The Relationship between Trigger Price and Punishment Period in Green and Porter (1984) Game made Endogenous

Green and Porter (1984) made a huge contribution to Industrial Organization Theory where a trigger price is defined by firms and whenever the price falls below this trigger price, the firms cease to produce at the monopoly level and enter into a punishment period. Our goal with this paper is to define, endogenously in the model, relationships between the trigger price and the punishment period, which were set exogenously in the original paper.Green and Porter (1984); trigger price; punishment period

Safety and Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Peritoneal Lavage in Hinchey III Diverticulitis

Introdução: O tratamento da diverticulite por Hinchey III tem sido objeto de investigação ao longo dos anos. A operação tipo Hartmann é amplamente referida como o tratamento padrão. No entanto, esta opção está associada a morbilidade e mortalidade relevantes, o que motivou o surgimento de intervenções alternativas, como a lavagem peritoneal laparoscópica. Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão é sintetizar a evidência sobre a segurança e a eficácia da lavagem peritoneal laparoscópica no tratamento da diverticulite com peritonite generalizada purulenta em comparação com os procedimentos de ressecção. Materiais e Métodos: A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada na base de dados eletrónica Medline da Pubmed. Dos 358 artigos identificados, a nossa seleção criteriosa resultou num total de 27 artigos para revisão. Resultados: No geral, a lavagem laparoscópica revelou baixas taxas de mortalidade sem diferenças significativas entre os procedimentos. Os estudos não randomizados tenderam a mostrar menores taxas de recorrência e morbilidade comparativamente aos últimos ensaios clínicos randomizados, nos grupos submetidos a lavagem, no entanto, nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada. Discussão e Conclusão: Nesta revisão, a lavagem peritoneal laparoscópica mostrou-se segura e comparativamente eficaz, embora não superior à ressecção, não alcançando resultados constantes. Nós acreditamos que pode ser aplicada como um procedimento de controlo de danos para tratamento ou como ponte para cirurgia eletiva. Ainda assim, são necessários mais estudos para determinar indicações e fatores para o sucesso da lavagem laparoscópica.Introduction: The management of Hinchey III diverticulitis has been subject to investigation over the years. Hartmann's procedure is widely referred as the standard treatment. However, this option is associated with relevant morbidity and mortality which motivated the arise of alternative interventions such as the laparoscopic peritoneal lavage. Aim: The aim of this review is to synthesize the evidence on the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic peritoneal lavage in the management of diverticulitis with generalized purulent peritonitis in comparison to resection procedures. Materials and Methods: The bibliographic research was conducted using the electronic database Medline from Pubmed. Of the 358 articles identified, our criterious selection resulted in a total of 27 articles for review. Results: Overall, laparoscopic lavage revealed low mortality rates with no remarkable differences between procedures. The non-randomized studies tended to show lower recurrence and morbidity rates comparatively to the latest RCTs, in the lavage groups, however, no significant differences have been found. Discussion and Conclusion: In this review, laparoscopic peritoneal lavage proved to be safe and comparatively effective, although not superior to resection, reaching mixed results. We believe it can be applied as a damage control operation to treat or as a bridge to elective resection. Still, more studies are needed to determine indications and factors for the success of laparoscopic lavage

Perfil dos observadores de aves no Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

