Do R&D strategies in high-tech sectors differ from those in low-tech sectors? An alternative approach to testing the pooling assumption

Most studies investigating the determinants of R&D investment consider pooled estimates. However, if the parameters are heterogeneous, pooled coefficients may not provide reliable estimates of individual industry effects. Hence pooled parameters may conceal valuable information that may help target government tools more efficiently across heterogeneous industries. There is little evidence to date on the decomposition of the determinants of R&D investment by industry. Moreover, the existing work does not distinguish between those R&D determinants for which pooling may be valid and those for which it is not. In this paper, we test the pooling assumption for a panel of manufacturing industries and find that pooling is valid only for output fluctuations, adjustment costs and interest rates. Implementing the test results into our model, we find government funding is significant only for low-tech R&D. Foreign R&D and skilled labour matter only in high-tech sectors. These results suggest important implications for R&D policy.

Ink Under the Fingernails: Making Print in Nineteenth-Century Mexico City

This dissertation examines Mexico City’s material politics of print—the central actors engaged in making print, their activities and relationships, and the legal, business, and social dimensions of production—across the nineteenth century. Inside urban printshops, a socially diverse group of men ranging from manual laborers to educated editors collaborated to make the printed items that fueled political debates and partisan struggles in the new republic. By investigating how print was produced, regulated, and consumed, this dissertation argues that printers shaped some of the most pressing conflicts that marked Mexico’s first formative century: over freedom of expression, the role of religion in government, and the emergence of liberalism. Printers shaped debates not only because they issued texts that fueled elite politics but precisely because they operated at the nexus where new liberal guarantees like freedom of the press and intellectual property intersected with politics and patronage, the regulatory efforts of the emerging state, and the harsh realities of a post-colonial economy.

Historians of Mexico have typically approached print as a vehicle for texts written by elites, which they argue contributed to the development of a national public sphere or print culture in spite of low literacy levels. By shifting the focus to print’s production, my work instead reveals that a range of urban residents—from prominent printshop owners to government ministers to street vendors—produced, engaged, and deployed printed items in contests unfolding in the urban environment. As print increasingly functioned as a political weapon in the decades after independence, print production itself became an arena in struggles over the emerging contours of politics and state formation, even as printing technologies remained relatively unchanged over time.

This work examines previously unexplored archival documents, including official correspondence, legal cases, business transactions, and printshop labor records, to shed new light on Mexico City printers’ interactions with the emerging national government, and reveal the degree to which heated ideological debates emerged intertwined with the most basic concerns over the tangible practices of print. By delving into the rich social and cultural world of printing—described by intellectuals and workers alike in memoirs, fiction, caricatures and periodicals— it also considers how printers’ particular status straddling elite and working worlds led them to challenge boundaries drawn by elites that separated manual and intellectual labors. Finally, this study engages the full range of printed documents made in Mexico City printshops not just as texts but also as objects with particular visual and material qualities whose uses and meanings were shaped not only by emergent republicanism but also by powerful colonial legacies that generated ambivalent attitudes towards print’s transformative power.

O profissional da informaçao e as habilidades exigidas no mercado de trabalho emergente

