STRATEGIC DECISIONS OF FAMILY FIRMS ON CASH ACCUMULATION

ABSTRACTGiven the particular strengths, weaknesses, and peculiarities of family firms as well as the importance of liquidity in today’s marketplace, we analyze the distinct characteristics and strategies of family businesses related to the amount of cash a firm holds. We look beyond the traditional factors that influence decisions related to cash management to examine factors that are particularly important for family firms. Specifically, we outline the relevance of strategic decisions guided by family firms’ conservatism, flexibility, long-term view, and the active control that they have over family members. To our knowledge, no prior studies exist regarding family firms and their strategic adjustment of cash holding. Therefore, we investigate whether the ownership structure of the firm (through the presence of a controlling family) moderates decisions on cash holding. We found that family firms tend to accumulate cash for strategic reasons and as a result of their own idiosyncrasies. Thus, family firms can achieve optimal cash accumulation more efficiently than non-family firms.

Locus de Control y Ira

La ira se ha relacionado con atribuciones externas en distintos modelos atribucionales, sin embargo, desde los planteamientos de la teoría del “locus de control” (Rotter, 1966) la respuesta emocional de ira no ha sido objeto de estudio con la frecuencia que sería deseable (aunque sí la conducta agresiva). El presente trabajo explora las relaciones del locus de control externo con la emoción de ira, así como con la expresión y control de la misma. Para ello se utilizó una muestra de 177 estudiantes universitarios (27 hombres y 150 mujeres) a los que se evaluó mediante los instrumentos siguientes: Escala de Rotter (Rotter, 1966, versión española de Pérez García, 1984); el Inventario de Expresión de Ira Estado/Rasgo -STAXI-de Spielberger (1988, 1991), versión española de Spielberger, Miguel-Tobal, Cano-Vindel y Casado, 1992); y el Inventario de Control, Defensa y Expresión de Emociones -CDE-(Cano Vindel y Miguel Tobal, 1996). Se realizó un análisis correlacional entre las distintas escalas de los instrumentos y diferencias de medias para dos grupos extremos (altos y bajos) en locus de control (equiparados en la variable sexo). Nuestros resultados muestran una relación positiva y significativa entre el locus de control externo y la respuesta emocional de ira, así como una tendencia a expresar externamente la ira y a controlarla menos en sujetos con atribuciones de causalidad externas. Conocer los procesos atribucionales asociados a la ira y a su afrontamiento permitirá una intervención más eficaz sobre la misma.

¿Entes de regulación o control? Imprecisiones del "moderno" esquema de regulación: reflexiones y enseñanzas del caso argentino

Este artículo analiza las particularidades del "moderno" esquema de regulación de los servicios públicos de infraestructura, que se extendió a partir de los procesos de privatización del último cuarto del siglo XX. Diferenciándose de la arquitectura institucional vigente durante el período de prestación estatal (regulación "endógena"), los entes reguladores emergen como el elemento neurálgico de este nuevo esquema. Sin embargo, como se desprende de la experiencia argentina, estos organismos han sido dotados de ambiguas atribuciones regulatorias e inapropiados diseños institucionales, quedando trunca su capacidad real de regulación. A raíz de la difusa delimitación de misiones y funciones e - incluso - frente a las imprecisiones teóricas en la materia, este artículo precisa el alcance de la intervención de los distintos actores del sistema de prestación y regulación: empresas prestadoras, entes reguladores, poderes del Estado (Ejecutivo y Legislativo) y usuarios y consumidores. En este sentido, trabaja sobre los diseños institucionales más apropiados para que los entes desarrollen efectivas capacidades de regulación. El análisis se ejemplifica a partir de la experiencia privatizadora argentina - nacional y subnacional - en los servicios de agua potable y saneamiento y distribución de electricidad.

Network dynamics in scientific knowledge acquisition: an analysis in three public universities in the state of Bahia

This paper aims to cast some light on the dynamics of knowledge networks in developing countries by analyzing the scientific production of the largest university in the Northeast of Brazil and its influence on some of the remaining regional research institutions in the state of Bahia. Using a methodology test to be employed in a larger project, the Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA) (Federal University of Bahia), the Universidade do Estado da Bahia (Uneb) (State of Bahia University) and the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (Uesc)'s (Santa Cruz State University) scientific productions are discussed in one of their most traditionally expressive sectors in academic production - namely, the field of chemistry, using social network analysis of co-authorship networks to investigate the existence of small world phenomena and the importance of these phenomena in research performance in these three universities. The results already obtained through this research bring to light data of considerable interest concerning the scientific production in unconsolidated research universities. It shows the important participation of the UFBA network in the composition of the other two public universities research networks, indicating a possible occurrence of small world phenomena in the UFBA and Uesc networks, as well as the importance of individual researchers in consolidating research networks in peripheral universities. The article also hints that the methodology employed appears to be adequate insofar as scientific production may be used as a proxy for scientific knowledge.

