nep-dcm New Economics Papers
on Discrete Choice Models
Issue of 2024‒10‒28
six papers chosen by
Edoardo Marcucci, Università degli studi Roma Tre


  1. A review on primary and cascading hazards by exploring individuals' willingness-to-pay for urban sustainability policies By George Halkos; Panagiotis Stavros Aslanidis; Conrad Landis; Lydia Papadaki; Phoebe Koundouri
  2. Experimental Evidence That Conversational Artificial Intelligence Can Steer Consumer Behavior Without Detection By Tobias Werner; Ivan Soraperra; Emilio Calvano; David C. Parkes; Iyad Rahwan
  3. Determinants of Workplace Flextime Flexibility: An Empirical Analysis By Cristian Espinal Maya; Santiago Jim\'enez Londo\~no
  4. The Fourier Cosine Method for Discrete Probability Distributions By Xiaoyu Shen; Fang Fang; Chengguang Liu
  5. Global insights on Sustainable Development Goal 14: Reviewing willingness-to-pay levels for marine ecosystem protection and conservation By George Halkos; Panagiotis Stavros Aslanidis; Angelos Plataniotis; Phoebe Koundouri
  6. Price Competition and Endogenous Product Choice in Networks: Evidence from the US Airline Industry By Christian Bontemps; Cristina Gualdani; Kevin Remmy

  1. By: George Halkos; Panagiotis Stavros Aslanidis; Conrad Landis; Lydia Papadaki; Phoebe Koundouri
    Abstract: The present review examines the primary (heatwaves and air pollution) and cascading (population density, traffic and noise, health issues, and biodiversity loss) hazards in urban settlements. The motivation is to understand the interaction between hazards in urban areas to develop a novel holistic approach that enhances urban sustainability. Three objectives are (i) to monitor valuation studies that reveal willingness to pay (WTP) for major urban-related challenges, (ii) to assess non-marketed valuation studies, and (iii) to examine the interactions between the hazards and their impacts on people and the environment. Based on Environmental Valuation Reference Inventory and Ecosystem Services Valuation Database, from 5329 studies, 80 were retrieved that focus solely on the economic measures of 220 WTP values for different ecological and recreational issues during the period 2000-2023. The findings show that regarding the mean WTP (MWTP) values, the valuation studies reveal a MWTP of 142€ for heatwaves mitigation, whereas for air pollution 76€. Moreover, in terms of cascading hazards, the highest MWTP was for population density (298€), followed by biodiversity loss (96€), health issues (63€), and lastly by traffic and noise with 42€. However, biodiversity loss is the most significant stressor for all target groups (citizens, workers, and flora and fauna), therefore, policymakers should invest in green and blue infrastructure, energy-saving technologies, and transportation alternatives in order to improve urban resilience, safeguarding both human health and the natural environment.
    Keywords: climate change, heatwaves, air pollution, biodiversity loss, population density, WTP, valuation studies
    Date: 2024–10–03
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aue:wpaper:2415
  2. By: Tobias Werner; Ivan Soraperra; Emilio Calvano; David C. Parkes; Iyad Rahwan
    Abstract: Conversational AI models are becoming increasingly popular and are about to replace traditional search engines for information retrieval and product discovery. This raises concerns about monetization strategies and the potential for subtle consumer manipulation. Companies may have financial incentives to steer users toward search results or products in a conversation in ways that are unnoticeable to consumers. Using a behavioral experiment, we show that conversational AI models can indeed significantly shift consumer preferences. We discuss implications and ask whether regulators are sufficiently prepared to combat potential consumer deception.
    Date: 2024–09
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2409.12143
  3. By: Cristian Espinal Maya; Santiago Jim\'enez Londo\~no
    Abstract: This study examines the factors that determine workplace autonomy in the choice of schedules, using GEIH data for formal employees from January 2023 to February 2024. A logistic regression model identified significant relationships between autonomy and variables such as company size, income, tenure, workplace, and job satisfaction. The results highlight the complexity of these factors and suggest the need for improvements in the predictive model.
    Date: 2024–09
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2409.14271
  4. By: Xiaoyu Shen; Fang Fang; Chengguang Liu
    Abstract: We provide a rigorous convergence proof demonstrating that the well-known semi-analytical Fourier cosine (COS) formula for the inverse Fourier transform of continuous probability distributions can be extended to discrete probability distributions, with the help of spectral filters. We establish general convergence rates for these filters and further show that several classical spectral filters achieve convergence rates one order faster than previously recognized in the literature on the Gibbs phenomenon. Our numerical experiments corroborate the theoretical convergence results. Additionally, we illustrate the computational speed and accuracy of the discrete COS method with applications in computational statistics and quantitative finance. The theoretical and numerical results highlight the method's potential for solving problems involving discrete distributions, particularly when the characteristic function is known, allowing the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to be bypassed.
    Date: 2024–10
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2410.04487
  5. By: George Halkos; Panagiotis Stavros Aslanidis; Angelos Plataniotis; Phoebe Koundouri
    Abstract: Protection of marine ecosystems is vital for biodiversity conservation as it ensures the health of our oceans and seas, moreover it supports the livelihoods of millions who rely on them. Nevertheless, there are global issues that put at risk biodiversity levels, inter alia, climate change, invasive species, eutrophication, waste, and pollution. This study provides novel policy insights into Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 14 by reviewing and comparing willingness-to-pay (WTP) levels for marine ecosystem protection and conservation across different locations worldwide. The analysis covered 220 valuation studies conducted between 2000 and 2023, sourced from the Environmental Valuation Reference Inventory (EVRI) and Ecosystem Services Valuation Database (ESVD). WTP levels are presented from both national and sea/ocean perspectives, offering a holistic approach to understanding the non-market values of biodiversity and marine ecosystem protection. Socioeconomic parameters such as age, gender, education, and income were also analyzed, revealing their influence on individuals' WTP for marine conservation initiatives. The findings suggest that WTP levels can serve as a powerful tool for policymakers and demonstrate core policy implications regarding the achievement of SDG 14
    Keywords: SDG 14, marine protection, marine conservation, valuation studies, climate change, sustainable development
    JEL: Q01 Q51 Q57
    Date: 2024–10–03
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aue:wpaper:2416
  6. By: Christian Bontemps (ENAC-LAB - Laboratoire de recherche ENAC - ENAC - Ecole Nationale de l'Aviation Civile, TSE-R - Toulouse School of Economics - UT Capitole - Université Toulouse Capitole - UT - Université de Toulouse - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement); Cristina Gualdani (QMUL - Queen Mary University of London); Kevin Remmy (Universität Mannheim)
    Abstract: We develop a two-stage game in which competing airlines first choose the networks of markets to serve in the first stage before competing in price in the second stage. Spillovers in entry decisions across markets are allowed, which accrue on the demand, marginal cost, and fixed cost sides. We show that the second-stage parameters are point identified, and we design a tractable procedure to set identify the first-stage parameters and to conduct inference. Further, we estimate the model using data from the domestic US airline market and find significant spillovers in entry. In a counterfactual exercise, we evaluate the 2013 merger between American Airlines and US Airways. Our results highlight that spillovers in entry and post-merger network readjustments play an important role in shaping post-merger outcomes.
    Keywords: Endogenous market structure, Networks, Airlines, Oligopoly, Product repositioning, Mergers, Remedies
    Date: 2023–06–14
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04709707

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