Dynamics in the Fitness-Income plane: Brazilian states vs World countries

In this paper we introduce a novel algorithm, called Exogenous Fitness, to calculate the Fitness of subnational entities and we apply it to the states of Brazil. In the last decade, several indices were introduced to measure the competitiveness of countries by looking at the complexity of their export basket. Tacchella et al (2012) developed a non-monetary metric called Fitness. In this paper, after an overview about Brazil as a whole and the comparison with the other BRIC countries, we introduce a new methodology based on the Fitness algorithm, called Exogenous Fitness. Combining the results with the Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDPp), we look at the dynamics of the Brazilian states in the Fitness-Income plane. Two regimes are distinguishable: one with high predictability and the other with low predictability, showing a deep analogy with the heterogeneous dynamics of the World countries. Furthermore, we compare the ranking of the Brazilian states according to the Exogenous Fitness with the ranking obtained through two other techniques, namely Endogenous Fitness and Economic Complexity Index

Hold your horses : temporal multiplexity and conflict moderation in the “Palio di Siena” (1743-2010)

The paper elaborates the concept of temporal multiplexity, defined as the overlaying of ties of different duration, such as transient employment and enduring organizational ties. This concept is instrumental in resolving long-standing challenges in network research, such as capturing the interplay between different levels of analysis or time horizons. This is made possible by longitudinal network and mobility data (1743–2010) from the Palio di Siena—the famous horse race in Siena, Italy. The outcome of interest is Palio-related collective violence. The analysis shows that relationally loaded organizational ties of rivalry or friendship increase the likelihood of incidents, whereas mobility along the same lines reduces it. The results support sociological arguments that symmetrical social space of friendship or rivalry is conducive to conflict. Mobility is a factor of moderation—by connecting employers within the actor and transferring relational content between them, it creates misalignment between the assumption of a role and fulfillment of its expectations. Mobility relaxes the relational constraints of jockeys, reducing their compliance with bellicose demands. The uncertainty resulting from mobility may have a collective benefit that is ignored by employers: the moderation of conflict

Non invasive analysis of manuscript covers: portable X-ray Fluorescence enlighteningh medieval Jewellery masterpieces

AbstractThis paper will present portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis applied in situ to three 11th- 12th century manuscripts covers considered as masterpieces of Northern Italy medieval jewellery: Pace di Ariberto (Milano), Liber Evangeliorium of Vercelli and Pace di Chiavenna. These objects show a sumptuous decoration of golden leaves, plates and filigrees, enamels and casted gems. The aim of this research is to obtain information on manufacturing techniques and composition of the artefacts, considering possible analogies and differences that may be useful for art historians’ discussion on manufacture place and artistic connections. XRF analysis was performed in order to determine the composition of the metals and enamels, and quantitative results, obtained using certified standards, undergo data treatment with multivariate analysis. The present paper will present a part of the results obtained on both the metals and glass materials, underlying the potential of pXRF in producing reliable results also when working in non-ideal conditions