We use factor augmented vector autoregressive models with time-varying coeffi cients to construct a financial conditions index. The time-variation in the parameters allows for the weights attached to each financial variable in the index to evolve over time. Furthermore, we develop methods for dynamic model averaging or selection which allow the financial variables entering into the FCI to chang...

An integral financial stability index is constructed using Israel macroeconomic data. Approaches relying on the use of dependent variable as well as principal component method and its modifications are examined. Obtained indexes are compared in terms of their forecast quality. In the case of no dependent variable the influence of structural shift is analyzed. © 2014 The Authors. Published by El...

Previous research with the Aspiration Index suggests that the importance of intrinsic life goals (e.g. personal growth and relationships) is in positive association with indicators of well-being, whereas an orientation toward extrinsic life goals (e.g. wealth and appearance) is connected with decreased positive functioning. Our study extended the scope of previous research by analyzing the role...

BACKGROUND Households' financial protection against health payments and expenditures and equity in utilization of health care services are of the most important tasks of governments. This study aims to measuring equity in household's health care payments according to fairness in financial contribution (FFC) and Kakwani indices in Tehran-Iran, 2013. METHODS This cross-sectional study was condu...

Interbank claims are a concern to regulators as they might facilitate the dissemination of defaults and generate spill-over effects. Building on a simple model, this paper introduces a measure of the spill-over effects that a bank generates when it defaults. The measure is based on an explicit criterion, the aggregate debt repayments, and is bank’s specific, affected by the bank’s characteristi...

the objective of this study was to diagnose integrative ecological health of an urban stream,which is located in the asian temperate region. the research approach was primarily based on the index ofbiological integrity (ibi) using fish assemblage and a qualitative habitat evaluation index (qhei). and these indexes were compared with long-term conventional chemical dataset during 1996-2005. for ...