Macro State Research Articles

Quality of Governance, Corruption and Absolute Child Poverty in India

Mundle, Chakraborty, Chowdhury and Sikdar (2012) developed the first quality of governance (QoG) measures to assess the performance of India’s states. The present article builds on Mundle et al.’s (2012) framework by analyzing the relationship between their QoG measures and absolute child poverty in India. The empirical analysis also includes corruption indicators from Transparency International to test the relative importance of corruption and governance for combating child poverty. I combine macro (states) and micro data (children) with multilevel statistical models to achieve this task. A key finding is that governance has more explanatory power than corruption. Further, among Mundleetal.’s six measures, the BORDA measure performs consistently better and explains about 60 per cent of the between-states variation: one unit improvement in BORDA yields about 1 per cent decrease in absolute child poverty. The sensitivity of this inference is tested with regards to severe education, shelter and food deprivation.

MARKOV CHAIN AGGREGATION FOR SIMPLE AGENT-BASED MODELS ON SYMMETRIC NETWORKS: THE VOTER MODEL

For Agent-based models, in particular the Voter Model (VM), a general framework of aggregation is developed which exploits the symmetries of the agent network G. Depending on the symmetry group Autω(N) of the weighted agent network, certain ensembles of agent configurations can be interchanged without affecting the dynamical properties of the VM. These configurations can be aggregated into the same macro state and the dynamical process projected onto these states is, contrary to the general case, still a Markov chain. The method facilitates the analysis of the relation between microscopic processes and a their aggregation to a macroscopic level of description and informs about the complexity of a system introduced by heterogeneous interaction relations. In some cases the macro chain is solvable.

Crowd macro state detection using entropy model

In the crowd security research area a primary concern is to identify the macro state of crowd behaviors to prevent disasters and to supervise the crowd behaviors. The entropy is used to describe the macro state of a self-organization system in physics. The entropy change indicates the system macro state change. This paper provides a method to construct crowd behavior microstates and the corresponded probability distribution using the individuals’ velocity information (magnitude and direction). Then an entropy model was built up to describe the crowd behavior macro state. Simulation experiments and video detection experiments were conducted. It was verified that in the disordered state, the crowd behavior entropy is close to the theoretical maximum entropy; while in ordered state, the entropy is much lower than half of the theoretical maximum entropy. The crowd behavior macro state sudden change leads to the entropy change. The proposed entropy model is more applicable than the order parameter model in crowd behavior detection. By recognizing the entropy mutation, it is possible to detect the crowd behavior macro state automatically by utilizing cameras. Results will provide data support on crowd emergency prevention and on emergency manual intervention.

State-Dependent Choice Model for TV Programs with Externality: Analysis of Viewing Behavior

This study analyzes TV program content for viewers with respect to the following three properties: primary utility (intrinsic value by genre, cast, and so on), macro externality, such as the effect of others' past behavior (audience ratings), and state dependence, or the viewer's past actions that determine whether to watch the program. Focusing on the effects of macro externality and state-dependence on viewer behavior, the authors construct a hierarchical Bayesian model and derive an individual utility function. Applying their method to the choice of TV programs in Japan, they estimate the effects of macro externality and state dependence on an individual's viewing behavior, and illustrate the distribution of these effects. The authors find that macro externality has a strong overall effect on the total number of viewers and the state-dependence effect has a slightly positive effect. Moreover, comparing the attributes revealed that male viewers tend to show a lower effect of ratings and higher state dependence than females. They find that the older the viewers are, the higher the effect of state dependence. Further, using utility function data obtained by our estimation, they conduct a simulation to measure the dynamic effects of macro externality and state dependence.

Near classical states of three-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator in spherical coordinate system

One can easily understand the transition from special relativity to Newton mechanics under the condition of v/c 1. But it is not so easy to understand the transition from quantum representation to classical representation from the point of view of wave mechanics. We define such a quantum state as near classical state (NCS), in which the mean value of coordinates equals the classical solution on a macroscopic scale. We take the NCS for three-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator in a spherical coordinate system for example. We take and choose cnl =(1/(2N+1))(1/(2lM+1)). The mean values of coordinates are r2 =(Ecl)/(2)(1+1-((2Lcl2)/(Ecl2)cos(2t)) and tg = (Ecl/lcl)[1-1-((Lcl)/(Ecl)2]tg(t)) in this NCS, which are in agreement with the classical solution on a macroscopic scale, where N/N1, lM/lM1. N and lM are determined by the macroscopic state. N =[(Ecl)/(ħ)], Ecl = 1/22(a2+ b2) , lM= [Lcl}/ħ], and Lcl = ab. Here , Ecl and Lcl respectively denote the mass, the energy and the angular momentum of harmonic oscillator. And the bracket [c] means taking the integer part of the number c, for example [2.78]=2. It is also emphasized that for a definite macro state, there are many NCS corresponding to a macro state; just like the case in statistical physics, many micro dynamical states correspond to a macro thermodynamic state. Thus the transition from quantum representation to classical representation is a coarse-graining process and also an information losing process.

