The imposition of water quality controls may affect the economy chiefly by altering aggregate production and changing the factor payments, These two effects could not only reallocate resources among production possibilities, but also could change the distribution of benefits of production among members of the society. This study attempted to provide a workable theory to establish an empirical test of the impacts of water quality controls on family income distribution. It consists of two separate areas: first, to analyze methodologies of measuring income distribution changes, and , second, to develop a theoretical model that is useful for empirical tests of the impacts of different water quality controls. A number of alternative probability density functions have been proposed as models of personal income distribution. The lognormal, displaced lognormal, gamma, and beta distribution functions were considered as appropriate methodologies, since each allows more productive power for income distribution as suggested in the past literature. Detailed information on income distribution can be extracted from the approximations of the distribution functions. One of the objectives of the research was to evaluate the different methodologies for usefulness. The gastwirth bounds for Gini coefficient were used as the test of goodness to fit; the beta density was clearly superior to the other densities for the SMSA data. Next, a theoretical model was constructed, emphasizing the production sector and the distribution sector. Water quality controls were introduced in the production process as a negative input. Water quality data were collected for all states, and indices of quality were estimated using analysis of variance techniques. The equilibrium conditions in commodity and factor markets generated the first impacts of water quality controls on total output and factor payments in the economy. The specific assumption was made as a theoretical bridge connecting family income distribution and factor payments in the distribution sector. It was assumed that a family's income equals total payments received from owned labor and capital in the production process. Thus, changes in factor payments and total output were included in the distribution equations. Water quality controls would, therefore, effect family income distribution through changes in total output and changes in factor payment. The simultaneous equation regression results for 72 SMSA's were not conclusive. It appeared that water quality parameter may effect the wage rate and total output, if the parameter was not, in fact, a surrogate for other excluded variables in the system. The effect of wage changes on income distribution was not significant, but changes in total output appeared to be the most significant variable in the distribution equations. In an attempt to account for the many variables which might be expected to effect income distribution, factor analysis was performed on the SMSA's. Two groups of SMSA's were identified and regressions were performed for these groups. Results from these regressions were similar in sign to the results from the 172 observations regressions, although many of the coefficients were not significant. Interpreting the results of the research was somewhat difficult, even though some results did appear consistent among all regressions. It does appear that there is some evidence to indicate that water quality controls lead to less equal family income distribution. Better data are required from more complete and accurate analysis. The principle thrust of the study was to develop a model to organize the complexity of economic causality with respect to income distribution change and water quality policy. It appeared that this type of systematic econometric approach can be fruitful in analyzing income distribution change.

nÃo hà / The general objective of this work is to analyze the productive potential of the castor oil in the state of Cearà from a technical, social and economic approach. To obtaining the results, the research followed the following steps: initially, a study took place to tabulate and describe primary data collected through the application of 118 questionnaires to the growers and 120 to the not growers of the castor oil plant in the districts of Boa Viagem, CanindÃ, Itatira, Pedra Branca, QuixadÃ, Quixeramobim, QuiterianÃplois and TauÃ. Secondly, a binary probit regression was made to verify whether the farmer is a castor oil plant grower or not. Thirdly, a multiple lineal regression of the equation of castor oil plant offer in the State of Cearà was made concerning the period from 1980 to 2007 and this was possible due to secondary data collected in IBGE and IPECE. The analysis of the data allowed to identify the profile of the growers of castor oil plant and of the techniques used in the production. Thus, one can conclude that the farmer's propensity to plant castor oil plant is being influenced by the area, agricultural income, family total income, financing, participation in association and in the credibility of the program. Finally, it was verified that the castor oil plant offer is strongly related with the planted area and with its own price, being necessary investments in technologies and fairer prices. / Este trabalho tem como objetivo geral analisar o potencial produtivo da mamona no estado do Cearà a partir de uma abordagem tÃcnica e socioeconÃmica. Para a obtenÃÃo dos resultados, a pesquisa seguiu as seguintes etapas: inicialmente realizou-se um estudo tabular e descritivo de dados primÃrios coletados atravÃs da aplicaÃÃo de 118 questionÃrios aos produtores e 120 para os nÃo produtores de mamona dos municÃpios de Boa Viagem, CanindÃ, Itatira, Pedra Branca, QuixadÃ, Quixeramobim, QuiterianÃplois e TauÃ. Na segunda parte do estudo, foi realizada uma regressÃo binÃria probit, sobre a chance de o agricultor plantar mamona e, por Ãltimo, realizou-se uma regressÃo linear multipla da equaÃÃo de oferta de mamona no Estado do Cearà no perÃodo de 1980 a 2007, usando dados secundÃrios coletados no IBGE e IPECE. A anÃlise dos dados permitiu identificar o perfil dos produtores de mamona e das tÃcnicas usadas na produÃÃo. Conclui-se entÃo, que a propensÃo do agricultor a plantar mamona està sendo influenciada pela Ãrea, renda agrÃcola, renda total, financiamento, participaÃÃo em associaÃÃo e na credibilidade do programa. Por fim, identificou-se que a oferta de mamona està fortemente relacionada com a Ãrea plantada e com o seu prÃprio preÃo, fazendo-se necessÃrios investimentos em tecnologias e preÃos mais justos.

