Nonparametric identification of auction models with non-separable unobserved heterogeneity

We propose a novel methodology for nonparametric identification of first-price auction models with independent private values, which accommodates auction-specific unobserved heterogeneity and bidder asymmetries, based on recent results from the econometric literature on nonclassical measurement error in Hu and Schennach (2008). Unlike Krasnokutskaya (2009), we do not require that equilibrium bids scale with the unobserved heterogeneity. Our approach accommodates a wide variety of applications, including settings in which there is an unobserved reserve price, an unobserved cost of bidding, or an unobserved number of bidders, as well as those in which the econometrician fails to observe some factor with a non-multiplicative effect on bidder values.

Internal Markets for Supply Chain Capacity Allocation

This paper explores the possibility of solving supply chain capacity allocation problems using internal markets among employees of the same company. Unlike earlier forms of transfer pricing, IT now makes it easier for such markets to involve many employees, finegrained transactions, and frequently varying prices. The paper develops a formal model of such markets, proves their optimality in a baseline condition, and then analyzes various potential market problems and solutions. Interestingly, these proposed solutions are not possible in a conventional market because they rely on the firm's ability to pay market participants based on factors other than just the profitability of their market transactions. For example, internal monopolies can be ameliorated by paying internal monopolists on the basis of corporate, not individual, profits. Incentives for collusion among peers can be reduced by paying participants based on their profits relative to peers. Profit-reducing competition among different sales channels can be reduced by imposing an internal sales tax. And problems caused by fixed costs can be avoided by combining conditional internal markets with a pivot mechanism

Square Roots of Finite Groups - II

A subset R of a finite group G is a square root of G if R2 = G. If R is a square root of G for which |R|2 = G, then R is referred to as a perfect square root of G. It can be shown using character theory that perfect square roots do not exist. The purpose of this paper is to work toward an elementary proof of this result

A system for computational phonology

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 1995.Includes bibliographical references (p. 127-129).by David McAdams Baggett.M.S

Production, Optimization and Characterization of Pharmaceutical and Excipient Powders Produced by Carbon Dioxide-Assisted Nebulization with a Bubble Dryer (CAN-BD)

Vaccination is frequently acknowledged as the invention most beneficial to human development. In the past 50 years vaccination has advanced greatly in terms of consistency and efficacy, but, in order to improve accessibility of vaccines to underserved populations in the developing world, more research must be conducted to improve the safety of delivery, affordability and stability of vaccines. This doctoral dissertation work has centered on the production of stable, dry powder vaccines and pharmaceuticals for inhalation. A principal goal has been to prepare consistent dry powders of measles vaccine for delivery by inhalation with activity comparable to commercially available products. Samples of vaccines received from collaborators at the Serum Institute of India have been analyzed and characterized to ensure consistency. This research has also uncovered a metastable crystal polymorph of myo-inositol (the primary excipient) as verified by powder X–ray diffraction and calorimetric studies. Research has also been conducted on the development and optimization of a dry powder, protein subunit Human Papillomavirus vaccine for delivery by inhalation, sublingual pellet or reconstitution for injection. One can hope that this research will lead to the advancement of vaccination and pulmonary delivered pharmaceutical powders, aiding in the reduction of global mortality and morbidity due to vaccine preventable disease