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Enrico Scalas

Publications and source records attributed to Enrico Scalas.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
arXiv2018

The Mathematics of Human Contact: Developing a Model for Social Interaction in School Children

In this paper, we provide a statistical analysis of high-resolution contact pattern data within primary and secondary schools as collected by the SocioPatterns collaboration. Students are graphically represented as nodes in a temporally evolving network, in which links represent proximity or interaction between students. This article focuses on link- and node-level statistics, such as the on- and off-durations of links as well as the activity potential of nodes and links. Parametric models are fitted to the on- and off-durations of links, inter-event times and node activity potentials and, based on these, we propose a number of theoretical models that are able to reproduce the collected data within varying levels of accuracy. By doing so, we aim to identify the minimal network-level properties that are needed to closely match the real-world data, with the aim of combining this contact pattern model with epidemic models in future work.

physics.soc-ph↗
arXiv2017

Limit Theorems for the Fractional Non-homogeneous Poisson Process

The fractional non-homogeneous Poisson process was introduced by a time-change of the non-homogeneous Poisson process with the inverse $α$-stable subordinator. We propose a similar definition for the (non-homogeneous) fractional compound Poisson process. We give both finite-dimensional and functional limit theorems for the fractional non-homogeneous Poisson process and the fractional compound Poisson process. The results are derived by using martingale methods, regular variation properties and Anscombe's theorem. Eventually, some of the limit results are verified in a Monte Carlo simulation.

math.PR↗
arXiv2017

Continuous-time statistics and generalized relaxation equations

Using two simple examples, the continuous-time random walk as well as a two state Markov chain, the relation between generalized anomalous relaxation equations and semi-Markov processes is illustrated. This relation is then used to discuss continuous-time random statistics in a general setting, for statistics of convolution-type. Two examples are presented in some detail: the sum statistic and the maximum statistic.

math.PR↗
arXiv2017

Modeling non-stationarities in high-frequency financial time series

We study tick-by-tick financial returns belonging to the FTSE MIB index of the Italian Stock Exchange (Borsa Italiana). We can confirm previously detected non-stationarities. However, scaling properties reported in the previous literature for other high-frequency financial data are only approximately valid. As a consequence of the empirical analyses, we propose a simple method for describing non-stationary returns, based on a non-homogeneous normal compound Poisson process. We test this model against the empirical findings and it turns out that the model can approximately reproduce several stylized facts of high-frequency financial time series. Moreover, using Monte Carlo simulations, we analyze order selection for this model class using three information criteria: Akaike's information criterion (AIC), the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and the Hannan-Quinn information criterion (HQ). For comparison, we also perform a similar Monte Carlo experiment for the ACD (autoregressive conditional duration) model. Our results show that the information criteria work best for small parameter numbers for the compound Poisson type models, whereas for the ACD model the model selection procedure does not work well in certain cases.

q-fin.ST↗
arXiv2016

Low-traffic limit and first-passage times for a simple model of the continuous double auction

We consider a simplified model of the continuous double auction where prices are integers varying from $1$ to $N$ with limit orders and market orders, but quantity per order limited to a single share. For this model, the order process is equivalent to two $M/M/1$ queues. We study the behaviour of the auction in the low-traffic limit where limit orders are immediately transformed into market orders. In this limit, the distribution of prices can be computed exactly and gives a reasonable approximation of the price distribution when the ratio between the rate of order arrivals and the rate of order executions is below $1/2$. This is further confirmed by the analysis of the first passage time in $1$ or $N$.

math.PR↗
arXiv2016

A Generalization of the Space-Fractional Poisson Process and its Connection to some Lévy Processes

This paper introduces a generalization of the so-called space-fractional Poisson process by extending the difference operator acting on state space present in the associated difference-differential equations to a much more general form. It turns out that this generalization can be put in relation to a specific subordination of a homogeneous Poisson process by means of a subordinator for which it is possible to express the characterizing Lévy measure explicitly. Moreover, the law of this subordinator solves a one-sided first-order differential equation in which a particular convolution-type integral operator appears, called Prabhakar derivative. In the last section of the paper, a similar model is introduced in which the Prabhakar derivative also acts in time. In this case, too, the probability generating function of the corresponding process and the probability distribution are determined.

