Economic crisis effects on SME dynamic capabilities

Based on dynamic capabilities theoretical framework, this research sought to understand the implications of the recent economic crisis on the capability of developing new products by Portuguese SMEs. Specifically, we assessed how this capability was affected by variables such as entrepreneurship, innovation capacity, the knowledge accumulation, and partnerships. The hypotheses were tested using two samples, one before the crisis, with 180 and another with 105 respondents, applied during the crisis (2012). Results reveal that during the crisis SMEs were more objective and effective in the use of their resources and capabilities. In particular, was found that during the crisis the entrepreneurship, innovation capacity, accumulation of knowledge and partnerships, have an impact on the capability of developing new products. Before the crisis, only entrepreneurship and knowledge accumulation have affected this capability.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

controlled coupling of a single quantum dot to a gold nanocone antenna

Multiexcitonic transitions and emission of several photons per excitation comprise a very attractive feature of semiconductor quantum dots for optoelectronics applications. However, these higher-order radiative processes are usually quenched in colloidal quantum dots by Auger and other nonradiative decay channels. To increase the multiexcitonic quantum efficiency, several groups have explored plasmonic enhancement, so far with moderate results. By controlled positioning of individual quantum dots in the near field of gold nanocone antennas, we enhance the radiative decay rates of monoexcitons and biexcitons by 109 and 100 folds at quantum efficiencies of 60 and 70%, respectively, in very good agreement with the outcome of numerical calculations. We discuss the implications of our work for future fundamental and applied research in nano-optics

On the Integration of Carbon Capture and Storage into the International Climate Regime

As GHG emissions did not decline as anticipated early of the 1990ties Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) recently gained more and more attention as a climate change mitigation option. However, CO2 suppressed in geological reservoirs is likely to lead to future releases of the CO2 stored. This „non-permanence“ must be considered if an environmentally sound policy is desired. Against this background, the present article analyses a potential integration of CCS in the international climate regime. It is based on existing rules and modalities regarding non-permanence of sequestration in the Land use, Land-use change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. Interestingly, the experience from LULUCF has almost completely been neglected during the discussion on CCS. We argue that CCS can only be accounted for in a transparent and comprehensive way, if it is considered a „removal“ (or „sink“) activity. This is, however, incompatible with the current UNFCCC rules and definitions. Consequently, they would have to be changed. Accounting and problems of cross-border projects are discussed. They arise due to the potential geographical separation of capture and storage site. Furthermore, an economic analysis is conducted considering the consequences of non-permanent storage. We apply the tCER approach for LULUCF projects which has already been agreed upon during the international climate negotiations. It may thus form the basis for CCS, too. The study suggests that CCS is probably not as attractive as widely claimed

Qualitätsverbesserung in der Fertigung mit Hilfe datenverarbeitender Anlagen

Die Grundlage der Ausführungen bildet die Diskussion, wie Qualität in Fertigungsbetrieben festgestellt wird. Die getroffenen Qualitätsaussagen zeigen sich hierbei in Form von Qualitätsdaten. Für diese umfangreich auftretenden Daten liegt es nahe, sie mit Datenverarbeitungsanlagen auszuwerten, wofür die Gesichtspunkte der Auswertung nach Datenumfang, Datenverknüpfung und zeitlichen Anforderungen an das Auswerteergebnis diskutiert werden. Für das Zuführen der Daten zur Datenverarbeitungsanlage werden drei Fälle unterschieden. Ausführlich dargestellt wird der Fall, der den derzeitigen technischen Möglichkeiten entspricht und kostenmäßig noch tragbar erscheint. Hierbei werden die Daten nach ihrer Entstehung so rasch bearbeitet, daß die Qualität der Erzeugnisse, bzw. der Erzeugnisteile, von denen die Qualitätsdaten stammen, innerhalb der Fertigung noch beeinflußt werden kann. Dies wird an Hand von zwei Beispielen praktischer Betriebsanfälle im einzelnen gezeigt