Predictors of Successful Weight Control: Cross-Cultural Moderators of Treatment Outcomes

Given the heterogeneity of effect sizes within the population for any treatment, identifying moderators of outcomes is critical [1]. In weight management programs, there is a high individual variability in terms of weight loss and an overall modest success [2]. Some people will adopt and sustain attitudes and behaviors associated with weight loss, while others won’t [3]. To predict weight loss outcome just from the subject’s baseline information would be very valuable [4,5]. It would allow to: - Better match between treatments and individuals - Identify the participants with less probability of success (or potential dropouts) in a given treatment and direct them to alternative therapies - Target limited resources to those most likely to succeed - Increase cost-effectiveness and improve success rates of the programs Few studies have been dedicated to describe baseline predictors of treatment success. The Healthy Weight for Life (USA) study is one of the few. Its findings are now being cross-validated in Portuguese samples. This paper describes these cross-cultural comparisons.

Estresse e desordem temporomandibular (DTM) : incidência e relação em docentes de nível

RESUMO: O trabalho docente exige dedicação em sala de aula e fora dela, pois o professor vê-se na missão de educador, formador de opiniões e de futuros profissionais no mercado de trabalho. Uma das patologias que pode ocorrer devido ao estresse gerado pela docência é o desenvolvimento de Desordens Temporomandibulares, que acarretará cefaleias, dores musculares na região cervical e facial e alterações posturais. Tivemos a pretensão de conduzir nossas reflexões sobre o estresse do docente para procurar responder às nossas inquietações. Para isso, formulamos o seguinte questionamento: qual a incidência e a relação entre o estresse e o desenvolvimento de Desordens Temporomandibulares no docente de nível superior? O objetivo geral desta investigação foi descrever e analisar a relação entre o estresse e a incidência de Desordem Temporomandibular (DTM) em docentes de nível superior da cidade de Palmas – Tocantins – Brasil. Para contemplar o objetivo geral, buscamos verificar a presença ou não de estresse e os principais sintomas de estresse nos docentes de Ensino Superior, identificando a fase do estresse em que os professores se encontravam e verificar a presença ou não de DTM e seus graus. Procuramos, ainda, avaliar a relação entre sexo e presença de estresse, estado civil e presença de estresse, o tempo de docência e a presença de estresse e a relação entre a carga horária em sala de aula e a carga horária total de trabalho e a presença de estresse, entre sexo e presença de DTM, estado civil e presença de DTM, o tempo de docência e a presença de DTM e a relação entre a carga horária em sala de aula e carga horária total de trabalho e a presença de DTM. A metodologia utilizada, para a realização deste trabalho, foi de caráter exploratório e descritivo com uma abordagem quantitativa dos dados obtidos. A pesquisa caracterizou-se num estudo de campo, fundamentada em um instrumento denominado “Inventário de Sintomas de Stress Lipp – ISSL” da autora Marilda Lipp (2005), versão para adulto, ao qual acrescentamos dados sociodemográficos (estado civil, tempo de docência, carga horária de sala de aula e de trabalho total). Recorremos, ainda, ao Questionário Índice de Helkimo para identificar a ocorrência de DTMs. A coleta dos dados foi realizada a partir de uma amostra de duzentos e trinta e três (233) docentes de Ensino Superior, com idade entre 23 e 74 anos. Com base na análise realizada, os resultados revelaram que a presença de sintomas de estresse se encontra em 106 (45,49%) docentes, com predomínio da fase de resistência. Verificamos que 127 (54,5%) docentes não apresentam estresse. A sintomatologia predominante são sintomas psicológicos. Vimos que o tempo de docência e a jornada de trabalho não contribuem como um valor preditivo da presença de estresse, bem como o estado civil, e verificamos que o sexo feminino apresentou mais sintomas de estresse. Ao analisarmos a presença ou não de DTM, vimos que os docentes apresentam sintomas de DTM em sua maioria, encontrada em 187 docentes (80,25%), com predomínio do grau de DTM leve. Vimos que o tempo de docência e a jornada de trabalho não contribuem como um valor significativo para a presença de DTM, mas que o sexo feminino apresentou mais sintomas de DTM, bem como os casados. Buscando responder ao problema norteador desta 6 investigação, vimos que, mesmo nos docentes sem presença de estresse, havia sintomas de DTM. Esses dados indicam que a profissão docente pode causar sobrecargas e gerar a DTM. Diante dessa amostra de docentes pesquisados, concluímos que os dados aqui apresentados sugerem uma ampliação do estudo. Considerando a relevância do papel desempenhado pelos docentes das Instituições de Ensino Superior na formação dos acadêmicos e em sua efetiva transformação em futuros