En raison de sa force explicative et opérationnelle, la théorie du choix rationnel est utilisée au sein de plusieurs disciplines des sciences sociales. Alors que la majorité des économistes conçoivent la théorie du choix rationnel comme un processus de maximisation de l’utilité, la portée de ce modèle est le sujet de nombreuses critiques. Pour plusieurs, certaines préférences ne peuvent être modulées à l’intérieur de ce cadre. Dans ce mémoire, trois conceptions alternatives de la théorie du choix rationnel sont présentées : la rationalité comme présence virtuelle, la rationalité comme mécanisme intentionnel et la rationalité en tant que science du choix. Une analyse critique de celles-ci est effectuée. En design institutionnel, ces trois conceptions de la rationalité offrent des perspectives distinctes. La première met l’emphase sur les motivations non-égocentriques. La seconde mise sur l’aspect adaptatif du processus. La rationalité jouant un rôle privilégié, mais non exclusif, les mécanismes causaux doivent également être considérés. La troisième implique de formuler des règles institutionnels différentes dépendamment du modèle de l’agent rationnel qui est mis de l’avant. L’établissement de règles institutionnelles varie en fonction de la conception adoptée parmi ces théories du choix rationnel. / Because of its explanatory and operational strengths, rational choice theory is used in a variety of social sciences disciplines. Most economists understand rational choice theory as a utility maximization process. For this reason, the reach of the rational model has been subject of a great deal of criticism. For many commentators, there are preferences that cannot be represented by this model of explanation. In the following, three alternative rational choice theory accounts will be presented: the rationality as a virtual presence, rationality as an intentional mechanism and rationality as a science of choice. Each rationality account offers a different view of institutional design. The first focus on agents non-egoistic motivations. The second, on the adaptive aspect with an emphasis on causal mechanism. The third, on the multiplicity of rational actor models. Depending of which rational choice theory account is adopted, implications in institutional design will be different.

This dissertation consists of three essays. In the first essay, econometric models are used to measure price risk in a study for major grains (wheat, rice, corn, and soybeans) in China. Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models and Multiplicative Heteroskedasticity (M Het) models are applied to estimate time-varying price variance, and then covariances are estimated by a simple two-step process assuming constant conditional correlations. An aggregate price risk index is constructed from these variances and covariances using an economic index number approach. In theory, this approach is superior to the more common approach of estimating a univariate GARCH model for an aggregate price index. This easay compares the two approaches to measuring aggregate price risk and finds low correlations. Thus there is substantial difference between the two approaches in practice as well as in theory. The previous essay measures aggregate price risk but does not explain price risk. The second essay attempts to investigate potential factors that contribute to aggregate price risk of major grain products (rice, wheat, corn and soybeans) on monthly base in China from mid 1980s to recent year from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. The superlative price risk indexes are explained by a set of key variables that characterize China’s economy, agricultural market and trade as well as biological system of major grain in China. These variables account for much of the variation in the aggregate price risk index. Moreover empirical results favor use of the superlative index of aggregate risk rather than standard measures of aggregate risk. The third essay is an extension of previous two essays by explaining price risk at disaggregate level. Price variances and covariances are modeled using both Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Seemly Unrelated Regression (SUR) techniques. Results are broadly consistent with the previous essays.