In the Algarve the potential for birdwatching tourism is widely recognized, especially in the Ria Formosa Natural Park (RFNP). This study aims to describe birdwatchers' profile in the RFNP. For this purpose, a survey was applied. The results show that the most frequent nationalities of birdwatchers are: British (39%), Dutch (17%) and Portuguese (17%). The majority of birdwatchers are male (55%) and married (57%). The average age is 50 years old. They are highly educated (74% have an academic degree). Concerning profession, the most frequent answer was retired (41%). Respondents are committed to the activity as the majority possess special equipment and practice birdwatching in vacations. This study also tests if nationality is related to other characteristics of the birdwatchers, by using the Kruskal-Wallis and the Chi-square tests. Overall, the results of this study highlight that regional management organizations should invest in developing birdwatching in the RFNP.O potencial para o turismo de birdwatching é vastamente reconhecido, especialmente no Parque Natural da Ria Formosa (PNRF). Este estudo tem como objetivo descrever o perfil dos observadores de aves que visitam o PNRF. Para esse propósito, foi aplicado um questionário. Os resultados mostram que as nacionalidades mais frequentes dos observadores de aves são: britânica (39%), holandesa (17%) e portuguesa (17%). A maioria dos observadores de aves é do sexo masculino (55%), sendo o seu estado civil casado (57%). A idade média é de 50 anos. O seu nível educacional é elevado (74% têm um grau académico). Quanto à profissão, a resposta mais frequente foi aposentado (41%). Os inquiridos estão comprometidos com a atividade, pois a maioria possui equipamentos especiais e pratica observação de aves nas férias. Este estudo também testa se a nacionalidade está relacionada com outras características dos observadores de aves, através de testes Kruskal-Wallis e Qui-quadrado. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que as organizações de gestão regional devem investir no desenvolvimento do birdwatching no PNRF.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Portugal no Conselho de Segurança 1997-1998: as Nações Unidas e a Consolidação dos Processos de Paz

O estabelecimento e a prorrogação de mandatos de operações de paz foram funções regulares da nossa delegação e dos outros catorze membros ao longo dos nossos dois anos de permanência no Conselho de Segurança, em 1997 e 1998. Portugal deu uma contribuição assinalável à evolução da doutrina de peacekeeping das Nações Unidas, nomeadamente em benefício da integração e coordenação eficaz das actividades para a consolidação da paz. Durante dois anos, actuando por vezes isoladamente, conseguimos chamar a atenção do Conselho para a importânciade prever e de iniciar, ainda durante o funcionamento de operações de paz, programas políticos, sociais, humanitários e económicos que não devem ser deixados apenas para a fase pós conflito e que são actividades essenciais à consolidação da paz

The relevance of fiscal rules for fiscal and yield developments

Numerical fiscal rules mitigate the bias of pro-cyclicality, as an alternative to discretionary measures conducted by policy makers. We assess whether fiscal rules impact budget balances and sovereign yields, and we perform a simulation exercise to compute debt developments of EU countries, assuming that they had implemented a numerical expenditure rule in 1990. Our panel analysis covers 27 EU countries between 1990 and 2011. We find that fiscal rules contribute to the reduction of budget deficits, specifically expenditure rules, which significantly impact primary expenditure and conclude that countries with rules experienced lower sovereign bond yields. The simulations show that when the same rule is applied to different countries, it produces very different results, particularly on account of the initial level of primary expenditure

Linking eye-tracking technologies with the physical retail sector – a comprehensive study and recommendations for a market approach

This study evaluates the value of Eyeware’s eye tracking technology for commercialization in the retail industry. Combining theoretical frameworks of technology adoption with first-hand feedback from retail experts and end-consumers, findings suggest that Eyeware’s technology has value for retailers that understand the need for innovating, that have sufficient resources and whose needs fit with Eyeware’s solution. To increase the market entry’s success, it is recommended that the company engages in some kind of partnership or joint venture, as well as finds a way to avoid legal constrictions regarding data privacy, among other recommendations