Conditional exact law of large numbers and asymmetric information economies with aggregate uncertainty

A stochastic model with a continuum of economic agents often involves shocks at both macro and micro levels. This can be formalized by a continuum of conditionally independent random variables given the macro level shocks. Based on the framework of a Fubini extension, the results on the exact law of large numbers and its converse for a continuum of independent random variables in Sun (J Econ Theory 126:31–69, 2006) are extended to the setting with conditional independence given general macro states. It also follows from Hammond and Sun (Econ Theory 36:303–325, 2008) that the conditional independence assumption is generally satisfied. As an illustrative application, it is shown that any ex ante efficient allocation in an asymmetric information economy with general aggregate uncertainty has a (utility) equivalent allocation that is incentive compatible, which generalizes the corresponding results in Sun and Yannelis (Games Econ Behav 61:131–155, 2007) to the case with infinitely many states.

The Temperature Factor of the Size Parameters of Nanoparticles

Between the nano and the macro states there is a size boundary whose existence is explained within the framework of the Debye model of behaviour of phonons in crystals. If the particle size is such that a phonon with a wavelength greater than the Debye wavelength is unable to propagate, then the substance acquires different properties from the bulk properties, as only high-frequency excitations can exist within it. The particle size and temperature affect the intensity and profiles of the X-ray reflexes. On the basis of a combined examination of the Sherrer formula and the Debye-Waller factor, a method is proposed for estimating the temperature factor in the size of crystalline nanoparticles. An examination is made of the influence of temperature on the change in nanoparticle size. With account taken of the Debye-Waller factor, the possibility is shown of estimating the size of a nanoparticle on the basis of the change in energy state owing to dispersion. Grinding of the particle (increase in the coefficient of dispersion) results in a change in the effective temperature, the magnitude of which must be taken into account when assessing the parameters of nanoparticles.

Computing the Minimal Rebinding Effect Included in a Given Kinetics

In this paper we show that the binding kinetics of a molecular system can be identified by a projection of a continuous process onto a finite number of macro states. We thus interpret binding kinetics as a projection. When projecting onto nonoverlapping macro states the Markovianity is spoiled. As a consequence, the description of, e.g., a receptor-ligand system by a two state kinetics, is not accurate. By assigning a degree of membership to each state, we abandon the nonoverlapping approach. This overlap is crucial for a correct mapping of binding effects by Markov state models with regard to their long time behavior. It enables us to describe the highly discussed rebinding effect, where the spatial arrangement of the system has the be included. By introducing a “degree of fuzziness,” we have an indicator for the strength of the rebinding effect such that the minimal rebinding effect can be derived from an optimization problem. The fuzziness also includes some new paradigms for molecular kinetics. These new model paradigms show good agreement with experimental data.

Seasonal variation in the prevalence of acute undernutrition among children under five years of age in east rural Ethiopia: a longitudinal study.

BackgroundMalnutrition is a deficiency state of both macro and micronutrients (under - nutrition) and their over consumption (over- nutrition) causing measurable adverse effects on human body structure and function, resulting in specific physical and clinical outcomes. Little has been known about the seasonal variation in the magnitude of acute child under-nutrition and its determinants in low and middle-income countries making difficult the choice of a better nutrition intervention. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of acute under-nutrition and its associated factors on children aged 6 to 36 months in east rural Ethiopia in wet and dry seasons.MethodsA longitudinal study was conducted on children aged 6 to 36 months and their mothers (mother–child pairs) from July/August 2010/2011 to January/ February 2011/2012 in east rural Ethiopia. Data were collected from 2,132 mother–child pairs using a pretested structured questionnaire and the UNICEF recommended anthropometric measuring instruments after standardization. The Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was estimated to identify the predictors of acute child under nutrition (wasting) using a conditional fixed- effects logistic regression.ResultsThe prevalence of acute child under-nutrition was 7.4%; 95% CI: (6.3%, 8.5%) in wet and 11. 2%; 95% CI: (9.8%, 12.5%) in dry seasons. Child wasting was more common among children of poor households who had no cooperative bank saving accounts [AOR (95% CI) = 8.2. (1.8, 37.6)], and access to health facilities [AOR (95% CI) = 2.2 (1.4, 3.6)].ConclusionAcute child under-nutrition was relatively higher in the dry season. Although season was not significantly associated with child under - nutrition, poverty and poor access to health services were important predictors of wasting in the study setting. Thus, effective community–based nutrition interventions that require a multi - disciplinary approach should be scaled up to curb childhood under-nutrition.

