Unemployment dynamics in Austria - The role of gender-specific worker-flows

There is a growing literature studying unemployment dynamics by means of worker flow data between labor market states. This paper contributes to this literature stream by analyzing the dynamics of the Austrian unemployment rate applying novel worker flow data for 2005-2016. Our main results can be summarized along two dimensions: First, we show that worker flows between unemployment and inactivity are major determinants of unemployment fluctuations in Austria. Second, we show for the working-age population that the contribution of male worker flows to the overall variation of the unemployment rate is higher, but that this relation turns when it comes to the youth cohort. The gender differences are probably related to the early occupational and educational segregation of young men and women in Austria. The paper concludes by stressing a strong need for further empirical and theoretical research which aims to link structural differences in an economy with different responses to the business cycle.Series: Department of Economics Working Paper Serie

A Representative Matched Cross-section Survey for Austria - Measuring Worker Flow Dynamics with the Austrian Labour Force Survey

While worker flow analysis has grown in importance in many countries, Austria still lacks a specific longitudinal dataset as a prerequisite to perform similar analyses. For this reason, this article provides a coherent procedure to construct a longitudinal dataset based on the rotational panel structure of the Austrian quarterly LFS from 2004 to 2014. The procedure, which is available for researcher, is grounded on the discussion of several related and important issues inherent in constructing this sort of longitudinal data: First, it deals with the construction of the quarterly-matched dataset and the quality-of-measurement of several labour market variables. Second, the paper analyses non-response as a sample selection process, and shows that the selected (quarterly-matched) dataset causes biased estimates of worker flows. Third, the article proposes an iterative raking procedure to obtain survey weights as a bias-correcting device for any future analysis. Based on these adjustments, we present unbiased time-series of worker flows and transition rates, and conclude that the employment-unemployment margin is highly sensitive to economic shocks and that the Austrian labour market is additionally shaped by large movements within the participation margin. (authors' abstract)Series: Department of Economics Working Paper Serie

Regional income convergence in Europe: a Bayesian model averaging perspective

The speed of income convergence in Europe remains one of the hot topics in regional economics. Recently Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) applied to spatial autoregressive models seems to have gained more popularity. BMA averages over some predetermined number of so called top models, ranked by the model's posterior likelihood. We regard two approaches for especially noteworthy: First Crespo-Cuaresma and Feldkircher (2012) employ BMA to a spatial autoregressive model, where spatial eigenvector filtering is used in order to tackle the econometric problems caused by the spatial lag. However, spatial filtering has its drawbacks. It relies on a model approximation and no partial derivatives of interest associated with the model can be computed. This means, that it is impossible to derive direct and indirect effects. Second LeSage and Fischer (2008) rely on BMA applied to a Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), where the model posterior is calculated without any model approximation. Although it can be computationally burdensome, it allows for a proper model interpretation if the underlying data generating process (DGP) is of SDM form. One virtue of spatial filtering, as shown by Pace et al. (2011), is that it estimates some of the model coefficients efficiently for various spatial autocorrelated DGPs. Hence, the likelihoods associated with spatial filtering are more robust against model misspecification. Since our preliminary results show that the top models' (posterior) likelihoods obtained from a spatial filtering BMA exercise and (non spatial filtering) BMA applied to a Spatial Durbin Model differ, it is most likely that the DGP is not of SDM form, i.e. misspecified. This leads us to the conclusion that, even though the methodology employed by Crespo-Cuaresma and Feldkircher (2012) cannot be used for a proper model interpretation, the results obtained by spatial filtering BMA do not suffer from model misspecification. References: Crespo-Cuaresma, J., Feldkircher, M. (2012), `Spatial Filtering, Model Uncertainty and the Speed of Income Convergence in Europe', Journal of Applied Econometrics, forthcoming. LeSage, J., Fischer, M. (2008), `Spatial Growth Regressions, Model Specification, Estimation, and Interpretation', Spatial Economic Analysis 3, 275-304. Pace, R., LeSage, J., Zhu, S. (2011), `Interpretation and Computation of Estimates from Regression Models using Spatial Filtering', written for Spatial Econometrics Association 2011

The local structure of OH species on the V2O3(0 0 0 1) surface: a scanned-energy mode photoelectron diffraction study

Scanned-energy mode photoelectron diffraction (PhD), using O 1s photoemission, together with multiple-scattering simulations, have been used to investigate the structure of the hydroxyl species, OH, adsorbed on a V2O3(0 0 0 1) surface. Surface OH species were obtained by two alternative methods; reaction with molecular water and exposure to atomic H resulted in closely similar PhD spectra. Both qualitative assessment and the results of multiple-scattering calculations are consistent with a model in which only the O atoms of outermost layer of the oxide surface are hydroxylated. These results specifically exclude significant coverage of OH species atop the outermost V atoms, i.e. in vanadyl O atom sites. Ab initio density-functional theory cluster calculations provide partial rationalisation of this result, which is discussed the context of the general understanding of this system

