Measures of non-exchangeability for bivariate random vectors

We introduce a set of axioms for measures of non-exchangeability for bivariate vectors of continuous and identically distributed random variables and give some examples together with possible applications in statistical models based on the copula function.     

Cooperative learning: we can also do it without task structure

The present study focuses on the use of a cooperative methodology with university students during the last year of their degree programme. The task structure could be freely chosen, and there were no restraints on group decisions to deal with the classroom work. All the elements of cooperation were based on a reward structure. The results show that internal group cohesion can be achieved through an inter‐group competitive reward system and positive interdependence can be reached with an extreme cooperative reward structure, grounded on individual assessments of the students. The results also point to the importance of a reward structure, based on grades, when using a cooperative methodology in the university classroom.

Este estudio supone la utilización de una metodología cooperativa con alumnos universitarios en el último curso de la carrera. La estructura de tarea es siempre libre y no hay ninguna restricción a las decisiones del grupo para abordar el trabajo de aula. Todos los elementos de la cooperación se abordan desde la estructura de recompensa: la cohesión interna de los grupos se consigue mediante un sistema de recompensa competitiva intergrupal y la interdependencia positiva se logra mediante una estructura de recompensa cooperativa extrema, basada en las evaluaciones individuales de los alumnos. Los resultados demuestran la importancia que tiene una estructura de recompensa, basada en las calificaciones, para la aplicación de una metodología cooperativa al aula universitaria.     

Population and land use change in the California Mojave: Natural habitat implications of alternative futures

Demographic and land use dynamics have important implications for the natural environment within both developed and developing nations. Within the context of developed nations, popular and policy debates surrounding contemporary patterns of suburbanization attest to the salience of demographic and development issues. We examine the implications of land-use patterns as related to population and development within the context of the California Mojave Desert ecosystem. In a general sense, we aim to better understand the land requirements inferred by varying levels of population growth and density, as well as the natural habitat implications of those requirements. We develop a GIS including remotely sensed imagery, and demographic, economic, and biophysical data to examine of the implications of various demographic scenarios on species diversity. Spatial and statistical models are designed to develop possible alternative land use `futures'. Within the context of the California Mojave region, our results suggest that high-density development could reduce conflict with regions providing potential habitat for threatened or endangered species by over 80 percent. The process of model development demonstrates a potentially useful tool for policymakers, allowing for estimation and visualization of the land use implications of policy decisions.     

The Emigration of Pro-social Behaviors: A Comparative Analysis of Colombian and US Latter-day Saints

VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations - Scholars have studied the differences in pro-social behaviors among countries for over 50 years. Religious...     

Corporate and managerial characteristics as drivers of social responsibility disclosure by state-owned enterprises

The public administration sector, including state owned enterprises (SOEs), has developed various types of information disclosure practice, in response to stakeholders’ demands, in parallel with developments in the private sector. This paper analyses the corporate social responsibility (CSR) information disclosed by SOEs and the influence exerted by the characteristics of the SOEs themselves (size, industry sector, degree of government ownership and number of years in operation) and by those of their managers (age, gender, CSR education profile and CSR responsibilities in the workplace). To do so, an index of CSR information disclosure was created, based on the responses made to a questionnaire in this respect. An empirical regression model was then applied to test and categorise the factors analysed. According to the results obtained, the size and sector of the SOE, together with the manager’s CSR responsibilities, are the factors that most significantly affect the online disclosure of CSR information.