Correcting for endogeneity in behavioral choice models with social influence variables

While psychologists and behavioral economists emphasize the importance of social influences, an outstanding issue is how to capture such influences in behavioral models used to inform urban planning and policy. In this paper we focus on operational models that do not require explicit knowledge of the individual networks of decision makers. We employ a field effect variable to capture social influences, which is calculated as the percent of population in the peer group that has chosen the specific alternative. We define the peer group based on socio-economic status and spatial proximity of residential location. As in behavioral economics and psychology, the concept is that one is influenced by the choices made by one’s peers. However, using such a social influence variable in a behavioral model causes complications because it is likely endogenous; unobserved factors that impact the peer group also influence the decision maker, yielding correlation between the field effect variable and the error. The contribution of this paper is the use of the Berry, Levinsohn, and Pakes (BLP) method to correct the endogeneity in a choice model. The two-stage BLP introduces constants for each peer group to remove the endogeneity from the choice model (where it is difficult to deal with) and insert it into a linear regression model (where endogeneity is relatively easier to deal with). We test the method using a mode choice data set from the Netherlands and readily available software and find there is an upward bias of the field effect parameter when endogeneity is not corrected. The procedure outlined presents a practical and tractable method for incorporating social influences in choice models.     

Hydrodynamic response of a non-ship-shaped FPSO vessel with damping plates

Experimental and numerical hydrodynamic investigations were carried out on a 1:45 scale model of a novel non-ship-shaped floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel that has been designed for use in the icy waters of the Arctic as well as the severe sea states of the North Sea. This FPSO vessel has a turret mooring system that is disconnectable during emergencies and inclement weather conditions. Experiments were conducted on a 1:45 scale model of the FPSO with damping plates consisting of skirt plates and different sizes of keel plates in order to study their influence on the response of the vessel. A numerical study of the scale model was carried out using the Wave Analysis at Massachusetts Institute of Technology code, and the results provided by it were compared with those obtained from model tests in the wave basin.     

道德与海员职业--论海员培训中的伦理学教育以及道德决定的策略

引言在对海员的职业培训中 ,有关如何作出符合伦理道德的决定的培训也应当包括其中。当我们在对他们进行传统的如轮机、航海、人员管理以及通讯等培训时 ,不要忘记 ,教给他们有关道德和道德思维的基础知识同样重要。在这个竞争激烈、全球一体的商业世界中 ,我们必须承认这样一句格言 :成功的商人必为有德者。所以 ,对海员的培训 ,既应当教给他们有关伦理道德的历史 ,还应进行具体的案例学习 ,更重要的是 ,应通过有关范例的讨论和学习 ,使他们掌握进行道德决定的模式和方法 ,并指明解决问题的方向。对此 ,位于缅因州的国际道德研究院的Ｒｕｓ…     

Low-aspect ratio appendages for wind-assisted ships

Journal of Marine Science and Technology - Wind propulsion for commercial ships has been identified as a key component in the energy transition for the maritime industry. The sailing hybrid ship...     

Assessing motorist behavior during flash floods in Tucson,Arizona

Transportation - Weather events often force motorists to drive in unsafe conditions or alter travel plans. Both decisions are imbued with costs that drivers may minimize by developing adaptation...     

Design of a survey to assess prospects for consumer electric mobility in Canada: a retrospective appraisal

Transportation - This paper reviews the process that led to the development of a national survey instrument used to gather over 20,000 observations across Canada. This survey captured aspects of...     

An Investigation into Stick-Slip Vibrations on Vehicle/Track Systems

A model for the numerical simulation of vehicle/track interaction and stick-slip vibration is presented. A finite element model is developed to calculate vertical contact forces. These forces are then coupled through the contact patch into a non-linear time-domain model by which the stick-slip vibration behaviour of a wheel-rail system is analysed. The investigation suggests that stick-slip vibration may occur if a vehicle which has a maligned or an initial 'wind-up' wheeiset meets a vertical irregularity or contaminants on the track.     

IGCT串联用单元驱动器/吸收器方案

逆变器用于高压时,将电力半导体器件串联是众所周知的方法.本文介绍了一种先进的驱动器/吸收器方案,该方案可以产生自己所需的电源电压,不需要外部电源.另外,电压分配和吸收性能得到最优化,吸收能量可以再生到逆变器的直流环节.还介绍了从1台实际的IGCT逆变器获得的测量结果.