Bootstrap CI and test statistics for kernel density estimates using Stata

In recent years non-parametric density estimation has been extensively employed in several fields as a powerful descriptive tool, which is far more informative and robust than histograms. Moreover, the increased computation power of modern computers has made non-parametric density estimation a relatively "cheap" computation, helping to easily detect unexpected aspects of the distribution such as bimodality. However, it is also often neglected that non-parametric methods can only provide an estimate of the true density, whose reliability depends on various factors, such as the number of data available and the bandwidth. We will focus here on kernel density estimation and discuss the problem of computing bootstrap confidence intervals and test statistics for point-wise density estimation using Stata. Construction of confidence intervals and test of hypothesis about the true density are carried out using an asymptotically pivotal studentized statistic after computing a suitable estimator for its variance. The issue of asymptotic biased correction is also discussed and tackled.

A Fair Price for Energy? Ownership versus Market Opening in the EU15

In the past two decades privatisation and liberalisation of network industries providing services of general economic interest (SGEI), have been particularly significant in the European Union. Wide variations around a common policy trend can, however, be observed across countries and sectors. We focus on electricity and gas sectors because energy sectors have usually been profit makers, not affected by direct government transfers, in contrast to other SGEI. We study the effects of privatisation and other reforms on consumer prices using both subjective data on consumers’ perception of utility prices and data on average prices paid.privatisation, electricity, gas, reforms

GINI DP 4: Inequality Decompositions

We show how classic source-decomposition and subgroup-decomposition meth ods can be reconciled with regression methodology used in the recent liter ature. We also highlight some pitfalls that arise from uncritical use of the regression approach. The LIS database is used to compare the approaches using an analysis of the changing contributions to inequality in the United States and Finland. JEL Classification: D6

Inequality Decompositions ?A Reconciliation

We show how classic source-decomposition and subgroup-decomposition methods can be reconciled with regression methodology used in the recent literature. We also highlight some pitfalls that arise from uncritical use of the regression approach. The LIS database is used to compare the approaches using an analysis of the changing contributions to inequality in the United States and Finland.Inequality, decomposition.

The Ontology of Vision. The Invisible, Consciousness of Living Matter

If I close my eyes, the absence of light activates the peripheral cells devoted to the perception of darkness. The awareness of ‘seeing oneself seeing’ is in its essence a thought, one that is internal to the vision and previous to any object of sight. To this amphibious faculty, the diaphanous color of darkness, Aristotle assigns the principle of knowledge. Vision is a whole perceptual system, not a channel of sense. Functions of vision are interweaved to the texture of human interaction within a terrestrial environment that is in turn contained into the cosmic order. Within the internal resonance of a double reflection, the living being is the transitive host between two orders of scale, both bigger and smaller than the individual and unity. In the perceptual integrative system of human vision, the convergence-divergence of the corporeal presence and the diffraction of its own appearance is the margin. The sensation of being no longer coincides with the breath of life, it does not seems ‘real’ without the trace of some visible evidence and its simultaneous ‘sharing.’ Without a shadow, without an imprint, and destined for multiple invisible witnesses, the numeric copia of the physical presence inhabits the transient memory of our electronic prostheses. A rudimentary ‘visuality’ replaces tangible experience dissipating its meaning and the awareness of being alive. Transversal to the civilizations of the ancient world, through different orders of function and status, the anthropomorphic figuration of archaic sculpture questions the idea of Being. Ancient statues do not appear in order to be visible as artworks, but rather to exist. The awareness of human finiteness seals the compulsion to ‘give body’ to an invisible apparition that shapes the figuration of Being as the corporeal expression of an ontogenetic waking of human consciousness.Subject and object, the term humanum fathoms the relationship between matter and its living dimension, this de facto vision and the ‘there is’ which it contains. The project reconsiders the rift between the terms vision–presence in the contemporary perception of anthropomorphic figuration according to the immaterial heritage of archaic human statuary and the esoteric legacy of its origins

Consumers’ Attitudes on Services of General Interest in the EU: Accessibility, Price and Quality 2000-2004

The research question addressed by this paper is a simple one: are European consumers happy with the services provided by the utilities after two decades of reforms? We focus on electricity, gas, water, telephone in the EU 15 Member States. The variables we analyse are consumers’ satisfaction with accessibility, price and quality, as reported in three waves of Eurobarometer survey, 2000-2002-2004, comprising around 47,000 observations. We use ordered logit models to analyze the impact of privatization and regulatory reforms, as represented by an OECD dataset, controlling for individual and country characteristics. Our results do not support a clear association between consumers’ satisfaction and a standard reform package of privatization, vertical disintegration, liberalization.Consumers’ Satisfaction, Gas, Electricity, Telephone, Water, Eurobarometer

Rodeo Arena Observation Deck

This report details the process that brought about a large deck that was built at the Cal Poly Rodeo Arena by two students, Timothy Smith and Ryan Fiorio. The project itself was over a year in the making, starting from an idea of Ben Londo, the Cal Poly rodeo coach, to a lengthy approval process and lots of time to fundraise the required money. The project was completed in June of 2020. This project used TimberTech composite decking per the request of Ben Londo. It was also built extremely rigid with the use of pony walls instead of posts to accomplish this goal. We performed lots of research and outreach to create the best product for the rodeo team. Tim and I worked with Kyle Harris of Harris Architecture and Design to come up with an overbuilt framing plan. We worked to find the best materials at the best price to complete this project; that is how we ended up with Weyrick Lumber, an outstanding company, as our supplier. Through teamwork to create a high-quality estimate and schedule, Tim and I were able to perform this significant deck project