This paper revisits the question of why more open countries tend to have bigger governments. We replicate successfully the main results of Ram (2009), who rejects the role of country size as an omitted variable. However, several extensions advise against a hasty conclusion: The results differ...

This paper proposes plug-in bandwidth selection for kernel density estimation with discrete data via minimization of mean summed square error. Simulation results show that the plug-in bandwidths perform well, relative to cross-validated bandwidths, in non-uniform designs. We further find that...

This monograph reviews the econometric literature on the estimation of stochastic frontiers and technical efficiency. Special attention is devoted to current research.

In this paper we propose an asymptotically equivalent single-step alternative to the two-step partially linear model estimator in Robinson (1988). The estimator not only has the potential to decrease computing time dramatically, it shows substantial finite sample gains in Monte Carlo simulations.

Recent research documents a hump in the trade diversification-income relationship. We show that when time variation is accounted for that the appearance of this hump is much less obvious.

When comparing two competing approximate models using a particular loss function, the one having smallest `expected true error' for that loss function is expected to lie closest to the underlying data generating process (DGP) given this loss function and is therefore to be preferred. In this...

Laboratory and field experiments have grown significantly in prominence over the past decade. The experimental method provides randomization in key variables therefore permitting a deeper understanding of important economic phenomena. This path-breaking volume provides a valuable collection of...

This paper proposes urbanization as a determinant of government size. As people move to cities, their demand for a more de ned set of regulations, but also for basic health, education, and income standards rises. Our theoretical framework determines how the regional distribution of the...

Promoting cessation is a cornerstone of tobacco control efforts by public-health agencies. Economic information to support cessation programs has generally emphasized cost-effectiveness or the impact of cigarette pricing and smoking restrictions on quit rates. In contrast, this study provides...