On probabilistic parametric inference

This paper formulates a theory of probabilistic parametric inference and explores the limits of its applicability. Unlike Bayesian statistical models, the system does not comprise prior probability distributions. Objectivity is imposed on the theory: a particular direct probability density should always result in the same posterior probability distribution. For calibrated posterior probability distributions it is possible to construct credible regions with posterior-probability content equal to the coverage of the regions, but the calibration is not generally preserved under marginalization. As an application of the theory, the paper also constructs a filter for linear Gauss–Markov stochastic processes with unspecified initial conditions.     

STATE LIQUOR LICENSING, IMPLICIT CONTRACTING, AND DRY/WET COUNTIES

Local option liquor laws are generally interpreted as granting voters the right to choose between allowing and prohibiting alcoholic beverage sales. This paper argues that the real choice confronting voters is between legal sales according to state-prescribed rules and illegal sales according to an informal set of locally-determined rules. Given this choice, rational voters will choose the option with the lower relative price. State laws restricting the number of licenses that can be issued in legally wet jurisdictions prove to be more powerful than religious preferences in explaining the pattern of dry counties.     

ESTIMATING PREDATOR-PREY SYSTEMS VIA ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH CLOSED ORBITS

This paper considers periodic regression functions, which are solutions to a planar system of differential equations. In particular, it introduces a simple stochastic model which describes the interaction between predator and prey populations. The regression functions are solutions to the classical Lotka‐Volterra system of equations, which admits closed orbits. The proposed method of estimation can be applied whenever pairs of predator‐prey data are available, and the prey is the main source of food of the predator. Canadian mink‐muskrat data are analysed from this new viewpoint. The estimation method is based on the existence of closed trajectories that describe the relationship between the two population sizes, and the paper shows how it can be extended to other systems of differential equations which admit closed orbits (e.g. Hamiltonian systems).     

A uniform saddlepoint expansion for the null‐distribution of the wilcoxon‐mann‐whitney statistic

The authors give the exact coefficient of 1/N in a saddlepoint approximation to the Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney null‐distribution. This saddlepoint approximation is obtained from an Edgeworth approximation to the exponentially tilted distribution. Moreover, the rate of convergence of the relative error is uniformly of order O (1/N) in a large deviation interval as defined in Feller (1971). The proposed method for computing the coefficient of 1/N can be used to obtain the exact coefficients of 1/Nⁱ, for any i. The exact formulas for the cumulant generating function and the cumulants, needed for these results, are those of van Dantzig (1947‐1950).     

Minimum Hellinger distance estimators for multivariate distributions from the Johnson system

In this paper, we study minimum Hellinger distance estimators (MHDEs) for multivariate distributions from the Johnson system. We prove some properties of these estimators, such as consistency and asymptotic normality, and show that they represent a robust alternative for other existing estimators.     

A signed rank test for censored paired lifetimes

A locally most powerful signed rank test is proposed for the comparison of two independent lifetimes under the accelerated failure time model.

The test is based on N independent pairs(X_i, Y_i), i = 1, …, N: it is supposed that the shortest lifetime in each pair is observed and the experiment is stopped after r(r≤N and fixed) such lifetimes are available (type II censoring).

Actual scores of the test statistic are computed for some specific source distributions of the observations. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic, as well as the asymptotic power and efficiency are given. The values of these efficiencies are computed for the case where the X_i follow and exponential, Weibull Gamma or Rayleigh distribution.     

Measurement of the Concentration of Potential Quality of Life in Local Communities

Social Indicators Research - Quality of life is an individual evaluation of the objective conditions in which a person lives. Objective living conditions determine the potential quality of life,...     

Corporate governance effectiveness along the entrepreneurial process of a family firm: the role of private equity

This paper was motivated by the increasing interest in the corporate governance debate on how effective structure and processes may influence entrepreneurial transitions. Along the entrepreneurial process, little research to date has investigated the exit in the context of entrepreneurial family firms. Previous literature has considered the exit mainly as a failure for entrepreneurial families, but when uncertainties arise this choice may enable ownership transitions, thus facilitating survival and long term strategies. Among the exit options, a private equity buyout may balance the family’s wealth protection and the firm’s future growth. However, which family specific characteristics and strategic needs may affect the exit option still remains a neglected topic. Drawing on corporate governance literature and recent research addressing entrepreneurship in family firms, this paper investigates, by a single case study, the bridging role of private equity buyout for going through entrepreneurial transitions. Findings suggest that a private equity buyout is a governance mechanism that may sustain an entrepreneurial transition by realigning family interests and goals. It may also allow the family commitment for improving organizational capabilities required by an entrepreneurial transition.     

Gender Differences in the Role of Migrant Networks: Comparing Congolese and Senegalese Migration Flows

This paper uses recent longitudinal data collected within the Migration between Africa and Europe (MAFE) project to investigate gender differences in the role of migrant networks in international mobility. Furthermore, we compare Congolese and Senegalese migration streams to examine how the interplay between gender and networks varies across contexts of origin. We go beyond previous studies by considering the case of spousal reunification alongside other forms of migration: we separate the role of the migrant spouse from other network ties, as failing to do so overestimates the role of migrant networks in female mobility. We further find that Senegalese women are more likely than men to rely on geographically concentrated networks, composed of close kin and established abroad for a long time. Gender differences are much less pronounced in the Congolese case, which we relate to the more rigid patriarchal norms in Senegal, restricting female autonomy both in terms of mobility and economic activity.