Technological diffusion between different environmental countries

Using an endogenous Schumpeterian R&D growth model, this paper intends to analyse how international trade of intermediate goods can affect the structure and diffusion of technological knowledge between ecological and dirty countries. Each country is assumed to have different environmental quality levels and different available technological knowledge and to be able of conducting R&D activities (innovative in ecological-country and imitative in dirty-country). We concluded that under international trade, there is a higher probability of successful imitation that improves the Dirty-country ability to benefit from Ecological-country innovations. This induces an efficient allocation of production in the Dirty-country, where marginal cost is lower, and increases the ecological goods production. Furthermore, subsidies, by promoting technological knowledge progress, lead to a permanent increase in the world steady-state growth rate.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

The moderator role of Gender in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT): A study on users of Electronic Document Management Systems

Venkatesh et al. [1] tried to integrate predictability capabilities from the different existing models of technology acceptance. This produced the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). This comprehensive model resulted in the identification of common aspects. It proposed several constructs with a greater explanatory power and analyzed moderating drivers, such as age, Gender, experience and voluntariness of use. By doing so, UTAUT identifies three major drivers of behavioral intention: performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence. On the other hand, facilitating conditions and behavioral intention were identified as determinant factors of actual use [1]. In addition to previous considerations about UTAUT, empirical research has scarcely analyzed the moderating role of Gender [2]. This is why this paper particularly aims to fill this gap. Hofstede [3] describes strength, competitiveness and guidance for material success as social roles linked to male values, whilst modesty, tenderness, sensitivity and concern for the quality of life are values associated with women. With respect to UTAUT, existing studies have shown that performance expectancy positively influences behavioral intention more strongly for men (cf. [4], [5], [6] and [7]). Moreover, it has been observed that effort expectancy positively influences behavioral intention more strongly for women (cf. [4], [5] and [6]), while social influence positively affects behavioral intention more strongly for women (cf. [5], [7] and [8]). In our research, with the aim of testing the moderating effects of Gender, a sample of 2,175 users of Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) in Portuguese municipalities was used. Taking into account that Gender is a categorical variable, we have adopted a multi-group or multi-sample analysis [9] -dividing the sample into two groups (male = 748; female = 1,427) and estimating each group of observations separately. Before comparing the groups, an analysis of the measurement invariance was carried out to make sure that the construct measures were invariant between both groups [10]. Once the metric invariance had been assessed, we carried out a set of multi-group analyses –interpreting statistically-significant differences in path coefficients as moderating effects. On the one hand, the parametric approach considering both equal variances and different variances has been used [11, 12]. On the other hand, we have applied non-parametric approaches exemplified by the permutation test [13], and Henseler’s PLS multi-group analysis [10, 12, 14]. This study notes slight differences in the results of the aforementioned methods. As a result, the moderating effect of Gender on the relation between performance expectancy and behavioral intention showed that this relationship is stronger among men than women. Finally, a discussion on the implications of Gender as a moderator for the UTAUT model is included

Determinants of User Acceptance of a Local eGovernment Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)

On numerous occasions the significant value of the investments involved in the development of eGovernment and the expectations of governmental information systems use do not correspond to the rate of effective use. This scenario makes it difficult to justify the development of electronic government by governments and local authorities among its citizens. It is therefore important to understand the factors that influence the employees' intention of using governmental information systems. With the aim of understanding the determining factors of using an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) in the context of Portuguese municipalities, this study develops an empirical analysis using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, (Venkatesh et al., 2003). This model's application for information systems research in the governmental context has a weak expression and is unique in EDMS research. This empirical research follows a realist and positivist approach. Data was collected from a survey answered by 2,175 employees of Portuguese municipalities (EDMS users). Partial Least Squares (PLS) was used to test the model proposed. The results showed that Intention to Use is positively affected by Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence and Facilitating Conditions. With respect to the EDMS Use, the results showed that it is positively influenced by Intention to Use and Facilitating Conditions. The main result indicates that EDMS users believe that the use of this information system will help them to obtain performance benefits in their work. However, the increasing use of EDMS is not very influenced by the system's perceived ease of use. In short, this study provides a contribution to the Information Systems Acceptance and Adoption literature in local eGovernmental contexts. In addition, our contribution empirically tests the model for implementation in governmental organizations and provides a better understanding of the adoption and use of an EDM

