A quasi-random spanning tree model for the early river network

We consider a model for the formation of a river network in which erosion process plays a role only at the initial stage. Once a global connectivity is achieved, no further evolution takes place. In spite of this, the network reproduces approximately most of the empirical statistical results of natural river network. It is observed that the resulting network is a spanning tree graph and therefore this process could be looked upon as a new algorithm for the generation of spanning tree graphs in which different configurations occur quasi-randomly. A new loop-less percolation model is also defined at an intermediate stage of evolution of the river network.Comment: 10 pages, RevTex, 4 postscript figures, accepted in PR

Poverty Measurement and Theories of Beneficence

quantity, quality, inequality, identification, aggregation

Headcount Poverty Comparisons

.Poverty, Comparisons

International Aid in Light of Global Poverty and Inequality: Some Unsubtle Propositions

This paper re-asserts the importance of certain old-fashioned questions relating to international aid: what is the quantum of aid available in relation to the need for it? How may patterns of allocation, at both the dispensing and receiving ends of aid, be determined so as to take account of both poverty and inter-national inequality in the distribution of incomes? Can some simple and plausible rules of allocation be devised? If so, what correspondence does reality bear to these rules? The questions are addressed with the aid of some simple analytics relating to optimal budgetary intervention in the alleviation of poverty. The ideas discussed are clarified by means of data employed in elementary empirical illustrations.international burden of poverty, lexicographic maximin solution, proportionality rule

Reckoning Inter-group Poverty Differentials in the Measurement of Aggregate Poverty

group poverty profile, group Lorenz profile, externality, group affiliation

Indicators of Inequality and Poverty

This essay aims at a broad, main-stream account of the literature on inequality and poverty measurement in the space of income and, additionally, deals with measures of disparity and deprivation in the more expanded domain of capabilities and functionings. In addition to an introductory and a concluding part, the paper has four sections. The first of these, on measurement of income inequality, deals with preliminary concepts and definitions; a visual representation of inequality (the Lorenz curve); real-valued indices of inequality; properties of inequality indices; some specific inequality measures; and the relationship between Lorenz, welfare, and inequality orderings. The second section, on poverty, deals with the identification and aggregation exercises; properties of poverty indices; some specific poverty measures; the problem of plurality and unambiguous rankings; poverty measures and anti-poverty policy; and other issues in the measurement of poverty. The third section considers aspects of both congruence and conflict in the relationship amongst poverty, inequality, and welfare. The final substantive section advances the rationale for a more comprehensive assessment of human wellbeing than is afforded by the income perspective, it briefly reviews measurement concerns relating to generalized indices of deprivation and disparity, and it discusses the data and policy implications of the more expansive view of well-being adopted in the section.inequality, disparity, poverty, deprivation, measurement, income, capability, functioning, well-being