Oxide nanotemplates for self-assembling "solid" building blocks

It is widely accepted that self-assembling building blocks is one of the promising ways for engineering new materials. Recent years reveal substantial progress in fabricating colloidal particles, polymer blocks and supramolecular aggregates of organic molecules. Despite of substantial progress in molecular self-assembly there is still a lack of simple blocks made of "solid matter" (e.g. metals, oxides etc.) with well-defined crystal structure and spatial order. Here we demonstrate that ordered arrays of metal nanoclusters can be fabricated by self-assembly on a wide range of oxide templates. These nano-templates are produced either by depositing an alien oxide film or by oxidizing a metal/metal oxide substrate.Comment: 11 pages, 2 figures added DFT calculations and Fig.

Swinging female labor demand – How the public sector influences gender wage gaps in Europe

We incorporate an economy’s sectoral structure into a standard theoretical framework to explain the influence of relative demand and supply effects on the gender wage gap. Using micro data covering 30 European countries over the 2003-2013 period, we construct a unique macro panel of gender wage gaps. We demonstrate that the public sector has causally determined half of the decrease in the gender wage gap over the period, thus acting as a ’swing demander’ for female labor. We further prove that it is exclusively demand factors and not composition effects that are driving this result.Series: Department of Economics Working Paper Serie

Biomacht im 21. Jahrhundert

Ist  es  möglich  die  Qualität  und  den  Wert  von  Leben  zu  berechnen?  Diese  Arbeit  stellt  Fragen  nach  Norm  und  Abnorm,  nach  Stigmatisierung,  staatsbürgerlichen  Pflichten  und  gesellschaftlichen Zwängen.   Basierend  auf  Michel  Foucaults  Theorie  der  Biomacht,  die  im  21.  Jahrhundert  das  Leben  der  Menschen  zunehmend  transparenter  und  kontrollierbarer  macht,  zeige  ich  auf  wie  in  unserer  (österreichischen)  individualisierenden  Gesellschaft  Ego  hinsichtlich  gesundheitlicher  Vorgänge  in  den  Hintergrund  rückt.  In  der  Folge  forme  ich,  am  Beispiel  der  neuen  Reproduktionstechnologien,  die  biologische  österreichische  Staatsbürgerin  und  den biologischen österreichischen Staatsbürger.   Das  Wohlbefinden  des  Gesellschaftskörpers  wird  durch  das  Wohlbefinden  der  Staatsbürger/innen  realisiert.  Innerhalb  eines  Gesellschaftskörpers  ist  das  Idealbild  der  Norm erstrebenswert, Abnorm hingegen unerwünscht.   Die  neuen  Reproduktionstechnologien  sind  Techniken,  die  es  ermöglichen  Leben  pränatal  zu  (be)werten.  Sollten  die  Zellen  des  Ungeborenen  von  unzureichender  Qualität  sein,  besteht  die  Möglichkeit  ihm  ein  leidvolles  Leben  zu  ersparen.  Basierend  auf  einer  diagnostizierten  Wahrscheinlichkeit  wird  ein  mangelhafter  Fötus,  um  dem  Risiko  einer  Behinderung  vorzubeugen,  meist  prophylaktisch  abgetrieben.  Es  muss  eine  Entscheidung  zwischen  dem,  was  leben  darf,  und  dem,  was  sterben  soll,  getroffen  werden  –  mit  dieser  Differenzierung  wird  Abtreibung  der  Abnormalen  legitimiert.  Ein  Test,  eine  Diagnose,  eine Entscheidung – so einfach ist es heute über den Lebenswert zu urteilen. Is  it  possible  to  assess  the  quality  of  life?  My  thesis  questions  norm  and  abnormality,  stigmatization, civic duties and social necessities.  Based  on  Michel  Foucault’s  theory  of  biopower,  which  makes  human  life  in  the  21st  century  increasingly  more  transparent  and  controllable,  I  will,  from  an  Austrian  point  of  view, show how in an individualistic society, Ego as to public health matters, becomes less  important.  Subsequently  I  form  the  biological  Austrian  citizen  –  illustrated  by  new  reproductive technologies.  The  well  being  of  the  society  is  implemented  by  the  well  being  of  the  citizens.  Within  this  society norm is desirable – abnormality is unwanted.  New  reproductive  technologies  are  techniques  that  allow  prenatal  judgment  of  life.  If  the  cells  of  an  unborn  are  of  insufficient quality  it  is possible  to spare it  a  miserable  life  full  of  suffering.  Based  on  a  diagnosed  probability  and  to  prevent  the  risk  of  disability,  a  faulty  foetus  is  mostly  prophylactic  aborted.  It  has  to  be  decided  between  those  who  should  live  and  those  who  should  die  –  this  distinction  legitimates  abortion.  One  test,  one  diagnosis,  one decision – today it is that easy to judge the quality of life

