Novel insights in the Levy–Levy–Solomon agent-based economic market model

The Levy–Levy–Solomon (LLS) model [M. Levy, H. Levy and S. Solomon, Econ. Lett.45, 103 (1994)] is one of the most influential agent-based economic market models. In several publications this model has been discussed and analyzed. Especially Lux and Zschischang [E. Zschischang and T. Lux, Physica A: Stat. Mech. Appl.291, 563 (2001)] have shown that the model exhibits finite-size effects. In this study, we extend existing work in several directions. First, we show simulations which reveal finite-size effects of the model. Second, we shed light on the origin of these finite-size effects. Furthermore, we demonstrate the sensitivity of the LLS model with respect to random numbers. Especially, we can conclude that a low-quality pseudo-random number generator has a huge impact on the simulation results. Finally, we study the impact of the stopping criteria in the market clearance mechanism of the LLS model.

Evaluating Public Policies for Fair Social Tariffs of Electricity in Brazil by Using an Economic Market Model

This paper presents an evaluation of public policies for fare social tariffs of electricity in Brazil by using an economic model of the electricity market (TAROT-Optimized Tariff) that represents the regulated market of distribution of electrical energy. It was considered the scenario of an increasing number of prosumers (residential consumers who self-generate energy) in two of the five major regions of Brazil which have quite different socioeconomic characteristics. However, the current electricity regulation is the same for all concessionaires. In this work a new public policy is proposed, allowing the use of regulation in a different way aiming for a best result for Brazil and particularly for the poor population that today are not able to enjoy the benefits of electricity due to high tariff values. It is also discussed how this can contribute in a positive way to improve the income distribution in these regions, which is evaluated by using the GINI index.

Conclusion

The most important conclusions of this summarizing chapter are the following: The religious landscape of Eastern Europe is more diverse than that of Western Europe. The cases of Poland and the GDR confirm the hypothesis that there is a link between the diffusion of functions and the growth in the importance of religion. The strong processes of biographical individualization that occurred in the post-communist states did not necessarily intensify individual religiosity. The economic market model cannot be confirmed for Eastern Europe. There is in Eastern and Central Europe a demonstrable link between economic prosperity and the loosening of religious and church ties. What can act as a bulwark against the eroding effects of modernization is church activity on the one hand, and the everyday proximity, visibility, and concreteness of religious practices and rituals, symbols, images, and objects on the other.