A Probabilistic Framework for the Reference Dose (Probabilistic RfD)

Determining the probabilistic limits for the uncertainty factors used in the derivation of the Reference Dose (RfD) is an important step toward the goal of characterizing the risk of noncarcinogenic effects from exposure to environmental pollutants. If uncertainty factors are seen, individually, as upper bounds on the dose-scaling factor for sources of uncertainty, then determining comparable upper bounds for combinations of uncertainty factors can be accomplished by treating uncertainty factors as distributions, which can be combined by probabilistic techniques. This paper presents a conceptual approach to probabilistic uncertainty factors based on the definition and use of RfDs by the US. EPA. The approach does not attempt to distinguish one uncertainty factor from another based on empirical data or biological mechanisms but rather uses a simple displaced lognormal distribution as a generic representation of all uncertainty factors. Monte Carlo analyses show that the upper bounds for combinations of this distribution can vary by factors of two to four when compared to the fixed-value uncertainty factor approach. The probabilistic approach is demonstrated in the comparison of Hazard Quotients based on RfDs with differing number of uncertainty factors.     

A Study of Labor Allocation Strategies in Cellular Manufacturing

Current research studies in cellular manufacturing have considered environments constrained only by the machine resource, when in fact the flexibility of manufacturing cells is derived mainly from its allocation of the labor resource. This research specifically examines the labor resource in cellular manufacturing, also known as group technology (GT), through a series of simulation experiments on a hypothetical GT shop and recommends conditions under which different labor allocation strategies may be appropriate. The effects of various product routings and scheduling policies on labor allocation are also examined.     

Social Class and Conversion Capacity: Deprivation Trends in the Great Recession in Ireland

In this paper, we draw on Irish SILC data to examine the roles of social class, non-class risk groups and state policies in influencing enforced material deprivation as Ireland moved from a period of economic boom through deep recession and on to early recovery. We also employ Sen’s capability approach to explore the extent to which certain social risk groups differ in their capacity to convert social class-differentiated resources into increased capability in relation to avoiding material deprivation. The findings refute the notion of polarization either across time as a result of recession or as a result of more vulnerable social risk groups experiencing more pronounced social class differences. Instead, the impact of recession on social class and social risk group operated mainly in an additive manner with each having a relatively independent impact on deprivation. The exception was lone parents who were less able to convert the benefits of higher social class position into reduced deprivation levels.     

了解战略目标的实现机理

许多企业仍然不知道是否要与他人共享有关自身战略及战略执行的信息尽管有证据表明,注重绩效衡量的企业能实现较高的财务回报,但很少有企业切实采取规范方法,衡量非财务的战略性绩效领域。而这些领域对企业的成败至关重要。     

Critical Thoughts on American Social Work and the Crisis of Modernity: Lessons From Theory and Current Events

Social work in America is at a curious junction: continue down the status quo path of professionalization or embrace an antagonistic and critical, political stance toward global institutions and the logics of injustice. This article defines the junction as a crisis of modernity wherein the institutions and logics reflecting modernity’s primary forms—capitalism and democracy—suffer material and affective setbacks. The New Social Work Left movement is advocated as a useful response to the crisis of modernity, and initial strategies are offered for fostering a New Social Work Left in the United States.     

A definition and set of principles for responsible consumption of gambling

Responsible consumption of gambling (RCG) is now a major paradigm driving industry, government and public health measures that aim to prevent or minimize gambling-related harm. This is reflected in the pervasive message to ‘gamble responsibly’. However, few attempts have been made to define the concept or identify its foundation principles, resulting in substantial ambiguity over what RCG means and its essential characteristics. This study addresses this void by synthesizing findings from a systematic literature review, website analysis and online survey of 107 experts – to develop a set of underlying principles and a definition of RCG. These tasks were facilitated by the reasonably consistent principles found to underpin RCG in the three data sources, despite wide variations in how the construct has previously been defined. Thus, the set of principles of RCG developed in this study (affordability, balance, informed choice, control, enjoyment, harm-free) should attract wide acceptance, as should the definition given that it combines and summarizes these principles. Adopting a consistent definition and set of RCG principles will provide a basis for developing consistent guidelines for consumers, offer direction for public health efforts for gambling harm minimization, and inform government policies and industry measures aiming to support safe gambling.     

