A note on symmetry breaking in a non linear marketing model

In this paper, we consider the nonlinear discrete-time dynamic model proposed by Bischi and Baiardi (Chaos Solitons Fractals 79:145-156, 2015a). The model considers players with adaptive adjustment mechanisms towards the best reply and a form of inertia in adopting such mechanism. Moreover, we formulate an extension of the original model, where endogenous market size is considered. Through numerical simulations, we show that multiple attractors may exist in the presence of homogeneous agents and the emergence of non-synchronized trajectories both in the short (on-off intermittency) and long (global riddling) run. Therefore, the article highlights that strategic contexts exist in which the players’ knowledge of the market and the adoption of the best reply do not always allow the use of the representative agent’s rhetoric to describe the dynamics of the model.

Frankel and Rose’s Introduction to the Endogeneity of Optimality: A Model Limited to the European Monetary Experience

This article discusses Frankel and Rose’s (1997, 1998) introduction to endogeneity, which was the result of scrutinizing the optimal currency area (OCA) theory through the evaluative lens of European monetary integration and unification in the 1990s. It cannot be generalized to another monetary union. The development of endogeneity interrelates five different criteria (common currency; transaction costs; commercial integration; economic convergence; and diversification of production) to argue that the introduction of a common currency leads to economic convergence among the participating countries. Frankel and Rose’s choice of analytic criteria arises from empirical studies on European monetary unification, following the OCA framework. The empirical studies found to have influenced the authors can be divided into three themes: the microeconomic benefits of a common currency; the optimality of European countries; and adjustment mechanisms. However, as shown by the selection of certain criteria, the influence of the Emerson report (1990), and the price-stability orientation of fiscal and monetary policies, their proposal only works within the monetary and economic conditions of the future eurozone area.

Investigating model nudging as a novel technique to isolate aerosol radiative adjustment mechanisms

<p>We investigate a novel use of model nudging to interrogate radiative rapid adjustment mechanisms and their magnitudes in response to aerosol emission perturbations in an earth system model. The radiative effects of a forcing agent can be quantified using the effective radiative forcing (ERF). ERF is the sum of the instantaneous radiative forcing, and radiative adjustments – changes in the atmosphere’s state in response to the initial forcing agent that cause a further radiative forcing. Radiative adjustments are particularly important for aerosols, which affect clouds both via microphysical interactions and changes in circulation, stratification and convection. Understanding the different adjustment mechanisms and their contribution to the total ERF of different aerosol emissions is necessary to better understand how their ERF may change with future changes in anthropogenic aerosol emissions. In this work we investigate radiative adjustments resulting from changes in atmospheric temperature (and the resulting changes in stratification and convection) due to anthropogenic sulphate and black carbon aerosol forcing.</p><p>We have conducted multiple global atmosphere-only time-slice experiments using the UK Earth System Model (UKESM1). Each experiment has either control, black carbon perturbed, or sulphur dioxide perturbed emissions; and either no nudging, nudged horizontal winds (uv), or nudged horizontal winds and potential temperature (uvθ). The difference between nudged uvθ minus nudged uv simulations determines the atmospheric temperature related adjustments arising from the aerosol perturbation. We have also conducted repeats of each simulation, varying the nudging setup to test sensitivity to different nudging parameters.</p><p>We find that nudging horizontal winds affects the resulting ERF very little, whereas nudging potential temperature as well can cause a significant difference from the non-nudged experiments, primarily in the cloud radiative effect. However, this difference is sensitive to the strength of the nudging applied, for which we consider the most appropriate value.</p>

Material deprivation and employment status in post-transition: Evidence from North Macedonia

Poverty and social exclusion are often associated with unemployment, but being employed is not always sufficient to provide decent living conditions for workers and their families. In this context, the aim of this article, drawing on SILC micro data, is to assess the underlying causes of severe material deprivation in North Macedonia from the point of view of employment status, particularly the differences between employed and unemployed workers. The results show that employed workers face a much greater risk of severe material deprivation if they are positioned in the so-called secondary labour market; while the unemployed with low capital accumulation and those living in households with low work intensity face the highest risks of all. North Macedonia’s adjustment mechanisms do help cushion the consequences, but the article concludes with several policy recommendations for additional action to reduce severe material deprivation covering: education and training; active labour market policies; unionisation and collective bargaining; wage subsidies and taxation; and a statutory minimum wage.

