Testing Inference in Inflated Beta Regressions under Model Misspecification

We consider testing inference in inflated beta regressions subject to model misspecification. In particular, quasi-z tests based on sandwich covariance matrix estimators are described and their finite sample behavior is investigated via Monte Carlo simulations. The numerical evidence shows that quasi-z testing inference can be considerably more accurate than inference made through the usual z tests, especially when there is model misspecification. Interval estimation is also considered. We also present an empirical application that uses real (not simulated) data.     

Odd-Burr generalized family of distributions with some applications

We study a new family of continuous distributions with two extra shape parameters called the Burr generalized family of distributions. We investigate the shapes of the density and hazard rate function. We derive explicit expressions for some of its mathematical quantities. The estimation of the model parameters is performed by maximum likelihood. We prove the flexibility of the new family by means of applications to two real data sets. Furthermore, we propose a new extended regression model based on the logarithm of the Burr generalized distribution. This model can be very useful to the analysis of real data and provide more realistic fits than other special regression models.     

The Decomposition of Economic Outcomes as a Result of Changes in Brazil’s Male Age–Education Structure

In Brazil, the age and education compositions of the male labor force is changing with great regional variation. Based on Demographic Census microdata, results indicate that cohort size has a negative impact on earnings, but this effect is decreasing over time. In this study we consider the impact on earnings by age and education, as well as estimated income inequality reduction and racial differentials. Fertility decline and improve regarding educational attainment had a significant influence on the decline of income inequality in the country. Moreover, the non-white population has been experiencing less success in relation to educational achievement, compared to the white population.     

贤人之治的当代民主嬗变

从本质上看,贤人之治是一种“精英专政”,在历史进程中衍生出政治的宗法化、道德化倾向,展露了其政治哲学的工具化、实用化特征,反映了传统儒学社会“公”领域的缺陷,因此与当代民主行政的核心价值相异。目前我国的民主治道变革面临双重任务：一方面,从贤人之治的传统德治主义向理性官僚制的范式变迁是民主转型的前提。另一方面,面对“后官僚时代”的挑战,治理者还须积极回应公民参与、理性行政、多元治理、公共利益等民主治理的诉求,只有这样,适合我国民主行政发育的道德生态才能孕育而生,儒学政治文明也才能在全球化时代焕发新的生命力。     

Personality and Subjective Well-Being: What Hides Behind Global Analyses?

The relation between personality and subjective well-being (SWB) remains involved in a considerable ambiguity and the numerous studies conducted have neglected an approach at a more detailed level of analysis. This study explores the idea that neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness facets predict differentially each SWB component. A battery of self-report questionnaires was used to assess personality and SWB in 398 teachers of primary and high schools. Findings of a cross-sectional study showed that neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness facets contributed to significantly explain the variance in positive affect, negative affect and life satisfaction. Moreover, these facets predicted differentially each of the three SWB components. At same time, this study corroborates two important premises: the specificity of facets as discrete traits and the independence of the three SWB components.     

落实科学发展观 正确处理四个关系

如何树立和落实科学发展观,把工作重心从量的增长转到质的提高上来,走特色发展的道路,实现全面、协调、可持续发展,是高校面临的重要问题.文章提出在学校发展的指导思想和工作思路上,应当正确处理好外延发展与内涵发展、全面发展和特色发展、改革发展和稳定、党建思想政治工作和其他工作的关系.     

论科学研究中质与量的两种取向和方法

客观存在的一切事物都具有质和量的两种规定性,质和量构成了科学研究的两个取向,或两个侧重点。质的研究和量的研究在方法论原则、研究程序、步骤、收集资料的方法上都存在着差别。在社会研究领域,由于社会现象的特殊性和复杂性,存在着质的研究与量的研究哪一种更合理、更科学的争论。本文通过对两者的简略分析和比较,说明它们是既有区别又互相补充的研究方法,把质的研究与量的研究结合起来是科学研究的必然要求。     

Insurance demand and social comparison: An experimental analysis

This paper analyzes whether social comparison can explain the low take-up of disaster insurance usually reported in field studies. We argue that risks in the case of disasters are highly correlated between subjects whereas risks for which high insurance take-up can be observed (e.g. extended warranties or cell phone insurance) are typically idiosyncratic. We set up a simple model with social reference points and show that in the presence of inequality aversion social comparison makes insurance indeed less attractive if risks are correlated. In addition we conducted a simple experiment which confirms these theoretical results. The average willingness to pay for insurance is significantly higher for idiosyncratic than for correlated risks.