By Brian Quistorff. The new module for Synthetic Control Methods “synth_runner” helps conduct multiple estimations, inference, diagnostics, and generate visualizations of results.” The Synthetic Control Methodology (SCM) (Abadie and Gardeazabal, 2003, Abadie et al., 2010, hereafter ADH) is a data-drive approach to small-sample comparative case-studies for estimating … [Read more...] about The synth_runner Package: Utilities to Automate Synthetic Control Estimation Using synth
How to evaluate a tourism reform without a time machine?
Endowed with rich and diverse natural and cultural resources, Argentina’s Salta Province has long been known to have tremendous but untapped tourism potential. Located at the intersection of such natural attractions as the Andean highland plateau (the Puna), the Chaco forests, and the subtropical forest in the Yungas Biosphere Reserve, Salta’s landscape is graced with … [Read more...] about How to evaluate a tourism reform without a time machine?
Turning trash into light – Liter of light
By Carmen Fernández-Sánchez The simple act of filling recycled plastic bottles with water and chlorine has allowed light to enter millions of previously unlit homes around the globe. What’s more, this innovation has saved low-income families up to 40% on electricity bills. No-one could have told Alfredo Moser, a Brazilian mechanic, that his invention would spread … [Read more...] about Turning trash into light – Liter of light
Can Complexity Science assist effective development?
By Agustina Calatayud. What do air traffic and the financial crisis of 2008 have in common with the human brain and the 2015 Ebola epidemic? Can Complexity Science offer us effective solutions to these problems and others? Recent international events suggest we are living in a time of growing turbulence. Just to mention a few: the 2008 financial crisis and … [Read more...] about Can Complexity Science assist effective development?
Can animal waste be harnessed to promote development?
By Horacio Aguirre-Villegas. Using bio-gas to produce energy can reduce GHG emissions and increase agricultural productivity. But it also can vastly improve the quality of life for people living in poor, rural communities by providing them with electricity and cooking fuel, saving them from having to walk long distances to collect firewood. The Mendez family lives in … [Read more...] about Can animal waste be harnessed to promote development?