Multicollinearity and financial constraint in investment decisions: a bayesian generalized ridge regression

This paper addresses the investment decisions considering the presence of financial constraints of 373 large Brazilian firms from 1997 to 2004, using panel data. A Bayesian econometric model was used considering ridge regression for multicollinearity problems among the variables in the model. Prior distributions are assumed for the parameters, classifying the model into random or fixed effects. We used a Bayesian approach to estimate the parameters, considering normal and Student t distributions for the error and assumed that the initial values for the lagged dependent variable are not fixed, but generated by a random process. The recursive predictive density criterion was used for model comparisons. Twenty models were tested and the results indicated that multicollinearity does influence the value of the estimated parameters. Controlling for capital intensity, financial constraints are found to be more important for capital-intensive firms, probably due to their lower profitability indexes, higher fixed costs and higher degree of property diversification.

Overlay removable partial dentures for a patient with ectodermal dysplasia: A clinical report

The orofacial characteristics of ectodermal dysplasia include anodontia or hypodontia, hypoplastic conical teeth, underdevelopment of the alveolar ridges, frontal bossing, a depressed nasal bridge, protuberant lips, and hypotrichosis. Patients with this disease often need complex prosthetic treatment. The options for a definitive treatment plan may include fixed, removable, or implant-supported prostheses, singly or in combination. However, financial constraints and other priorities can prevent patients from choosing the most desirable treatment. This clinical report describes the diagnosis and treatment of ectodermal dysplasia in an 18-year-old man. The treatment included interim removable partial dentures fabricated to establish an acceptable therapeutic occlusal vertical dimension, followed by definitive overlay removable partial dentures and composite restorations.

Novas estratégias sindicais: a experiência das redes internacionais

O atual c ontexto internacional é reflexo de uma transformaçãosignificativa na ordem mundial baseada cada vez mais nas interações comerciaise financeiras condicionantes dos interesses e estratégias de ação dos países,fenômeno este identificado com o conceito de globalização. Esta nova realidadeimplicou adequações e mudanças nos comportamentos de alguns grupos e atoressociais brasileiros – como o movimento sindical – à medida que o Estado-naçãoperde capacidade de controlar a atuação empresarial neste novo contexto e,consequentemente, teve alterado o seu papel, ganhando um perfil supervisor emdetrimento de sua função de regulamentador. Neste artigo, discutimos como algumasorganizações sindicais brasileiras estão reagindo perante esta nova realidade e quetipo de iniciativas estão sendo tomadas a fim de fortalecer sua posição neste mundoglobalizado.

Using ecological thresholds to evaluate the costs and benefits of set-asides in a biodiversity hotspot

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)