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Purpose – The recent transformations brought about by the globalisation of markets have increased the competitive pressure for firms operating in traditional sectors, and in particular for those in industrial districts. The authors' aim is to understand the extent to which firms responded to these new challenges. More particularly, they investigate the determinants of innovation at firm level focusing on the role of firm's outsourcing strategies. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on an original firm-level dataset, the authors analyse the determinants of innovation in a typical Italian industrial district, i.e. the hosiery district of Castel Goffredo in the Third Italy. They apply econometric techniques, in particular OLS and Tobit models. Findings – The authors' findings suggest that industrial districts are evolving towards a differentiated organisational structure in which innovation is driven by firms, which are focused on core competences and high valued added activities. Research limitations/implications – The authors' results should be interpreted with some caution, since the cross-sectional design of their data does not allow them to fully control for potential reverse causation effects, which might be relevant for some of the explanatory variables. Their data do not allow them to include additional instrumental variables, thus they cannot control for endogeneity. Therefore, their interpretation is limited to comment the extent and regularity of the relation between dependent and explanatory variables. Practical implications – The evidence presented in this study corroborates some arguments highlighted in the current debate about the evolution of industrial districts. A network-based organisation is the dominant organisational structure. The authors have some evidence on the importance of size as driver of innovation. Originality/value – The authors find original evidence at firm level on the relation between organisational change, in the form of outsourcing, and innovation in the context of an industrial district. They also find empirical support to arguments debated in the recent policy debates on whether small firms can be regarded as engines of innovation in industrial districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have stressed the role played by global pipelines in fostering the growth of clusters and innovativeness. In this article, we develop a formal model to investigate when global pipelines contribute to an increase in local knowledge, depending on various characteristics of clusters such as size, knowledge endowment, and the ease of transmission of internal knowledge. This model is an extension of Cowan and Jonard's () model in which we introduce the concept of cluster and a role for spatial proximity in the diffusion of knowledge. Our results reveal that there is a natural tendency of actors within global pipelines to act as external stars, rather than gatekeepers of knowledge. Global pipelines are beneficial for the accumulation of knowledge only if the cluster is either characterized by a high-quality local buzz or is small and weakly endowed in terms of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the past three decades, the global pattern of wine production has undergone fundamental changes, most notably the emergence of New World producers. This article presents a detailed account of the sector's changing global organization from 1974 to 2004 by applying network analysis methods to the evolution of international trade and scientific collaboration networks. We argue that there is a strong mutual interdependence of trade and scientific knowledge production, as a result of which we expect the geographic configuration of global knowledge and trade networks to coevolve. Our results show that, over time, only a few New World wine producers developed trade and scientific collaboration networks that resemble those of traditional Old World producers. They also show that structures of trade and scientific collaboration networks are more alike for Old World than for New World producers, which suggests that, contrary to our expectations, it is particularly Old World producers who may have mainly benefited from participation in international scientific collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: From a development perspective an investigation of the changes that have occurred in the wine industry is of particular interest because it provides evidence on how emerging economies have been able to acquire significant shares of the international market in a dynamic sector. Based on novel empirical evidence, this paper shows that emerging countries with diverse institutional models and innovation strategies have actively participated in the process of technological modernization and product standardization. These newcomers in the wine sector have responded particularly effectively to changes in demand, aligning emerging scientific approaches with institutional building efforts and successful marketing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper investigates the sectoral variety and common patterns across different typologies of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS). We examine this issue by considering the case of Lombardy, a highly developed manufacturing area the industrial activities of which are experiencing a pervasive