scholarly journals Economic Analysis Determining the Optimal Replanting Age of Date Palm

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Hemesiri B. Kotagama ◽  
Amani Juma T. Al-Alawi ◽  
Houcine Boughanmi ◽  
Slim Zekri ◽  
Msafiri Mbaga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Date Palm ◽  
Programming Model ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Sultanate Of Oman ◽  
Date Palms ◽  
Low Interest Rates ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Net Revenue

Two alternative analytical models were used to estimate the economically optimal age of replanting date palm, namely; Comparison of Equivalent Annual Net Revenue (CEAN) and Multi-Period Linear Programming Model (MPLP). Solution procedures of both models are based on the theory of optimal replacement of capital assets. Data on date palm age-yield relationship and other socioeconomic variables were gleaned through a farm survey of 34 large commercial farms, in Izki, Bahla, and Al-Hamra wilayats in the Al- Dakhilya governorate of the Sultanate of Oman. The study estimated the optimal age of replanting date palms as 50-55 years. Both models, CEAN and MPLP gave consistent estimates. The optimal age to replant date palms was sensitive only to changes in the interest rates. Low interest rates shortened the optimal age of date palm replanting. Changes in date price, yield and variable production costs did not change the optimal age of replanting date palms. The incremental revenue that could be accrued to the Sultanate of Oman through replanting date palms was estimated as 7 million OR/ year. 

scholarly journals Water use optimization through alternative water depths in the Formoso Irrigation District

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 621-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge L. C. dos Santos Júnior ◽  
José A. Frizone ◽  
Vital P. da S. Paz
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Programming Model ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Irrigation District ◽  
Water Volume ◽  
Net Revenue ◽  
Alternative Water ◽  
Water Response ◽  
Water Depths

This study aimed to propose an optimal cultivation plan using a separable linear programming model, with alternative water depths, that allows maximizing the net revenue of the Formoso Irrigation District (FID), specifically with respect to the area of family plots. The model used in this study was based on data from the 2010 Annual Agricultural Report of the 2nd Regional Superintendency of CODEVASF (São Francisco and Parnaíba Valley Development Company), the 2011 Service and Extension Plan for the Formoso Irrigation District and further information provided by this government department. Based on the studied crops and their respective water response functions, on the constraints of cultivated area, prices and production costs, the maximization of the net revenue in the FID was equal to R$ 68,384,956.53, using the following cultivation pattern: 30 ha of pumpkin, 30 ha of Phaseolus beans, 977 ha of watermelon, 1868 ha of banana, 1200 ha of papaya and 300 ha of Tahiti lime. The optimal solution found by the model indicated that the monthly water availability in the FID did not constitute an effective restriction to crop production, since in all months the water volume needed was lower than the maximum volume that the FID can provide (10,833,500 m3). For the monthly volumes used in the solution, the available annual volume will not be restrictive if the annual pumping capacity is higher than 79,649,000 m3.

Remaking Retirement

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
The United States ◽  
Older Population ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cost Of Education ◽  
The World ◽  
Low Interest Rates ◽  
Key Aspects

Around the world, people nearing and entering retirement are holding ever-greater levels of debt than in the past. This is not a benign situation, as many pre-retirees and retirees are stressed about their indebtedness. Moreover, this growth in debt among the older population may render retirees vulnerable to financial shocks, medical care bills, and changes in interest rates. Contributors to this volume explore key aspects of the rise in debt across older cohorts, drill down into the types of debt and reasons for debt incurred by the older population, and review policies to remedy some of the financial problems facing older persons, in the United States and elsewhere. The authors explore which groups are most affected by debt, and they also identify the factors causing this important increase in leverage at older ages. It is clear that the economic and market environments are influential when it comes to saving and debt. Access to easy borrowing, low interest rates, and the rising cost of education have had important impacts on how much people borrow, and how much debt they carry at older ages. In this environment, the capacity to manage debt is ever more important as older workers lack the opportunity to recover for mistakes.

scholarly journals Special Issue “Interplay between Financial and Actuarial Mathematics”

Risks ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
Corina Constantinescu ◽  
Julia Eisenberg
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Option Pricing ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Financial Mathematics ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Actuarial Mathematics ◽  
Mortality Models ◽  
Low Interest Rates

The Special Issue aims to highlight the interaction between actuarial and financial mathematics, which, due to the recent low interest rates and implications of COVID-19, requires an interlace between actuarial and financial methods, along with control theory, machine learning, mortality models, option pricing, hedging, unit-linked contracts and drawdown analysis, among others [...]

scholarly journals Genetic diversity and population structure of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Ethiopia using microsatellite markers

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Workia Ahmed ◽  
Tileye Feyissa ◽  
Kassahun Tesfaye ◽  
Sumaira Farrakh
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Structure ◽  
Microsatellite Markers ◽  
Information Content ◽  
Date Palm ◽  
Polymorphic Information Content ◽  
Phoenix Dactylifera ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Date Palms ◽  
Expected Heterozygosity

