Generalized Shortest Path Kernel on Graphs

We consider the problem of classifying graphs using graph kernels. We define a new graph kernel, called the generalized shortest path kernel, based on the number and length of shortest paths between nodes. For our example classification problem, we consider the task of classifying random graphs from two well-known families, by the number of clusters they contain. We verify empirically that the generalized shortest path kernel outperforms the original shortest path kernel on a number of datasets. We give a theoretical analysis for explaining our experimental results. In particular, we estimate distributions of the expected feature vectors for the shortest path kernel and the generalized shortest path kernel, and we show some evidence explaining why our graph kernel outperforms the shortest path kernel for our graph classification problem.Comment: Short version presented at Discovery Science 2015 in Banf

A THEORETICAL DEVELOPMENT AND EMPIRICAL TEST ON THE CONVERGENCE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN THE USA

This study explores the evidence of convergence in the U.S agriculture sector by using the state level total factor productivity (TFP) data. The empirical investigation conducted in this study does not find any evidence of convergence while looking at the state level TFP. However, there seems to be some support for convergence at the regional level. Parametric and nonparametric models indicate significant role of human capital in explaining the regional discrepancies in agriculture productivity across states.Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

The relative price of non-traded goods under imperfect competition

We consider the role of imperfect competition in explaining the relative price of non-traded to traded goods within the Balassa-Samuelson framework. Under imperfect competition in these two sectors, relative prices depend on both productivity and mark-up differentials. We test this hypothesis using a panel of sectors for 12 OECD countries. The empirical evidence suggests that relative price movements are well explained by productivity and mark-up differentials.This study is partly funded by the Galician government under grants INCITE09201042PR and MTM2008-03010

Retractions: the good, the bad, and the ugly

Retractions play an important role in research communication by highlighting and explaining how research projects have failed and thereby preventing these mistakes from being repeated. However, the process of retraction and the data it produces is often sparse or incomplete. Drawing on evidence from 2046 retraction records, Quan-Hoang Vuong discusses the emerging trends this data highlights and argues for the need to enforce reporting standards for retractions, as a means of de-stigmatising retraction and rewarding practising integrity in the scholarly record

Labor Force Participation: Timing and Persistence

This paper examines the relative importance of timing and persistence elements in explaining cyclical fluctuations in labor supply. Data from the natural experiment provided by World War I1 and cross-sectional data on American local labor markets, as well as aggregate time-series data are used in the empirical work. We find little evidence that timing effects play an important role in labor market dynamics. The evidence suggests that views emphasizing persistence are more accurate, and that previous employment tends to raise the probability of subsequent employment.

Cross-Border Information Transfers: Evidence from Profit Warnings Issued by European Firms

This paper reports evidence on cross-border accounting information transfers associated with profit warning announcements. Using a sample of firms from 29 European countries, we find that negative earnings surprises disclosed by firms in one country affect investors’ perceptions of comparable nonannouncing firms in other countries. The form and magnitude of cross-border effects is consistent with domestic transfers. Tests explaining variation in cross-border information transfers provide some (albeit rather limited) evidence that effects vary according to a range of firm-, industry- and country-level characteristics.Information transfers; Profit warnings

Knowledge transformers : a link between learning and creativity

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether knowledge transformers that are featured in the learning process are also present in the creative process. First, this was achieved by reviewing accounts of inventions and discoveries with the view of explaining them in terms of knowledge transformers. Second, this was achieved by reviewing models and theories of creativity and identifying the existence of the knowledge transformers. The investigation shows that there is some evidence to show that the creative process can be explained through knowledge transformers. Hence, it is suggested that one of links between learning and creativity is through the knowledge transformers