Numerical solution of linear models in economics: The SP-DG model revisited

In general, complex and large dimensional models are needed to solve real economic problems. Due to these characteristics, there is either no analytical solution for them or they are not attainable. As a result, solutions can be only obtained through numerical methods. Thus, the growing importance of computers in Economics is not surprising. This paper focuses on an implementation of the SP-DG model, using Matlab,developed by the students as part of the Computational Economics course. We also discuss some of our teaching/learning experience within the course, given for the first time in the FEP Doctoral Programme in Economics.SP-DG Model, Output, Inflation, Numerical Simulation, Teaching of Economics

Hemoglobin genotype has minimal influence on the physiological response of juvenile atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) to environmental challenges

Hemoglobin (Hb) polymorphism in cod is associated with temperature‐related differences in biogeographical distribution, and several authors have suggested that functional characteristics of the various hemoglobin isoforms (HbIs) directly influence phenotypic traits such as growth rate. However, no study has directly examined whether Hb genotype translates into physiological differences at the whole animal level. Thus, we generated a family of juvenile Atlantic cod consisting of all three main Hb genotypes (HbI‐1/1, HbI‐2/2, and HbI‐1/2) by crossing a single pair of heterozygous parents, and we compared their metabolic and cortisol responses to an acute thermal challenge (10&deg;C to their critical thermal maximum [CTM] or 22&deg;C, respectively) and tolerance of graded hypoxia. There were no differences in routine metabolism (at 10&deg;C), maximum metabolic rate, metabolic scope, CTM (overall mean 22.9&deg; &plusmn; 0.2&deg;C), or resting and poststress plasma cortisol levels among Hb genotypes. Further, although the HbI‐1/1 fish grew more (by 15%&ndash;30% during the first 9 mo) when reared at 10&deg; &plusmn; 1&deg;C and had a slightly enhanced hypoxia tolerance at 10&deg;C (e.g., the critical O2 levels for HbI‐1/1, HbI‐2/2, and HbI‐1/2 cod were 35.56% &plusmn; 1.24%, and 40.20% &plusmn; 1.99% air saturation, respectively), these results are contradictory to expectations based on HbI functional properties. Thus, our findings (1) do not support previous assumptions that growth rate differences among cod Hb genotypes result from a more efficient use of the oxygen supply&mdash;that is, reduced standard metabolic rates and/or increased metabolic capacity&mdash;and (2) suggest that in juvenile cod, there is no selective advantage to having a particular Hb genotype with regards to the capacity to withstand ecologically relevant environmental challenges.<br /

Responsabilbidade social empresarial das empresas cotadas pertencentes ao PSI20: análise evolutiva e relação com o desempenho económico-financeiro

A presente investigação teve como objectivos principais: (1) analisar a adopção e divulgação das práticas de responsabilidade social e verificar a respectiva evolução positiva para o período entre 2005 a 2009; (2) verificar se o desempenho socialmente responsável contribui para o bom desempenho económico-financeiro; (3) analisar quais as dimensões da Responsabilidade Social Empresarial (RSE) que têm uma relação positiva sobre o desempenho económico-financeiro. Para tal utilizou-se uma amostra de 19 empresas portuguesas cotadas no Índice PSI 20, avaliadas no período de 2005 a 2009. Os resultados permitiram concluir que se registou uma evolução positiva na adopção e divulgação da RSE, que o desempenho social poderá ter uma influência positiva moderada sobre a rendibilidade das vendas, e que as dimensões da RSE-Gestão Responsável e Comunidades Locais e a rendibilidade das vendas registaram uma relação positiva.La presente investigación ha tenido como objetivos principales: (1) analizar la adopción y difusión de las prácticas de la Responsabilidad Social y constatar la evolución positiva para el período 2005 a 2009, (2) confirmar si el desempeño socialmente responsable, contribuye para el mejor desempeño económico y financiero, (3) examinar cuáles son las dimensiones de la Responsabilidad Social Corporativa (RSC) que tienen una relación positiva con el desempeño económico y financiero. Así, se utilizó una muestra de 19 empresas portuguesas que figuran en el índice PSI 20, evaluadas desde 2005 hasta 2009. De los resultados obtenidos se puede concluir que la adopción y difusión de la RSE registró una evolución positiva, que el desempeño social puede tener una influencia positiva moderada en la rentabilidad de las ventas, y que las dimensiones de la RSE - Gestión Responsable y Comunidades Locales y la rentabilidad de las ventas registraron una relación positiva

Dimensions of portuguese corporate social responsibility: a multivariate analysis.

