One of the key ingredients of success in building internationally competitive industries lies in amassing a sizeable pool of competent suppliers of parts, components and accessories. This monograph examines how in developing countries suppliers of mechanical components at the low end of the technological trajectory build up key capabilities over time. The focus is on Vietnam’s motorcycle industry, which was rapidly transformed from a small, highly protected market to the world’s fourth largest motorcycle producer. This rare success resulted from intense competition between leading Japanese motorcycle manufacturers and local Vietnamese assemblers of imported Chinese components both attempting to gain supremacy in the emerging market. In particular, the book analyzes how local Vietnamese suppliers of motorcycle components exploited participation in contrasting types of value chains developed by the two groups of leading manufacturing firms, referred to here as Japanese and/or Vietnamese–Chinese chains, for accumulating strategic know-how. On the basis of historical evidence and recent empirical data collected through repeated rounds of in-depth fieldwork the analysis finds first, those suppliers’ learning trajectories evolved over time resulting in a divergence in learning performance extending across suppliers in later phases of industrial development. In the later stage, high-performing suppliers amassed basic innovative expertise, constituting the bedrock of this fast-growing industry. Second, the analysis finds that the diverging performance can be explained by the combination of roles played by lead firms in inducing and facilitating supplier learning and those of suppliers in mobilizing their own sources of knowledge. These conclusions not only provide dynamic, insightful accounts of supplier learning in developing country contexts but also make key theoretical and methodological contributions to the research on value chain participation and supplier learning.
The U.S. labor force participation rate (LFPR) fell dramatically following the Great Recession and has yet to start recovering. A key question is how much of the post-2007 decline is reversible, something which is central to the policy debate. The key finding of this paper is that while around 1⁄4–? of the post-2007 decline is reversible, the LFPR will continue to decline given population aging. This paper’s measure of the “employment gap” also suggests that labor market slack remains and will only decline gradually, pointing to a still important role for stimulative macro-economic policies to help reach full employment. In addition, given the continued downward pressure on the LFPR, labor supply measures will be an essential component of the strategy to boost potential growth. Finally, stimulative macroeconomic and labor supply policies should also help reduce the scope for further hysteresis effects to develop (e.g., loss of skills, discouragement).
This is the first book dedicated to clarifying the concept of “foundlings” and how to best prevent their statelessness in light of the object and purpose of Article 2 of the 1961 UN Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and equivalent nationality law provisions. Among other features, the book defines the terms “foundling,” including the maximum age limit of the child to be considered a “foundling”; “unknown parents”; being “found” in a territory; and “proof to the contrary”; as well as the procedural issues such as the appropriate burden and standard of proof. In doing so, the book draws upon a comparative analysis of national legislation on “foundlings” covering 193 states, case law, and precedents in some states as well as international human rights law norms including the best interests of the child. As its conclusion, the book proposes an inclusive model “foundling provision” and a commentary to inform legislative efforts and interpretation of the existing provisions. Its findings are useful not only to state parties to the 1961 Convention but also to non-state parties, particularly in countries lacking systematic civil documentation or experiencing the effects of armed conflicts, migration, trafficking, and displacement.
At Yilin Jing’s request, Kiyotaka goes to Shanghai with Ensho and Komatsu to appraise an art exhibition. What was supposed to be a comfortable trip takes a dramatic turn when Shiro Kikukawa suddenly sends him covert photos of Aoi in New York! Shiro tells Kiyotaka that if he wants to ensure Aoi’s safety, he has to steal a particular painting. To make matters worse, the man claims to have dirt on Seiji Yagashira. With Aoi’s well-being and his grandfather's reputation at stake, what will Kiyotaka do?
A few days after Kiyotaka departs for Shanghai, Aoi goes to New York City with Rikyu and Yoshie. She was invited by world-famous curator Sally Barrymore as part of a training program for up-and-coming female curators, but what awaits her is an intense test. After making the cut and becoming one of Sally’s honor students, she and two others are tasked with producing an exhibit of their own! It’s a tough road ahead, but at least Rikyu is there to help. However, Aoi gradually becomes aware of an inner conflict she has regarding Kiyotaka...
Aoi has graduated from high school and successfully enrolled in her top pick, Kyoto Prefectural University. Kiyotaka has completed grad school too, and their relationship can finally deepen—or so they thought, but the owner orders Kiyotaka to learn more about the world by working outside of Kyoto! His first placement is at Shokado Garden Art Museum in Yawata City. One weekend, Aoi and Kaori secretly pay his workplace a visit to see how he’s faring, but as it turns out, an unexpected incident is awaiting them there!
Fracture is a major cause of failure in metallic and non-metallic materials and structures. An understanding of the micro- and macro- mechanisms of fracture enables materials scientists to develop materials with high fracture resistance, which in turn helps engineers and designers to ensure the soundness and integrity of structures made from these materials. The International Congress on Fracture is held every four years and is an occasion to take stock of the major achievements in the broad field of fracture, to honour those who have made lasting contributions to this field, and to reflect on the future directions. ICF9 is published in six volumes covering the areas of:-- Failure Analysis, Remaining Life Assessment, Life Extension and Repair- Failure of Multiphase and Non-Metallic Materials- Fatigue of Metallic and Non-Metallic Materials and Structures- Theoretical and Computational Fracture Mechanics and New Directions- Testing and Characterization Methods, and Interfacial Fracture Mechanics- High Strain Rate Fracture and Impact Mechanics.
