Structural Policy Challenges in Slovakia

The paper presents possible approaches for measuring the quality of life together with their strengths and weaknesses. We identify 10 outcome indicators, which could help not only to set targets, but also as a quantitative benchmark for structural policy evaluation in Slovakia. In addition to that we present several case studies with best practices mainly from EU countries. Based on these we formulate 33 structural policy recommendations.Structural Policies, Outcome Indicators, Well-being, Economic Growth

Utility Independence of Multiattribute Utility Theory is Equivalent to Standard Sequence Invariance of Conjoint Measurement

Utility independence is a central condition in multiattribute utility theory, where attributes of outcomes are aggregated in the context of risk. The aggregation of attributes in the absence of risk is studied in conjoint measurement. In conjoint measurement, standard sequences have been widely used to empirically measure and test utility functions, and to theoretically analyze them. This paper shows that utility independence and standard sequences are closely related: utility independence is equivalent to a standard sequence invariance condition when applied to risk. This simple relation between two widely used conditions in adjacent fields of research is surprising and useful. It facilitates the testing of utility independence because standard sequences are flexible and can avoid cancelation biases that affect direct tests of utility independence. Extensions of our results to nonexpected utility models can now be provided easily. We discuss applications to the measurement of quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) in the health domain

Momentous Choices: Testing nonstandard decision models in health and housing markets

__Abstract__ During more than half a century, several strands of research contributed to the development of decision theory. The standard normative model for choice under uncertainty – expected utility – was given a foundation by von Neumann and Morgenstern (1944) and Savage (1954). It advised – and expected – reasonable actors t

New and Robust Tests of QALYs when Health Varies over Time

This paper performs new and more robust tests of the QALY model when health varies over time. Our tests do not involve confounding assumptions and are robust to violations of expected utility. Our results support the use of QALYs at the aggregate level, i.e. in economic evaluations of health care. At the individual level, there is less support for QALYs. The individual data are, however, largely consistent with a more general QALYtype model that remains tractable for applications

A reply to Gandjour and Gafni

Gandjour and Gafni (2010) criticize our paper on two counts. Their first point of criticism is ill-founded and results from many mathematical mistakes that they make. The second is due to a lack of understanding of the general principles of empirical research.QALYs Utility theory

Workplace for measuring magnetization characteristics of microwire sensors

Microwires can be used for different purposes and one of them is magnetic field measurement. In order to better understand the behavior of the microwires when measuring the magnetic field it is necessary to know their magnetization characteristics. This article is description workplace for measuring magnetization characteristics of microwire sensors, which was carried out at the Department of Aviation Technical Preparation of the Faculty of Aeronautic.</jats:p

Modeling of the tensometric measuring system

Article deals with the design of a model of a tensometric measuring system. Authors in this article describes the procedure for measuring the system response to a step change in load and then the procedure creating a model. The article shows a graphical comparison between the measured ones system characteristics and simulated system characteristics. The conclusion is given calculated errors between measured system characteristics and simulated system characteristics.</jats:p