Barriers and drivers to energy efficiency – A new taxonomical approach

This paper develops a new systematic classification and explanation of barriers and drivers to energy efficiency. Using an ‘actor oriented approach’, the paper tries to identify (a) the drivers and barriers that affect the success or failure of energy efficiency investments and (b) the institutions that are responsible for the emergence of these barriers and drivers. This taxonomy aims to synthesise ideas from three broad perspectives, viz., micro (project/end user), meso (organization), and macro (state, market, civil society). The paper develops a systematic framework by looking at the issues from the perspective of different actors. This not only aids the understanding of barriers and drivers; it also provides scope for appropriate policy interventions. This focus will help policy-makers evaluate to what extent future interventions may be warranted and how one can judge the success of particular interventions.

Skill, Luck, and Financial Crises

This paper explains why crises follow periods of sustained banking profitability in an environment in which there is uncertainty about whether outcomes depend on the risk management skills of banks, or are just based on luck, in the spirit of Piketty’s Model (1995) of “left-wing” and “right-wing” dynasties. Periods of sustained banking profitability cause all agents to elevate their estimates of bankers’ skills, despite the uncertainty about what is driving outcomes. Everyone consequently becomes sanguine about bank risk, and banks choose increasingly risky assets. The consequent increased liquidity attracts additional institutions to invest. Since banks fund themselves by borrowing from institutional investors who choose not to incur the cost to learn whether outcomes are skill-based or luck-based, the elevated perceptions of banking skills permit investment risk to continue to climb, and there are no financial crises. However, the emergence of a credit default swap (CDS) market on the banks' debt leads to price discovery through the actions of traders who can profitably become informed about the macro state pertaining to whether outcomes are due to skill or luck. This may induce the banks' creditors to infer a high probability that outcomes are based only on luck. This leads them to refuse to roll over short-term debt, and there is a positive probability of this occurring to enough banks to precipitate a crisis. Regulatory implications of the analysis are extracted.

Hierarchical Nyström methods for constructing Markov state models for conformational dynamics

Markov state models (MSMs) have become a popular approach for investigating the conformational dynamics of proteins and other biomolecules. MSMs are typically built from numerous molecular dynamics simulations by dividing the sampled configurations into a large number of microstates based on geometric criteria. The resulting microstate model can then be coarse-grained into a more understandable macrostate model by lumping together rapidly mixing microstates into larger, metastable aggregates. However, finite sampling often results in the creation of many poorly sampled microstates. During coarse-graining, these states are mistakenly identified as being kinetically important because transitions to/from them appear to be slow. In this paper, we propose a formalism based on an algebraic principle for matrix approximation, i.e., the Nyström method, to deal with such poorly sampled microstates. Our scheme builds a hierarchy of microstates from high to low populations and progressively applies spectral clustering on sets of microstates within each level of the hierarchy. It helps spectral clustering identify metastable aggregates with highly populated microstates rather than being distracted by lowly populated states. We demonstrate the ability of this algorithm to discover the major metastable states on two model systems, the alanine dipeptide and trpzip2 peptide.

Incentive compatibility of rational expectations equilibrium in large economies: a counterexample

This note provides a counterexample for a large economy in which a rational expectations equilibrium (REE) does not possess the desirable property of incentive compatibility for each agent. The key point here is that the REE equilibrium price depends on the private information of every individual agent. Thus, we propose to focus on those REE prices that depend only on the macro states and are not influenced by individual agents’ private information. Such a REE will be incentive compatible.

대칭형 공차를 갖는 플로팅 광학계의 상면 변화 보정 방법에 대한 통계적 해석

플로팅 광학계는 초점 맞춤 시, 2개 이상의 군이 움직이는 광학계를 의미한다. 카메라 광학계에서는 매크로 렌즈와 같이 배율 변화가 큰 광학계에 주로 채용된다. 플로팅 광학계도 가공 및 조립 오차로 인해 무한대단 및 매크로단의 초점위치가 촬상소자의 결상면과 일치하지 않는다. 그러므로 제조공정상에서 이러한 BWD(Back Working Distance) 차이를 최소화하는 초점 조정을 해야 한다. 본 논문에서는 플로팅 광학계의 각 군들의 이동량을 결정하기 위하여 초점 조정에 필요한 캠 회전각을 계산하고, 초점조정에 따른 플로팅 광학계의 최대 배율도 보정하는 수치해석 방법을 제안하였다. 그리고 이를 이용하여 대칭형 공차를 갖는 플로팅 광학계의 제조 오차를 고려한 초점 조정에 필요한 캠 회전각의 분포를 통계학적으로 계산하여 캠 회전각의 허용 범위를 결정하는 방법도 제안하였다. A floating optical system is a system that moves more than 2 groups to focus at the camera lens. At the camera optics, the floating system that is mainly used is an optical system such as a macro lens which changes magnification very much. When the floating system is assembled and fabricated in the factory, there are differences between the image plane of the sensor and the focal plane of the infinity or macro state. Therefore, in a considerable proportion of cases, the focus adjustment to minimize the difference of BWD(Back Working Distance) is carried out in the process of manufacturing. In this paper, in order to decide the movement of each group in a floating system, we evaluated the rotation angle of CAM for the focus adjustment. We know that the maximum magnification of macro state is corrected by this numerical method for the focus adjustment, too. We investigated the limit of CAM rotation angle of the system by using statistical analysis for CAM rotation angle, which uses the focus adjustment of the floating system with symmetric error factors.