Univ., Diss.-2008--Osnabrück, 2007.

No description available.

Thema: Problemlage und Ressourcen von Familien in einem Krisengebiet am Beispiel von Neukölln-Nord Die vorliegende Arbeit geht der Frage nach, was Familien dazu bewegt, in einem Bezirk in Berlin, der als Krisengebiet bezeichnet wird, wohnen zu bleiben oder abzuwandern. Ferner ist hinsichtlich derjenigen Familien, die wohnen bleiben, gefragt, welche Gründe diese zum Verbleib in Neukölln-Nord bewegt hat. Was erwarten diese Familien für sich und ihre Kinder? Welche Ressourcen können sie mobilisieren, um ihre persönlichen Präferenzen und Lebensvorstellungen sowie diejenigen ihrer Kinder in diesem Bezirk zu realisieren? Die Arbeit orientiert sich in theoretischer Hinsicht an angelsächsischen Autoren wie Brooks-Gunn. Sie und ihr Forscherteam wenden Colemans Theorie des Sozialkapitals und den sozialökologischen Ansatz von Urie Bronfenbrenner an und untersuchen auf dieser Grundlage die Kontexte von Familien und Kindern. Mit Hilfe qualitativer Interviews und eines Netzwerkfragebogens werden Familien typologisiert. Herausgebildet haben sich vier Typen: die Zufriedenen, die wohnen bleiben; die Unzufriedenen, die abwandern; die Nicht-Ganz-Glücklichen, die aber grundsätzlich den Wunsch haben, wegzuziehen und der aktive Neuköllner, der sich einmischt und für seinen persönlichen Bedarf engagiert. Bezogen auf die ausführliche Beschreibung der Merkmale dieser vier Typen konnte die Frage beantwortet werden, ob die Zufriedenheit der Eltern ausschließlich vom Umfang ihrer Ressourcen, d.h. von ihrem sozialen Kapital abhängt. Das Ergebnis ist, dass eher andere Faktoren als Art und Umfang des elterlichen Sozialkapitals bei der Frage, wohnen zu bleiben oder weg zu ziehen, eine Rolle gespielt haben. Abschließend werden Ausblicke und Anregungen darüber gegeben, wie eine Politik aussehen könnte, die Belange von Familien in einem Problembezirk wie Neukölln-Nord ernst nimmt und dazu führt, dass Eltern wohnen bleiben bzw. wieder zurückkehren. / Topic: Problem situation and resources of families in an area of crisis, exemplified by Neukölln-North This dissertation is investigating the question why people remain living in a district of Berlin, that is considered a social hot spot or why they move away. Furthermore, - looking at the families who don''t leave - there is the question of their reasons for staying in Neukölln-North. What do these families expect for themselves and their children? Which resources can they mobilize in order to put into effect their personal preferences and conception of life as well as those of their children in this borough. Theoretically this thesis follows the concepts of Anglo-Saxon authors like Brooks-Gunn. She and her team implement Coleman''s theory of social capital and the socio economic approach of Urie Bronfenbrenner and examine on this foundation the contexts of family and children. Backed by qualitative interviews and a network questionnaire they categorize families. Thus 4 types have emerged: the contend families; the dissatisfied ones, that migrate; the not-so-happy ones, who plan to move away and the active inhabitants of Neukölln, who interfere and campaign for their personal needs. In reference to the detailed description of the characteristics of these 4 types the question could be answered if the parent''s contentment depends solely on the extent of their resources, meaning their social capital. The result is that rather different criteria than sort and extent of the parental social capital played a role in the decision of moving away or staying. Concluding there will be given perspectives and suggestions about the right kind of politics, that takes seriously the needs of families in social hot spots like Neukölln-Nord and eventually leads to the stay or return of parents.

