Service work and subcontracting in the new economy: Call centres in Mexico City.

This dissertation analyses the subcontracting of front-line service work in the new economy. Its aim is to examine how workers' experiences and employment conditions are affected by how subcontractors respond to the challenges and problems of coordination and negotiation with client firms. In recent years, subcontracting has gained popularity as a mechanism to deal with the uncertainty of increasingly challenging business environments. According to mainstream business scholars and social scientists, intense competition, variations in demand and technical change have forced organizations to substitute hierarchical arrangements by market mediated transactions. Nonetheless, the practice of subcontracting also raises important concerns. Subcontracting might blur organizational boundaries, fragmenting employers' authority and affecting coordination between organizations. In other words, subcontracting might involve problems that, in practice, increase transaction costs and affect workers' experiences. This research is based on extensive information collected through 65 in-depth interviews with workers and managers concerning their work experiences in call centres in Mexico City. Call centres are often seen as a flag-ship industry of the new economy, rapidly growing and subject to constant pressures for cost reduction. The Mexican case is also relevant as it is characterized by a weak institutional setting where labour protection is low and business competition is largely unregulated. The findings of this research identify those managerial practices that can be more affected or associated with the difficulties of negotiation and coordination between subcontractors and client firms; narrowed job designs; customer segmentation; the use of contracts for services; supervision approach; union avoidance; the use of internal labour markets to secure management loyalty; and reinforcing social divisions in the workplace. These findings also suggest that a number of practices that were common in the old economy are still relevant in the organization of work in the twenty-first century

Decolonising the state: subversion, mimicry and criminality

Editorial de la Revista "Postcolonial Studies. vol. 23, nº 2

Impacto de la Planeación estratégica en el servicio al cliente en un consultorio dental

One of the purposes of implementing strategic planning in a dental office is to impact the quality of service in such a way that it raises business expectations within a market where we find fierce competition, so our article addresses how to compete with tools provided by the strategies implemented since most small businesses that start new operations do not have a strategic plan for take possession as a business with high quality in its service and according to the demands they have today such as the use of social networks to advertise the business, the agenda of appointments for consultations, the need to hire the services of support staff and as a consequence the increase of all administrative and service tasks,  making it necessary to establish administrative processes within the business for the proper functioning and improve the dental service offered to the public ...Uno de los propósitos de la implementación de la planeación estratégica en un consultorio dental es impactar la calidad del servicio de tal manera que eleve las expectativas del negocio dentro de un mercado donde encontramos una competencia feroz, por lo que nuestro artículo aborda la manera de competir con herramientas proporcionadas por las estrategias implementadas ya que la mayoría de las pequeñas empresas que inician nuevas operaciones no cuentan con un plan estratégico para posesionarse como un negocio con alta calidad en su servicio y acorde a las exigencias que tienen en la actualidad como el uso de las redes sociales para publicitar el negocio, la agenda de citas para consultas, la necesidad de contratar los servicios de personal de apoyo y como consecuencia el incremento de todas las tareas administrativas y de servicio, haciendo necesario establecer procesos administrativos dentro del negocio para el correcto funcionamiento y mejorar el servicio dental que se ofrece al público

Essays in anarchism and religion: Volume 1

Essays in anarchism and religion: Volume

Neutral Lipid Biosynthetic Potential in Sediment Microbial Communities from Subantarctic Environments

