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Zoltan Neda

Publications and source records attributed to Zoltan Neda.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Wealth distribution in modern societies: collected data and a master equation approach

A mean-field like stochastic evolution equation with growth and reset terms (LGGR model) is used to model wealth distribution in modern societies. The stationary solution of the model leads to an analytical form for the density function that is successful in describing the observed data for all wealth categories. In the limit of high wealth values the proposed density function has the accepted Tsallis-Pareto shape. Our results are in agreement with the predictions of an earlier approach based on a mean-field like wealth exchange process.

physics.soc-ph

Scaling in Income Inequalities and its Dynamical Origin

We provide an analytically treatable model that describes in a unified manner income distribution for all income categories. The approach is based on a master equation with growth and reset terms. The model assumptions on the growth and reset rates are tested on an exhaustive database with incomes on individual level spanning a nine year period in the Cluj county (Romania). In agreement with our theoretical predictions we find that income distributions computed for several years collapse on a master-curve when a properly normalised income is considered. The Beta Prime distribution is appropriate to fit the collapsed data and it is shown that distributions derived for other countries are following similar trends with different fit parameters. The non-universal feature of the fit parameters suggests that for a more realistic modelling the model parameters have to be linked with specific socio-economic regulations.

q-fin.GN

Unidirectional Random Growth with Resetting

We review and classify stochastic processes without detailed balance condition. We obtain stationary distributions and investigate their stability in terms of generalized entropic divergences beyond the Kullback-Leibler formula. A simple stochastic model with local growth rates and direct resetting to the ground state is investigated and applied to various networks, scientific citations and Facebook popularity, hadronic yields in high energy particle reactions, income and wealth distributions, biodiversity and settlement size distribution.

physics.soc-ph

Kinematics grounded on light

The space-time of modern physics is tailored on light. We rigorously construct the basic entities needed by kinematics: geometry of the physical space and time, using as tool electromagnetic waves, and particularly light-rays. After such a mathematically orthodox construction, the special theory of relativity will result naturally. One will clearly understand and easily accept all those puzzling consequences that makes presently the special theory of relativity hard to digest. Such an approach is extremely rewarding in teaching the main ideas of Einstein's relativity theory for high-school and/or university students. Interesting speculations regarding the fundaments and future of physics are made.

physics.hist-ph

Diversification versus specialization -- lessons from a noise driven linear dynamical system

Specialization and diversification are two major strategies that complex systems might exploit. Given a fixed amount of resources, the question is whether to invest this in elements that respond in a correlated manner to external perturbations, or to build a diversified system with groups of elements that respond in a not necessarily correlated manner. This general dilemma is investigated here using a high dimensional discrete dynamical system subject to an external noise, analyzing the statistical properties of an order parameter that quantifies growth. Our analytical solution suggests that diversification is a good strategy once the system has a fair amount of resources. For systems with small or extremely large supplies, we argue that specialization might be a more successful strategy. We discuss the results also from the perspective of economic and biologic systems.

physics.soc-ph

Kinetic roughening of a soft dewetting line under quenched disorder - a numerical study

A molecular-dynamics type simulation method, which is suitable for investigating the dewetting dynamics of thin and viscous liquid layers, is discussed. The efficiency of the method is exemplified by studying a two-parameter depinning-like model defined on inhomogeneous solid surfaces. The morphology and the statistical properties of the contact line is mapped in the relevant parameter space, and as a result critical behavior in the vicinity of the depinning transition is revealed. The model allows for the tearing of the layer, which leads to a new propagation regime resulting in non-trivial collective behavior. The large deformations observed for the interface is a result of the interplay between the substrate inhomogeneities and the capillary forces.

cond-mat.soft

A spring-block analogy for the dynamics of stock indexes

A spring-block chain placed on a running conveyor belt is considered for modeling stylized facts observed in the dynamics of stock indexes. Individual stocks are modeled by the blocks, while the stock-stock correlations are introduced via simple elastic forces acting in the springs. The dragging effect of the moving belt corresponds to the expected economic growth. The spring-block system produces collective behavior and avalanche like phenomena, similar to the ones observed in stock markets. An artificial index is defined for the spring-block chain, and its dynamics is compared with the one measured for the Dow Jones Industrial Average. For certain parameter regions the model reproduces qualitatively well the dynamics of the logarithmic index, the logarithmic returns, the distribution of the logarithmic returns, the avalanche-size distribution and the distribution of the investment horizons. A noticeable success of the model is that it is able to account for the gain-loss asymmetry observed in the inverse statistics. Our approach has mainly a pedagogical value, bridging between a complex socio-economic phenomena and a basic (mechanical) model in physics.

physics.soc-ph

The rhythm of coupled metronomes

Spontaneous synchronization of an ensemble of metronomes placed on a freely rotating platform is studied experimentally and by computer simulations. A striking in-phase synchronization is observed when the metronomes' beat frequencies are fixed above a critical limit. Increasing the number of metronomes placed on the disk leads to an observable decrease in the level of the emerging synchronization. A realistic model with experimentally determined parameters is considered in order to understand the observed results. The conditions favoring the emergence of synchronization are investigated. It is shown that the experimentally observed trends can be reproduced by assuming a finite spread in the metronomes' natural frequencies. In the limit of large numbers of metronomes, we show that synchronization emerges only above a critical beat frequency value.

