Characterization of discrete distributions using expected values

In this paper we study characterization problems for discrete distributions using the doubly truncated mean function m(xy)=E(h(X)|x≤X≤y), for a monotonic function h(x). We obtain the distribution function F(x) from m(x,y) and we give the necessary and sufficient conditions for any real function to be the doubly truncated mean function for a discrete distribution.     

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.     

My Wealth, (Y)Our Life Satisfaction? Sole and Joint Wealth Ownership and Life Satisfaction in Marriage

This study examines the money-subjective well-being nexus by studying the link between changes in jointly and solely (i.e. respondents’ own and their partner’s own) held gross wealth and changes in married individuals’ subjective well-being. Joint assets reflect norms of sharing responsibilities and resources. Solely held assets, in contrast, offer individual economic independence. Using wealth data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP; 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017), we estimate individual fixed effects regressions. Although coefficients for all three wealth measures are positive, our results highlight that only increases in jointly held wealth are associated with statistically significant increases in spouses’ life satisfaction in Germany. Despite expectations about a stronger relevance of joint wealth for men compared to women in line with men’s role as a financial provider for the family, we do not find substantial gender differences in the positive association between increases in joint wealth and life satisfaction. In light of the individualisation of marriages, our results highlight that the personal benefits associated with marital sharing of wealth seem to trump those of economic independence and financial autonomy.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10680-022-09630-7.     

Effective strategies for socio-educational intervention during the process of transition to adult life of unaccompanied minors from Africa

The arrival of unaccompanied minors from Africa in Spanish territory has been a constant since the last decade of the twentieth century. This migratory phenomenon has forced the child welfare system to attend to thousands of migrant children. The transition to adult life is a decisive stage in overcoming the situation of social exclusion. This research aims to analyse which socio-educational intervention strategies are effective during the process of transition to independent living with unaccompanied minors of African origin. We designed a qualitative research according to the grounded theory, which we divided into two phases. Twenty-nine young people (26 men and 3 women) participated. In phase 1, we performed two focus groups (N = 11), and in phase 2, we conducted longitudinal follow-ups (N = 18) for 24 months through 180 interviews. The results indicate the effectiveness of designing socio-educational accompaniment, prioritizing spaces of trust from which to attain the goals of emancipation. Young people consider effective those strategies that favour their knowledge of the social, labour and legal reality of the host society, designed considering each minor's individualized situation. We concluded that professional involvement acts as a buffer, reducing the bureaucratic obstacles implemented by the Spanish government.