Cluster structure of EU-15 countries derived from the correlation matrix analysis of macroeconomic index fluctuations

The statistical distances between countries, calculated for various moving average time windows, are mapped into the ultrametric subdominant space as in classical Minimal Spanning Tree methods. The Moving Average Minimal Length Path (MAMLP) algorithm allows a decoupling of fluctuations with respect to the mass center of the system from the movement of the mass center itself. A Hamiltonian representation given by a factor graph is used and plays the role of cost function. The present analysis pertains to 11 macroeconomic (ME) indicators, namely the GDP (x1), Final Consumption Expenditure (x2), Gross Capital Formation (x3), Net Exports (x4), Consumer Price Index (y1), Rates of Interest of the Central Banks (y2), Labour Force (z1), Unemployment (z2), GDP/hour worked (z3), GDP/capita (w1) and Gini coefficient (w2). The target group of countries is composed of 15 EU countries, data taken between 1995 and 2004. By two different methods (the Bipartite Factor Graph Analysis and the Correlation Matrix Eigensystem Analysis) it is found that the strongly correlated countries with respect to the macroeconomic indicators fluctuations can be partitioned into stable clusters

Identifying the dimensions of logistics service quality in an online B2C context

There is theoretical and practical evidence indicating the existence of significant differences between the needs and wants of firms and end consumers, as well as the existence of significantly different needs between offline and online environments. Therefore, it is not clear how effectively measures of logistics service quality developed in an offline, B2B context can be applied to an online, B2C environment. This manuscript explores the elements of logistics service quality that end consumers value in an online context. The literature on logistics service quality in B2B and the literature on online consumer satisfaction are integrated. This results in the development of a set of dimensions for measuring online logistics service quality in online, B2C environments. Specifically, the dimensions of a new scale for measuring online logistics service quality (labeled oLSQ) were identified and defined. Managers can use the dimensions of logistics service quality identified in the oLSQ scale as a guide when designing and managing online retail stores

The interplay between key marketing and supply chain management capabilities: The role of integrative mechanisms

Purpose: This paper identifies key marketing and SCM related capabilities and explores the nature of the linkages between these specific capabilities as shaped by the integrative mechanisms adopted by firms. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the findings from dyadic interviews with 26 marketing and supply chain management executives from business-to-business firms, we develop an empirically grounded conceptual framework. Findings: We identify innovativeness and market learning capability as key marketing capabilities and supply chain agility and relational capability as key supply chain management capabilities. We find that relationships between these strategic marketing and supply chain management capabilities follow a specific pattern. We also find that the application of unique integrative mechanisms can cultivate the potential tandem between marketing and supply chain management capabilities. Research limitations/implications: Our study informs theory with regard to two key areas: relationships among key marketing and supply chain management capabilities and integrative mechanisms that shape the underlying mechanisms of capability relationships. Practical implications-Application of organizational dynamics to key marketing and supply chain management provides a more nuanced understanding of the linkages among such capabilities. A better understanding and application of integrative mechanisms may help managers develop better tools and means to bundle their key marketing and supply chain management capabilities effectively. Originality/value: The qualitative and exploratory nature of the paper will be of significant interest to managers who would like to achieve greater synergy between marketing and supply chain management capabilities

The role of logistics alliance orientation on forming the alliance structure: A conceptual framework

Little is known about how a firm decides what type of relationship to develop with a LSP and how the type of arrangement affects the service quality performance. This article proposes a conceptual framework to better understand how shippers decide what type of relationship to develop with a logistics service provider (LSP) within the strategy- structure-performance theoretical framework. A systematic literature review is used to develop a conceptual framework that considers the association between the firm’s strategic perspective on outsourcing and the resulting effect on the alliance structure. The concept of a logistics alliance orientation (LAO) is introduced to examine how the level of the LAO affects the alliance structure. Lastly, the link between the logistics alliance structure (LAS) and service quality performance is explored

Clusters in weighted macroeconomic networks : the EU case. Introducing the overlapping index of GDP/capita fluctuation correlations

GDP/capita correlations are investigated in various time windows (TW), for the time interval 1990-2005. The target group of countries is the set of 25 EU members, 15 till 2004 plus the 10 countries which joined EU later on. The TW-means of the statistical correlation coefficients are taken as the weights (links) of a fully connected network having the countries as nodes. Thereafter we define and introduce the overlapping index of weighted network nodes. A cluster structure of EU countries is derived from the statistically relevant eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the adjacency matrix. This may be considered to yield some information about the structure, stability and evolution of the EU country clusters in a macroeconomic sense.Comment: 6 pages, 8 figures, 1 table, 17 references, submitted to Physica A; proceedings of APFA