Polymer nanocomposites are polymer matrices reinforced with nano-scale fillers. This new class of composite materials has shown enhanced optical, electrical and dielectric properties. This important book begins by examining the characteristics of the main types of polymer nanocomposites and then reviews their diverse applications.Part one focuses on polymer/nanoparticle composites, their synthesis, optical properties and electrical conductivity. Part two describes the electrical, dielectric and thermal behaviour of polymer/nanoplatelet composites, whilst polymer/nanotube composites are the subject of Part three. The processing and industrial applications of these nanocomposite materials are discussed in Part four, including uses in fuel cells, bioimaging and sensors as well as the manufacture and applications of electrospun polymer nanocomposite fibers, nanostructured transition metal oxides, clay nanofiller/epoxy nanocomposites, hybrid epoxy-silica-rubber nanocomposites and other rubber-based nanocomposites.Polymer nanocomposites: physical properties and applications is a valuable reference tool for both the research community and industry professionals wanting to learn about these materials and their applications in such areas as fuel cell, sensor and biomedical technology. - Gives a comprehensive review of polymer nanocomposites and their properties - A standard reference on this area - Written by distinguished editors and a international team of authors
This book examines public attitudes to the death penalty in Japan, focusing on knowledge and trust-based attitudinal factors relating to support for, and opposition to, the death penalty. A mixed-method approach was used. Quantitative and qualitative surveys were mounted to assess Japanese death penalty attitudes. The main findings show that death penalty attitudes are not fixed but fluid. Information has a significant impact on reducing support for the death penalty while retributive attitudes are associated with support. This book offers a new conceptual framework in understanding the death penalty without replying on the usual human rights approach, which can be widely applied not just to Japan but to other retentionist countries.
Robust Design of Microelectronics Assemblies Against Mechanical Shock, Temperature and Moisture discusses how the reliability of packaging components is a prime concern to electronics manufacturers. The text presents a thorough review of this important field of research, providing users with a practical guide that discusses theoretical aspects, experimental results, and modeling techniques. The authors use their extensive experience to produce detailed chapters covering temperature, moisture, and mechanical shock induced failure, adhesive interconnects, and viscoelasticity. Useful program files and macros are also included. - Discusses how the reliability of packaging components is a prime concern to electronics manufacturers - Presents a thorough review of this important field of research, providing users with a practical guide that discusses theoretical aspects, experimental results, and modeling techniques - Includes program files and macros for additional study
This long-awaited update of the classic, The Human Nervous System, stands as an impressive survey of our knowledge of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. The book has been completely redone and brought up-to-date. An impressive and respected cast of international authors have contributed 37 chapters on topics ranging from Brain Evolution, all phases of Brain Development, to all areas of the adult brain and peripheral pathways, along with careful descriptions of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, brainstem and cerebellum. The Human Nervous System, Second Edition will again serve as the gold standard, providing a one-stop source of up-to-date information about our knowledge of the human nervous system.This second edition of the standard reference on the human nervous system is extensively and completely revised and updated from the 1990 first edition. Written by the leading researchers, many chapters have been completely rewritten, new chapters have been added. A new section on Evolution and Development provides a broader perspective, and all chapters include references and perspectives to neurological disease.
One of the key ingredients of success in building internationally competitive industries lies in amassing a sizeable pool of competent suppliers of parts, components and accessories. This monograph examines how in developing countries suppliers of mechanical components at the low end of the technological trajectory build up key capabilities over time. The focus is on Vietnam’s motorcycle industry, which was rapidly transformed from a small, highly protected market to the world’s fourth largest motorcycle producer. This rare success resulted from intense competition between leading Japanese motorcycle manufacturers and local Vietnamese assemblers of imported Chinese components both attempting to gain supremacy in the emerging market. In particular, the book analyzes how local Vietnamese suppliers of motorcycle components exploited participation in contrasting types of value chains developed by the two groups of leading manufacturing firms, referred to here as Japanese and/or Vietnamese–Chinese chains, for accumulating strategic know-how. On the basis of historical evidence and recent empirical data collected through repeated rounds of in-depth fieldwork the analysis finds first, those suppliers’ learning trajectories evolved over time resulting in a divergence in learning performance extending across suppliers in later phases of industrial development. In the later stage, high-performing suppliers amassed basic innovative expertise, constituting the bedrock of this fast-growing industry. Second, the analysis finds that the diverging performance can be explained by the combination of roles played by lead firms in inducing and facilitating supplier learning and those of suppliers in mobilizing their own sources of knowledge. These conclusions not only provide dynamic, insightful accounts of supplier learning in developing country contexts but also make key theoretical and methodological contributions to the research on value chain participation and supplier learning.
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