Abstract
This study analyses the contrasting perspectives on sales promotion concept between the prescriptive definitions and the managers’ perceptions. The definitions proposed in marketing textbooks emphasise the tactical, short term and accessory nature of sales promotions tools. The managers’ goals seem to be developed based on a balance between customer and competitor orientation. © 2015, Academy of Marketing Science.

Abstract
Simulation is often used to forecast human populations. In this paper we use a novel approach by combining Micro-Macro (MicMac) models into an Agent-Based perspective to simulate and forecast the behavior of the Portuguese population. The models include migrations and three scenarios corresponding to three different expected economic growth rates. We conclude that the increase in the number of emigrants leads to a reduction of the Portuguese women that are in the fertile age. This justifies the decrease of births and therefore the general decrease of the total Portuguese Population.

Abstract
This study reviews performance criteria adequate to validate simulation models through the comparison of two quantitative data sets, concerning historical and simulated data. The criteria reviewed were organized according to its characteristics into the groups: error-based measures, information theory measures, information criteria, parametric tests, non-parametric tests, distance-based measures and combined measures. Each criterion is reviewed through its mathematic definition, its applications in literature and the identification of its advantages and drawbacks. The features assessed by each criterion are identified and discussed. This study provides a concise outline over the criteria reviewed, which can be used as a guide to help developers of simulation models into the decision on the most appropriate criteria to validate their models.

Abstract
In this paper, we present a computing procedure to analyze a network of credit and debt among agents (nodes) from a standpoint of balance sheet dependencies. The aim is to develop a method to assess thoroughly the sensitivity of the network to potential individual insolvencies. For this purpose, given a state of the network, the insolvency of an agent is assumed and the cascade of provoked insolvencies is simulated. Exploring the matrix definition of the network, this is made systematically for all agents. Therefore, in only one run of the procedure, all the possible trajectories of insolvencies, each beginning in a different agent, are calculated. This allows spotting at a glance which agents are "systemically riskier". Determination of adequate capital levels can be made on a case basis by running the procedure repeatedly. This work contributes with two new aspects to the existing literature. First, given a known situation of a credit and debt network, a computing procedure is presented that allows to assess the network sensitivity to the exogenous insolvency of any of its nodes. Second, continued monitoring of a credit and debt network is computationally feasible. This "proof of concept" software can be extended into a tool useful for research and regulation, if the relevant information is made available.

Abstract

Abstract
Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) are a major health problem, and developing accurate prediction methods may have a significant impact in public health. Ideally, we would like to have predictive methods, that could pinpoint possible ADRs during the drug development process. Unfortunately, most relevant information on possible ADRs is only available after the drug is commercially available. As a first step, we propose using prior information on existing interactions through recommendation systems algorithms. We have evaluated our proposal using data from the ADReCS database with promising results.