Mediating Role of Psychological Capital in the Relationship between Social Support and Wellbeing of Refugees

This study examines the relationship between social support from work and non‐work domains and the wellbeing of refugee employees. In addition, it examines the mediating influence of psychological capital on these relationships. Using data from 190 refugee employees living in Australia, we find that while perceived organizational support and perceived family support are positively related to the wellbeing of refugee employees, the relationship between perceived supervisor support and wellbeing is not significant. Additionally, while we find that PsyCap fully mediates the relationship between perceived organizational support and wellbeing, it only partially mediates the relationship between perceived family support and wellbeing.     

Nothing to be had 'off the peg': consumption, identity and the immobilization of young disabled people

Contemporary sociology makes the case that the concepts of society and social structure are past their sell-by dates. Our world is marked by impermanence and social life is characterised by mobilities. Even self-identity has become liquid. Social actors use consumption artefacts and services to re-design themselves in ways that are commensurate with their deepest desires. However, we argue that disabled people are unlikely to recognise themselves in these debates. Young disabled people, in their quest for identity and consumer citizenship, meet with ubiquitous barriers and closed markets. In their experience choice and mobility are rhetorical. They encounter immobilization and exclusion from the kinds of consumer lifestyles that their non-disabled peers take for granted. Furthermore, we argue, that at the heart of consumer culture is an aesthetic of youthfulness that is profoundly alien to 'the anomaly'. The signifiers of 'youth' and disability are in profound tension. Cultures of consumption are constituted in ways that mark young disabled people off as outsiders who need not apply for entry.     

Rival Paradigms at Work: Work Reorganization and Labour Force Impacts in a Staple Industry*

Des changements dans l'organisation du travail, et plus particulièrement l'adoption de relations de production postfordistes, ont fait l'objet d'interprétations nouvelles. Certaines ont permis de déceler de nouveaux systèmes de gestion qui ont favorisé la mise en valeur des compétences et la création d'emplois plus intéressants et plus humains. D'autres ont allégué que les nouvelles relations au sein du lieu de travail entraînent une intensification de l'effort ouvrier qui n'a que peu à voir avec la production d'une meilleure qualité d'emploi. Cet article compare deux entreprises d'une même industrie - la production de potasse -, dont l'une à adopté les nouvelles pratiques de gestion et l'autre demeure traditionnelle, afin d'évaluer la validité de ces arguments opposés. Changes in the organization of work, and specifically the adoption of post-Fordist production relations, have been subject to alternative interpretations. Some have identified the new management systems with skill enhancement and the production of more interesting, humane jobs. Others have argued that the new workplace relations represent an intensification of work effort that has little to do with the production of better quality employment. To assess the validity of the competing claims, this article compares two firms in one industry, potash production: one has bought into the new managerial practices, while the other has remained traditional.     

My home, your workplace: people with physical disability negotiate their sexual health without crossing professional boundaries

This paper aims to describe research that examined the views of people with physical disability, living in Australia, of their sexual well-being needs from their own perspective. We explored the impact their sexual well-being needs had on their relationships with professional carers. A social model of disability was used to understand how sexual well-being is facilitated or denied in community care. We also explored whether clients' sexual well-being needs could be met without carers or clients 'crossing the line'. Our findings indicate the multiple ways that 'professional boundaries' were negotiated between clients and professional carers. The data show that the location of the 'line' changed, depending on a range of personal, social, economic and environmental factors. The data also show a gap between the sexual well-being needs of people living with a physical disability and the level of support provided at the social and organisational levels. Suggestions are made for research and practice directions.