The Emergence of Electronic Market Intermediaries

In this paper, we provide preliminary findings of an empirical study which supports the hypothesis that electronic markets do not become “disintermediated” as they become facilitated by information technologies. We explore thirteen case studies of companies participating in electronic commerce and find evidence across markets which indicate necessary roles for electronic market intermediaries including matching suppliers and customers, providing trust, and providing interorganizational market information. Two specific examples are explored in greater detail to show the unsuccessful (Bargain Finder) and successful (Agents Inc.) identification of electronic market intermediary roles

Modelling and Analysis of Individual Animal Movement

Movement is ubiquitous to almost all life with most individuals undergoing some spatial change across their lifespans. Understanding how and why animals move through and interact with their environment is therefore key in understanding some of the most open and pressing questions in science; from the effects of climate and environmental change on local species, to preventing the spread of disease and infection. In this Thesis we show how theoretical approaches to modelling individual animal movement can lead to a better understanding of the processes behind movement. Byusing the framework of random walk (RW) theory we analyse observed movement data to predict and interpret movement behaviour of individuals. Chapters 2 and 3 introduce the field of Movement Ecology and concentrate on recent developments within the subject along and include derivations of key mathematical properties of RW theory which will be the analytical framework for analysing movement used throughout the Thesis. Chapter 4 uses a biased and correlated random walk (BCRW) as a model of individual animal movement to demonstrate efficiency in navigation. Chapter 5 explores the variation in movement of individual ground beetles (Poecilus cupreus) and demonstrates how this variation effects predictions of important population level movement dynamics, such as the expected displacement. Chapter 6 demonstrates that a highly peaked, heavy-tailed distribution found in the distribution of turning angles across an individual’s movement path can arise from the mixing of two distinct normal-type distributions, and provides an example of how this can indicate the presence of multiple behaviours in the movement path. Finally, Chapter 7 considers how animal ‘personality’ can effect individual movement behaviour by considering the movement of stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus)across three differing experimental environments

Internet Economics

The Internet, a growing network of networks, is an often touted and often misunderstood technology. It has its own infrastructure complete with service providers, private networks, user communities, international links, etc. similar to telephone or telegraph industries. However, the Internet is more decentralized and less application-specific than traditional telecommunication industries. These differences extend beyond the technology of the Internet to the economics and policies. This paper explores Internet economics, a growing field which encompasses the technology, economics, and policy surrounding the Internet. It identifies different communities who have overlapping interests in this field and how their preconceived notions of how the Internet operates create contradictory views on how this technology will continue to evolve in a self-sustaining manner. Specifically, it explores the issue of usage sensitive pricing versus flat-fee pricing as applied to the Internet. It provides anecdotal evidence to support general views communities have towards pricing issues. It identifies roadblocks to implement usage sensitive pricing on the Internet. It describes short-term projects that will provide better data to enable a better understanding of the issues

Bailey, Joseph

Co. C, 317th Med Bnhttps://dh.howard.edu/prom_members/1003/thumbnail.jp

Constitution-making: The round table model, popular participation & constituent assemblies

In this paper, I will argue that the round table model is the ideal constitution making process. This is primarily because it gives clarity to the respective powers of the institutions involved in the process, and may prevent a dominant group or individual from unilaterally imposing a constitution. In building my argument, I outline the theory of constituent power and its corollaries of unlimited constitution making power and popular participation. I endeavour to portray the shortcomings of the theory itself, and, the dangers of its practical manifestation. Following this, I introduce the round table model as a preferable alternative, both theoretically and practically. To buttress my argument, I examine the Bolivian, Venezuelan, Russian and South African constitution making episodes