Trade Shocks in Brazil: An Investigation of Effects on Regional Manufacturing Wages

Brazil has experienced two trade shocks in the 90’s: unilateral liberalization, which weighted average nominal tariff reduced from 37.7% in 1988 to 10.2% in 1994; drastically real devaluation of 47% in the exchange rate in 1999. These two effects has influenced the location of industry in Brazil, since the industry center of Brazil, Sao Paulo State, reduced its participation in the industry sector from 52% in 1985 to 43% in 2002. This occurs when the dispersion forces overcome the agglomeration ones. The main dispersion force evidenced by the literature is the increase of competition, not only in the goods market (a new product), but also in the factor market (demand of labor, which increases wages). In a trade agreement, the most common trade shock, these two forces occurred simultaneously. At this case, it is possible to distinguish between two dispersion forces: competition of the imported goods (first shock); competition in the labor market (second shock). One way to evaluate these effects can be by investigating the effectiveness of transport cost to understand the regional differences in wages and if it has reduced (or increased) its explanation power after the trade shock. In order to do that, the methodology of Hanson 1997 will be used as a basic framework. It is possible to analyze the effects of these trade shocks in the disparities of regional wages in Brazil with his methodology. However, there will be some differences to his framework. First, Hanson uses state level data and this paper has a more disaggregated regional data (microregion, which divides Brazil into more than 500 parts). Second, Hanson doesn’t take into account any change in educational level, infrastructure improvement or government intervention, which are considered in this investigation. The first results show that transport cost is important to understand differences in wages between Brazilian microregions and trade shocks have influenced in some sense these disparities, but not so consistently as transport costs. Moreover, it seems that dispersion force of the second shock was greater than the first one, therefore, competition to hire new employees expel more plants to lower wages regions than comptetion with new products.

The strategic relevance of business relationships: a preliminary assessment

The ubiquitous contention within the Industrial Networks literature - that business relationships are one of the firm´s most important resources - has not been, in our viewpoint, thoroughly explored. Hence we argue that the ‘Resource-based View of the Firm’ (‘RBV’) may complement the network-based reasoning on the strategic relevance of business relationships. A theoretical framework is proposed – a competence-based view of the firm – which solves RBV´s terminological and inconsistency problems and, more importantly, assures compatibility with the network perspective´s assumptions. The possibility of cross-fertilizing the Industrial Networks and RBV theories seems not only real, but also conceptually profitable for both theoretical fields.Business Relationships, Industrial Networks, Resource-Based View of the Firm, Competence-Based View of the Firm

Of the significance of business relationships

The Industrial Network Theory aims to describe and explain the business relationships and networks in which the focal firm is deeply embedded. One of its major propositions is that business relationships somehow influence, to different extents and over time, the focal firm’s survival. This pertains to the diverse and time-varying significance of business relationships for the focal firm. It has often been implicitly sustained that such significance is strongly related to the role played by business relationships and consequently the relationship outcomes accruing to the focal firm. The logic underlying the relationship significance proposition is outwardly oriented, somewhat overlooking the focal firm’s inside and in particular the conspicuous influence of business relationships on what the focal firm does competently both within and across its vertical boundaries. Arguably, the (predominantly ‘functional’) network-based arguments currently advanced represent a necessary but not sufficient condition for relationship significance. This conceptual paper tentatively suggests that there may be missing a supplementary (essentially internal) explanation supported by Competence-based Theories of the Firm.Industrial Network Theory; relationship significance proposition

Relationship significance: is it sufficiently explained?

The Industrial Networks Theory (cf. Axelsson and Easton, 1992, Hakansson and Snehota, 1995) sets out to describe and explain the business relationships and markets in which the focal firm is deeply embedded. One of its major propositions pertains to the (time-varying) significance of business relationships for the focal firm (Gadde et al., 2003), i.e., business relationships influence to some extent the focal firm’s survival. Such significance seems strongly related to the role played by business relationships and consequently the relationship outcomes accruing to the focal firm. The theoretical justification underlying this proposition is outwardly oriented, somewhat overlooking the inside of the focal firm - in particular the influence of business relationships on what the focal firm does competently within and across its boundaries. Arguably, the creation and appropriation of relationship value by the focal firm is a necessary but not sufficient condition for relationship significance. A supplementary (internal) explanation supported by Knowledge-based Theories of the Firm (e.g., see Kogut and Zander, 1992), we suggest, may be missing. Our aim here has been to intuitively pinpoint a theoretical flaw, further suggesting a feasible path for its solution.Industrial Networks Theory; relationship significance proposition; relationship functions, dysfunctions, benefits, sacrifices, and value

Valorização do Património Edificado de Ponta Delgada : estudo em torno da memória dos lugares