The relevance of fiscal rules for fiscal and sovereign yield developments

We assess whether numerical fiscal rules impact budget balances and sovereign yields. For a panel of 27 EU countries between 1990 and 2011, we find that fiscal rules reduce budget deficits, specifically expenditure rules, while countries with better fiscal rules experienced lower sovereign bond yields.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Conception rate, uterine infection and embryo quality after artificial insemination and natural breeding with a stallion carrier of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>may cause venereal disease and infertility in horses. A <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa </it>- carrier stallion, often unresponsive to artificial vagina collection, was used to naturally breed mares. Semen collected from the same stallion was also used to perform artificial inseminations. Pregnancy rates, embryo quality and incidence of uterine infection were compared between inseminated or naturally-bred mares.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p><it>P. aeruginosa </it>was isolated from swabbing of the penis, prepuce and distal urethra of the stallion. Before being bred or inseminated, clitoral/vestibular samples were collected from all mares, and cultured for isolation of <it>P. aeruginosa</it>. At the first observed estrus, endometrial swabs were also collected. All mares subjected to natural mating (NS) were re-evaluated for <it>P.aeruginosa </it>by culture of clitoral and endometrial swabs. Artificial inseminations (AI) were performed either with fresh-extended semen (11 AI/7 mares) or frozen semen (10 AI/7 mares). The stallion was also used to breed 3 mares (4 services). For embryo collection, 2 mares were inseminated with fresh-extended semen (1 AI/mare), and 2 additional mares were inseminated with frozen semen (2 AI/mare). Two mares were naturally-bred with a total of 9 services, for embryo collection. All mares were examined after AI or natural service (NS), for uterine pathologies. Embryo recoveries were attempted passing a catheter with inflatable cuff connected to a sterile flexible 2-way flushing catheter, through the cervix. Flushed media was recovered into an Em-Con filter, and embryos searched using a stereoscope. Embryos were graded from 1 (excellent) to 4 (degenerated/dead).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Pregnancy rates obtained after NS was 50% per cycle. However, more than half of the NS resulted in uterine disease, while uterine pathology was seen only in 22% of the time following AI. Half of the mares bred by NS got positive to <it>P. aeruginosa</it>. Percentage of embryo recovery rates was identical after AI or NS (66.7%). The 4 embryos recovered after AI were classified as Grade 1, while after NS only 2 out of the 6 recovered embryos were Grade 1.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>a) there was no evidence of reduced fertilization after AI or NS, b) a numerically higher incidence of uterine disease was noticed after NS, c) venereal transmission of <it>P. aeruginosa </it>after NS was confirmed, d) a lower percentage of G1 embryos may be obtained after NS. Overall, the data supports the indication for <it>P. aeruginosa</it>-carrier stallions to be bred by AI rather than by NS, and raises the possibility that <it>P. aeruginosa </it>may affect embryo quality.</p

ISO 9001 certification forecasting models

Purpose – ISO 9001 certification is nowadays considered to be one of the most effective tools that can be adopted for guiding the management of Quality Systems. The stunning growth observed by these standards all over the world confirms a strong polarization of enterprises’ interest in this practice. Owing to the wide incidence of this phenomenon, a deep investigation of ISO 9001 diffusion over time is of mandatory importance. The research here reported covers the development of statistical models in order to characterize the ISO 9001 certification evolution on a country basis, as well as worldwide. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the pioneering results obtained by Saraiva and Duarte, an attempt is now made to: identify clusters of countries, according to their ISO 9001 evolution patterns; characterize the worldwide ISO 9001 certification evolution; identify which are the main evolution perspectives for ISO 9001 diffusion; identify significant variables that may influence ISO 9001 quality management systems diffusion; develop mathematical models in order to characterize the ISO 9001 certification evolution on a country-by-country basis. Findings – The research carried out allowed one to analyze the worldwide evolution of ISO 9001 certification and suggest new prediction models for the diffusion of quality management systems certification at different geographical realities. Originality/value – This paper covers the development of statistical models in order to characterize the ISO 9001 certification evolution on a country basis, as well as worldwide.The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (FCT) through a research grant (BD/16032/2004)

Centro de Computação Gráfica: the new mission and the future

This article reports on the refoundation process of CCG. With a new constitutional member(the University of Minho), new constitution and bylaws, and a new management, and also due to the process of national expansion, the CCG and the University of Minho (UM), one of the most prestigious contemporary universities in Portugal, initiated a careful process of transformation and restructuring in October 1999