Log-Poisson statistics and full aging in glassy systems

We argue that Poisson statistics in logarithmic time provides an idealized description of non-equilibrium configurational rearrangements in aging glassy systems. The description puts stringent requirements on the geometry of the metastable attractors visited at age $t_w$. Analytical implications for the residence time distributions as a function of $t_w$ and the correlation functions are derived. These are verified by extensive numerical studies of short range Ising spin glasses.Comment: v3 (final): 8 pages, 4 figures. Minor change

Bounds on the Coefficients of Tension and Flow Polynomials

The goal of this article is to obtain bounds on the coefficients of modular and integral flow and tension polynomials of graphs. To this end we make use of the fact that these polynomials can be realized as Ehrhart polynomials of inside-out polytopes. Inside-out polytopes come with an associated relative polytopal complex and, for a wide class of inside-out polytopes, we show that this complex has a convex ear decomposition. This leads to the desired bounds on the coefficients of these polynomials.Comment: 16 page

DALL

A subroutine for the log likelihood maximization is proposed. It is an implementation of Davidon\u27s variance algorithm with a numerical derivative evaluation procedure. It is designed for use of statistical model builders. It is originally coded in FORTRAN. Now C version is available. Numerical examples are given.Copiright_OML 1996, 1999 Makio Ishiguro & Hirotugu Akaike 1.example3.f and dall_pack.c are replaced by revised versions, respectively. Related patch files dall.0-1.patch and cdall.0-1.patch are placed. This revision is to remove a bug. Read first parts of revised codes and patch files for the detail. Those who has the original versions can update his/hers using the patch files. (2000.11.10 M. Ishiguro)\n[REFERENCE] Ishiguro, M. and Akaike, H. (1989). DALL: Davidon\u27s Algorithm for Log Likelihood Maximization --- A FORTRAN subroutine for statistical model builders --, Computer Science Monographs No.25, The Institute of Statistical Mathematics, Toky

Incentive distortions in decentralized systems of governance – why is financing decentralized systems so difficult?

National governments often choose to delegate tasks and burdens to lower levels in a comprehensive system of administration. Local and regional governance thereby becomes an important factor in policy implementation. This paper focuses on the incentive problem that follows from such a delegation of competences to collect taxes and do lending at the local level in a multi-level geo-administrative system. The paper uses the Danish administrative system to illustrate the actual outcomes from such incentive problems. A two-step estimation procedure will be used to derive results on the importance of incentive problems in multi-level geo-administrative systems. Setting up elaborate administrative systems will introduce agency problems that lead to inefficiencies in both local and national governance.

IMPACT OF STRUCTURAL FUNDS ON REGIONAL GROWTH: HOW TO RECONSIDER A 9 YEAR-OLD BLACK BOX

Econometric estimations of the impact of structural funds on the growth process of the European regions started 9 years ago. However, it is striking to realize that all previous estimations in this field are based on some form of the neoclassical growth model. This model is still widely used despite the numerous critics it has raised and its lack of consideration for increasing returns to scale, which are at the heart of agglomeration and growth processes according to endogenous growth theories and new economic geography models. In addition, few estimations have paid attention to the nature of the cohesion objectives under study. For example, the expected impact of objec-tive 1 funds, devoted to public infrastructures, is indeed theoretically and empirically very different from the one of objective 3 funds devoted to long-term unemployed. As a result, the aim of this paper is to propose a careful assessment of the impact of structural funds on the manufacturing sector of 145 European regions in the context of a Verdoorn’s law for the period 1989-2004. First, the results are presented with total structural funds and funds differen-tiated by objective. Second, interregional linkages are included by means of spatial econometric techniques. Third, potential endogeneity of the explanatory variables is taken into account.GROWTH, REGIONAL POLICY, INCREASING RETURNS, EUROPE, SPATIAL ECONOMETRICS