Derivation of dynamic reference values for the classification of contaminant concentrations in bream (Abramis brama) of German rivers and lakes using data of the Environmental Specimen Bank

A direct assessment of contaminant concentrations in biota with respect to their biological relevance or importance for the ecosystem is rarely possible. Statistically derived reference values can serve as a guide to classify measured tissue concentrations, but they do not provide any information on the biological significance of the contaminant concentrations. However, previously such reference values did not exist for environmental-biomonitoring. Based on analytical data from muscle tissue of bream (Abramis brama) of the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB), we present a method on how to derive dynamic reference values. These show the general state of inland surface water pollution in Germany at a certain time. The reference values allow for classification of measured contaminant concentrations in muscle tissue of bream. This classification enables a comparative assessment in means of how the actual state of pollution in a specific ecosystem is, compared to the general, macro state of pollution.

Existence, incentive compatibility and efficiency of the rational expectations equilibrium

The rational expectations equilibrium (REE), as introduced in Radner (1979) in a general equilibrium setting à la Arrow–Debreu–McKenzie, often fails to have desirable properties such as universal existence, incentive compatibility and efficiency. We resolve those problems by providing a new model which makes the REE a desirable solution concept. In particular, we consider an asymmetric information economy with a continuum of agents whose private signals are independent conditioned on the macro states of nature. For such an economy, agents are allowed to augment their private information by the available public signals. We prove the existence, incentive compatibility and efficiency for this new REE concept.

The Method of Markov Processes with Macro States for Analysis of Unreliable Telecommunication Systems

Pasiūlytas Markovo procesų su makrobūsenomis analizės metodas turi pranasumų, palyginti su detalių būsenų Markovo modeliu. Telekomunikacijų sistema su duomenų paketų praradimais, esant nepatikimoms duomenų perdavimo grandims, modeliuojama tolydaus laiko ir diskrecių būsenų Markovo grandinėmis. Makrobūsenų Markovo modelio analizės pranasumai pagrįsti analizuojant dviejų nepatikimų duomenų perdavimo kanalų su duomenų paketų praradimais telekomunikacijų sistemą, o palyginimui pateikiamos skaitinės iliustracijos. Aptariamos galimybės pasiūlytąjį metodą pritaikyti nepatikimoms sistemoms su duomenų paketų praradimais ir jų eiliavimu nagrinėti. Nagrinėjamos sistemos pateikiamos remiantis Kendalo žymėjimais. M/M/2/2 dviejų nepatikimų kanalų sistema su duomenų paketų praradimais buvo modeliuojama naudojant makro- ir detalių būsenų Markovo grandines, o gautų rezultatų skirtumai yra labai nedideli. Il. 7, bibl. 10 (anglų kalba; santraukos anglų ir lietuvių k.). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.118.2.1177

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Experimental amplification of an entangled photon: what if the detection loophole is ignored?

The experimental verification of quantum features, such as entanglement, at large scales is extremely challenging because of environment-induced decoherence. Indeed, measurement techniques for demonstrating the quantumness of multiparticle systems in the presence of losses are difficult to define, and if they are not sufficiently accurate they can provide wrong conclusions. We present a Bell test where one photon of an entangled pair is amplified and then detected by threshold detectors, whose signals undergo postselection. The amplification is performed by a classical machine, which produces a fully separable micro–macro state. However, by adopting such a technique one can surprisingly observe a violation of the Clauser–Horne–Shimony–Holt inequality. This is due to the fact that ignoring the detection loophole opened by the postselection and the system losses can lead to misinterpretations, such as claiming micro–macro entanglement in a setup where evidently it is not present. By using threshold detectors and postselection, one can only infer the entanglement of the initial pair of photons, and so micro–micro entanglement, as is further confirmed by the violation of a nonseparability criterion for bipartite systems. How to detect photonic micro–macro entanglement in the presence of losses with the currently available technology remains an open question.

Advances in robotics (Review)

The state and prospects of macro-, micro-, and nanorobotics are described. The role of industrial robots in the creation of modern automated production is shown. Developments in the field of mobile robots and examples of their use are given. Miniaturization and molecular manufacturing are addressed as two approaches to nanorobot development.