A generalized maximum entropy (GME) approach for crisp-input/fuzzy-output regression model

In this paper we present a crisp-input/fuzzy-output regression model based on the rationale of generalized maximum entropy (GME) method. The approach can be used in several situations in which one have to handle with particular problems, such as small samples, ill-posed design matrix (e.g., due to the multicollinearity), estimation problems with inequality constraints, etc. After having described the GME-fuzzy regression model, we consider an economic case study in which the features provided from GME approach are evaluated. Moreover, we also perform a sensitivity analysis on the main results of the case study in order to better evaluate some features of the model. Finally, some critical points are discussed together with suggestions for further works.     

The coskewness puzzle

We propose a novel approach to testing non-linear stochastic discount factor (SDF) specifications that arise in rational representative investor models. Our approach does not require overly-restrictive assumptions about the shape of investors’ preferences, typically imposed by the extant literature, and is based instead on restrictions that rule out “good deals”, i.e., arbitrage opportunities as well as unduly large Sharpe ratios. We apply this framework to test the empirical admissibility of 3 and 4-moment versions of the CAPM. We find that, while coskewness and cokurtosis risk help price a number of stock strategies and portfolios, including static strategies based on a fine industry-level diversification, momentum strategies and portfolios managed on the basis of available information, the CAPM and its 3 and 4-moment versions cannot provide an exhaustive account of observed asset returns.     

Defining and measuring the development of a country over time: a proposal of a new index

This paper introduces the concept of harmonic growth as an extended acceptation of the notion of development, and discusses its measurement via the Harmonic Growth Index (HGI). The growth is seen as harmonic when the behaviour of a benchmark time series, which here is a measure of wealth, such as per capita GDP, is followed by a similar pattern in socio-economic series. Unlike most widely used indicators in the literature, which take into account the measurement of development over a single time, HGI measures the degree to which a social indicator’s time series pattern matches with the GDP’s. The index is a function, ranging in [0, 1], of the coefficients of the uniform B-splines fitted to each time series, according to the functional data framework. A case study on Mediterranean welfare countries (Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain), in the period 1996–2007, shows critical differences in the selected indicators which can be ascribed to their dissimilar specific development models. HGI can be also considered as a general index to measure the similarity between time patterns, or as an alternative to correlation for (non-necessarily linear) time series.     

把食品质量安全作为"健康·维权"的重点

“中消协”把“健康·维权”列为2005年维权的主题,对于促进我国国民身心健康、落实以人为本的科学发展观和构建社会主义和谐社会,有很大的现实意义。“健康”是个大概念,包括身体健康、心理健康和人身安全等等,综合指标可以是国民的平均寿命影响健康和平均寿命的因素很多,诸如衣食住行、医疗保健、生活环境、人际关系等,既有外部的,相应的健康维权也需从多方面努力。从我国现实情况看,我以为应把食品的质量安全作为重点,因为:1 食品消费在国民健康和和构建和谐社会主义社会中具有特别重要的作用。民以食为天,食品消费是最基本的消费。…     

Relevance in the Application of IFRS 16 for Financial Statements:Empirical Evidence the Impact of the Financial Method in SMEs

Leasing is confirmed among the preferred forms of financing by SMEs(Small and Medium Enterprises),even if its use grows both among large companies and private i...     

Can governance help in making an IPO “successful”? New evidence from Europe

This paper investigates the determinants of a “successful” IPO from a corporate governance perspective upon a representative sample of European listings from 2000 to 2015. We use an extensive dataset of market performance, financial data, and corporate governance characteristics to run the investigation. Differently from previous studies, our analysis embraces both a short‐term perspective and a medium–long‐term perspective, where the board of directors seems to perform different tasks, moving from a value creation to a value protection strategy. Among the others, we find that board size, board independence, and their qualifications, together with their experience in other boards, are associated with a positive performance of the IPO in a short‐term horizon and in the medium–long‐term period, although significant differences emerge among those time perspectives.     

应该将扩大消费需求提升到国家战略的高度

消费问题经过几十年的讨论,至今仍没有得到一些人的高度重视。重投资,重GDP的增长,不重视消费拉动的老毛病,一直制约着我国经济的可持续发展。事实上,如果我国消费水平再不上一个新台阶,还将制约我国经济的持续发展。应该将扩大消费需求提升到我国发展的战略高度来认识。一、应     

Understanding the Interplay Among Regulatory Self-Efficacy,Moral Disengagement,and Academic Cheating Behaviour During Vocational Education: A Three-Wave Study

This study uses a quasi-experimental design to investigate what happens to individual socially responsible attitudes when they are exposed to group dynamics. Findings show that group engagement increases individual attitudes toward social responsibility. We also found that individuals with low attitudes toward social responsibility are more likely to change their opinions when group members show more positive attitudes toward social responsibility. Conversely, individuals with high attitudes do not change much, independent of group characteristics. To better analyze the effect of group dynamics, the study proposes to split social responsibility into relative and absolute components. Findings show that relative social responsibility is correlated with but different from absolute social responsibility although the latter is more susceptible than the former to group dynamics.     

关于消费环境的几个问题

“中消协”2006年的年主题是“消费与环境”,这一年主题具有重要的意义。3月11日,湖南省消费者委员会、湖南师大商学院和本刊编辑部在湖南师范大学商学院联合举办了一次“消费与环境”的理论研讨会,50多名专家学者出席了会议。这里选登部分发言与论文。     

Food Prices,Ethics and Forms of Speculation

Journal of Business Ethics - This paper examines the role of speculative motives in the determination of commodity prices and specifically food related commodity prices. The motivation for this...