Diante de um novo perfil do emprego e do mercado de trabalho - que se transforma marcadamente em face das tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC) há uma demanda por profissionais munidos de novas habilidades e competências. Assim, objetiva-se, de modo geral, analisar as novas habilidades demandadas pelo mercado de trabalho atual para o profissional da informação. Para tanto, busca-se especificamente, caracterizar os fatores determinantes do contexto atual; verificar o impacto das TIC no mercado de trabalho do profissional da informação; e conhecer as transformações ocorridas no perfil deste profissional frente a estas mudanças. Para alcançar os objetivos propostos recorreu-se à pesquisa bibliográfica, bem como à análise de anúncios de empregos divulgados no website Catho On-line. A análise dos dados se deu de forma comparativa entre os anos de 2003 e 2005 e, permitiu concluir que as habilidades exigidas para o profissional da informação na atualidade dizem respeito, além dos conhecimentos técnicos, a fluência em idioma estrangeiro, ao domínio da informática, aos conhecimentos gerencias e, principalmente, às habilidades interpessoais_____________________________________________________________________________Facing a new profile of the job and the labor market - that changes remarkably regarding to the new technologies of information and communication (TIC), there is a demand for professionals who posses new abilities and competences. It was aimed at, then, in general, to analyze the new abilities disputed by the labor market for the professional of information, because of the new available resources. In order to do that, it was specifically searched, to characterize the decisive factors of the current context; to verify the impact of the TIC in the labor market of the professional of information; and to know the transformations happened in the profile of these professionals before these changes. To reach the proposed objectives it was realized bibliographical research, as well as to the analysis of advertisements of jobs published in the website Catho On-line, of comparative form between the years of 2003 and 2005. The analysis of the data allowed us to conclude that the abilities demanded for the professional of information at the present time concern, besides the technical knowledge, the fluency in a foreign language, to the domain of the computer science and the managing knowledge

Experimental Evidence that Retaliation Claims Are Unlike Other Employment Discrimination Claims

The type of discrimination claim that strikes fear in the hearts of all employers is the dreaded retaliation claim. While employers contend, and plaintiffs admit, that retaliation is different from other discrimination complaints, employee advocates have put forth legislation that would equalize retaliation with the other types of discrimination. This bill, Protecting Older Workers against Discrimination Act (POWADA), would expand the so-called mixed-motive jury instruction to age, and disability, as well as retaliation. Moreover, it would allow plaintiffs, not judges, to decide which types of instruction the jury would receive. In this article, the authors argue that retaliation claims should not receive the same treatment as other discrimination claims (including age and disability), because it’s easy for juries to believe that retaliation is a factor, regardless of other facts. Once a fact-finding jury checks the box to indicate that an employer’s motive might include retaliation, the employer will likely have to pay fees and costs, at minimum, regardless of the claim’s final resolution.

Supply Chain Adaptation of Finnish Companies in Chinese Institutional Environment

Within the last few decades of operations and supply chain management, the field has seen the rise of so called best practices, methods that will help supply chains obtain their business goals and gain a competitive edge. These methods were thought to be universal. This however is not always the case, as the surrounding business environment could have a significant impact on what will be effective in gaining competitive edge. Contingency theory states that the success of a supply chain is determined by both internal capabilities, as well as external context aligning. This creates a strategic fit, which is a major determinant of success. In order for supply chains to reach this strategic fit, they must adapt. As China has seen rapid growth and over the last few decades become one of the major economies of the world, Western companies have tried to establish themselves there, only to find that the Chinese market is extremely difficult to operate in. The aim of this thesis was to investigate from contingency theory perspective, what are the institutional factors that affect supply chain management of Finnish companies operating in China, and how do Finnish companies adapt their supply chains to better fit the Chinese institutional environment. A theoretical model was created for this thesis, in which supply chains possess resources, which can be combined in a meaningful manner to create capabilities. Both resources and capabilities are affected by the surrounding institutional environment, which forces supply chains to adapt in order to find a better strategic fit. A total of six Finnish managers from three large and three small companies operating in China were interviewed. The results indicated that the Chinese business environment is significantly different, than that of Finland or Western countries in general. Three institutional factors were identified: Confucian though, fast-paced business environment, and managing labor force. These three institutional factors made the relationship and delivery capabilities particularly important, as well as human resources, reputation, physical resources and technological resources. In conclusion, it was discovered that the Chinese institutional environment is heavily affected by Confucian thought, as well as the rapid market growth. These are the two most important institutional factors that shape the Chinese market. If supply chains wish to be successful in China, adaptation regarding these two institutional factors should yield good results.