transformation towards higher knowledge content, demanding stronger and more pervasive support by advanced services. Drawing on an original survey-based firm-level dataset, we analyze innovation patterns across KIBS, evaluating the explanatory power of traditional classifications of the service sector, as well as the heterogeneity driven by firm and market specific characteristics. Our findings highlight four profiles of KIBS: interactive innovation mode, product innovation mode, conservative innovation mode and techno-organizational innovation mode. When examining in more depth the variables that are associated with cluster membership, we find that firm strategy is the most significant determinant, with size, customer location, and training also playing a role in defining cluster specificities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morrison A. Gatekeepers of knowledge within industrial districts: who they are, how they interact, Regional Studies. Studies on industrial districts suggest that their innovative performance is strictly linked to their ability to absorb external knowledge. Yet, the existing literature provides few insights into the functioning of this process. This paper, focusing on leader firms located in a successful Italian furniture district, investigates whether they feed the district with knowledge absorbed from external sources, thereby behaving as 'gatekeepers of knowledge... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in the standard scores for the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R; L. M. Dunn & L. M. Dunn, 1981) and the PPVT-Third Edition (PPVT-III; Dunn & Dunn, 1997b) are known to exist for children, with typically higher scores occurring on the PPVT-III. However, these tests are administered into adulthood as well, and score equivalence must be evaluated for this age range. Analysis of data from the PPVT-R and PPVT-III tests from 76 adult participants revealed significant score differences. Participants with poor language skills scored significantly higher on the PPVT-III than on the PPVT-R. The control group showed no significant difference between the PPVT-R and PPVT-III scores. The results suggest that the two tests should not be considered interchangeable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the Chinese economy shifts from factor-driven to innovation-driven growth, Chinese firms are increasingly lacking highly skilled talents. In this context, attracting high-skill returnees might represent an effective strategy to access knowledge. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between high-skill returnees and innovation of Chinese publicly listed firms. We construct a unique dataset of 2,499 firms over the period 2002–16 by combining three different data sources (i.e. Chinese Research Data Services Platform, China Stock Market & Accounting Research Database, and LinkedIn). Our results show that different typologies of returnees (employees, technologists, and managers) with different experiences abroad (work vs study) may bring back different skills and impact differently on firm innovation. Our main findings show that (1) returnee employees and technologists are positively associated with firm's patenting; (2) returnees' overseas work experience matters more than study experience; and (3) the positive role of returnees is subject to contingencies related to firm characteristics such as ownership, location, and size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An objective index of degree of parental agreement was generated by comparing the independent responses of 83 parental dyads to a set of Q-sort items reflecting child-rearing values and orientations. This index was found to significantly predict subsequent continuation or termination of the marriage and to relate to independently described characteristics of the family home environment. Further, the index of parental agreement was significantly related to the quality of psychological functioning an boys and in girls over a 4-year age range, from age 3 to age 7. Reliable differences were found in the patterning among relationships for boys and girls wherein parental agreement was more implicative for the psychological functioning of boys than for girls and was related positively to the development of ego control in boys but was related negatively to the development of ego control in the sample of girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the activities of the organization Government Documents Round Table (GODORT). At the first Steering Committee meeting, Chair John Stevenson reported on letters sent and GODORT activities at the October Depository Library Council meeting. At the GODORT update, Julie Schwartz, Connecticut State Library, discussed the OCLC Digital Archive Project to capture Connecticut state government publications; Patrice McDermott reported from the ALA Washington Office; and Superintendent of Documents Judy Russell spoke about GPO's "Strategic Vision for the 21st Century." The International Documents Task Force heard agency liaison and vendor reports on developments related to international government organization information, and planned a pre-conference for Annual 2006. The GODORT Awards Committee met and selected award recipients. At the Cataloging Committee, Laurie Hall, director of bibliographic services at GPO, presented GPO's plan to create separate records for titles in multiple formats.