math.PR↗
arXiv2015

Solvable non-Markovian dynamic network

Non-Markovian processes are widespread in natural and human-made systems, yet explicit model- ling and analysis of such systems is underdeveloped. We consider a non-Markovian dynamic network with random link activation and deletion (RLAD) and heavy tailed Mittag-Leffler distribution for the inter-event times. We derive an analytically and computationally tractable system of Kolmogorov- like forward equations utilising the Caputo derivative for the probability of having a given number of active links in the network and solve them. Simulations for the RLAD are also studied for power-law inter-event times and we show excellent agreement with the Mittag-Leffler model. This agreement holds even when the RLAD network dynamics is coupled with the susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) spreading dynamics. Thus, the analytically solvable Mittag-Leffler model provides an excel- lent approximation to the case when the network dynamics is characterised by power-law distributed inter-event times. We further discuss possible generalizations of our result.

math.PR↗
arXiv2015

Velocity and energy distributions in microcanonical ensembles of hard spheres

In a microcanonical ensemble (constant $NVE$, hard reflecting walls) and in a molecular dynamics ensemble (constant $NVE\mathbf{PG}$, periodic boundary conditions) with a number $N$ of smooth elastic hard spheres in a $d$-dimensional volume $V$ having a total energy $E$, a total momentum $\mathbf{P}$, and an overall center of mass position $\mathbf{G}$, the individual velocity components, velocity moduli, and energies have transformed beta distributions with different arguments and shape parameters depending on $d$, $N$, $E$, the boundary conditions, and possible symmetries in the initial conditions. This can be shown marginalizing the joint distribution of individual energies, which is a symmetric Dirichlet distribution. In the thermodynamic limit the beta distributions converge to gamma distributions with different arguments and shape or scale parameters, corresponding respectively to the Gaussian, i.e., Maxwell-Boltzmann, Maxwell, and Boltzmann or Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution. These analytical results agree with molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations with different numbers of hard disks or spheres and hard reflecting walls or periodic boundary conditions. The agreement is perfect with our Monte Carlo algorithm, which acts only on velocities independently of positions with the collision versor sampled uniformly on a unit half sphere in $d$ dimensions, while slight deviations appear with our molecular dynamics simulations for the smallest values of $N$.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2013

Ergodic transition in a simple model of the continuous double auction

We study a phenomenological model for the continuous double auction, equivalent to two independent $M/M/1$ queues. The continuous double auction defines a continuous-time random walk for trade prices. The conditions for ergodicity of the auction are derived and, as a consequence, three possible regimes in the behavior of prices and logarithmic returns are observed. In the ergodic regime, prices are unstable and one can observe an intermittent behavior in the logarithmic returns. On the contrary, non-ergodicity triggers stability of prices, even if two different regimes can be seen.

q-fin.TR↗
arXiv2012

On the non-stationarity of financial time series: impact on optimal portfolio selection

We investigate the possible drawbacks of employing the standard Pearson estimator to measure correlation coefficients between financial stocks in the presence of non-stationary behavior, and we provide empirical evidence against the well-established common knowledge that using longer price time series provides better, more accurate, correlation estimates. Then, we investigate the possible consequences of instabilities in empirical correlation coefficient measurements on optimal portfolio selection. We rely on previously published works which provide a framework allowing to take into account possible risk underestimations due to the non-optimality of the portfolio weights being used in order to distinguish such non-optimality effects from risk underestimations genuinely due to non-stationarities. We interpret such results in terms of instabilities in some spectral properties of portfolio correlation matrices.

q-fin.ST↗
arXiv2012

A parsimonious model for intraday European option pricing

A stochastic model for pure-jump diffusion (the compound renewal process) can be used as a zero-order approximation and as a phenomenological description of tick-by-tick price fluctuations. This leads to an exact and explicit general formula for the martingale price of a European call option. A complete derivation of this result is presented by means of elementary probabilistic tools.

