Geometric ergodicity for some space-time max-stable Markov chains

Max-stable processes are central models for spatial extremes. In this paper, we focus on some space-time max-stable models introduced in Embrechts et al. (2016). The processes considered induce discrete-time Markov chains taking values in the space of continuous functions from the unit sphere of $\mathbb{R}^3$ to $(0, \infty)$. We show that these Markov chains are geometrically ergodic. An interesting feature lies in the fact that the state space is not locally compact, making the classical methodology inapplicable. Instead, we use the fact that the state space is Polish and apply results presented in Hairer (2010)

From crew to country? Local and national construction safety cultures in Denmark

Accidents in construction have evoked over time a range of prevention methods and efforts. This paper adds to the growing body of qualitative studies of safety culture, appreciating that also in construction, the cultural explanations are of crucial importance. It is suggested to use a combined theoretical and ethnographic framework involving the integration, differentiation, ambiguity and multiple configuration elements of safety cultures. The primary case analyzed is a carpenter’s crew of 28 men doing renovation work, who belong to a firm with 100 em-ployees. The analysis finds an overarching common integrative culture of pride of work, which overlaps with differentiation of four cultures: ”mastering”, ”framework and rules”, ”drawing board and plan” and ”ties that bind”. And finally, it finds ambiguous perceptions of possibilities for prevention and risk, which differ according to time, place and actor. Second juxtaposing the cultures found in four other ethnographic studies carried out in Denmark ena-bles reflection over possible grander cultures in play. Although these studies find 25 different safety cultures, a national pattern seems to be prevalent of a constellation of reactive and pro-active safety cultures

Mediating Buddhism - The Investigation of Buddha Brands in London: Resetting Realism in Religious Studies

Mediating Buddhism wants to “simply” study what the entity named “Buddhism” is and how to approach it. This leads to the following research questions: (1) What could be the starting point for studying Buddhism without focusing on religion alone, and what role could Buddhist mediators — images, concepts, or events — play in this? (2) Could the understanding of Buddhism be improved by comprehending it not as religion or secularism alone but also through other perspectives like science, art, technology, or ethics? (3) What impact does the study of mediational Buddhism have on religious studies as a discipline? (4) What are the implications of this study for the material religion approach, and how could these be improved? (5) Is Buddhism an object somewhere “out there,” and how can we better understand what Buddhism is, if it is anything? (6) How are actors like scientists, things, and events, gathered by Buddhist mediators, and vice versa? (7) Why was Bruno Latour (1947–2022) chosen as the theoretical background, not anyone else? (8) When studying Buddha brands, what is the relationship between religious studies and realism: representative, critical, or agnostic? The importance of Mediating Buddhism lies in its irrealist approach to studying Buddhism, which challenges traditional scientific realism in religious studies and explores the role of Buddhist mediators beyond the “religion vs. secularism” paradigm, ultimately shedding new light on understanding what Buddhism is. Mediating Buddhism aims to challenge traditional views of Buddhism by exploring its empty nature and how to approach it, with the support of Bruno Latour’s theoretical framework, which offers new perspectives and insights into this exciting field of study