different elements to be identified.     

Ergonomic assessment methodologies in manual handling of loads--opportunities in organizations

The present study was developed based on the analysis of workplaces in the engineering industry, particularly in automotive companies. The main objectives of the study were to evaluate the activities present in the workplace concerning manual handling, using assessment methodologies NIOSH Ergonomic Equation [1] and Manual Material Handling [2], present in ISO 11228 [3-4], and to consider the possibility of developing musculoskeletal injuries associated with these activities, an issue of great concern in all industrial sectors. Similarly, it was also shown the suitability of each method to the task concerned. The study was conducted in three steps. The first step was to collect images and information about the target tasks. As a second step proceeded to the analysis, determining the method to use and to evaluate activities. Finally, we found the results obtained and acted on accordingly. With the study observed situations considered urgent action, according to the methodologies used, and proceeded to develop solutions in order to solve the problems identified, eliminating and / or minimizing embarrassing situations and harmful to employees.