Unequal Opportunities and Human Capital Formation

This paper develops a tractable, heterogeneous agents general equilibrium model where individuals have different endowments of the factors that complement the schooling process. The paper explores the relationship between inequality of opportunities, inequality of outcomes, and aggregate efficiency in human capital formation. Using numerical solutions we study how the endogenous variables of the model respond to two different interventions in the distribution of opportunities: a meanpreserving spread and a change in the support. The results suggest that a higher degree of inequality of opportunities is associated with lower average level of human capital, a lower fraction of individuals investing in human capital, higher inequality in the distribution of human capital, and higher wage inequality. In particular, the model does not predict a trade-off between aggregate efficiency in human capital formation (as measured by the average level of human capital in the economy) and equality of opportunity.Human Capital, Inequality, Equity-Efficiency Trade-off. Classification JEL: J24; J31; O15; D33.

Unequal opportunities and human capital formation

This paper develops a tractable, heterogeneous agents general equilibrium model where agents face different costs of access to the educational system. The paper explores the relation between inequality of opportunities (in the form of differential costs of access to the educational process) and efficiency (the levels of human capital and output). More precisely, the results from the simulation of the model suggest that a higher level of inequality of opportunities is associated with a lower level of average human capital, lower output per worker and higher income (wage) inequality. In other words, the model (based on standard assumptions) does not predict a trade-off between efficiency and equal opportunity in human capital formationHuman Capital, Inequality, Equity-Efficiency Tradeoff

Human capital formation, inequality, and competition for jobs

This paper develops a model where heterogeneous agents compete for the best available jobs. Firms, operating with different technologies, rank job candidates in the human capital dimension and hire the best available candidate due to complementarities between the worker´s human capital and technologies used in the production process. As a result, individuals care about their relative ranking in the distribution of human capital because this determines the firm they will be matched with and therefore the wage they will receive in equilibrium. The paper rationalizes a different channel through which peer effects and human capital externalities might work: competition between individuals for the best available jobs (or prizes associated with the relative position of individuals). We show that more inequality in the distribution of endowments negatively affects aggregate efficiency in human capital formation as it weakens competition for jobs between individuals. However, we find that the opposite is true for wage inequality, namely, more wage inequality encourages competition and, as a result, agents exert more effort and accumulate more human capital in equilibrium.Human Capital, Inequality, Competition, Relative Ranking

Coverage Protocols for Wireless Sensor Networks: Review and Future Directions

The coverage problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can be generally defined as a measure of how effectively a network field is monitored by its sensor nodes. This problem has attracted a lot of interest over the years and as a result, many coverage protocols were proposed. In this survey, we first propose a taxonomy for classifying coverage protocols in WSNs. Then, we classify the coverage protocols into three categories (i.e. coverage aware deployment protocols, sleep scheduling protocols for flat networks, and cluster-based sleep scheduling protocols) based on the network stage where the coverage is optimized. For each category, relevant protocols are thoroughly reviewed and classified based on the adopted coverage techniques. Finally, we discuss open issues (and recommend future directions to resolve them) associated with the design of realistic coverage protocols. Issues such as realistic sensing models, realistic energy consumption models, realistic connectivity models and sensor localization are covered

Origines et destins des familles pionnières d’une paroisse saguenayenne au XIXe siècle

L'étude du peuplement des régions du Québec constitue un domaine de recherche peu exploré depuis Raoul Blanchard. Ce texte présente une micro-analyse du peuplement d'une paroisse du Saguenay dans le but de mieux cerner les mécanismes et conditions des migrations pionnières au XIXe siècle. Une attention particulière est portée aux relations qui unissent les familles pionnières avant la migration vers la zone de colonisation et leurs conséquences sur le destin de ces familles. Il en ressort que les réseaux familiaux ont joué un rôle prépondérant dans l'itinéraire de ces personnes. Par ailleurs, il apparaît également que si la colonisation au XIXe siècle est un phénomène surtout agricole, il existe déjà des formes plus modernes de peuplement colonisateur fondées sur des activités commerciales ou industrielles.Since Raoul Blanchard, few scholars have paid attention to the study of the regional settlement of Québec. The following paper presents a micro-study of the settlement of a Saguenay parish that aims to enlighten the process and conditions of settlement in the mid 19th century Québec. It emphasizes relations between pioneer families before and after migration to the frontier and focuses on how these relations have influenced their destiny. It appears first that family networks had played a very important role in the itinerary of the pioneers and, second, that if most migrations to the frontier were done for agricultural purposes, there also already existed a commercial and industrial-based settlement

What is the most effective treatment for acute low back pain?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are more effective than placebo for pain relief in patients with acute low back pain (grade of recommendation: A). There is no consistent evidence that NSAIDs are more effective than acetaminophen (grade: D). Muscle relaxants are effective for short-term relief of acute low back pain (grade: A), but there is no added benefit when they are used in combination with NSAIDs (grade: B). Advice to remain active speeds recovery compared with short-term bed rest (grade: A). There is no consistent evidence that epidural steroid injections are effective for acute low back pain (grade: D). Spinal manipulation or back exercises are no more effective than medications alone (grade: B)