Bacteria from a limited number of taxa are known to accumulate wax esters (WE) and triacylglycerol (TAG) as an adaptation response to stressful environmental conditions, although this capability is poorly understood at the microbial community level. The goal of this work was to uncover the prevalence and diversity of bacteria with the potential to synthesize neutral lipids in coastal sediments of Subantarctic and Antarctic environments, and to characterize the gene clusters related to this process. More than 48,000 sequences containing the PF03007 domain (specific of the key enzyme wax ester synthase/acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase, WS/DGAT) were retrieved from 13 metagenomes, including subtidal and intertidal sediments of Ushuaia Bay, Argentina (54° 48’ S, 68° 17’ W), and subtidal sediments of Potter Cove, 25 de Mayo Island, Antarctica (62° 13’ S, 58° 39’ W). Abundance of putative WS/DGAT sequences in the sediment metagenomes was 1.23 ± 0.42 times relative to 12 single-copy genes encoding ribosomal proteins, much higher than in seawater (0.13 ± 0.31 times in 338 metagenomes). In an ordination analysis, the metagenomes were grouped by geographic location, although closely related sequences were present in both environments despite a 1,000 km distance and the potential barrier of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Most sequences were binned to the Proteobacteria or the Actinobacteria phyla. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the majority of the identified sequences were most closely related to sequences from genomes assembled from metagenomes, from environmental samples including seawater, marine sediments, groundwater, freshwater and biological wastewater treatment plants. The genomic context of putative WS/DGAT sequences included genes encoding putative Type-2 PAPs and HAD-type hydrolases, glycerol- and acylglycerol- phosphate O-acyltransferases, some of them potentially responsible for specific steps in WE and TAG biosynthesis. In addition, some scaffolds contained genes of related pathways such as fatty-acids metabolism, suggesting carbon recycling might drive the flux to neutral lipid synthesis. These results indicate the presence of abundant and diverse bacterial populations with the potential to synthesize lipid storage compounds. This information increases our understanding on the mechanisms used by bacteria from extreme environments to adapt to environmental stressors. FP and VG contributed equally.Fil: Pascutti, Federico. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Galvan, Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Sandoval, Natalia Elisa. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia; ArgentinaFil: Lanfranconi, Mariana Patricia. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia; ArgentinaFil: Lozada, Mariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Arabolaza, Ana Lorena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Mac Cormack, Walter Patricio. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Interno y Culto. Dirección Nacional del Antártico. Instituto Antártico Argentino; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Hector Manuel. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biociencias de la Patagonia; ArgentinaFil: Gramajo, Hugo Cesar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Dionisi, Hebe Monica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaWorld Microbe ForumWashingtonEstados UnidosAmerican Society for MicrobiologyFederation of European Microbiological Societie

Structural evolution, optical gap and thermoelectric properties of CH3NH3SnBr3 hybrid perovskite, prepared by mechanochemistry

Direct bandgap semiconductors of the hybrid-perovskite family CH3NH3PbX3 (X = I, Br, Cl) exhibit outstanding light absorption properties and are the materials of choice for solar energy applications. As an alternative to poisonous Pb, tin-containing perovskites would show a lower effective mass thus exhibiting a higher charge carrier mobility. An auspicious candidate is CH3NH3SnBr3, with an estimated band gap of 1.902 eV, anticipating applications in photovoltaic devices for the visible to ultra-violet wavelength region. We describe that this perovskite can be prepared by ball milling in a straightforward way, yielding specimens with a superior crystallinity. A structural investigation from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXRD) data was essential to revisit the successive phase transitions this compound experiences down to 120 K, guided by specific heat capacity and DSC measurements. From the cubic structure identified at RT and 270 K, there is a gradual evolution of the patterns, analysed as a phase admixture between the cubic and the low-symmetry phase present at 160 K. This corresponds to an orthorhombic Pmc21 superstructure; this acentric space group enables polarization along the c-axis where there is a twofold screw axis, evidenced in the distribution of Sn-Br distances. Furthermore, there are two conspicuous changes in the orthorhombic framework, yet keeping the Pmc21 space group, which agree with the main calorimetric events (observed at 224 and 147 K). We interpret these changes as an interplay between the tilting of the SnBr6 octahedra of the inorganic framework and the breaking and reconstruction of H-bond interactions with the organic CH3NH+3 unit. The stereochemical effect of the lone electron pair of the Sn2+ ion is clear in the SnBr6 octahedral distortion. Diffuse reflectance UV/Vis spectroscopy yields an optical gap of ∼2.1 eV, in agreement with ab- initio calculations. A Seebeck coefficient of ∼2000 μV K-1 is determined near RT, which is one order of magnitude higher than those reported for other halide perovskites.Fil: Lopez, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Luis. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química. Universidad Nacional de San Luis. Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia. Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnología Química; Argentina. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Abia, Carmen. Institut Laue Langevin; Francia. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Gainza, Javier. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Kayser, Paula. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Nemes, Norbert. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Dura, Oscar J.. Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha; EspañaFil: Martinez, Jose L.. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; EspañaFil: Fernandez Diaz, Maria Teresa. Institut Laue Langevin; FranciaFil: Alvarez Galvan, M. Consuelo. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; EspañaFil: Alonso, José Antonio. Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid; Españ

