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The purpose of this paper is to emphasize that it is necessary to consider possible “switches” when constructing dynamic models. We consider a class of differential games with switching utility functions.

We assume that the players do not have exact information about the switching moments. The problem is to compute the optimal estimate of the unknown such moment that minimizes the players’ losses in the worst case. Two scenarios are considered: (1) the players have the same estimate and (2) the players have different estimates of the switching moment. An example of an investment problem is given, and optimal controls and trajectories are calculated analytically using Pontryagin’s maximum principle.

The analysis provides a simple rule for choosing the optimal estimate. It is shown that the players’ optimal estimates are identical in both scenarios.

To date, no research has addressed the optimal estimation of uncertainty switching moments in a two-player differential game involving utility function switching. Our study offers detailed estimates of switching moments in the cooperative case. This allows players to thoroughly evaluate the performance of various estimated switching times and make well-informed conclusions.

This study aims to consider how migrants may act as channel of diffusion of knowledge which contributes to the dynamics of trade and comparative advantages of EU and MENA countries for the period 1990–2015.

Adopting an IV approach and a gravity framework to instrument for migration, the authors document how variations in stocks of migrants coming from (in) countries that are already competitive exporters of a given product impact on the probability that the destination (home) country starts to export competitively new products or succeed in exporting more intensively.

Controlling for potential confounding factors which can be correlated to knowledge flows and productivity shifts, the authors find trade-promoting effects via migration flows (mostly immigration) between the two areas, testing our hypotheses by different technology classes of products and different specifications.

The contribution of this work to the literature is threefold. First, by providing evidence on international knowledge diffusion induced by migration flows between MENA and EU regions, like no other work before, the authors document the effects of migration on trade and comparative advantages. Second, unlike standard literature on migration-trade link, the authors focus more on long-term structural changes in comparative advantages than on trade volumes. Third, we exploit how the effect of migration on margins of trade varies according to different types of goods, classified by technological level.

Following a first success with robotics, Systems Designers hopes to become a major force in the field. Anna Kochan reports.

The “United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal” 9 seeks to “… foster innovation” in all sectors of an economy. Thus, this conceptual piece addresses the indirect effect of innovative behaviour (INB) between total quality management (TQM) and innovation performance (INP). It further explores the context-contingent effect of four external factors [government regulation (GOV), market dynamism (MKD), competitive intensity (CMP) and technological turbulence (TUR)] on the TQM–INB linkage.

By incorporating both theoretical and empirical works in the fields of strategic management, innovation and business performance, this conceptual piece constructs a conceptual model, using a systematic literature review, alongside suppositions that can be tested in further studies.

This conceptual piece puts forward that TQM will be favourably connected to INP, and this favourable association will be mediated by INB. Moreover, GOV, MKD, CMP and TUR will have a favourable context-contingent effect on the favourable direct connection between TQM and INB.

This conceptual piece affords suggestions for both practitioners and researchers alike in the areas of innovative and strategic decision-making in banking establishments for reinforcing INP by introducing TQM, INB, GOV, MKD, CMP and TUR as innovative-strategic tools. It also delivers suggestions for forthcoming academics to examine this conceptual piece, empirically, in diverse banking sites worldwide.

Practical lessons for managers, employees, customers and consultants within the banking sector for the superior advantage of all key stakeholders are deliberated.

This study provides a new model to demonstrate how TQM leads to INP by passing through INB of employees, and how TQM fosters INB under diverse degrees of GOV, MKD, CMP and TUR. It shows how internal factors (7 TQM dimensions) and external factors (GOV, MKD, CMP and TUR) interact to foster employee INB. It also underscores the theoretical authority of three theories utilised, both individually and in combination, by using them to explain new relationships.

Discusses the difficulties women experience in speaking and writing as women. Outlines feminine problems of using the word “I”. Looks at the writing of Marguerite Duras and charts her attempts at producing a feminine “I”. Profiles excerpts from her books in some details, looking at specific examples of her work and advocating further use of her style.

Purpose: The purpose chapter emphasizes the need to explore the relationship among health, well-being, and the impact of COVID-19 on different countries. It highlights the inadequacy of GDP as a sole indicator and introduces the Human Development Index (HDI) and Gross National Happiness Index (GNH) for a comprehensive understanding.

Need for the study: This chapter underscores the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on global well-being. It delves into the disparities in death rates, hospital capacity, and health services, posing essential questions about the perception and approach towards health.

Methodology: The study focuses on comparing the health financing systems of Germany, Italy, France, and Türkiye, comparing facts like GDP, GINI Index, happiness scores, and COVID-19 death data. A brief history of each country’s healthcare system is presented, highlighting key developments and structural elements.

Findings: Findings reveal differences in health financing systems, GDP, happiness scores, and COVID-19 death tolls among the selected countries. Notably, Türkiye, with lower GDP and happiness scores, shows a lower COVID-19 death toll compared to Germany. This prompts further exploration into the correlation between health system structures and pandemic outcomes.

Practical implications: National governments in ensuring universal health coverage (UHC) and addresses the challenges of profit-centered healthcare systems. It advocates for a trustworthy, transparent, and state-supported health system to enhance overall well-being.

Explores the way that men and women through autobiography have charted the private self. Shows the depiction of life as a voyage or journey to self‐perception. Looks at the value and purpose of using autobiographical accounts and life reviewing in adult educational work especially with older women. Suggests this can be used extremely effectively within this area and provides a number of examples of its usage.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method of synthesis of CuO · SiO₂ oxide composite based on the reaction of precipitation from water solutions of sodium silicate and copper nitrate.

Solutions of sodium silicate and copper nitrate were used as substrates. The effects of direction of substrate supply, concentration, excess of reagents and temperature of precipitation on the physicochemical properties of the products were analysed.

A new method of synthesis of CuO · SiO₂ oxide composite based on a precipitation reaction is proposed.

Only sodium silicate and copper nitrate solutions were used.

The CuO · SiO₂ oxide composite obtained can be used as blue pigment or polymer filler.

The paper determines optimum conditions of CuO · SiO₂ oxide composite precipitation to obtain products with desired physicochemical, dispersive and structural properties.

Investigates three aspects of human resource management facing future challenges, personnel, technology and globalization. Suggests that the human resource professionals in a successful business must be able to attract and retain individuals who have the ability to manage a globally responsive business. Covers the use of technology for competitive advantage; advocates global strategies in operations management and empowerment of the individual.

Assesses the benefits and limitations of franchising as a tool for the development of small‐to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs); focuses on the use of franchising in transitional economies, with particular reference to central European countries. Reveals that franchising ‐ with its numerous advantages over conventional market entry ‐ has played a significant role in the development of SMEs in the industrialized West and transitional economies in general, but that in central and Eastern Europe the uptake of franchising has been negligible. Identifies that there are reasons, particular to these countries, including ‐ inter alia ‐ political, organisational, cultural, economic and legal, which make the use of franchising unattractive to both foreign and domestic franchisors; outlines the evolution of indigenous franchising in other transitional economies, citing successes in Asia. Summarizes the challenges facing Central European countries in realizing the potential of franchising in the development of SMEs, and suggests further areas for research.