Partial Realization Theory and System Identification Redux

Some twenty years ago we introduced a nonstandard matrix Riccati equation to solve the partial stochastic realization problem. In this paper we provide a new derivation of this equation in the context of system identification. This allows us to show that the nonstandard matrix Riccati equation is universal in the sense that it can be used to solve more general analytic interpolation problems by only changing certain parameters. Such interpolation problems are ubiquitous in systems and control. In this context we also discuss a question posed by R.E. Kalman in beginning of the 1970s

Evaluation of techniques to reduce respirable dust exposure during asphalt-cutting

Includes bibliographical references

A study of the preparation and purification of certain amino acids.

Typewritten sheets in cover. Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University Bibliography: 3 p. at end

The Dynamics of Child Poverty in Sweden

The purpose of this paper is to study (empirically) the dynamics of child poverty in Sweden, the quintessential welfare state. We find that 1 out of every 5 children is disposable income poor at least once during his or her childhood, while only 2 percent of all children are chronically poor. We also document a strong life-cycle profile for child poverty. Just over 20 percent of all children are born into poverty. The average poverty rate then drops dramatically to about 7.5 percent among 1-year old children. After which, it declines (monotonically) to about 3.9 percent among 17-year olds. Children in Sweden are largely protected (economically) from a number of quite serious events, such as parental unemployment, sickness and death. Family dissolution and longterm unemployment, however, do push children into poverty. But for most of these children, poverty is only temporary. Single mothers, for example, are overrepresented among the poor, but not among the chronically poor. Children with immigrant parents are strongly overrepresented among the chronically poor; as are children whose parents have unusually low educations. We argue that information about the dynamics of child poverty may help policy makers to construct more salient policies for fighting child poverty.child poverty; chronic poverty; poverty dynamics

Comprehensive Adult Education as a Means of Reducing Unemployment

This paper evaluates whether general education is better than traditional vocational training as a means of reducing the time individuals remain in unemployment and the risk for the individual of becoming unemployed. The empirical analysis is built on longitudinal data from Sweden. Postprogram unemployment for unemployed participants in comprehensive adult education and participants in labor market training is compared. Generally, the results indicate no substantial di¤erence between the two programs regarding their e¤ects on post-program unemployment.Proportions; unemployment; adult education

Banks’ buffer capital: How important is risk?

Most banks hold a capital to asset ratio well above the required minimum defined by the present capital adequacy regulation (Basel I). Using bank-level panel data from Norway, important hypotheses concerning the determination of the buffer capital are analysed. Focus is on the importance of: (i) risk, particularly credit risk, (ii) the buffer as an insurance, (iii) the competition effect, (iv) supervisory discipline, and (v) economic growth. A negative or nonsignificant risk effect is found, which suggests that introducing a more risk-sensitive capital regulation (Basel II) is likely to affect Norwegian banks. Support is found for the hypothesis that buffer capital serves as an insurance against failure to meet the capital requirements.Banking; Excess capital; Risk; Panel data

Tournaments and Unfair Treatment

This paper introduces the negative feelings associated with the perception of being unfairly treated into a tournament model and examines the impact of these perceptions on workers’ efforts and their willingness to work overtime. The effect of unfair treatment on workers’ behavior is ambiguous in the model in that two countervailing effects arise: a negative impulsive effect and a positive strategic effect. The impulsive effect implies that workers react to the perception of being unfairly treated by reducing their level of effort. The strategic effect implies that workers raise this level in order to improve their career opportunities and thereby avoid feeling even more unfairly treated in the future. An empirical test of the model using survey data from a Swedish municipal utility shows that the overall effect is negative. This suggests that employers should consider the negative impulsive effect of unfair treatment on effort and overtime in designing contracts and determining on promotions.Unfair treatment; tournaments