Core-periphery analysis: a tale of two nations

Bias, unreliability and omission have been documented in traditional sources of trade data; the lack of service data in trade statistics is the most frequently cited shortcoming. Current trade liberalization is likely to exacerbate these deficiencies. This paper develops and applies a location quotient based methodology for analysing core-periphery dualism, thus obviating the use of trade data. Our application to the European Union shows agglomeration in core areas of high technology, large scale manufacturing, and producer service industries. Peripheral countries are shown to specialize in agriculture, extractives, low technology manufacturing, and standardized production. Detailed examination of two peripheral economies, Ireland and Denmark, finds that each departs from the mean of peripheral nations. A comparison of proxied trade data to actual trade data indicates that the location quotient method is a statistically viable means of proxying trade patterns

Innovation processes and industrial districts

In this survey, we examine the operations of innovation processes within industrial districts by exploring the ways in which differentiation, specialization, and integration affect the generation, diffusion, and use of new knowledge in such districts. We begin with an analysis of the importance of the division of labour and then investigate the effects of social embeddedness on innovation. We also consider the effect of forms of organization within industrial districts at various stages of product and process life, and we examine the negative aspects of embeddedness for innovation. We conclude with a discussion of the possible consequences of new information and communications technologies on innovation in industrial districts

AN ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF LOW INVESTMENT SWINE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

This publication summarizes an evaluation of smaller and lower investment swine production systems. The systems analyzed range from pasture operations with production during the warmer months to rather intense year-round use of remodeled buildings. In each case the system emphasizes use of facilities that can be constructed and remodeled by the farm operator. The report includes one section for each type of hog production: feeder pig production, farrow-to-finish operations and hog finishing.Livestock Production/Industries,

Assessing Laws and Legal Authorities for Obesity Prevention and Control

This is the first paper in a two part series on the laws and legal authorities for obesity prevention and control, which resulted from the National Summit on Legal Preparedness for Obesity Prevention and Control in 2008. In this paper, the authors apply the “laws and legal authorities” component of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) legal framework on public health legal preparedness to demonstrate the essential role that law can play in the fight against obesity. Their analysis identified numerous laws and policies in the three vital domains of healthy lifestyles, healthy places, and healthy societies. For example, in terms of healthy lifestyles, governments can impact nutrition through: food subsidies, taxation, and bans; food marketing strategies; and nutritional labeling and education. With regard to healthy places, state and local governments can apply zoning laws and policy decisions to change the environment to encourage healthy eating and physical activity. Governments can promote healthy societies through laws and legal authorities that affect the ability to address obesity from a social perspective (such as antidiscrimination law, health care insurance and benefit design, school and day care for children, and surveillance). This paper describes instances of how current laws and legal authorities affect the public health goal of preventing obesity in both positive and negative ways. It also highlights the progressive use of laws at every level of government (i.e., federal, state, and local) and the interaction of these laws as they relate to obesity prevention and control. In addition, general gaps in the use of law for obesity prevention and control are identified for attention and action. (These gaps serve as the basis for the companion paper, which delineates options for policymakers, practitioners, and other key stakeholders in the improvement of laws and legal authorities for obesity prevention and control.

Best Practices in Information Systems Program Assesment

What are some effective ways to assess your IS program educational objectives and program outcomes? Today, assessment is a focus point for AACSB, ABET as well as regional accrediting agencies. Practical examples for different aspects of assessment will be presented that help faculty develop meaningful and comprehensive program assessment techniques and tools. Eight experienced speakers will share their best practices with time allowed for questions and answers from the audience. Topics in the workshop include: 1. Building an Assessment Plan from the Ground Up – Barbara Denison, Wright State University 2. Experiences with the Information Systems Exit Exam - Daniel J. McFarland, Rowan University 3. The Capstone Course in IS Assessment – Meg Murray, Kennesaw State University 4. Framework for performance evaluation and program outcome assessment– Janos Fustos, Metropolitan State University of Denver 5. Direct Assessment: Some Best Practices - Lynn McKell, Brigham Young University 6. Integrating Soft Skills Assessment through University, College, and Programmatic Efforts, Ken Surendran, Southeast Missouri State University 7. Program Assessment Reporting System – Rich Redmond, Virginia Commonwealth University 8. Direct Assessment methods. A review of assessment methods on accredited campuses – Bruce White, Quinnipiac Universit

The Multi-faceted World of the Reading Teacher -or- this vs. that vs. Empowered Choices

Whole language vs. the basal; Workbooks vs. student developed materials; Combining writing with reading: yes vs. no; Test results: to use vs. not to use; Collegial Interaction vs. Independence; Back to school at night vs. my school day Is long enough already; Professional development: yea vs. nay to IR