Estimation of non-parametric regression in the analysis of the anti-inflammatory activity of diverse extracts of Sideritis foetens

SUMMARY A procedure to choose the best non-parametric estimator from among all nonparametric methods to fit regression curves is described. The methodology that is proposed prevents a lack of fit at the edges of the regression curve. The method is summed up in a few steps to facilitate its application by researchers. The procedure is applied to the determination of various curves that explain the anti-inflammatory activity of diverse extracts of Sideritis foetens and phenylbutazone against the time elapsed from the application of the agent which provokes the inflammation. Discussion shows that it is possible to obtain valid conclusions about the effects of the different products and to establish comparisons between them. Such conclusions are not possible when starting from the classical statistics methods usually employed in pharmacology.     

Dual-language characteristics and earnings: Male Mexican workers in the United States

This paper examines income differentials between native-born white males of non-Hispanic origins and Mexican American males of varying linguistic statuses. The analysis relies on conventional modeling techniques of the earnings process and the selected use of mother tongue, English fluency, and primary language usage to categorize the Mexican American population. The findings differ among the derived groups. Among Mexican immigrants, there does not appear to be any direct economic reward for speaking English. For the U.S.-born Chicanos, there is only a small economic advantage associated with being reared as an English monolingual, and there appears to be a clear disadvantage directly associated with being a Spanish-dominant bilingual.     

Processes of identification on the U.S.-Mexico border

This article reviews relevant literature on border identity issues written on both sides of the border in the past 15 years. First, approaches taken by theorists like Gloria Anzaldúa, Renato Rosaldo, and others who advanced important ideas such as hybridity and “border crossing,” are criticized. Second, the work of empirically oriented U.S. and Mexican scholars, such as Oscar Martinez, Carlos Vélez-Ibáñez, Jorge Bustamante, is examined critically. Finally, the author, relying on more than 6 years of ethnographic research in the border area, advances his own understanding of how best to conduct research on identity construction issues on the U.S.-Mexico border. The author discusses the importance of the narrative plots of border inhabitants, the role played by certain Master Signifiers and hegemonic narrative plots in the “quilting” of coherent identity discourses, and the like. The author concludes by calling for research on how different locally available discursive formations on the border are introduces into narratives through the actions (as accounted by the plot) of particular characters.     

Spanish Language Self-Efficacy Beliefs Among Spanish-Speaking Social Workers: Implications for Social Work Education

Limited research exists about Spanish-speaking social workers that provide bilingual social work services. To date, studies have not exclusively focused on actual language competence of bilingual social workers or even their self-perceived language beliefs. This study reviews the results of a cross-sectional Internet-based survey exploring self-perceived Spanish language skills of bilingual social workers. The nationwide sample consisted of 321 participants who self-rated their self-efficacy Spanish language skills in relation to 5 social work competency categories. Results indicate that the language that participants reported speaking at home versus at work was significantly associated with the self-efficacy ratings. These associations along with implications for social work education are discussed.