profissionais, nossa contribuição para o conhecimento do processo de estresse e os graus de DTM na atividade docente proporcionará oportunidade aos profissionais das diversas áreas do conhecimento e, principalmente, aos docentes para despertarem para a elaboração de programas de combate, controle e prevenção do estresse e do desenvolvimento de DTMs, resultando, dessa forma, na conquista de uma vida mais saudável, tanto na área física quanto na área psicológica. ABSTRACT: Abstract The teacher’s job requires dedication in and out of the classroom for a teacher is in a education mission, he/she is an opinion maker and responsible for future professionals in the market. One of the pathologies that may take place due to the stress caused by this job is the Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) that will trigger cephaleas, muscle pain in the cervical and facial area and posture changes. The purpose of this paper is to conduct reflections about teachers’ stress trying to answer the following question: What is the incidence rate and correlation between stress and the occurrence of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (DTM) in teachers of institutions of higher learning in the city of Palmas – Tocantis – Brazil. To fulfill the general purpose we tried to verify the presence or not of stress and the principal symptoms in teachers in universities and colleges, identifying the levels of stress that they were, and verifying the presence or not of TMD and its levels. We tried to evaluate the correlation between gender and the occurrence of stress, marital status and the presence of stress, career time and the presence of stress, and time working in classroom and the total time of work and the presence of stress. The methodology used to perform this was an exploratory and descriptive study with a quantitative approach of the data gathered. The research was characterized by a field study, fundamented by a tool called “Lipp Stress Symptom Inventory – ISSL” from the author Marilda Lipp (2005), adult version, which we also added social-demographic data (marital status, time teaching, hours working in the classroom, and total time of work). We also used the Helkimo Index Questionnaire to identify the occurrence of TMD’s. The data was collected from a sample of two hundred three (233) teachers of universities and colleges between 23 to 74 years of age. Based on the analysis performed, the results showed the presence of stress among 106 (45.49%) of the teachers, with the predominance of the resistance level. We observed that some 127 teachers (54.5%) did not show stress. The predominant symptomology were psychological ones. We observed that time of experience and the schedule do not influence as a predictive value for the stress presence, neither does the marital status and we also observed that the female gender showed more stress symptoms. When we analyzed the presence or not of TMD, we observed that most of the teachers showed symptoms of TMD, some 187 teachers (80.25%), with the predominance of first level TMD. We observed that the time as teacher and the schedule do not influence with an important value for the TMD presence, however the feminine gender as well as married teachers showed more symptoms of TMD. Trying to answer the most important issue of this study, we saw that even without the occurrence of stress the TMD was present showing that the profession can cause overwork and consequently TMD. With this sample of teachers studied we conclude that the found data suggest a wider research. Considering the role performed by teachers of universities and colleges in the development of students and future professionals, our contribution for the understanding of the stress development and TMD levels in the teaching activity will enable the opportunity for professionals of different areas of knowledge, and 8 principally for teachers, to awaken to the need to develop programs to fight, control, and prevent stress and the development of TMD, therefore resulting in a healthier life, both a physical as well as a psychological one.

A gestão do conhecimento na administração pública municipal em Curitiba com a aplicação do método OKA - Organizational Knowledge Assessment

O presente artigo objetiva analisar como a gestão do conhecimento se manifesta na administração pública da Prefeitura Municipal de Curitiba; para tanto, buscou-se a aplicação do método Organizational Knowledge Assessment (OKA), criado pelo Banco Mundial e organizado pela Escola Nacional de Administração Pública (Enap). No que tange aos procedimentos metodológicos, utilizou-se o estudo de caso como instrumento de pesquisa e coleta dos dados. Como resultado, identificaram-se o processo de avaliação organizacional, indicando as similaridades e distinções do desenvolvimento do método de cada área-fim, e a importância de implantar sistematicamente um processo de avaliação aliado ao planejamento da organização pública com estratégias para disseminar, compartilhar e aplicar o conhecimento produzido.