Dissertação de Mestrado, Património, Museologia e Desenvolvimento, 29 de Setembro de 2016, Universidade dos Açores.A presente dissertação tem por objetivo analisar, com base nos conceitos de memória do lugar e valorização do património edificado, questões problemáticas do património edificado da cidade de Ponta Delgada, no que concerne a intervenções urbanísticas e arquitetónicas que revelaram descuido no estudo e na aplicação desses conceitos fundamentais. O estudo histórico e documental dos casos da Avenida Marginal, na sua 1ª e 2ª fases de construção, que inclui a zona da Calheta, e a mais recente intervenção no Campo de São Francisco, visam procurar elementos que identifiquem e justifiquem razões para as opções tomadas nessas intervenções, as quais surtiram efeitos perversos para a cidade de Ponta Delgada. Este estudo serve de premissa para uma revisitação do passado, estudando outras alternativas apresentadas à época e procedendo a uma análise que tome por base a cidade atual, formulando propostas no sentido de valorizar o património edificado. Procura-se, assim, alerta para os vários problemas decorrentes de intervenções não assentes nos conceitos de memória do lugar.ABSTRACT: Based on the concepts of memory of the place and enhancement of the built heritage, the present dissertation aims to analyze the problematic issues of the built heritage of the city of Ponta Delgada, in the urban and architectural field, that revealed carelessness in the study and application of those fundamental concepts. The historical and documentary study of cases of Avenida Marginal, in its 1st and 2nd stages of construction, which includes the area of Calheta and the latest intervention in Campo de São Francisco, aims to search for elements that identify and contest the choices made in these interventions causing certain problems in the city of Ponta Delgada. This study serves as a premise for revisiting the past, studying other alternatives presented at the time and proceeding to a study based on the current city, formulating proposals to enhance the built heritage, warning thus to the problems from interventions not based on the concepts of memory of place

How is the relationship significance brought about? A critical realist approach

The markets-as-networks theorists contend, at least tacitly, the significance of business relationships for the focal firm – that is, business relationships contribute somewhat to the focal firm’s survival and growth. We do not deny the existence of significant business relationships but sustain, in contrast to the consensus within the Markets-as-Networks Theory, that relationship significance should not be a self-evident assumption. Significance cannot be a taken-for-granted property of each and every one of the focal firm’s business relationships. We adopt explicitly a critical realist position in this conceptual paper and claim that the relationship significance is an event of the business world, whose causes remain yet largely unidentified. Where the powers and liabilities of business relationships (i.e., their functions and dysfunctions) are put to work, inevitably under certain contingencies (namely the surrounding networks and markets), effects result for the focal firm (often benefits in excess of sacrifices, i.e., relationship value) and as a result the relationship significance is likely to be brought about. In addition, the relationship significance can result from the dual influence that business relationships have on a great part of the structure and powers and liabilities of the focal firm, i.e., its nature and scope respectively.Markets-as-Networks Theory, relationship significance, business relationships, focal firm, resources, competences, activities

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: a dynamic pro unione and pro homine with particular reference to the CJEU case-law

The incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into the legal order of the European Union acquires a centrality relevant to the interpretation of the fundamental rules within the framework of the catalog of rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union constantly reminds us that the Convention is an integral part of the legal order of the European Union and prevails over European Union law

Essential framework of the legal status of sign language: recognition and officiality

The present article aims to contribute to understanding the meaning and scope of recognition and officiality of the legal status of sign languages – using the example of the legal status of Portuguese Sign Language and Catalan Sign Language – with respect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). To a certain extent, the Convention seeks to respond to and protect the inherent rights of deaf people, according special consideration to their inherent rights in linguistic matters. Although the fundamental definition of officiality in the respective sign language statutes may vary according to the national legal system of the sign language in question, it can be said that the minimum presuppositions of officiality under the Convention are that the State recognize sign language as a fully-fledged language, with such characteristics as to make it a legitimately valid means of communication used in interactions between deaf people and public authorities in general.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Dissecting the role of CENP-E in the maintenance of chromosome alignment