Politische Geschichte der UdSSR

Die vorliegende Arbeit zum Thema „Politische Geschichte der UdSSR“ beschäftigt sich mit den politikbedingten Veränderungen nach 1917 der Ära Lenin-Stalin. Ausgehend von der politischen Situation wird neben den Politikern auch das Leben der „normalen“ Bürger beleuchtet. Da sich der politische Führungsstil durch den Machtwechsel geändert hat, wird auch auf die damit verbundenen Veränderungen in Landwirtschaft und Industrie eingegangen. Im zweiten Hauptteil der Arbeit werden die sprachlichen Veränderungen und Neuerungen untersucht, die sich durch die Machtübernahme der Kommunisten ergeben haben. Unterteilt in verschiedene Kapitel wird detailliert auf sprachliches Neuland eingegangen, wie zum Beispiel Abkürzungen, Neologismen. Es werden aber auch Sprachbereiche untersucht, die neu definiert wurden, wie im Kapitel Umdeutungen nachzulesen ist. Abschliessend wird auf die persönlichen sprachlichen Stile und Eigenheiten der führenden Politiker Lenin und Stalin eingegangen und ihr Einfluss auf die russische Sprache beleuchtet.This paper about political history in the USSR gives an insight into the changes in politics after 1917 during the era Lenin-Stalin. Not only the political situation and politicians but also the life of normal citizens is illustrated. Due to the fact that leadership styles changed because of the different politicians, the results for agriculture and industry are also mentioned. In the second part of this paper linguistic changes and innovations are analyzed. These changes were caused by the new power – the communists. In the next chapters linguistic phenomena are examined, for example Russian abbreviations and neologisms. Furthermore those fields of language that had been redefined are highlighted, specified for example in the chapter “reinterpretation”. The final part deals with personal language habits and idiosyncrasies of the leading politicians Lenin and Stalin and their influence on the Russian language

Applications of finite element simulation in the development of advanced sheet metal forming processes

Sheet metal forming is widely used in automotive, aviation, packaging, and household goods. It is most popular for the manifold technical feasibilities in manufacturing, high precision, mass production, and short processing time. Modern automotive concepts demand a weight reduction by using high strength materials and excellent crash performance, which requires innovative simulation techniques in the design and development phase as well as suitable processing chains. The conventional manufacturing planning method takes a lot of time, hence the Finite Element method (FEM) is applied to reduce the lead time. The FEM prediction accuracy depends on the proper selection of a material model, quality of input parameters, actual operating conditions, and many other factors. This study involves new developments in the sheet metal forming technology, the most influencing factors of the forming process and case studies to justify it. The first case study explains the springback analysis and springback compensation of AlMgSi (6xxx series)-panels. The second case study describes the thickness analysis and deformation behaviour of patchwork blanks for hot stamping processes

A Data Space for Accessible Multimodal Transport: Enabling Inclusive Mobility

It is a long-term strategic goal of the European Union to promote multimodal mobility and thereby create a more sustainable, efficient and liveable environment. Offering travellers a wider range of choices and promoting the integration of different transport modes can help to transform the way we get around. Despite existing infrastructure, a lack of accessible and integrated information creates significant barriers for travellers. Multimodal travel is even more difficult for people with disabilities because they have more specific needs in terms of infrastructure and their itinerary. More than 8% of the population in Austria have a registered disability. This research proposes a solution from a data perspective. We aim for a non-discriminatory low-threshold access to mobility information, especially for the group of people with disabilities or impairments and for individuals with restricted mobility. The requirements have been worked out in a participatory process with co-creation workshops and expert interviews. A use case of a person with mobility impairments has been described together with a data requirements schema. This schema of data categories covers all passenger needs from travel itinerary, change between modes of transport, and getting support. It helps to identify data specifically for similar use cases.The requirements were the starting point to design and set up the prototypical data space for mobility data. Various data sources for mobility data in Austria have been identified and analysed for their content and quality. This subsequently allowed the definition of data products with their attributes and quality measures. Data products need to satisfy consumer’s needs. In the context of this work, data products are for example: disabled parking spaces in Austria, or accessible routes in and around railway stations. The actual data also includes metadata that makes it easier to find the right data product and obtain information about its origin and license terms. A specific schema was defined to fulfil the requirements for mobility data. To successfully operate a mobility data space, suitable operator models were analysed, and the legal requirements were defined. Digital services for mobility have significant market potential. We therefore suggest establishing a dedicated task force that brings together key public and private stakeholders to create a comprehensive implementation strategy. The primary goal should be to generate practical value through improved mobility services while maintaining a sustainable operational model that promotes broad participation from current market players and fosters ongoing innovation in the accessibility sector. Well-integrated and high-quality data are a prerequisite for more usable multimodal transport. People with disabilities or individuals with restricted mobility have additional requirements in data that must be taken into account. The general public also benefits from this development as more accessible options with better information strategies is valuable for everyone