Families of Multivariate Distributions Involving “Triangular” Transformations

Attention is initially focused on certain pseudo-normal distributions. These are multivariate distributions in which one coordinate variable has a normal distribution and the distribution of the remaining variables is determined by a specific triangular transformation model involving normally distributed components. A remarkably flexible family of models is obtainable in this fashion. Some examples are described. In addition, models involving non-normal component distributions are discussed together with their relationship with those models obtainable by means of the beta-generalized-Rosenblatt construction. Inferential questions regarding these models will be the subject of a separate report.     

Asymptotically pointwise optimal and asymptotically optimal stopping times in the Bayesian inference

The paper deals with the problem of determining asymptotically pointwise optimal and asymptotically optimal stopping times in the Bayesian inference. The sufficient conditions are given for a family of stopping times to be asymptotically pointwise optimal and asymptotically optimal with respect to a continuous time process. As an example a sequential estimation of the intensity of the Poisson process is considered. Under a gamma prior distribution, an asymptotically pointwise optimal and asymptotically optimal rule is given using a LINEX loss function and the cost c per unit time.     

A Method for Multivariate Probability Distributions Construction via Parameter Dependence

The nature of stochastic dependence in the classic bivariate normal density framework is analyzed. In the case of this distribution we stress the way the conditional density of one of the random variables depends on realizations of the other. Typically, in the bivariate normal case this dependence takes the form of a parameter (here the “expected value”) of one probability density depending continuously (here linearly) on realizations of the other random variable. Our point is that such a pattern does not need to be restricted to that classical case of bivariate normal. We show that this paradigm can be generalized and viewed in ways that allows us to extend it far beyond the bivariate normal distributions class.     

Film Studies in Post-War Poland: Tradition and Innovation

This paper sets out a case for identifying a Carpathian Sprachbund comprising Czech, Slovak, Slovene, Kajkavian Croatian, Hungarian, Yiddish and the Bavarian-Austrian dialect of German. It investigates the distribution of eleven possible Sprachbund-forming features: five phonological (absence of tones, initial stress, phonemic opposition of length in vowels, absence of a palatalization correlation, the presence of medial l), six morpho-syntactical (a basic three-tense verbal system, an analytical future formed with an inchoative plus the infinitive, an original perfect as the only simple preterite, a pluperfect formed from a double perfect, a pre-posed definite and indefinite article). The information gathered comfortably satisfies the minimal conditions for establishing the existence of a Sprachbund set out by Sarah Grey Thomason, W.P. Schmid and others. The levels of participation of the individual languages also seem to be commensurable with those of the languages of the well known Balkan Sprachbund as set forth by Jouko Lindstedt.     

Age and social gradients in the intensity of aging males' symptoms in Poland

Background. We performed the study in order to describe the age-related changes and social gradients in the intensity of aging males' symptoms in healthy men in Poland.

Methods. We examined 405 men aged 32–79, healthy inhabitants of Poland. Severity of aging males' symptoms was assessed using the Polish version of AMS scale. The social position was expressed using their educational level, commonly accepted as a reliable and specific index of social status in Poland.

Results. Male aging in Poland was accompanied by an increase in the intensity of all groups of evaluated symptoms (psychological, sexual and somato-vegetative symptoms, respectively: r = 0.36, r = 0.72, r = 0.59, all p < 0.0001). The results of ANOVA revealed the independent effects of both age and social status on the intensity of psychological symptoms (F = 17.89, p < 0.0001 and F = 9.51, p < 0.0001 for age and educational level, respectively), sexual (F = 114.70, p < 0.0001 and F = 5.90, p < 0.01), and somato-vegetative symptoms (F = 52.86, p < 0.0001 and F = 3.85, p < 0.05). The better the education of Polish men, the less intense the aging males' symptoms, irrespective of their age.

Conclusions. Age and social position constitute major determinants of the intensity of aging males' symptoms in Poland.     

The spatial genetic structure of the yellow-necked mouse in an urban environment – a recent invader vs. a closely related permanent inhabitant

We analyse the genetic variability in the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) population in the city of Warsaw, Poland, and its surroundings - a species that has begun to occupy the city only in the last 30 years. We also compare the genetic variability of this species with corresponding data collected in the same time and areas for another species - the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius). The results indicate a gradual decrease in genetic diversity and increase in relatedness in the population of A. flavicollis from non-urban locations towards sites with the highest anthropopressure. The genetic structure was more pronounced in the 'recent invader' (A. flavicollis) than in the 'permanent inhabitant' (A. agrarius), which has a much longer city colonization history (more than 100 years). In general, FST was higher in A. flavicollis, which may indicate different and independent ways of city colonization by the species. The process by which urban areas are settled by a new, typically forest-dwelling species such as A. flavicollis, more 'sensitive' to the conditions of life in a city, probably includes not only successful events of penetration of the city by small groups of individuals (the founder effect), but also temporary extinctions of local urban populations of A. flavicollis or at least marked fluctuations in species population numbers. Suitably planned areas at the city borders could play an important role as 'gateways' through which individuals from non-urban populations could migrate into the city and join urban populations.     

The relationship between: occupational status,biological condition and androgen hormone level among Polish adult men: the Wroclaw Male Study

Population health and its determinants are one of the major challenges to social and economic policy. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between occupational activity and biological condition in adult working Polish men. The participants of the study were 300 men (30–65 years), healthy inhabitants of the city of Wroclaw, Poland. Seventeen measures of biological condition were examined. The subjects were divided into three different occupational groups: professionals, soldiers and skilled workers. A comparison of biological age profiles of three occupational groups showed that in the majority of characteristics, professionals had the youngest biological age, whereas skilled workers had the highest biological age. The results for soldiers were not as unambiguous, but biological parameters were generally closer to those for professionals. Inborn biological predispositions and long-term impact of the working environment can influence on the biological condition of various professional groups. Knowledge of the determinants of biological condition might result in efficient use of predisposition to work or may be of help in extending their time of work ability.     

Managing ergonomics in the development of rotation between workstations in the automotive industry. A balance between health and traceability of tasks

Abstract When the subject rotation between workstations (job rotation) is inside the organizations it's seemed that technically there are lots of restrictions to the development of an adequate system of rotation. We went from the need for an advanced ergonomic study and even possible restrictions of versatility and training of employees. The implementation of the ideal system of rotation passes through stages of development and research ergonomic study of the level of employee versatility, awareness and discussion with employees, implementation of the proposed system, feedback and audits for maintenance of the ideal sequence and time of rotation. For the success of the project there is a need for multidisciplinary involvement in the areas of manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, human resources, medical services and manufacturing. Rotation between the tasks may mean that a worker should conduct two or more different activities in different parts of the day (ie. change between activity A and activity B "between 1 hours and 2 hours interval). An important consideration is to ensure that different activities do not present the same ergonomic risk for the same body part. The tracing of the execution of the activity is an important factor for production processes. Thus it is possible to conduct appropriate levels of training for employees and ensure safe and sustainable processes in terms of workers' health, productivity and quality.