O objetivo da mitose é garantir a correta segregação dos cromossomas de modo a originar duas células geneticamente iguais. Quando as células entram em mitose, os seus cromossomas condensam e estabelecem ligações com o fuso mitótico através dos seus cinetocóros de modo a serem dirigidos para o equador da célula. Este processo de alinhamento é um pré-requisito para a correta segregação dos cromossomas, pois erros neste processo resultam em aneuploidia e Instabilidade Cromossómica (CIN). Uma das moléculas chave neste processo de alinhamento é a CENP-E, uma proteína motora pertencente à família das Cinesinas e que se acumula nos cinetocóros durante a mitose. Apesar de estar estabelecida a função desta proteína no processo de alinhamento dos cromossomas, a sua importância para manutenção desse alinhamento é desconhecida. Com a objetivo de a elucidar, foi determinada a dose óptima de inibição de CENP-E em linhas celulares humanas com e sem CIN, usando para tal três inibidores independentes: PF-2771, GSK923295A e Compound A, que atuam através de mecanismos alostéricos distintos. Usando um rastreio de alto rendimento, foram calculadas as doses óptimas de inibição total e parcial de CENP-E e posteriormente verificada a sua ação na manutenção do alinhamento dos cromossomas através de microscopia em células vivas de alta resolução. Neste trabalho mostramos que a CENP-E é essencial para a manutenção do alinhamento dos cromossomas em células humanas com e sem CIN. A sensibilidade relativa dos inibidores é proporcional para o PF-2771 e para o GSK923295A quando comparamos linhas celulares com e sem CIN. Contudo, células diplóides são menos sensíveis à inibição da CENP-E quando usado o Compound A, sugerindo que este composto poderá ter um valor terapêutico superior no tratamento do cancro. Estes resultados permitem aprofundar o nosso conhecimento acerca do valor terapêutico dos inibidores da CENP-E que são atualmente testados em ensaios clínicos.The goal of mitosis is to ensure faithful segregation of genomic content into two identical daughter cells. As cells enter mitosis, the DNA becomes condensed into mitotic chromosomes, which must establish stable attachments to the mitotic spindle. Upon establishing proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, chromosomes can then be guided to the center of the cell. Notably, this process of chromosome congression is a prerequisite for faithful chromosome segregation, since errors in this process lead to aneuploidy and chromosomal instability (CIN). One of the key players involved in chromosome congression is CENP-E, a kinesin-like motor protein that is enriched at kinetochores during mitosis. Despite mounting evidence demonstrating a role for CENP-E in chromosome congression, the importance of CENP-E activity once chromosomes are already aligned, is currently unknown. To this purpose, we first determined the optimal dose for inhibiting CENP-E function in both CIN and non-CIN human cell lines using three independent CENP-E inhibitors: PF-2771, GSK923295A and Compound A, which act through distinct allosteric mechanisms. Using high-throughput screening, we calculated the optimal doses required for partial and total CENP-E inhibition and then performed high-resolution live cell imaging to directly test CENP-E function in the maintenance of chromosome alignment. We show that CENP-E is essential for the maintenance of chromosome alignment in both CIN and non-CIN human cells. We find that relative sensitivity to CENP-E inhibitors is proportional for PF-2771 and GSK923295A when comparing CIN and non-CIN cell lines. However, diploid cells are less sensitive to CENP-E inhibition using Compound A, suggesting that this compound may be of higher therapeutic value for the treatment of cancer. Taken together, these results offer insight for our understanding of the therapeutic value of CENP-E inhibitors currently tested in clinical trials

Cirurgia bariátrica: aspectos clínico-cirúrgicos e cuidados nutricionais inerentes

Trabalho Complementar apresentado à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de licenciado em Ciências da NutriçãoA obesidade é na actualidade considerada uma epidemia global. A sua prevalência tem aumentado continuamente até taxas alarmantes, quer nos países desenvolvidos quer nos países em vias de desenvolvimento. A cirurgia bariátrica é considerada a forma de tratamento mais eficaz no que se refere à morbilidade dos pacientes obesos. Este tipo de cirurgia apresenta vantagens evidentes na saúde, embora as suas limitações também sejam evidentes, principalmente no que diz respeito às deficiências nutricionais após a realização da mesma. Desta forma, a possibilidade de ocorrência de deficiências nutricionais deve ser devidamente considerada pelos profissionais envolvidos de forma conseguir uma melhor e mais rápida recuperação do estado nutricional do doente. Os objectivos desta revisão bibliográfica são, classificar e caracterizar os principais tipos de cirurgias; elucidar as vantagens e limitações deste tipo de intervenções; revisão de critérios a seguir para um follow-up adequado assim como recomendações dietéticas e alimentares que advêm da cirurgia bariátrica. Obesity is nowadays considered a global epidemic. Its prevalence has increased steadily up to alarming rates, whether in developed or in developing countries. Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective treatment in terms of morbidity obese patients. This type of surgery offers advantages in health, but also its limitations are apparent, particularly with regard to nutritional deficiencies after the completion thereof. Thus, the possibility of nutritional deficiencies should be properly considered by the professionals involved in order to achieve a better and faster recovery of the patient's nutritional status. The objectives of this literature review are to characterize and classify the main types of surgeries; elucidate the advantages and limitations of this type of intervention, revising criteria to follow for a follow-up as appropriate dietary recommendations and food that come from bariatric surgery