The underdetermined knowledge-based theory of the MNC

This paper revisits two core propositions in the knowledge-based view of the firm propounded in the seminal work by Kogut and Zander (1993): (a) that MNCs exist because transfers and re-combinations of knowledge occur more efficiently inside MNCs than between MNCs and third parties, and (b) the threat of opportunism is not necessary (although it may be sufficient), to explain the existence of the MNC. We question these conclusions, arguing that firms are only one of many types of ‘epistemic communities’ possessing and nurturing procedural norms, identity, and the cognitive, linguistic and reflexive attributes conducive to efficient exchange and recombination of knowledge. Through their ability to attenuate opportunism, the existence of non-firm epistemic communities has interesting implications not only for the knowledge-based view but also for the applicability of transaction cost economics in the analysis of the scope of the firm

Detection of the spin character of Fe(001) surface states by scanning tunneling microscopy: A theoretical proposal

We consider the magnetic structure on the Fe(001) surface and theoretically study the scanning tunneling spectroscopy using a spin-polarized tip (SP-STM). We show that minority-spin surface states induce a strong bias dependence of the tunneling differential conductance which largely depends on the orientation of the magnetization in the SP-STM tip relative to the easy magnetization axis in the Fe(001) surface. We propose to use this effect in order to determine the spin character of the Fe(001) surface states. This technique can be applied also to other magnetic surfaces in which surface states are observed.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Experimental study of the stabilization of Tollmien-Schlichting waves by finite amplitude streaks

International audienceIt has recently been found by using temporal and spatial numerical simulations that steady optimal streaks of moderate amplitude, i.e., sufficiently large but not exceeding the critical amplitude for the inflectional instability, are able to reduce the growth of Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) waves up to their complete suppression. This investigation aims at experimentally verifying this stabilizing effect by generating stable and symmetric, close to sinusoidal, streaks of moderate amplitudes (~12% of the free-stream velocity) by means of a spanwise array of cylindrical roughness elements. The three-dimensional (3D) streaky base flow is then subjected to a secondary instability generated through a spanwise slot in the plate by means of regulated blowing and suction. In this study the stabilizing role of the streaks on TS waves is unambiguously confirmed and by increasing the height of the roughness elements, thus inducing larger amplitude streaks, we are also able to show that the stabilizing action on the TS waves increases with the streak amplitude. These results are the first to confirm the numerical predictions reported in earlier works. The full cross-stream plane has been measured at different downstream positions allowing a complete evaluation and comparison of the different amplitude measures used in previous experimental works. Furthermore, theoretical impulse response analysis and stability calculations are applied to the present experimental streaky base flow enabling a qualitative comparison of the 3D modulated TS wave distribution. © 2005 American Institute of Physics

Delaying transition to turbulence by a passive mechanism

International audienceReducing skin friction is important in nature and in many technological applications. This reduction may be achieved by reducing stresses in turbulent boundary layers, for instance tailoring biomimetic rough skins. Here we take a second approach consisting of keeping the boundary layer laminar as long as possible by forcing small optimal perturbations. Because of the highly non-normal nature of the underlying linearized operator, these perturbations are highly amplified and able to modify the mean velocity profiles at leading order. We report results of wind-tunnel experiments in which we implement this concept by using suitably designed roughness elements placed on the skin to enforce nearly optimal perturbations. We show that by using this passive control technique it is possible to sensibly delay transition to turbulence. © 2006 The American Physical Society

Experimental and theoretical investigation of the nonmodal growth of steady streaks in a flat plate boundary layer

International audienceAn experimental and theoretical investigation aimed at describing the nonmodal growth of steady and spanwise periodic streamwise streaks in a flat plate boundary layer is presented. Stable laminar streaks are experimentally generated by means of a spanwise periodic array of small cylindrical roughness elements fixed on the plate. The streamwise evolution of the streaks is measured and it is proved that, except in a small region near the roughness elements, they obey the boundary layer scalings. The maximum achievable amplitude is mainly determined by the relative height of the roughness elements. Results are compared with numerical simulations of optimal and suboptimal boundary layer streaks. The theory is able to elucidate some of the discrepancies recently noticed between experimentally realizable nonmodal growth and optimal perturbation theory. The key factor is found to be the wall normal location and the extension of the laminar standing streamwise vortices inducing the streaks. The differences among previous experimental works can be explained by different dominating streak generation mechanisms which can be linked to the geometry and to the ratio between the roughness height and the boundary layer scale. © 2004 American Institute of Physics

Simultaneous XMM-Newton and ESO VLT observations of SN 1995N: probing the wind/ejecta interaction

We present the results of the first {\it XMM-Newton} observation of the interacting type IIn supernova 1995N, performed in July 2003. We find that the 0.2--10.0 keV unabsorbed flux dropped at a value of $\simeq 1.8 \times 10^{-13}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$, almost one order of magnitude lower than that of a previous {\it ASCA} observation of January 1998. From all the available X-ray measurements, an interesting scenario emerges where the X-ray light emission may be produced by a two-phase (clumpy/smooth) circumstellar medium. The X-ray spectral analysis shows statistically significant evidence for the presence of two distinct components, that can be modeled with emission from optically thin, thermal plasmas at different temperatures. The exponent of the ejecta density distribution inferred from these temperatures is $n\simeq 6.4$. From the fluxes of the two spectral components we derive an estimate of the mass loss rate of the supernova progenitor, ${\dot M} \sim 2 \times 10^{-4} M_\odot {\rm yr}^{-1}$, at the upper end of the interval exhibited by red super-giants. Coordinated optical and infrared observations allow us to reconstruct the simultaneous infrared to X-ray flux distribution of SN 1995N. We find that, at $\sim$ 9 years after explosion, the direct X-ray thermal emission due to the wind/ejecta interaction is $\sim 5$ times larger than the total reprocessed IR/optical flux.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figures, MNRAS, in pres

Is equal access to higher education in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa achievable by 2030?

Higher education is back in the spotlight, with post-2015 sustainable development goals emphasising equality of access. In this paper, we highlight the long distance still to travel to achieve the goal of equal access to higher education for all, with a focus on poorer countries which tend to have lower levels of enrolment in higher education. Analysing Demographic and Health Survey data from 35 low- and middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, we show wide wealth inequalities in particular, with few if any of the poorest gaining access to higher education in some countries. We further identify that wealth and gender inequalities interact and tend to be wider in countries where levels of higher education are higher. This implies that expansion in access to higher education may predominantly benefit the rich, unless measures are taken to tackle inequalities. We find that that the rates of increase necessary for the attainment of the equal access goal by 2030 are particularly high. They pose a particularly difficult challenge given the access inequalities present from primary and secondary education in a wide majority of countries in our analysis. We therefore suggest that any measures aimed at attaining the goal need to tackle inequalities in access within a system-wide approach, focusing on the level of education at which inequalities initially manifest, alongside higher education.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10734-016-0039-