O profissional da informaçao e as habilidades exigidas no mercado de trabalho emergente

Diante de um novo perfil do emprego e do mercado de trabalho - que se transforma marcadamente em face das tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC) há uma demanda por profissionais munidos de novas habilidades e competências. Assim, objetiva-se, de modo geral, analisar as novas habilidades demandadas pelo mercado de trabalho atual para o profissional da informação. Para tanto, busca-se especificamente, caracterizar os fatores determinantes do contexto atual; verificar o impacto das TIC no mercado de trabalho do profissional da informação; e conhecer as transformações ocorridas no perfil deste profissional frente a estas mudanças. Para alcançar os objetivos propostos recorreu-se à pesquisa bibliográfica, bem como à análise de anúncios de empregos divulgados no website Catho On-line. A análise dos dados se deu de forma comparativa entre os anos de 2003 e 2005 e, permitiu concluir que as habilidades exigidas para o profissional da informação na atualidade dizem respeito, além dos conhecimentos técnicos, a fluência em idioma estrangeiro, ao domínio da informática, aos conhecimentos gerencias e, principalmente, às habilidades interpessoais_____________________________________________________________________________Facing a new profile of the job and the labor market - that changes remarkably regarding to the new technologies of information and communication (TIC), there is a demand for professionals who posses new abilities and competences. It was aimed at, then, in general, to analyze the new abilities disputed by the labor market for the professional of information, because of the new available resources. In order to do that, it was specifically searched, to characterize the decisive factors of the current context; to verify the impact of the TIC in the labor market of the professional of information; and to know the transformations happened in the profile of these professionals before these changes. To reach the proposed objectives it was realized bibliographical research, as well as to the analysis of advertisements of jobs published in the website Catho On-line, of comparative form between the years of 2003 and 2005. The analysis of the data allowed us to conclude that the abilities demanded for the professional of information at the present time concern, besides the technical knowledge, the fluency in a foreign language, to the domain of the computer science and the managing knowledge

Credibilidad y confianza del comité de convivencia laboral de la Administración Municipal de Itagüí (2014 – 2015)

El acoso laboral es una problemática que aqueja a la población laboral mundial y es uno de los principales riesgos psicosociales en el trabajo, pues no sólo afecta la productividad de los trabajadores, sino que también tiene un fuerte impacto en su salud mental. En Colombia se promulgó la Ley 1010 de 2006 con el fin de combatir este flagelo, sin embargo, se cuestiona la eficacia de esta ley y las resoluciones emanadas del Ministerio del Trabajo que crean los Comités de Convivencia Laboral. El acoso laboral, continúa siendo una de las principales problemáticas que viven los empleados en Colombia, situación que no es ajena en la Administración Municipal de Itagüí. La pregunta que orientó la presente investigación fue: ¿Genera credibilidad y confianza el Comité de Convivencia Laboral entre los funcionarios de la Administración Municipal de Itagüí frente a la solución de las problemáticas relacionadas con el acoso laboral? Los resultados obtenidos a partir de una encuesta realizada a 254 funcionarios y una entrevista con los miembros del Comité de Convivencia Laboral (CCL), permite concluir que el CCL de la Administración Municipal de Itagüí, presenta fallas en la gestión que viene realizando y que existe un clima de desconfianza y falta de credibilidad hacia el comité, lo que se traduce en que la Ley 1010 de 2006 pierda eficacia instrumental en la prevención del acoso laboral en la administración municipal de Itagüí.

Às vezes faço de conta que não vejo dedos no ar. O estatuto da criança como codecisora nos contextos educativos

Relatório de estágio apresentado à Escola Superior de Educação de Paula Frassinetti para a obtenção de grau de mestre em educação pré-escolar e ensino do 1º ciclo do ensino básico

El desarrollo del sistema energético solar-hidrógeno en América Latina: potencialidades, oportunidades y barreras

