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In a setting of many‐to‐one two‐sided matching with nontransferable utilities, for example, college admissions, we study conditions under which preferences of both sides are identified with data on one single market. Regardless of whether the market is centralized or decentralized, assuming that the observed matching is stable, we show nonparametric identification of preferences of both sides under certain exclusion restrictions. To take our results to the data, we use Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate different estimators, including the ones that are directly constructed from the identification. We find that a parametric Bayesian approach with a Gibbs sampler works well in realistically sized problems. Finally, we illustrate our methodology in decentralized admissions to public and private schools in Chile and conduct a counterfactual analysis of an affirmative action policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper combines the objective information of six mixed-frequency partial-activity indicators with assumptions or beliefs (called priors) regarding the distribution of the parameters that approximate the state of the construction activity cycle. Thus, this paper uses Bayesian inference with Gibbs simulations and the Kalman filter to estimate the parameters of the state-space model, used to design the Imacon. Design/methodology/approach: Unlike other economic sectors of similar importance in aggregate gross domestic product, such as mining and industry, the construction sector lacked a short-term measure that helps to identify its most recent performance. Findings: Indeed, because these priors are susceptible to changes, they provide flexibility to the original Imacon model, allowing for the assessment of risk scenarios and adaption to the greater relative volatility that characterizes the sector's activity. Originality/value: The classic maximum likelihood method of estimating the monthly construction activity index (Imacon) is rigid to the incorporation of new measures of uncertainty, expectations or different volatility (risks) levels in the state of construction activity. In this context, this paper uses Bayesian inference with 10,000 Gibbs simulations and the Kalman filter to estimate the parameters of the state-space model, used to design the Imacon, inspired by the original works of Mariano and Murasawa (2003) and Kim and Nelson (1998). Thus, this paper consists of a natural extension of the classic method used by Tejada (2006) in the estimation of the old Imacon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the dry regions of Chile, prolific flowering from forest plantation is particularly advantageous for honey production, in order to supplement the erratic flowering in native plants. Eucalyptus cladocalyx is a species suitable for areas with low water availability and their flowers provide a reliable source for the production of honey. The aim of this study was to examine the heritability of flowering intensity in 49 open-pollinated families of E. cladocalyx in southern Atacama Desert, Chile, with the view to the selection for prolific flowering, but with minimal impact on precocious flowering. The Bayesian variance component estimation model was assumed using the Gibbs sampling algorithm. Threshold models were fitted to flowering data (bi-character model). Flowering intensity was found to be highly heritable (posterior mean: h = 0.48; and credible interval: 0.41-0.56). The posterior mean of the genetic correlation between flowering precocity and intensity was positive ( r = 0.45) and according to the credible interval (0.341-0.542), it was significantly different from zero, indicating that selection on breeding values of early flowering at age three, would have significant and positive impact on flowering intensity 5 years later (or in 8-year-old trees). These results are important for the start of a small-scale breeding program for the species in southern Atacama Desert. The genetic variability found in these breeding populations may be used for breeding purposes in regions where arid environmental conditions are limiting to the establishment of eucalypts trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the genetic control of time-to-flowering (precocity) in 39 open-pollinated families of Eucalyptus cladocalyx in southern Atacama Desert, Chile, with the view to the selection of trees that flower earlier but with minimal impact on survival and growth. A Bayesian approach, implemented using Gibbs sampling algorithm, was used in data analyses. Precocity was assessed as a binary response at age three and was found to be highly heritable. The estimates of posterior mean and of the 95% posterior interval of the heritability were 0.51 and [0.46–0.56], respectively. Estimated genetic gain ranged from 36.15 to 41.22% (selection intensities of 14.29 and 7.48%, respectively). Total height, basal diameter and survival (measured at age 5) had a positive and relatively moderate genetic correlation with early flowering ( r = 0.23, 0.29 and 0.11, respectively) indicating that selection for early flowering alone would have a moderate impact on growth and survival. Early flowering of Eucalyptus cladocalyx was found to be highly heritable in southern Atacama Desert populations, which could be used to improve the honey production in situations where flowers from native species are not available in sufficient quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]