nlin.CD

Winning strategies in congested traffic

One-directional traffic on two-lanes is modeled in the framework of a spring-block type model. A fraction $q$ of the cars are allowed to change lanes, following simple dynamical rules, while the other cars keep their initial lane. The advance of cars, starting from equivalent positions and following the two driving strategies is studied and compared. As a function of the parameter $q$ the winning probability and the average gain in the advancement for the lane-changing strategy is computed. An interesting phase-transition like behavior is revealed and conclusions are drawn regarding the conditions when the lane changing strategy is the better option for the drivers.

physics.soc-ph

Fluctuations in Hadronizing QGP

The dynamical development of the cooling and hadronizing quark-gluon Plasma (QGP) is studied in a simple model assuming critical fluctuations in the QGP to Hadronic Matter (HM) and a first order transition in a small finite system. We consider an earlier determined free-energy density curve in the neighbourhood of the critical point, with two local minima corresponding to the equilibrium hadronic and QGP configurations. In this approach the divergence at e = 0 eliminates fluctuations with negative or zero energy. The barrier between the equilibrium states is obtained from an estimated value of the surface tension between the two phases. We obtain a characteristic behavior for the skewness and the kurtosis of energy density fluctuations, which can be studied via a beam energy scan program.

nucl-th

Earthquake Model Confirms Traffic Jams Caused by Tiredness

A simple one-dimensional spring-block model elaborated for the idealized single-lane highway traffic reveals the causes for the emergence of traffic jams. Based on the stop-time statistics of one car in the row, an order parameter is defined and studied. By extensive computer simulations, the parameter space of the model is explored, analyzed and interpreted. Existence of a free a and congested flow phases is confirmed and the transition between them is analyzed.

physics.soc-ph

Spring-block model for a single-lane highway traffic

A simple one-dimensional spring-block chain with asymmetric interactions is considered to model an idealized single-lane highway traffic. The main elements of the system are blocks (modeling cars), springs with unidirectional interactions (modeling distance keeping interactions between neighbors), static and kinetic friction (modeling inertia of drivers and cars) and spatiotemporal disorder in the values of these friction forces (modeling differences in the driving attitudes). The traveling chain of cars correspond to the dragged spring-block system. Our statistical analysis for the spring-block chain predicts a non-trivial and rich complex behavior. As a function of the disorder level in the system a dynamic phase-transition is observed. For low disorder levels uncorrelated slidings of blocks are revealed while for high disorder levels correlated avalanches dominates.

physics.data-an

Persistent collective trend in stock markets

Empirical evidence is given for a significant difference in the collective trend of the share prices during the stock index rising and falling periods. Data on the Dow Jones Industrial Average and its stock components are studied between 1991 and 2008. Pearson-type correlations are computed between the stocks and averaged over stock-pairs and time. The results indicate a general trend: whenever the stock index is falling the stock prices are changing in a more correlated manner than in case the stock index is ascending. A thorough statistical analysis of the data shows that the observed difference is significant, suggesting a constant-fear factor among stockholders.

q-fin.ST

An improved kinetic Monte Carlo approach for epitaxial submonolayer growth

Two-component submonolayer growth on triangular lattice is qualitatively studied by kinetic Monte Carlo techniques. The hopping barrier governing surface diffusion of the atoms is estimated with an improved formula and using realistic pair interaction potentials. Realistic degrees of freedoms enhancing the surface diffusion of atoms are also introduced. The main advantages of the presented technique are the reduced number of free parameters and the clear diffusion activated mechanism for the segregation of different types of atoms. The potential of this method is exemplified by reproducing (i) vacancy and stacking fault related phase-boundary creation and dynamics; (ii) a special co-deposition and segregation process where the segregated atoms of the second component surrounds the islands formed by the first type of atoms.

cond-mat.soft

Pattern formation and selection in quasi-static fracture

Fracture in quasi-statically driven systems is studied by means of a discrete spring-block model. Developed from close comparison with desiccation experiments, it describes crack formation induced by friction on a substrate. The model produces cellular, hierarchical patterns of cracks, characterized by a mean fragment size linear in the layer thickness, in agreement with experiments. The selection of a stationary fragment size is explained by exploiting the correlations prior to cracking. A scaling behavior associated with the thickness and substrate coupling, derived and confirmed by simulations, suggests why patterns have similar morphology despite their disparity in scales.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Nontrivial stochastic resonance temperature for the kinetic Ising model

The kinetic Ising model in a weak oscillating magnetic field is studied in the context of stochastic resonance. The signal-to-noise ratio calculated with simulations is found to peak at a nontrivial resonance temperature above the equilibrium critical temperature T_c. We argue that its appearance is closely related to the vanishing of the kinetic coefficient at T_c. Comparisons with various theoretical results in one and higher dimensions are made.

cond-mat.stat-mech

Stochastic Resonance in 3D Ising Ferromagnets

Finite 3D Ising ferromagnets are studied in periodic magnetic fields both by computer simulations and mean-field theoretical approaches. The phenomenon of stochastic resonance is revealed. The characteristic peak obtained for the correlation function between the external oscillating magnetic field and magnetization versus the temperature of the system, is studied for various external fields and lattice sizes. Excellent agreement between simulation and theoretical results are obtained.

cond-mat

Stochastic Resonance in Ising Systems

We study by Monte Carlo techniques the evolution of finite two-dimensional Ising systems in oscillating magnetic fields. The phenomenon of stochastic resonance is observed. The characteristic peak obtained for the correlation function between the external field and magnetization, versus the temperature of the system, is studied for various external fields and lattice sizes.

cond-mat