El Sistema Energético Solar-Hidrógeno (SESH) constituye un sistema energético cuya fuente primaria es la energía solar, directa o indirecta, y la secundaria el hidrógeno. Actualmente, se considera como la mejor opción para complementar en el mediano y sustituir en el largo plazo, al actual sistema energético basado en fuentes fósiles. En este contexto se desenvuelve este trabajo, cuyo objetivo es identificar y analizar los factores intervinientes en el desarrollo del SESH en el ámbito latinoamericano, mediante una investigación documental basada en una amplia revisión bibliográfica. Se obtiene que la mayoría de países latinoamericanos disponen de ingentes potenciales aprovechables de energías renovables que harían posible y atractiva económicamente la implantación del SESH; que la hidrogenaría y biomasa son las fuentes más adecuadas como base para esta implantación, tanto por su potencial como por su presencia en la matriz energética y costos del SESH. Los estudios indican que la energización rural y el transporte urbano constituyen nichos de oportunidad para la penetración del SESH. También se reportan barreras: acciones de investigación escasas y concentradas en pocos países, un exiguo talento humano formado y capacitado para operar y desarrollar esta tecnología, como resultado de una débil oferta formativa; y la carencia de un marco legal e institucional que incentive el desarrollo de este sistema. Se concluye que sólo con la acción concertada de centros de investigación, universidades y la empresa privada, bajo la tutela del estado, se logrará que este elemento químico singular conduzca el desarrollo humano de la región por caminos sustentables.

Supply Chain Adaptation of Finnish Companies in Chinese Institutional Environment

Within the last few decades of operations and supply chain management, the field has seen the rise of so called best practices, methods that will help supply chains obtain their business goals and gain a competitive edge. These methods were thought to be universal. This however is not always the case, as the surrounding business environment could have a significant impact on what will be effective in gaining competitive edge. Contingency theory states that the success of a supply chain is determined by both internal capabilities, as well as external context aligning. This creates a strategic fit, which is a major determinant of success. In order for supply chains to reach this strategic fit, they must adapt. As China has seen rapid growth and over the last few decades become one of the major economies of the world, Western companies have tried to establish themselves there, only to find that the Chinese market is extremely difficult to operate in. The aim of this thesis was to investigate from contingency theory perspective, what are the institutional factors that affect supply chain management of Finnish companies operating in China, and how do Finnish companies adapt their supply chains to better fit the Chinese institutional environment. A theoretical model was created for this thesis, in which supply chains possess resources, which can be combined in a meaningful manner to create capabilities. Both resources and capabilities are affected by the surrounding institutional environment, which forces supply chains to adapt in order to find a better strategic fit. A total of six Finnish managers from three large and three small companies operating in China were interviewed. The results indicated that the Chinese business environment is significantly different, than that of Finland or Western countries in general. Three institutional factors were identified: Confucian though, fast-paced business environment, and managing labor force. These three institutional factors made the relationship and delivery capabilities particularly important, as well as human resources, reputation, physical resources and technological resources. In conclusion, it was discovered that the Chinese institutional environment is heavily affected by Confucian thought, as well as the rapid market growth. These are the two most important institutional factors that shape the Chinese market. If supply chains wish to be successful in China, adaptation regarding these two institutional factors should yield good results.

FY 1996-1997 Accountability Report

Each year the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation sends a report to the Office of State Budget that includes the agency's mission, goals and objectives to accomplish the mission, and performance measures regarding the goals and objectives.

Spatiotemporal neuromodulation therapies engaging muscle synergies improve motor control after spinal cord injury.

Electrical neuromodulation of lumbar segments improves motor control after spinal cord injury in animal models and humans. However, the physiological principles underlying the effect of this intervention remain poorly understood, which has limited the therapeutic approach to continuous stimulation applied to restricted spinal cord locations. Here we developed stimulation protocols that reproduce the natural dynamics of motoneuron activation during locomotion. For this, we computed the spatiotemporal activation pattern of muscle synergies during locomotion in healthy rats. Computer simulations identified optimal electrode locations to target each synergy through the recruitment of proprioceptive feedback circuits. This framework steered the design of spatially selective spinal implants and real-time control software that modulate extensor and flexor synergies with precise temporal resolution. Spatiotemporal neuromodulation therapies improved gait quality, weight-bearing capacity, endurance and skilled locomotion in several rodent models of spinal cord injury. These new concepts are directly translatable to strategies to improve motor control in humans.

