An overlook on statistical inference issues for stochastic damping hamiltonian systems under the fluctuation-dissipation condition

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we are interested in nonparametric inference issues for stochastic damping hamiltonian systems under the fluctuation-dissipation condition. This condition relates the magnitude of the dissipative term and the magnitude of the random term. The precise balance between the drift term which removes energy in average and the stochastic term provided by the fluctuation-dissipation relation insures that the canonical measure is preserved by the dynamics. In this framework, it is possible to give an explicit construction of a Lyapunov function and thus to prove exponential ergodicity. Then, we consider various estimation procedures and provide also a numerical section, where simulations are conducted.     

MODEST CHANGES,BIG REVOLUTIONS

In this paper we propose a psychosociological critical theory, which can be applied modestly in particular contexts such as families, organizations and communities. We use discourse analysis as an empirical action-research method, able to study and see families as protagonists with their own history and local culture. We have developed two methodologies, analysis of dominant and alternative discourses and a dialogue based on naïve questions, which have allowed the creation of a link between individual problems and social issues, and have empowered people to do something for themselves and their community. Our methodologies have led us to create a critical and reflective research to resolve psychological problems in families and, at the same time, change the attitudes of their members to more complex social problems, such as gender discrimination, violence, impunity, asymmetric power relations and racism. We propose that social researchers, in particular in Latin America, will take a reflective, critical and political stance, aimed not only at developing knowledge, but also at promoting socio-cultural changes for the families and their communities as a part of the political transformation of society.     

How Children and Young People Influence Policy‐Makers: Lessons from Nicaragua

This article describes a participatory research project, which explored four case studies of children and young people's successful political advocacy in Nicaragua. The analysis combined a human rights‐based approach and a human development approach, and included concepts of multiple settings and levels, interrelated participation spaces, children and young people's citizenship, inclusion and exclusion, democracy, advocacy and empowerment. The main problems faced by children and young people seeking to influence policy‐makers were identified as adultism, dependency and lack of accountability. The research identified pre‐conditions, participation spaces and ways of organising for effective advocacy, and facilitation methods that had proved effective. It concludes that children and young people who achieve effective advocacy are generally self‐empowered, but can count on effective adult support and facilitation. They work through coordination with the authorities and not by clashing with them, but need to ensure effective follow up if they want politicians to keep their promises.     

Do Reservation Wages Really Decline? Some International Evidence on the Determinants of Reservation Wages

Using cross-country data, we investigate the determinants of reservation wages and their course over the jobless spell. Higher unemployment benefits lead to higher reservation wages. Further, again consistent with the basic search model, repeated observations on the same individual provide scant evidence of declining reservation wages.

Legacies of empire?

Using methods and themes from Charles Tilly’s work, this paper presents a number of propositions related to empire-to-state transformation. We argue that variations in national state development from imperial metropole origins can be explained, at least in part, by variations in imperial administration, finance, development, identity, and inequality. Capacity is a critical determinant of the results of state transformation, while decisions about finance and investment are both economic and political. Identity and inequality are inextricably linked to empire, and our exploration of these concepts demonstrates that they are the outcomes of variable processes linked to concrete, if inadvertent, lines of imperial decisions.