Accountability and co-production of information and control: social observatories and their relationship with government agencies

Abstract:Through the development of a proposal to categorize accountability into four stages - classical, cross-sectional, systemic, and diffused -, this article aims to identify characteristics of co-production of information and socio-political control of public administration in the work of Brazilian social observatories in relationship with government control agencies. The study analyses data from 20 social observatories and, particularly, three experiences of co-production of information and control, based on a systemic perspective on accountability and a model with four categories: Political and cultural; valuing; systemic-organizational, and production. The conclusions summarize characteristics of these practices, specific phases in the accountability processes, as well as the potentialities and challenges of co-production of information and control, which not only influences, but it is also influenced by the accountability system.

Health knowledge of prostitutes in Saigon, Vietnam: a study of health attitudes and habits relating to venereal diseases taken from a group of prostitutes

A study of health knowledge and practices of prostitutes is presented here. The study took place at the V. D. Center in Saigon, Vietnam. It was designed with the objective of obtaining information to be used in preparing an educational program to be offered to the prostitutes at the Center, and for using, in preparing educational materials with focus on V. D. prevention. The outline of a course is also presented.

Chagas' disease and social security: a case-control study in an urban area, Goiás, Brazil

One hundred and twenty subjects with Chagas' cardiopathy and 120 non-infected subjects were randomly selected from first time claimants of sickness benefits in the National Institute of Social Security (INPS) in Goiás. Cases of Chagas' cardiopathy were defined based on serological test, history of residence in an endemic area and, clinical and/or electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations suggestive of Chagas' cardiomyopathy. Controls were defined as subjects with at least two negative serological tests. Case and controls were compared in the analysis for age, sex, place of birth, migration history, socio-economic level, occupation, physical exertion at work, age at affiliation and years of contribution to the social security scheme, clinical course of their disease and ECG abnormalities. Chagas' disease patients were younger than other subjects and predominantly of rural origin. Non-infected subjects presented a better socio-economic level, were performing more skilled activities and had less changes of job than cases. No important difference was observed in relation to age at affiliation to INPS. About 60% of cases have claimed for benefits within the first four years of contribution while among controls this proportion was 38.5%. Cases were involved, proportionally more than controls, in "heavy" activities. A risk of 2.3 (95%CL 1.5 - 4.6) and 1.8 (95%CL 1.2- 3.5) was obtained comparing respectively "heavy" and "moderate" physical activity against "light". A relative risk of 8.5 (95%CL 4.9 - 14.8) associated with the presence of cardiopathy was estimated comparing the initial sample of seropositive subjects and controls. A high relative risk was observed in relation to right bundle branch block (RR = 37.1 95%CL = 8.8 - 155.6) and left anterior hemiblock (RR = 4.4, 95%CL = 2.1 - 9.1).

The epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis mansoni where Biomphalaria tenagophila is the snail host

The epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis mansoni in the Municipality of Pedro de Toledo (State of S. Paulo, Brazil) since 1980, has been studied. In 1980 the prevalence evaluated by stool exams (Kato-Katz method) was 22.8% and no statistical difference at 5.0% level was observed between rural and urban zones. The intensity of infection was low (58.5 eggs/g of faeces); the highest prevalence and intensity of infection rates were observed within the group of from 5 to 29 years of age, respectively. The transmission of schistosomiasis usually occurred during leisure time. The majority of the carriers of the parasite were asymptomatic. Of the B. tenagophila examined only 0.4% were found to be infected. The control programme has been intensified from 1981 on resulting in a sharp decrease in the prevalence from 22.8% in 1980 to 6% at the present time. This result shows that, in spite of the control programme there is a residual human prevalence. A beginning has been made on the investigation into the possible causes of this residual prevalence (6.0% was maintained through out 1987).

Learning and Knowledge in the Context of Absorptive Capacity

Develop a new model of Absorptive Capacity taking into account two variables namely Learning and knowledge to explain how companies transform information into knowledge

Susceptibility of Aedes aegypti larvae to temephos and Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis in integrated control

The susceptibility of field collected Aedes aegypti larvae was evaluated in terms of median lethal time (LT50) and final mortality, when treated with temephos, Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis as well as mixtures of these two agents. Third instar larvae were shown to be more susceptible than early and late fourth instar ones to the entomopathogen. Survival of some individuals when exposed to temephos suggest possible resistance. Temporal synergism in early fourth instar larvae was detected when they were exposed to mixtures of Bti-temephos. The possibility of this integrated treatment is commented on.