Abstract Background Date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a perennial monocotyledonous plant belonging to the Arecaceae family, a special plant with extraordinary nature that gives eminent contributions in agricultural sustainability and huge socio-economic value in many countries of the world including Ethiopia. Evaluation of genetic diversity across date palms at DNA level is very important for breeding and conservation. The result of this study could help to design for genetic improvement and develop germplasm introduction programmes of date palms mainly in Ethiopia. Results In this study, 124 date palm genotypes were collected, and 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers were used. Among 10 microsatellites, MPdCIR085 and MPdCIR093 loci showed the highest value of observed and expected heterozygosity, maximum number of alleles, and highest polymorphic information content values. A total of 112 number of alleles were found, and the mean number of major allele frequency was 0.26, with numbers ranging from 0.155 (MPdCIR085) to 0.374 (MPdCIR016); effective number of alleles with a mean value of 6.61, private alleles ranged from 0.0 to 0.65; observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.355 to 0.726; expected heterozygosity varied from 0.669 to 0.906, polymorphic information content with a mean value of 0.809; fixation index individuals relative to subpopulations ranged from 0.028 for locus MPdCIR032 to 0.548 for locus MPdCIR025, while subpopulations relative to total population value ranged from − 0.007 (MPdCIR070) to 0.891 (MPdCIR015). All nine accesstions, neighbour-joining clustering analysis, based on dissimilarity coefficient values were grouped into five major categories; in population STRUCTURE analysis at highest K value, three groups were formed, whereas DAPC separated date palm genotypes into eight clusters using the first two linear discriminants. Principal coordinate analysis was explained, with a 17.33% total of variation in all populations. Generally, the result of this study revealed the presence of allele variations and high heterozygosity (> 0.7) in date palm genotypes. Conclusions Microsatellites (SSR) are one of the most preferable molecular markers for the study of genetic diversity and population structure of plants. In this study, we found the presence of genetic variations of date palm genotypes in Ethiopia; therefore, these genetic variations of date palms is important for crop improvement and conservation programmes; also, it will be used as sources of information to national and international genbanks.

Counter-cyclical public venture capital: Debt-funding as an anti-austerity innovation strategy

2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Etzkowitz ◽  
Henry Etzkowitz
Keyword(s):  
Venture Capital ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Productive Capacity ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Low Interest Rates ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Business Cycle ◽  
Smart Specialization ◽  
Private Venture

This article outlines a counter-cyclical innovation strategy to achieve prosperity, derived from an innovative project, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). We identify an ‘innovation paradox’ in that the very point in the business cycle, when legislators are tempted to view austerity as a cure for economic downturns and to reduce innovation spend, is when an increase is most needed to create new industries and jobs and innovate out of recession or depression. It is both desirable and possible that policymakers resist the urge to capitulate to the innovation paradox. During periods that exhibit subdued inflation, elevated spare productive capacity, and low government borrowing rates, governments should increase their borrowings and use the proceeds to boost investment targeted towards innovation. We show how the State of California successfully utilized debt financing, traditionally reserved for physical infrastructure projects, to stimulate the development of intellectual infrastructure. Finally, we recommend a halt to European austerity policies and a ‘triple helix’ broadening of narrow ‘smart specialization’ policies that chase a private venture capital chimera. Europe should seize the present macroeconomic opportunity of low interest rates, borrow for innovation and be paid back manifold by ‘picking winners’, similarly to what the USA has been doing through DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) with GPS, as a response to Sputnik, the Internet and artificial intelligence, or the driverless car, formerly known as the ‘autonomous land vehicle’ in its military guise. Proactively targeted macroscopic investments in innovation are needed to solve the productivity/employment puzzle and foster the transition to a knowledge-based society.

scholarly journals When Low Interest Rates Cause Low Inflation

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 350-355 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Demary ◽  
Michael Hüther
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Low Interest Rates

Australia budget keeps defence spending commitments

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South China Sea ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
National Politics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Defence Spending ◽  
Low Interest Rates ◽  
Defence Expenditure ◽  
Conducive Environment ◽  
Made In

Significance With an election due soon, the governing Liberal-National Coalition’s pledge to ring-fence the defence spending commitments made in 2016 was under some pressure. However, defence spending in fiscal year 2021/22 will grow by over 4% in real terms and stay above the symbolic level of 2% of GDP. Impacts Growing popular and bipartisan concern with Chinese aggression is a conducive environment for increased defence spending. Low interest rates and a stronger Australian dollar are also supporting sustained levels of defence expenditure. Washington may increase pressure on Australia to conduct freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea. Major business groups are concerned that increased criticism of China in national politics will produce yet more punitive backlash.

Investment in South Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 912-934
Author(s):  
Ciaran Driver ◽  
Laurence Harris
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Social Transformation ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Private Business ◽  
Business Investment ◽  
Industrial Policies ◽  
Evidential Support ◽  
Fixed Capital Formation ◽  
Low Interest Rates

Abstract: Since the achievement of democracy, high levels of gross fixed capital formation have been required for the economic and social transformation of South Africa. Public-sector investment has risen, particularly since 2008, but private-business investment has not grown enough, while manufacturing’s share of the capital stock has declined substantially. Common explanations for low investment in manufacturing are examined in the light of empirical literature and are judged to have inadequate evidential support. Industrial policies derived from these views, such as maintaining low interest rates to promote investment, need to be based on stronger evidence. An argument is put forward for a system-based approach to research on the determinants of investment.

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