An Exploration of Real-Time Revisions of Output Gap Estimates Across European Countries

Prevalence of hepatitis A across various countries in the Middle East, African and Eastern European countries

Real-Time Output Feedback Neurolinearization

 An adaptive input-output linearization method for general nonlinear systems is developed without using states of the system. Another key feature of this structure is the fact that, it does not need model of the system. In this scheme, neurolinearizer has few weights, so it is practical in adaptive situations.  Online training of neuroline...

Estimating the Output Gap in Real Time

I propose a novel method of estimating the potential level of U.S. GDP in real time. The proposed wage-based measure of economic potential remains virtually unchanged when new data are released. The distance between current and potential output – the output gap – satisfies Okun’s law and outperforms many other measures of slack in forecasting inflation. Thus, I provide a robust statistical tool...

Should we be surprised by the unreliability of real-time output gap estimates? Density estimates for the Euro area

Recent work has found that, without the benefit of hindsight, it can prove difficult for policy-makers to pin down accurately the current position of the output gap; real-time estimates are unreliable. However, attention primarily has focused on output gap point estimates alone. But point forecasts are better seen as the central points of ranges of uncertainty; therefore some revision to real-t...

The Relationship Between the Scope of Essential Health Benefits and Statutory Financing: An International Comparison Across Eight European Countries

Background Both rising healthcare costs and the global financial crisis have fueled a search for policy tools in order to avoid unsustainable future financing of essential health benefits. The scope of essential health benefits (the range of services covered) and depth of coverage (the proportion of costs of the covered benefits that is covered publicly) are corresponding variables in determini...