A Bistochastic Nonparametric Estimator

We explore the relevance of adopting a bistochastic nonparametric estimator. This estimator has two main implications. First, the estimator reduces variability according to the robust criterion of second-order stochastic (and Lorenz) dominance. This is a universally criterion in risk and welfare economics, which expands the applicability of nonparametric estimation in economics, for instance to the measurement of economic discrimination. Second, the bistochastic estimator produces smaller errors than do positive-weights nonparametric estimators, in terms of the bias-variance trade-off. This result is verified in a general simulation exercise. This improvement is due to a significant reduction in boundary bias, which makes the estimator itself useful in empirical applications. Finally, consistency, preservation of the mean value, and multidimensional extension are some other useful properties of this estimator.nonparametric estimation, second-order stochastic dominance, bistochastic estimator

Multilevel interterritorial convergence and additive multidimensional inequality decomposition

In this paper we justify the use of the between-groups S-convex relative inequality to measure interregional convergence, within an axiomatic normative context. In addition, the use of additive decomposable inequality indices makes the additive multidimensional (and multilevel) inequality decomposition possible, and help us better understand the evolution of the between- and the withingroups inequality terms (and convergence) when the number of regions increases. We have detected a weak interterritorial divergence process in Spain in the period 1980-1995 using the Eurostat per capita GDP data at all levels, although it is mainly generated at the broad NUTS 1 areas, which is compatible with high level of increasing polarization at this level

The human side of leadership: Inspirational leadership effects on follower characteristics and happiness at work (HAW)

Leadership has received significant attention over the past years. Now is the time to refine how leaders impact on followers and their attitudes. This study examines how inspirational leaders influence follower characteristics (FC), and in turn, their happiness at work. In this study, the mediating effect of follower characteristics in the relationship between inspirational leadership and happiness at work was specifically examined. Data was gathered from 389 frontline banking employees working in Italian and Spanish banks. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed a positive partial mediating role of follower characteristics in the relationship between inspirational leadership and happiness at work. Results showed that inspirational leadership exerts a more positive influence on followers' happiness at work when follower characteristics are more positive. Our discussion highlights the importance of understanding the role of the follower characteristics that are involved in the effectiveness of inspirational leadership

On The Measurement Of Illegal Wage Discrimination: The Michael Jordan Paradox

Standard wage discrimination models assume that independent observers are able to distinguish a priori which workers are suffering from discrimination. However, this assumption may be inadequate when severe penalties can be imposed on discriminatory employers. Antidiscrimination laws will induce firms to behave in such a way that independent observers (for instance, lawyers, economists) cannot easily detect discriminatory practices. This problem can be solved by estimating the discriminatory wage gap using finite mixture or latent class models because these procedures do not require the a priori classification of workers. In fact, the standard discrimination model can be seen as a particular case of our method when the probabilities of belonging to a group are fixed (to one or zero). We estimate discrimination coefficients for Germany and United Kingdom using the European Community Household Panel (ECHP). We obtain unambiguous higher discrimination in Germany for a wide set of measuresdiscrimination; wages; latent class model; finite mixture models.

A theoretical model of wage discrimination with inspection fines

In neoclassical models, workers are classified a priori into discrimination groups. We develop a probabilistic model of wage discrimination in which workers need not be classified a priori. Our model is a generalization of the standard framework, whereas Becker's model is an extreme case. A second implication is that the traditional approach to measuring discrimination (the Oaxaca–Blinder approach) must be modified to take into account this probabilistic framework.

Is an inequality-neutral flat tax reform really neutral?

Let us assume a revenue- and inequality-neutral flat tax reform shifting from a graduated-rate tax. Is this reform really distributional neutral? Traditionally, there has been a bias toward the inequality analysis, forgetting other relevant aspects of the income distribution. This kind of reforms implies a set of composite transfers, both progressive and regressive, even though inequality remains unchanged. This paper shows that polarization is a useful tool for characterizing this set of transfers caused by inequality-neutral tax reforms. A simulation exercise illustrates how polarization can be used to discriminate between two inequality-neutral tax alternatives.polarization, inequality, flat tax

POLARIZATION CHARACTERIZATION OF INEQUALITY-NEUTRAL TAX REFORMS

In this article, polarization measurement is presented as a useful tool for characterizing the net transfers of income between individuals caused by a tax reform. The bipolarization measure, which considers just two poles and involves the disappearance of the middle class, may complement inequality measures insofar as it provides an alternative explanation of the distributional impact of inequality neutral tax reforms. Some theoretical implications of an inequality- and revenue-neutral tax reform concerning polarization are examined. We conclude with an empirical application where we carry out a simulation to evaluate the effects on polarization of a potential substitution of the current Spanish tax system for an inequality- and revenue- neutral linear tax.

Inequality foundations of concentration measures: an application to the hannah-kay indices

In this paper we provide a connection between concentration and inequality by showing that the inequality measures consistent with the whole class of Hannah-Kay concentration indices are the general entropy inequality indices. We isolate the inequality component underlying the concentration measures, obtaining and explicit additive decomposition of the change in concentration into the change in its two components: inequality and the number of firms. This relationship proves to be valid for the whole class of Hannah-Kay concentration indices, and embodies as particular cases other previously found in the literature. Finally, our proposed decomposition is shown by means of an empirical example, which ilustrates the sources of a change in sectoral concentration between two points in time

Oils and fats on food: is it possible to have a healthy diet?

Oils and fats are an important part of our diet as components of many food formulations. Thus, they are retailed for domestic or hostelry uses and broadly used by food industry for the elaboration of margarines, ice cream, canned food, pre-cooked dishes, bakery, confectionary, chocolates, etc. Chemically, the main component of oils and fats are triacylglycerols (TAGs), which account for up to 95% of their total weight. They consisted of a molecule of glycerol esterified with three fatty acids, usually the saturated, palmitic and stearic, the monounsatu�rated oleic, and the polyunsaturated, linoleic or linolenic, all with 18 carbons excepting the palmitic which has 16 carbons. Out of those most common fatty acids, we can found other fatty acids present only in certain oils such as saturated medium chained fatty acids like lauric and myristic, which contain 12 and 14 carbons respectively

Oils and fats on food: is it possible to have a healthy diet?

Oils and fats are an important part of our diet as components of many food formulations. Thus, they are retailed for domestic or hostelry uses and broadly used by food industry for the elaboration of margarines, ice cream, canned food, pre-cooked dishes, bakery, confectionary, chocolates, etc. Chemically, the main component of oils and fats are triacylglycerols (TAGs), which account for up to 95% of their total weight. They consisted of a molecule of glycerol esterified with three fatty acids, usually the saturated, palmitic and stearic, the monounsatu�rated oleic, and the polyunsaturated, linoleic or linolenic, all with 18 carbons excepting the palmitic which has 16 carbons. Out of those most common fatty acids, we can found other fatty acids present only in certain oils such as saturated medium chained fatty acids like lauric and myristic, which contain 12 and 14 carbons respectively