During May-July 2023, a cluster of 7 patients at local hospitals in Florida, USA, received a diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Whole-genome sequencing of the organism from 4 patients and phylogenetic analysis with worldwide representative P. vivax genomes indicated probable single parasite introduction from Central/South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Inward FDI positively impact local innovation. • the positive role of FDI is stronger for some specific typologies of inward FDI, such as in "Science-based" activities and to a lesser extent in "Specialised supplier" activities. • Inward FDI also produce negative effects on local innovation, in particular in the case of "Scale-Intensive" sector. Locations all over the world compete to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in order to access knowledge, technology, and boost economic development. Although the literature shows a positive impact of FDI, little is known about (1) its effect on neighbouring regions and (2) the type of FDI generating the strongest learning effects. To fill this gap, we investigate the FDI-innovation relationship in Italian provinces. By adopting the Pavitt taxonomy of manufacturing sectors, we suggest that only specific categories of FDI benefit local economies, whilst other types may produce negative outcomes. The evidence on the spatial implications of FDI remains limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report on the 2004 annual conference. The GODORT pre-conference "Make the Most of What You've Got: Improving Access to Government Information in Your Online Catalog" was attended by seventy-seven participants. It was co-sponsored by GODORT's Cataloging Committee and ALCTSJ with support from Marcive, Inc., Exlibris, Innovative Interfaces and SIRSI. Speakers were from the Government Printing Office (GPO), vendors, and users of bibliographic records for documents in online catalogs. In their meeting, the Federal Documents Task Force (FDTF) discussed the need for ongoing monitoring and feedback concerning GPO strategic planning. The International Documents Task Force (IDTF) meeting included reports from the World Bank, OECD, World Tourism Organization, United Nations, European Union, Center for Research Libraries, Bernan, and the IDTF Agency Liaison Program. Canadian Government Publications developments were discussed.

Focuses on several issues and concerns addressed during the 2004 Government Documents Roundtable (GODORT). Themes chosen for the 2004 GODORT; Issues to be addressed by GODORT at the 2004 American Library Association Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida; Concerns over the USA PATRIOT Act.

Highlights the commitment of the American Library Association's Government Document Round Table (GODORT) to permanent public access to government information in the U.S. Activities of GODORT that embodied the commitment; Goals and accomplishments of GODORT; Information resources and channels made available by GODORT.

Eight cases of locally acquired, mosquito-transmitted (i.e., autochthonous) Plasmodium vivax malaria, which has not been reported in the United States since 2003, were reported to CDC from state health departments in Florida and Texas during May 18--July 17, 2023. As of August 4, 2023, case surveillance, mosquito surveillance and control activities, and public outreach and education activities continue in both states. U.S. clinicians need to consider a malaria diagnosis in patients with unexplained fever, especially in areas where autochthonous malaria has been recently reported, although the risk for autochthonous malaria in the United States remains very low. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria can prevent severe disease or death and limit ongoing transmission to local Anopheles mosquitoes and other persons. Preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes at home can prevent mosquitoborne diseases, including malaria. Before traveling internationally to areas with endemic malaria, travelers should consult with a health care provider regarding recommended malaria prevention measures, including potentially taking malaria prophylaxis. Malaria is a nationally notifiable disease; continued reporting of malaria cases to jurisdictional health departments and CDC will also help ensure robust surveillance to detect and prevent autochthonous malaria in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a dengue outbreak in Key Largo, Florida, USA, from February through August 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Successful community engagement resulted in 61% of case-patients self-reporting. We also describe COVID-19 pandemic effects on the dengue outbreak investigation and the need to increase clinician awareness of dengue testing recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although informal knowledge networks have often been regarded as a key ingredient behind the success of industrial clusters, the forces that shape their structure and dynamics remain largely unknown. Drawing on recent network dynamic models, we analyze the evolution of business and technical knowledge networks within a toy cluster in Spain. Empirical results suggest that the dynamics of the two networks differ to a large extent. We find that status drives the formation of business knowledge networks, proximity is more crucial for technical knowledge networks, while embeddedness plays an equally important role in the dynamics of both networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the meaning of the after-hours social experiences of youth with disabilities in a residential life skills program. After-hours experiences occur outside of formal program hours, primarily in the evenings. Five youth with cerebral palsy (three females) participated in an exploratory photo elicitation study while attending one of two residential immersive life skills programs. Following an auto-driven photo elicitation method, youth