Endogenous competences and linkages development

In this paper we analyze empirically the influence of firms’ endogenous competences in the existence, quality and results of the linkages between firms and different types of agents. Using survey data from 170 firms belonging to the steel making and automotive production networks in Argentina, we show that the level of endogenous competences influences the linkages’ quality, objectives and results. Higher level of competences generates more virtuous linkages and influences the objectives that firms are after when interacting. Without certain minimum competences, firms only relate commercially and do not form links aimed to exchange knowledge or innovate. Better standing in terms of competences positively affects the probability of being involved in technological transfer agreements and cooperation agreements aimed at innovation. Being involved in useful interations requires previous competences, defining a vicious circle that calls for public intervention and policy implementation.Linkages; Networks; Endogenous Capacities

Identification of the Unknown Soldier and the Fight for the Right to Anonymity: The Human Genome Project and Implications of a National DNA Database

The focus of this writing is the use of DNA for identification purposes and the issues that arise when genetic traits and/or predisposition to physical or mental conditions are linked to the individual specifically, along with the implications of a national DNA database as a system of identification. It has become the general rule that it is not an unreasonable invasion of privacy to take DNA for the purpose of identifying criminal offenders through a DNA database. This writing will examine the potential for nonconsensual inclusion of nearly everyone into such a system, as well as the ramifications in the areas of employment and individual insurance coverage if access to genetic information is not controlled. Current legislative efforts will be explored in an attempt to advocate the best direction for future legislation of information that is too vitally useful to prohibit, yet too indiscriminately dangerous to leave vulnerable to all who may find it useful

Identification of the Unknown Soldier and the Fight for the Right to Anonymity: The Human Genome Project and Implications of a National DNA Database

The focus of this writing is the use of DNA for identification purposes and the issues that arise when genetic traits and/or predisposition to physical or mental conditions are linked to the individual specifically, along with the implications of a national DNA database as a system of identification. It has become the general rule that it is not an unreasonable invasion of privacy to take DNA for the purpose of identifying criminal offenders through a DNA database. This writing will examine the potential for nonconsensual inclusion of nearly everyone into such a system, as well as the ramifications in the areas of employment and individual insurance coverage if access to genetic information is not controlled. Current legislative efforts will be explored in an attempt to advocate the best direction for future legislation of information that is too vitally useful to prohibit, yet too indiscriminately dangerous to leave vulnerable to all who may find it useful

A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Gatekeeping Among PhD Counselor Educators

The purpose of this study was to examine the gatekeeping experiences of a group of PhD counselor educators, by utilizing a phenomenological approach. This design was chosen as it could best examine the lived experiences of the participants. Nine PhD counselor educators participated in this study through a series of two interviews. All of the participants had a general definition of gatekeeping and all were able to express clearly how important the process was in ensuring as much as possible that only qualified students enter their programs, graduate from their programs, and enter the field as effective counselors. Each participant also shared several what they called horror stories of students they had worked with and the issues involved, as well as what the results of their gatekeeping efforts were. It was in these stories that some of the challenges, frustrations, and stresses of gatekeeping emerged. Some of the challenges involved non-supportive departments, the difficulty of being able to actually quantify impairment issues, having to decide if the student would be able to mature and improve over time in the program, and what to do with students who grades are good or adequate but whose skill levels are not. These challenges, frustrations and stressors where greatly mitigated, though, by supportive departments and colleagues. The stories of the participants in this study provided some important details and color about what it is like to be a PhD counselor educator, to be ultimately responsible for ensuring that only qualified, effective counseling students leave their program and enter the counseling field. The challenges, rewards, and ultimately the satisfaction of playing a role in the development of future counselors are clearly seen

Tracing the history of state history : changing narratives in the Michigan Historical Marker Program

Monument landscapes have long been a subject of interest to cultural and historical geographers. Studying places of public memory on the landscape in the form of monuments can reveal much about political identifications and core values regarding interpretations of the past. The Michigan Historical Marker program is a particularly interesting example of a monument landscape due to both the interplay between local-level initiative and state-level supervision seen in producing an historical marker and the relatively large scale of the program. This study examines how the program's presentations of history through marker texts have changed over time since the program's genesis in 1955. This is done by analyzing the historical progression of commemoration of the most commonly mentioned topics in the historical markers, both in how they are presented and where they are concentrated in the state. The 60 years of the program's existence have seen marked changes in what is commemorated and how certain topics or groups are portrayed in the marker texts. This study serves as an example of how monument landscapes can change over time in their presentations of public history