Distinguishing between long-range dependence and deterministic trends

We provide a method for distinguishing long-range dependence from deterministic trends such as structural breaks. The method is based on the comparison of standard log-periodogram regression estimation of the memory parameter with its tapered counterpart. The difference of these estimators provides the desired test. Its asymptotic distribution depends on the true memory parameter under the null, and is therefore estimated by bootstrapping. The test is applied to inflation rates of three industrialized countries. --Long memory,trends,log-periodogram regression,inflation rates

The long memory story of ex post real interest rates. Can it be supported?

This papers finds evidence of fractional integration for a number of monthly ex post real interest rate series using the GPH semiparametric estimator on data from fourteen European countries and the US. However, we pose empirical questions on certain time series requirements that emerge from fractional integration and we find that they do not hold pointing to “spurious” long memory and casting doubts with respect to the theoretical origins of long memory in our sample. Common stochastic trends expressed as the sum of stationary past errors do not seem appropriate as an explanation of real interest rate covariation.Real interest rate; Long memory, Fractional Integration

“Eat, Sleep, Hydrate, Masturbate!” Sexuality Education, Digital Media and Creator Identity Implications

The introduction of sexuality information to young people has been a point of tension in our society for decades as adults argue over how, when, or if young people should learn such information. However, with the rise of digital technology, the ability of adults to regulate young people’s access to information about sexuality has minimized significantly. Yet the curriculum in sexuality education classrooms continues to be debated while little research has been done examining the easily-accessible information that lives on the Internet. This thesis analyzes two popular sexuality education channels on YouTube, sexplanations and lacigreen, with subscriber counts ranging from nearly half a million to over 1.5 million. Data were collected through content analysis of approximately 27.5 hours of video. Findings indicate that sexuality education on YouTube takes a comprehensive, sex positive approach, covering a range of topics including anatomy, sexual orientation, consent, contraception, and sexual instruction. Video creators\u27 values and identities, as well as the structure of YouTube itself, impact the information that is presented. This analysis is significant as it indicates that formally regulated sexuality education programs may no longer be relevant and usergenerated digital education is introducing new perspectives on sex and sexuality to young people

ESTAR model with multiple fixed points. Testing and Estimation

In this paper we propose a globally stationary augmentation of the Exponential Smooth Transition Autoregressive (ESTAR) model that allows for multiple fixed points in the transition function. An F-type test statistic for the null of nonstationarity against such globally stationary nonlinear alternative is developed. The test statistic is based on the standard approximation of the nonlinear function under the null hypothesis by a Taylor series expansion. The model is applied to the U.S real interest rate data for which we find evidence of the new ESTAR process.

THE LONG MEMORY STORY OF REAL INTEREST RATES. CAN IT BE SUPPORTED?

This papers finds evidence of fractional integration for a number of monthly ex post real interest rate series using the GPH semiparametric estimator on data from fourteen European countries and the US. However, we pose empirical questions on certain time series requirements that emerge from fractional integration and we find that they do not hold pointing to ¿spurious¿ long memory and casting doubts with respect to the theoretical origins of long memory in our sample. Common stochastic trends expressed as the sum of stationary past errors do not seem appropriate as an explanation of real interest rate covariation. From an economic perspective, our results suggest that most European countries show higher speed of real interest rate equalization with Germany rather than the US.Real interest rate; long memory, fractional integration