This paper investigates factors that can explain the motivations of Portuguese companies to a social performance. The study was based on a sample of nineteen large Portuguese companies, listed on the PSI 20 index, for a period of five year, since 2005 to 2009. A Factorial Analysis was applied to identify the dimensions of Portuguese Corporate Social Responsibility using variables reference on the Green Book of European Community Commission (ECC, 2001). The results produced two dimensions that may explain Portuguese corporate motivation social performance: (1) Standards and Legal Requirements and (2) Ethic and social conduct. Further research may be done to find correlations with these dimensions and financial and economic corporate performance

First evidence for spectral state transitions in the ESO243-49 hyper luminous X-ray source HLX-1

The brightest Ultra-Luminous X-ray source (ULX), ESO 243-49 HLX-1, with a 0.2 - 10 keV X-ray luminosity of up to 10^42 erg s^-1, provides the strongest evidence to date for the existence of intermediate mass black holes. Although small scale X-ray spectral variability has already been demonstrated, we have initiated a monitoring campaign with the X-ray Telescope onboard the Swift satellite to search for luminosity-related spectral changes and to compare its behavior with the better studied stellar mass black holes. In this paper, we report a drop in the XRT count rate by a factor of ~8 which occurred simultaneously with a hardening of the X-ray spectrum. A second observation found that the source had re-brightened by a factor of ~21 which occurred simultaneously with a softening of the X-ray spectrum. This may be the first evidence for a transition between the low/hard and high/soft states.Comment: Accepted by ApJ Letter, 2 figure

Corporate social responsibility for the PSI 20 portuguese companies

In Europe, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) issue was boosted by Jacques Delors in the Green Paper on social responsibility. Two dimensions were defined, the internal and the external ones, which include several aspects of what should be considered in the CSR performance assessment. Following the global market trend, Portuguese companies are also aware of these issues and report their social responsibility activities, although currently there are no social and sustainable indicators to assess the Portuguese CRS performance. The purpose of this paper is to present a multivariate analysis and to verify homogenous groups of companies with identical social responsibility. The study focused on 19 of companies in the Portuguese Stock Index PSI 20 and the analysis covered a period of five years, between 2005 and 2009. The results showed that 3 clusters were identified

Responsabilidade social empresarial : uma análise multivariada aplicada a empresas portuguesas cotadas

A Responsabilidade Social Empresarial (RSE) vem assumindo uma relevância crescente a nível global. Relativamente ao contexto Europeu, a Comissão Europeia tem desenvolvido diversas iniciativas no sentido de promover a RSE. Assim, as organizações têm hoje um poder e uma influência crescente na economia e deverão assumir responsabilidades pela correta geração de riqueza e pela sua distribuição equitativa, o que contribuirá para a sua sustentabilidade. Seguindo esta linha de raciocínio pretendeu-se identificar grupos homogéneos de empresas cotadas na EURONEXT pertencentes ao PSI-20, de acordo com a atuação socialmente responsável, tendo por base a análise de clusters. Utilizaram-se para o efeito as variáveis de mensuração da RSE: Gestão Responsável; Gestão dos Recursos Humanos; Saúde e Segurança no Trabalho; Gestão do Impacto Ambiental e dos Recursos Naturais; Ética Empresarial; Comunidades Locais; Stakeholders; Direitos Humanos; Preocupações Ambientais e Filantrópicas Globais; Instrumentos de RSE. O estudo incidiu sobre 19 empresas portuguesas de referência e abrangeu um período de análise de cinco anos, entre 2005 e 2009. Os resultados indicaram três clusters que se classificaram em RSE Baixa (incluiu 3 empresas), RSE Média (incluiu 12 empresas) e RSE Elevada (incluiu 4 empresas)