Psychological safety as a characteristic feature of common education environment of higher educational institutions in times of globalization

The article is devoted to the analysis of the results of monitoring carried out in higher educational institutions of the Republic of Tatarstan (more than 30 universities, institutes and their regional subdivisions). 47433 students were surveyed for the present analysis. The goal of the research was to study the parameters of educational environment that might potentially influence on individual’s psychological need for security. During the monitoring the students’ depression and aggression levels were measured. Questionnaire touched upon psychological security problems, such as relationships with teaching staff, relationships with peers, situations of psychological abuse (bullying and mobbing), emotional attitude towards studying. According to correlation analysis that was carried out, it was possible to single out multiple cases of correlation between aggression and depression with various security components of educational environment. The article reflects the fact that depression and aggression represent not only generalized, obscuredly specific patterns of psychological ill-being of a certain person, but they are known to be adjustment mechanisms that help to cope with adverse circumstances. Being closely related to different factors of schooling, depression and aggression can serve as secure and valid subjective markers of psychological security of a certain person in the educational environment.

Developing a Carbon Market

Scaling up carbon pricing initiatives is essential, especially in times of a fragmented climate regime, carbon border adjustment mechanisms, and a growing need to increase ambition and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This book starts with the international climate framework and explores the design elements and main legal challenges of implementing the emissions trading system in Europe, particularly in Germany, as well as the positive elements that could be transferred to other countries, especially Brazil, when structuring this kind of carbon pricing initiative.

Shocks, uncertainty and regional resilience: The case of Brexit and Scottish SMEs

Regional resilience is a topic of growing academic and policymaker interest. This article empirically examines this concept by scrutinising the impact of Brexit on Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given their crucial importance for the Scottish economy, SMEs are a good ‘unit of analysis’ and a powerful barometer for measuring regional resilience. The research adopted a novel mixed methods approach examining the Longitudinal Small Business Survey together with in-depth interviews with SMEs. It is clear from the survey analysis that certain types of SMEs (i.e. innovators and exporters) were disproportionately fearful of Brexit. This was firmly corroborated by the interview data which found these same firms to be the most detrimentally impacted, manifesting in reductions in employment, exports and innovation. In contrast, the majority of domestically focused, less innovative SMEs were much less concerned and less negatively affected. While a small minority managed to deploy adjustment mechanisms to mitigate these negative effects, overall many firms had major difficulties operationally and strategically coping with this uncertain and turbulent environment. The findings suggest proactive public policies will be needed to help mitigate the difficulties caused by Brexit for certain types of SMEs.

Exploring adjustment mechanisms of adolescent expat kids from South Asia against sociopolitical stigma

PurposeIn recent times, several instances of anti-immigration-related hate crimes and religious bullying have been reported where South Asian expatriates have been victimized. The accompanying children of such expatriates may find such hostile perceptions very difficult to deal with due to their tender age and sensitive ego, which may also lead to the premature return of the expatriate. In this study, a qualitative investigation is conducted to understand the specific problems faced by South Asian expat kids with respect to religious stigma and anti-immigration sentiments.Design/methodology/approachA latent thematic analysis was adopted as the research method in this study. Responses were obtained from 27 South Asian adolescent expat kids through audiovisual interviews.FindingsA total of three central themes were identified from the analysis: (1) coping against social stigma, (2) dealing with social isolation and (3) assimilating with host culture. The findings indicated that the expat kids from South Asia were mentally well prepared to cope with bullying related to the religious or political sentiment using several self-reflective orientations and through optimal use of technical resources.Research limitations/implicationsThis study applies a qualitative exploratory design. Hence, a follow-up study backed by quantifiable data is needed to enhance generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsCorporate practitioners may develop dedicated social media page for expat kids or an online community of such individuals as a support system.Originality/valueThe paper applies a critical lens on some deep-rooted sociopolitical issues which have not been addressed in extant literature on expat adjustment.