Computation of vector sublattices and minimal lattice-subspaces of R^k. Applications in finance

In this article we perform a computational study of Polyrakis algorithms presented in [12,13]. These algorithms are used for the determination of the vector sublattice and the minimal lattice-subspace generated by a finite set of positive vectors of R^k. The study demonstrates that our findings can be very useful in the field of Economics, especially in completion by options of security markets and portfolio insurance.Comment: 22 page

Innovation Hot Spots: the Case of the Computer Services Sector in the Region of Attica, Greece

Elaborating on the notion innovation hot spots, we examine the case of the computer services sector in the Region of Attica, Greece. Fast-growing, geographically and industrially clustered firms are becoming an increasingly important factor for innovation and regional development. As a result, innovation hot spots enjoy rapid growth, leading to job creation, knowledge expansion and, in the best cases, sustainable development. The most recent European Trend Chart Reports (2004 and 2005) present Greece as innovation leader in the computer services sector. Computer services are characterized by a high knowledge creation and knowledge diffusion intensity meaning that the hot spots exploiting such services position high on an innovation intensity scale. Consulting, implementation, operations management and support services enjoy similar growth since they are complementary industries forming the Attica IT innovation hot spot. The purpose of our research within this field is twofold. First, we present the conditions under which this innovation leadership has emerged and come to flourish. We argue that growth in the Region of Attica has been boosted by the Information Society Program, the Olympic Games and the necessity for modernizing Greek firms, which leads them to favor investments in new technologies. Moreover, the region presents a favorable macroeconomic environment, characterized by high rates of development, increase of consumption and investments. Second, we analyze and propose a framework for maintaining the dynamics in the region -and in innovation hot spots in general- as there is a significant risk of rise-and-fall patterns occurring, leading to former hot spots transforming into “blind spotsâ€, and core competencies developed turning into core rigidities and cultural lock-in.

Synchronous Droplet Microfluidics: One "Clock" to rule them all

Controlling fluid droplets efficiently in the microscale is of great interest both from a basic science and a technology perspective. We have designed and developed a general-purpose, highly scalable microfluidic control strategy through a single global clock signal that enables synchronous control of arbitrary number of droplets in a planar geometry. A rotating precessive magnetic field provides a global clock signal, enabling simultaneous control of droplet position, velocity and trajectories. Here, in this fluid dynamics video, we explain the main physics of this new microfluidic concept. Video data from droplets moving in sync in different fluidic circuits are included. The experimental setup is described and video data is analyzed to provide a detailed view of the time-dynamics of propagating droplets. Finally, we explore the operational limits of this concept, scaling and phase diagram with physical regime diagram.Comment: two video files include