took photos of their choosing and then were interviewed about photos they elected to share. Interview data were analyzed thematically. Themes illustrated meaningful social experiences and their benefits. Two themes described the after-hours social experiences of most importance to youth: learning about strengths from working together, and having meaningful individual and group conversations. Three themes reflected benefits reported by youth: learning about differences among people, gaining new perspectives and new knowledge about oneself, and developing friendships and a sense of "family." The findings illuminate the benefits of after-hours social experiences for youth who may have had little opportunity previously to informally interact with other youth with disabilities. The findings highlight the importance of the immersive, group nature of a residential, away-from-home youth transition program, particularly the value added by the after-hours program component. The findings support the value of an over-night residential aspect for life skills programs for youth with disabilities. Residential immersive life skills programs provide opportunities for youth to discuss common experiences and shared challenges, leading to the formation of social bonds. Residential immersive life skills programs provide opportunities for youth to interact with peers in the absence of adults, and to make choices about how to use their personal time. It is important to intentionally design transition programs to provide opportunities for after-hours social experiences, including working together and socializing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper investigates the diversified patterns of outsourcing in the Lombardy region and relates them to the probability of introducing product and process innovation. Based on a large firm-level survey, we show that outsourcing processes are strongly regionally embedded and that offshoring is still a limited phenomenon. Outsourcing strategies are shown to be positively related to firms’ innovation. In particular, the outsourcing of service activities is mostly related to product innovation, thus suggesting that firms successfully pursue core strengthening strategies. Our econometric estimates show that both geographical and organisational proximity matter. Indeed, the positive association of services with innovation is strongly related to their regional dimension, which points towards the importance of local user–producer relationships. When outsourcing crosses national borders, keeping the outsourced activities within extended organisational boundaries (i.e. within the group or network of affiliates) appears relevant, particularly with reference to R&D activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: While using an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in the weeks after an ED visit reduces repeat visits, few children receive a needed prescription. Because a prescription may not be filled or used, dispensing ICS at discharge and supervising its use at school could overcome both barriers until follow-up care is established. To assess the feasibility of such an intervention, we conducted a pilot study among elementary-age school children with persistent asthma who were discharged from the ED following an asthma exacerbation. Methods: Eligible children were randomly assigned to ED-dispensing of ICS with home supervision or ED-dispensing of ICS with home and school supervision. The primary outcomes were ability to recruit and retain participants, ability to initiate school-supervised medication administration within 5 days of discharge, and participant satisfaction. Results: Despite identifying 437 potentially eligible children, only 13 (3%) were enrolled with 6 being randomized to the intervention group and 7 to the control group. Eleven (85%) randomized participants completed the 90-day interview (primary outcome) and 8 (62%) completed the 120-day interview (safety endpoint). Four (67%) intervention participants started their school regimen within 5 business days and 2 started within 6 business days. Conclusion: While our pilot study did not meet its recruitment goal, it did achieve its primary purpose of assessing feasibility before undertaking a larger, more intensive study. Several major recruitment barriers need to be mitigated before EDs can successfully partner with schools to establish supervised ICS treatment. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03952286. Registered 16 May 2019, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine parents' views of the benefits of residential immersive life skills programs for youth with disabilities.Method: Three- and 12-month post-session interviews were held with ten parents of youth with disabilities who had attended one of three residential immersive life skills programs in one of three years of data collection. A deductive thematic analysis was conducted to describe the types of benefits reported by parents.Results: Parents discussed foundational benefits that were common to youth and more individualized emergent benefits. The foundational benefits included acquisition of life skills, greater awareness of future possibilities, and enhancements to self-confidence. The emergent benefits included greater comfort in new situations, and changes in motivation and initiative, maturity and responsibility, and community involvement.Conclusions: Parents reported diverse benefits from involvement in these youth transition programs. In the eyes of parents, these programs prepared youth for transition to adult roles by enhancing awareness of life possibilities, amplifying existing capacities, and accelerating growth in adaptability, motivation, and maturity, as well as community involvement. The findings indicate the utility of RILS programs, and can be used to explain the diverse effects of these programs to parents and youth contemplating enrollment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]