More Than A Movement: Unpacking Contemporary Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts in Washington, D.C.

Trafficking in persons has attracted seemingly boundless attention over the last two decades and the work aimed at fighting it is best understood when this cause is contextualized against the backdrop of other social forces—economic, social, and cultural—shaping contemporary nonprofit activities. This project argues that the paid and volunteer labor that takes place in metro Washington, D.C., to combat trafficking in persons can be understood as both a movement and an industry. In addition to arguing that anti-trafficking work is part of a nonprofit industrial complex that situates activist and advocacy work firmly inside state and economic institutions, this project is concerned with the ways in which trafficking work and workers conduct their business collectively. As an organizational study, it identifies the key players in the D.C. region focused on this issue and traces their interactions, collaborations, and cooperation. Significantly, this project suggests that despite variations in objectives, methods, priorities, and characterizations of trafficking, thirty organizations in metro D.C. working on this issue “get along” because they are bound by the benign common goal of raising awareness. Awareness, in this context, is best understood as both a cultural anchor facilitating cohesion and as a social currency allowing groups to opt into joint efforts. The dissertation concludes that organizations centralize awareness in their collective activities over more drastic priorities around which consensus would need to be gained. This is a lost opportunity for making sense of the ways that individual bodies—men, women, and children—experience not just trafficking, but the world around them.

Teoria do valor e trabalho produtivo no setor de serviços

Interpretações da teoria do valor trabalho encontram dificuldades em definir o papel e o lugar das atividades de serviço com relação à produção ou não de valor. Esse problema ganha magnitude na medida em que a perspectiva histórica mostra que os serviços são grandes empregadores de mão de obra na atualidade. Tradicionalmente, os serviços são entendidos como atividades não produtivas, devido ao fato, dentre outros argumentos, de que não resultam em materialização na forma de mercadorias, ou que não produzem novos valores e mais-valia. O objetivo deste artigo é examinar essa questão e sugerir a proposição de que certos serviços, que preenchem determinadas condições, podem ser interpretados como produtivos de valor e de mais-valia. O artigo examina as categorias materialidade e imaterialidade, assim como as de trabalho produtivo e não produtivo de valor, introduzindo, a seguir, critérios para distinguir trabalhos produtivos e não produtivos de valor no setor de serviços. Com isso, pretende contribuir para clarificar o entendimento da teoria do valor trabalho num terreno entrecruzado de polêmicas e de posições teóricas diferenciadas. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT

Desarrollo de un modelo de negocio para la empresa Agroindustrias Villalonso S.A.S. y su proyecto de reforestación comercial de caucho natural

El caucho natural y su proceso de transformación industrial es una cadena que presenta grandes potencialidades agroecológicas en el país, genera empleo rural productivo, construye capital y contribuye con el medio ambiente, razones que motivaron al autor a investigar los aspectos técnicos que el inversionista debe tener presente al momento de emprender un proyecto de reforestación comercial de caucho -- El caso de estudio se desarrolló para la microempresa Agroindustrias Villalonso, ubicada en la región heveícola del Magdalena Medio Santandereano, con el objetivo principal de analizar y abordar cada una de las etapas que constituyen un modelo de negocio, y proponerle a la microempresa, y demás interesados, cuáles son las mejores alternativas que deben desarrollarse para que un proyecto de este tipo tenga un resultado financiero positivo y por consiguiente un retorno favorable de la inversión -- La descripción y análisis de alternativas de todas las etapas que constituyen un modelo de negocio fueron desarrolladas con base en la metodología de Osterwalder & Pigneur, en el lienzo del modelo de negocio; esta metodología fue escogida como la más completa para este proyecto -- Del desarrollo de la investigación se evidenció que aunque el proyecto presenta características técnicas favorables, las condiciones macroeconómicas actuales, el entorno del mercado nacional y extranjero y los sistemas de explotación convencionales que elevan especialmente los costos en mano de obra, podrían poner en riesgo la viabilidad del mismo, a menos que la propuesta de valor se desarrolle a partir de los criterios y alternativas planteados en este trabajo