We propose a nonparametric approach for estimating single-index, binary-choice models when parametric models such as Probit and Logit are potentially misspecified. The new approach involves two steps: first, we estimate index coefficients using sliced inverse regression without specifying a...

The scope of the paper is to estimate post-program effects in fostering good transitions from unemployment to work. Such an issue implies that besides job finding rates, qualitative variables related to work have to be included as well. The evaluation is based on a comprehensive transversal...

This is a summary of the paper entitled : “The Mean Squared Prediction Error Paradox”. In that paper, we show that traditional comparisons of Mean Squared Prediction Error (MSPE) between two competing forecasts may be highly controversial. This is so because when some specific conditions of...

In spatial econometrics, it is customary to specify a weighting matrix, the so-called W matrix. The decision is important because the choice of W matrix determines the rest of the analysis. However, the procedure is not well defined and, usually, reflects the priors of the user. In the paper, we...

Using a survey conduct with 240 Economics students of the University of Brasília in August, 2011, this paper explores the determinants of the academic outcome, measured as the Gross Point Average of the University. The econometric method used to estimate is Ordinary Least Squares with Bayesian...

Whilst the issue of whether or not per capita GDP adheres to the convergence theory continues to draw increasing attention within the academic paradigm, with very little consensus having been reached in the literature thus far. Our study contributes to the literature by examining the...

The Ponderal Index (PI) is an essential measure to study physical growth of fetus, infants, newborn babies, adolescents, and adults. Lower PI is found among the malnourish infants and newborn babies and higher in obese ones. PI is also applied in maternity treatment to detect impaired fetal...

Using a survey conduct with 240 Economics students of the University of Brasília in August, 2011, this paper explores the determinants of the academic outcome, measured as the Gross Point Average of the University. The econometric method used to estimate is Ordinary Least Squares with Bayesian...

In this paper, we investigate the relative importance of geographic features on the location of production in the EU. Specifically, we want to quantify how much of the spatial pattern of GDP can be attributed to only exogenous first nature elements (physical and political geography) and how much...

In spatial econometrics, it is customary to specify a weighting matrix, the so-called W matrix, by choosing one matrix from a finite set of matrices. The decision is extremely important because, if the W matrix is misspecified, the estimates are likely to be biased and inconsistent. However, the...