The economic concept of health is defined as an ability to fully utilize human capital. The health promotion shall procure healthy lifestyle among the population. It also appears as the most efficient way to prevent diseases, in particular the non-communicable diseases (NCD). Economic analysis of human behavior offers the explanation of the rational choices as well as the decisions with bounded rationality affecting people's' health conditions. The Czech population health development analysis shows tendencies to careless approach in this area, that is illustrated by the increase incidence of sick leaves caused by NCD in higher age categories. Application of the health promotion in Czech Republic may be significantly improved by the outcomes of economic analysis of human behavior in these regards. Incidental issues are to be analyzed by the methods of logical deduction logical deduction, comparative analysis and empirical results of the statistical survey. Synthesis of the findings and conclusions of the analysis is the starting point for the modeling of health strategies, policies and programs promoting health in the Czech Republic. The main hypothesis is supported by the outcomes of this analysis with regards to the applicability of the economic analysis of human behavior on the health promotion and its positive macroeconomical impact on the current medical system sustainability. The primary contribution of the thesis consist in formulation of specific outcomes of the economic analysis of human behavior for the health promotion concept development. A secondary benefit is the proposal to measure personal productive incapacity in time by the indicator of work incapacity. In this context, the risk of non-infectious diseases impact deepening in older age categories of workers in Czech Republic is emphasized

In recent years, the economic approach to human behavior has been challenged by contributions of cognitive science. Thus two methodological strands in economics disagree with each other: the objectivistic approach favors the methods of natural science; the subjectivistic approach takes the teleological structure of human action as its cornerstone. It is argued that the position of the latter has been undermined and often degraded to a mere instrumentalist tool because it builds upon the primitive version of the teleological structure. Its deeper realist analysis is needed, which is the task for economic phenomenology: it identifies invariant pragmatic structures of human action, with various degrees of their anonymity. If the economic approach is founded on those structures adequately, then both rational choice theory and bounded rationality theories become compatible, as they differ in their degrees of anonymity only; they both belong to the body of the (subjectivistic) economic approach to human behavior. Economic phenomenology also offers a solution to the phenomenon of inconsistency of human action which is documented by cognitive sciences as a proof of human irrationality. The thesis shows that once the decision maker's description of the choice is allowed, inconsistency may disappear. Consistency is a matter of thinking, not acting. Therefore, a conceptual analysis of human thinking is needed. An example of the analysis is presented. It concentrates on the phenomenon of Self and works up the concept of the horizontality of Self. With this concept, inconsistency of human action is derived as a natural characteristic of our being-in-the-world. Inconsistency of human action is a pragmatic structure of human action, which even allows the decision maker some intentional control.

Des travaux réalisés dans le cadre d´une recherche exploratoire auprès de 200 cadres d’une organisation industrielle de Janvier 2016 à Novembre 2017 ont permis d´expérimenter un projet de capacitation du potentiel humain caché fondé sur la considération et la liberté de choix des individus de la théorie W (Haim, 2014), et l’approche dysfonctionnelle (Savall, Zardet, 1992).Ces travaux proposent une contribution au modèle socio-économique (Savall, 1975) et systémique-intelligent (Haim, 1997) à travers une étude de modélisation de capacitation (compris comme la prise en charge de l´individu de son propre destin) du potentiel humain caché dans des organisations complexes pour plus de performance humaine - étude de cas des travailleurs du savoir de la filiale américaine de Bosch Rexroth. / The research carried out as an intervention research with 200 knowledge workers of an industrial organization from January 2016 to November 2017 allowed to experiment a project of capacitation of the hidden human potential based on the consideration and the freedom of choice from theory W (Haim, 2014), and the dysfunctional approach (Savall, Zardet, 1992).The conducted research proposes a contribution to the socio-economic model (Savall, 1975), and systemic-intelligent model (Haim, 1997) through a modeling study of Capacitation (as the self determination of one´s destiny) of hidden human potential in complex organizations in order to allow more human performance - a case study of knowledge workers of the US subsidiary of Bosch Rexroth.