q-fin.PR↗
arXiv2011

Semi-Markov Graph Dynamics

In this paper, we outline a model of graph (or network) dynamics based on two ingredients. The first ingredient is a Markov chain on the space of possible graphs. The second ingredient is a semi-Markov counting process of renewal type. The model consists in subordinating the Markov chain to the semi-Markov counting process. In simple words, this means that the chain transitions occur at random time instants called epochs. The model is quite rich and its possible connections with algebraic geometry are briefly discussed. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, we focus on the space of undirected graphs with a fixed number of nodes. However, in an example, we present an interbank market model where it is meaningful to use directed graphs or even weighted graphs.

math.PR↗
arXiv2011

Full characterization of the fractional Poisson process

The fractional Poisson process (FPP) is a counting process with independent and identically distributed inter-event times following the Mittag-Leffler distribution. This process is very useful in several fields of applied and theoretical physics including models for anomalous diffusion. Contrary to the well-known Poisson process, the fractional Poisson process does not have stationary and independent increments. It is not a Lévy process and it is not a Markov process. In this letter, we present formulae for its finite-dimensional distribution functions, fully characterizing the process. These exact analytical results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations.

math.PR↗
arXiv2011

A class of CTRWs: Compound fractional Poisson processes

This chapter is an attempt to present a mathematical theory of compound fractional Poisson processes. The chapter begins with the characterization of a well-known Lévy process: The compound Poisson process. The semi-Markov extension of the compound Poisson process naturally leads to the compound fractional Poisson process, where the Poisson counting process is replaced by the Mittag-Leffler counting process also known as fractional Poisson process. This process is no longer Markovian and Lévy. However, several analytical results are available and some of them are discussed here. The functional limit of the compound Poisson process is an $α$-stable Lévy process, whereas in the case of the compound fractional Poisson process, one gets an $α$-stable Lévy process subordinated to the fractional Poisson process.

math.PR↗
arXiv2010

On-line trading as a renewal process: Waiting time and inspection paradox

We briefly review our recent studies on stochastic processes modelling internet on-line trading. We present a way to evaluate the average waiting time between the observation of the price in financial markets and the next price change, especially in an on-line foreign exchange trading service for individual customers via the internet. The basic method of our approach depends on the so-called renewal-reward theorem. Assuming that the stochastic process modelling the price change is a renewal process, we use the theorem to calculate the average waiting time of the process. The so-called ``inspection paradox'' is discussed, which, in general, means that the average durations is shorter than the average waiting time.

q-fin.ST↗
arXiv2009

Monte Carlo simulation of uncoupled continuous-time random walks yielding a stochastic solution of the space-time fractional diffusion equation

We present a numerical method for the Monte Carlo simulation of uncoupled continuous-time random walks with a Levy alpha-stable distribution of jumps in space and a Mittag-Leffler distribution of waiting times, and apply it to the stochastic solution of the Cauchy problem for a partial differential equation with fractional derivatives both in space and in time. The one-parameter Mittag-Leffler function is the natural survival probability leading to time-fractional diffusion equations. Transformation methods for Mittag-Leffler random variables were found later than the well-known transformation method by Chambers, Mallows, and Stuck for Levy alpha-stable random variables and so far have not received as much attention; nor have they been used together with the latter in spite of their mathematical relationship due to the geometric stability of the Mittag-Leffler distribution. Combining the two methods, we obtain an accurate approximation of space- and time-fractional diffusion processes almost as easy and fast to compute as for standard diffusion processes.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗
arXiv2009

Spectral densities of Wishart-Levy free stable random matrices: Analytical results and Monte Carlo validation

Random matrix theory is used to assess the significance of weak correlations and is well established for Gaussian statistics. However, many complex systems, with stock markets as a prominent example, exhibit statistics with power-law tails, that can be modelled with Levy stable distributions. We review comprehensively the derivation of an analytical expression for the spectra of covariance matrices approximated by free Levy stable random variables and validate it by Monte Carlo simulation.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