Graphite Electrode Modified with a New Phenothiazine Derivative and with Carbon Nanotubes for NADH Electrocatalytic Oxidation

The electrochemical behavior of a modified electrode obtained by immobilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes onto a graphite electrode modified with a new phenothiazine derivative, bis-phenothiazin-3-yl methane (BPhM), G/BPhM-CNT, has been evaluated and compared with BPhM adsorbed on graphite electrode (G/BPhM). The G/BPhM-CNT electrode presents improved performances for NADH electrocatalytic oxidation in comparison with G/BPhM electrode, expressed by: (i) a significant increase of electrocatalytic rate constant (kobs,[NADH] 0) for NADH oxidation (856.32 L mol–1 s–1 for G/BPhM-CNT and 51.63 L mol–1 s–1 for G/BPhM, in phosphate buffer, pH 7); (ii) the obtained amperometric sensors for NADH detection present increase sensitivity (S = 6.9 mA L mol–1 for G/BPhM-CNT and S = 0.55 mA L mol–1 for G/BPhM, pH 7)

Increasing responsiveness through the firm-LSP relationship structure: A behavioral perspective

This study investigates the behavioral aspects of the firm-logistics service provider (LSP) relationship in order to better understand the avenues through which LSP responsiveness to changing customer needs can be enhanced. Because the research examining the behavioral aspects of the firm- LSP relationship is sparse, a dyadic qualitative research approach was taken to explore the development of a relationship structure that will facilitate the level of responsiveness that the firm desires. This study revealed that the key to enhancing LSP responsiveness lays in the structure of the firm-LSP relationship. Specifically, it was found that the level of cooperation, coordination, communication, and bonding between the focal firm and the LSP have a direct effect on the LSP’s level of responsiveness to the firm’s needs

Clusters or networks of economies? A macroeconomy study through GDP fluctuation correlations

We follow up on the study of correlations between GDP's of rich countries. We analyze web-downloaded data on GDP that we use as individual wealth signatures of the country economical state. We calculate the yearly fluctuations of the GDP. We look for forward and backward correlations between such fluctuations. The system is represented by an evolving network, nodes being the GDP fluctuations (or countries) at different times. In order to extract structures from the network, we focus on filtering the time delayed correlations by removing the least correlated links. This percolation idea-based method reveals the emergence of connections, that are visualized by a branching representation. Note that the network is made of weighted and directed links when taking into account a delay time. Such a measure of collective habits does not fit the usual expectations defined by politicians or economists.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figure

On the beneficiary inscriptions in the south of the province of Moesia superior: The examples from Kosovo and Metohija

The paper presents data on consular beneficiary stations in Kosovo and Metohija (the south of the province of Moesia Superior). It is about beneficiary inscriptions which were found near roads which intersected Kosovo and Metohija from the north to south areas (Narona-Scupi) and from the southwest to northeast areas (Lissus-Naissus). Consular beneficiries were legionaries legio VII Claudiae and legio IV Flaviae in these stations. A critical review of the function and the position of consular beneficiaries, who were the guardians of public safety, is given as well

Analysis of complex contagions in random multiplex networks

We study the diffusion of influence in random multiplex networks where links can be of $r$ different types, and for a given content (e.g., rumor, product, political view), each link type is associated with a content dependent parameter $c_i$ in $[0,\infty]$ that measures the relative bias type-$i$ links have in spreading this content. In this setting, we propose a linear threshold model of contagion where nodes switch state if their "perceived" proportion of active neighbors exceeds a threshold \tau. Namely, a node connected to $m_i$ active neighbors and $k_i-m_i$ inactive neighbors via type-$i$ links will turn active if $\sum{c_i m_i}/\sum{c_i k_i}$ exceeds its threshold \tau. Under this model, we obtain the condition, probability and expected size of global spreading events. Our results extend the existing work on complex contagions in several directions by i) providing solutions for coupled random networks whose vertices are neither identical nor disjoint, (ii) highlighting the effect of content on the dynamics of complex contagions, and (iii) showing that content-dependent propagation over a multiplex network leads to a subtle relation between the giant vulnerable component of the graph and the global cascade condition that is not seen in the existing models in the literature.Comment: Revised 06/08/12. 11 Pages, 3 figure