Catalytic activation of ceramic H2 membranes for CMR processes

[EN] The application of catalytic membrane reactors can overcome some of the disadvantages that reactions for the direct conversion of methane to fuels and petrochemicals present. Hydrogen separation membranes can shift the reaction equilibrium by hydrogen removal, improving the separation, selectivity and yield of the reactions. La5.5WO11.25-delta/La0.87Sr0.13CrO3-delta (LWO/LSC) based membranes present a high H-2 flux within the temperature range where CMR can be applied. However, the catalytic activity of the material is very low and it has to be improved. This work presents the development of different catalytic layers based on LSC material and the study of their influence on the H-2 flux obtained by using 60/40-LWO/LSC membranes. Membranes coated with porous layer made of Ni-infiltrated La0.75Ce0.1Sr0.15CrO3-delta exhibited the best permeation flux but still 20% lower than the one reached using Pt layers. Stability of the catalytic layers is also evaluated under H2 permeation conditions and under high steam content methane. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Financial support by the Spanish Government (Grants ENE2014-57651-R, CSD-2009-0050 and SEV-2012-0267) and CoorsTek Membrane Sciences is kindly acknowledged. The authors are indebted to M. Fabuel for sample preparation. The support of the Servicio de Microscopia Electronica of the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia is also acknowledged.Escolástico Rozalén, S.; Kjolseth, C.; Serra Alfaro, JM. (2016). Catalytic activation of ceramic H2 membranes for CMR processes. Journal of Membrane Science. 517:57-63. doi:10.1016/j.memsci.2016.06.017S576351

Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas Over Nickel-Based Catalysts: Influence of Support Type, Addition of Rhodium, and Preparation Method

There is great economic incentive in developing efficient catalysts to produce hydrogen or syngas by catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPOM) since this is a much less energy-intensive reaction than the highly endothermic methane steam reforming reaction, which is the prominent reaction in industry. Herein, we report the catalytic behavior of nickel-based catalysts supported on different oxide substrates (Al2O3, CeO2, La2O3, MgO, and ZrO2) synthesized via wet impregnation and solid-state reaction. Furthermore, the impact of Rh doping was investigated. The catalysts have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorptiondesorption at −196°C, temperature-programmed reduction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, O2-pulse chemisorption, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Supported Ni catalysts were found to be active for CPOM but can suffer from fast deactivation caused by the formation of carbon deposits as well as via the sintering of Ni nanoparticles (NPs). It has been found that the presence of Rh favors nickel reduction, which leads to an increase in the methane conversion and yield. For both synthesis methods, the catalysts supported on alumina and ceria show the best performance. This could be explained by the higher surface area of the Ni NPs on the alumina surface and presence of oxygen vacancies in the CeO2 lattice, which favor the proportion of oxygen adsorbed on defect sites. The catalysts supported on MgO suffer quick deactivation due to formation of a NiO/MgO solid solution, which is not reducible under the reaction conditions. The low level of carbon formation over the catalysts supported on La2O3 is ascribed to the very high dispersion of the nickel NPs and to the formation of lanthanum oxycarbonate, through which carbon deposits are gasified. The catalytic behavior for catalysts with ZrO2 as support depends on the synthesis method; however, in both cases, the catalysts undergo deactivation by carbon deposits