47,443 research outputs found
The effect of international trade on mark-ups distribution
This paper presents empirical evidence about the relationship between market openness and markup distribution of manufacturing firms. The empirical analysis uses a panel data set of Spanish firms in the period 1990-2005, with a structural approach that lets us to identify individual mark-ups. The results point out that tougher competition associated to openness reduces the average of marginal costs and prices, while it increases the average firm size. However, the evidence about the effect on average markups and the dispersion of performance variables is weaker. These results partially support the theoretical predictions by the recent literature on efficiency heterogeneity and international trade and, in particular, Melitz and Ottaviano (2008).markups, marginal costs, size, openness
Unveiling the Effect of Magnetic Noise in the Coherence of Single-Molecule Quantum Processors
Quantum bits (qubits) constitute the most elementary building-blocks of any quantum technology, where information is stored and processed in the form of quantum superpositions between discrete energy levels. In particular, the fabrication of quantum processors is a key long-term goal that will allow us conducting specific tasks much more efficiently than the most powerful classical computers can do. Motivated by recent experiments in which three addressable spin qubits are defined on a potential single-molecule quantum processor, namely the [Gd(H2O)P5W30O110]12â polyoxometalate, we investigate the decohering effect of magnetic noise on the encoded quantum information. Our state-of-the-art model, which provides more accurate results than previous estimates, show a noticeable contribution of magnetic noise in limiting the survival timescale of the qubits. Yet, our results suggest that it might not be the only dephasing mechanism at play but other mechanisms, such as lattice vibrations and physical movement of magnetic nuclei, must be considered to understand the whole decoherence process
Markups, bargaining power and offshoring: an empirical assessment
This paper tests the pro-competitive effect of imports on product and labour markets for Spanish manufacturing firms in the period 1990-2005. In doing so, it takes into account the type of imported products: final vs intermediate. Markups are estimated following the procedure suggested by Roeger (1995) and including an efficient bargaining model. The observed heterogeneity among firms is parameterized to consider additional product standardization and market concentration. The results support the Imports as Market Discipline hypothesis for importers of final goods, while firms that offshore intermediate inputs show similar markups to non-importers. Additionally, the union bargaining power is smaller the more final-goods oriented imports are and the more homogeneous is the type of goods elaborated by firms.Markups, offshoring, bargaining power
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Using the Values-Practice Framework to adopt lifetime optimising behaviours: the case of maintenance
The influence that consumers have on the lifespan of products has attracted increased attention in recent years. Studies have provided an overall understanding of the factors that influence consumer attitudes and behaviours towards product longevity, categorised around the physical properties of a product, and individual and societal characteristics. However, such studies do not yet adequately explain how people could adopt product lifetime optimising behaviours. To fill this gap, the paper analyses a range of studies on what influences product lifetimes, focusing on maintenance activities. It proposes the use of the Values-Practice framework derived from two theoretical positions, social psychology and social practice theory, to consider how to facilitate the adoption of lifetime optimising behaviours. To build this framework, it analyses studies that classify factors influencing attitudes and behaviours towards product lifetimes and then links these to the âmeaningâ, âcompetenceâ and âmaterialâ elements of practice. The framework could be used as a tool to aid designers under stand the different elements and factors that engage people in maintenance activities. The paper concludes by considering the research requirements for the future application of the framework
SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND LAND ALLOCATION
The paper considers the econometric modeling of technology adoption when crop choice is simultaneous. Bivariate probit is used to estimate a model of irrigation technology choice and land allocation using a unique field-level data set from California's Central Valley. Special attention is paid to the proper calculation of marginal effects in the bivariate probit model, which are often useful for policy purposes. Estimation results confirm that the choices of irrigation technology and land allocation are simultaneous. With regard to the influence of price incentives on agricultural water use, estimation results from the bivariate probit model indicate that the influence of water price on the adoption of precision irrigation technology is much larger than previously realized. A univariate model of technology choice that treats land allocation as exogenous underestimates the effect of water price on the adoption of precision technology by over 40 percent.Land Economics/Use, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,
IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT WHEN THE PRICE OF WATER IS STOCHASTIC
The paper considers the effect of changes in the distribution of water price on the incentives to adopt water-conserving irrigation technologies. A two-stage decision model is developed wherein agents make long-term decisions about irrigation technology investments and decide production levels based on short-term realizations of water price. Comparative statics results show that the impact of changes in the distribution of water price hinge on the responsiveness of cultivated acreage to fluctuations in the price of water. The model is tested using data on irrigation technology investment from California's San Joaquin Valley. Econometric results strongly support the conceptual model, and show that changes in the distribution of water price have systematically different impacts on permanent and annual crops.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,
Interpreting markups in Spanish manufacturing: The exponential model
In this paper we attempt to rationalize markups in a sample of Spanish manufacturing by assuming a representative consumer, profit-maximizing firms and constant returns to scale. We find that the standard forms of demand (CES and linear) do not provide a good explanation of markups. In contrast, a model where the representative consumer has an exponential utilty function yields results that match data more closely.Markups, Exponential utility function
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