Allometric Scaling: Analysis of LD50 Data

The need to identify toxicologically equivalent doses across different species is a major issue in toxicology and risk assessment. In this article, we investigate interspecies scaling based on the allometric equation applied to the single, oral LD ₅₀ data previously analyzed by Rhomberg and Wolff.⁽ 1 ⁾ We focus on the statistical approach, namely, regression analysis of the mentioned data. In contrast to Rhomberg and Wolff's analysis of species pairs, we perform an overall analysis based on the whole data set. From our study it follows that if one assumes one single scaling rule for all species and substances in the data set, then β= 1 is the most natural choice among a set of candidates known in the literature. In fact, we obtain quite narrow confidence intervals for this parameter. However, the estimate of the variance in the model is relatively high, resulting in rather wide prediction intervals.     

Can better parenting be achieved through short prevention programs? The challenge of universal prevention through Strengthening Families Program 11–14

With the increase in substance use by young people in recent years' there has been a growth in evidence‐based programs aimed at preventing this problem. This study aims to assess possible changes in family and parental dynamics among families taking part in a short (6‐session) universal program. These changes might act as protective factors for families in preventing substance use. A quasi‐experimental design was used' with pretest and posttest evaluations. The participating schools meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The sample was made up of 16 experimental groups and 17 control groups' with the participation of 353 parents and 289 youths. The results confirm the strengthening of the families by improving the following key components of parenting: resilience' involvement' family conflicts' and positive parenting. Reinforcing parenting skills through a short program is a good strategy to take' ensuring high levels of adherence (86.40% retention of the initial sample). Hence future universal prevention programs must not just set their sights on high levels of effectiveness' but also on efficiency.     

The origins of the Gini index: extracts from Variabilità e Mutabilità (1912) by Corrado Gini

The scope of this paper is to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Gini index by providing the original formulae. Corrado Gini introduced his index for the first time in a 1912 book published in Italian under the name of ??Variabilità e Mutabilità?? (Variability and Mutability). This article provides selected extracts of Part I of the book dedicated to measures of variability. We find that Gini proposed no less than 13 formulations of his index, none of which is known today to the large public. We also find that Gini anticipated some of the developments that derived from the study of his index.     

Un estudio de modelos femeninos en una muestra de adolescentes chilenas

Resumen

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue estudiar qué mujeres iberoamericanas tenían un valor de modelo y cuáles eran sus características, en una muestra de U6 adolescentes mujeres del Area Metropolitana de Santiago de Chile, estratificada en tres niveles socioeconómicos.

El análisis estadístico de los resultados indicó un bajo nivel de información en los tres estratos socioeconómicos, tanto en relación a las mujeres que han aportado en el devenir histórico, como en relación a las mujeres contemporáneas. Se observaron diferencias significativas de información entre los tres niveles socioeconómicos, siendo mayor el nivel de desinformación de las adolescentes del nivel socioeconómico bajo.

El rango de mujeres mencionadas como significativas, tanto históricas como contemporáneas, reflejó poca variedad en los modelos. La mayor parte de las mujeres históricas mencionadas son chilenas, encontrándose una muy pequeña proporción de mujeres del resto de Iberoamérica.     

Maternal singing of lullabies during pregnancy and after birth: Effects on mother–infant bonding and on newborns’ behaviour. Concurrent Cohort Study

Background

Mother–infant bonding is of great importance for the development and the well-being of the baby. The aim of this Concurrent Cohort Study was to investigate the effects of mothers singing lullabies on bonding, newborns’ behaviour and maternal stress.

The impact of remittances from Canada's seasonal workers programme on Mexican farms

Based on a survey of participants in Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program, the authors’ three‐stage least squares estimation of a simultaneous equation model finds that migrants’ remittances enhance on‐farm investments in Mexico, which, in turn, increase farm income. Remittances are also found to have a positive influence on non‐farm income in Mexico, by giving respondents the possibility of starting a new business and diversifying their investments. These results support the hypothesis underlying the “new economics of labour migration” that remittances contribute to economic development by relaxing the credit constraint on the investment function of family farms.     

Homogenizing Responses to Different Survey Questions on the Same Topic: Proposal of a Scale Homogenization Method Using a Reference Distribution

Survey data are often used for comparison purposes, such as comparisons across nations or comparisons over time. To be effective, this would require equivalent questions and equivalent responses options to the questions. Yet there is a lot of variation in the response scales used, which, for example, differ in the number of response options used and the labeling of these options. This is the case in happiness research, and as a result most of the research data in this field is incomparable. Several methods have been proposed to transform ratings on verbal response scales to a common numerical scale, typically ranging from 0 to 10. In this paper we give an overview of the progress made in those Scale Homogenization methods over time. We describe two early methods: Linear Stretch and the Semantic Judgement of Fixed Word Value Method. Next we discuss the Semantic Judgement of Word Value in Context Method in more detail. Based on these discussions we propose a new Reference Distribution Method. We apply the Semantic Judgement of Word Value in Context and the Reference Distribution Methods to data on happiness in The Netherlands for the years 1989–2009. We show that the Reference Distribution Method produces comparable time series on different questions and that it allows discontinuities in data to be corrected.     

Local Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Analysis: Suggesting a Dynamic Performance Management Approach

Public Organization Review - This paper focuses on the contribution provided by stakeholder analysis to local strategic planning. The aim of the paper is to deal with the issue, emerging from both...     

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.