Analyse comparative de la pauvreté et de la structure de consommation des ménages dans la principale agglomération des Etats membres de l’UEMOA en 2008

L’objectif de cette étude est de réaliser une analyse comparative de la pauvreté et de la structure de consommation des ménages des capitales des Etats membres de l’Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA) à partir des données des enquêtes dépenses des ménages (EDM) réalisées en 2008 dans ces agglomérations. En s’appuyant sur l’approche monétaire de la pauvreté mise en oeuvre par la méthode du coût des besoins essentiels, il ressort que plus d’un ménage sur 10, soit 10,5% de l’ensemble de la population étudiée vit sous le seuil de pauvreté estimé à 277450 F CFA de dépenses annuelles par unité de consommation. Le test de dominance stochastique de 1er ordre confirme que l’ampleur du phénomène est en moyenne plus importante dans les villes sahéliennes (Bamako, Niamey, Ouagadougou) que dans les grandes villes côtières (Abidjan, Dakar, Lomé). Par ailleurs, l’analyse économétrique révèle que la taille du ménage et le capital humain du chef de ménage sont des déterminants importants du niveau de vie monétaire des ménages. En effet, tandis que le risque de pauvreté est plus élevé chez les ménages de grande taille, le niveau de vie d’un ménage est d’autant plus élevé que le niveau d’instruction du chef est important. En outre, on observe que dans les agglomérations où le taux de pauvreté est le plus élevé, les ménages accordent un poids plus élevé aux dépenses alimentaires. Enfin, l’estimation des élasticités dépenses totales de la demande à l’aide d’une régression linéaire suggère qu’en moyenne, les besoins de consommation insatisfaits par les ménages portent sur les services (les transports, la communication, la santé, l’éducation et les loisirs).

Monoacylglycerol, alpha/beta-hydrolase domain-6, and the regulation of insulin secretion and energy metabolism

Le cycle glycérolipides/acides gras libres (GL/FFA) est une voie métabolique clé qui relie le métabolisme du glucose et des acides gras et il est composé de deux processus métaboliques appelés lipogenèse et lipolyse. Le cycle GL/FFA, en particulier la lipolyse des triglycérides, génère diverses molécules de signalisation pour réguler la sécrétion d'insuline dans les cellules bêta pancréatiques et la thermogenèse non-frissonnante dans les adipocytes. Actuellement, les lipides provenant spécifiquement de la lipolyse impliqués dans ce processus sont mal connus. L’hydrolyse des triglycérides dans les cellules β est réalisée par les actions successives de la triglycéride lipase adipocytaire pour produire le diacylglycérol, ensuite par la lipase hormono-sensible pour produire le monoacylglycérol (MAG) et enfin par la MAG lipase (MAGL) qui relâche du glycerol et des acides gras. Dans les cellules bêta, la MAGL classique est très peu exprimée et cette étude a démontré que l’hydrolyse de MAG dans les cellules β est principalement réalisée par l'α/β-Hydrolase Domain-6 (ABHD6) nouvellement identifiée. L’inhibition d’ABHD6 par son inhibiteur spécifique WWL70, conduit à une accumulation des 1-MAG à longues chaines saturées à l'intérieur des cellules, accompagnée d’une augmentation de la sécrétion d'insuline stimulée par le glucose (GSIS). Baisser les niveaux de MAG en surexprimant ABHD6 dans la lignée cellulaire bêta INS832/13 réduit la GSIS, tandis qu’une augmentation des niveaux de MAG par le « knockdown » d’ABHD6 améliore la GSIS. L'exposition aiguë des monoacylglycérols exogènes stimule la sécrétion d'insuline de manière dose-dépendante et restaure la GSIS supprimée par un inhibiteur de lipases appelé orlistat. En outre, les souris avec une inactivation du gène ABHD6 dans tous les tissus (ABHD6-KO) et celles avec une inactivation du gène ABHD6 spécifiquement dans la cellule β présentent une GSIS stimulée, et leurs îlots montrent une augmentation de la production de monoacylglycérol et de la sécrétion d'insuline en réponse au glucose. L’inhibition d’ABHD6 chez les souris diabétiques (modèle induit par de faibles doses de streptozotocine) restaure la GSIS et améliore la tolérance au glucose. De plus, les résultats montrent que les MAGs non seulement améliorent la GSIS, mais potentialisent également la sécrétion d’insuline induite par les acides gras libres ainsi que la sécrétion d’insuline induite par divers agents et hormones, sans altération de l'oxydation et l'utilisation du glucose ainsi que l'oxydation des acides gras. Nous avons démontré que le MAG se lie à la protéine d’amorçage des vésicules appelée Munc13-1 et l’active, induisant ainsi l’exocytose de l'insuline. Sur la base de ces observations, nous proposons que le 1-MAG à chaines saturées agit comme facteur de couplage métabolique pour réguler la sécrétion d'insuline et que ABHD6 est un modulateur négatif de la sécrétion d'insuline. En plus de son rôle dans les cellules bêta, ABHD6 est également fortement exprimé dans les adipocytes et son niveau est augmenté avec l'obésité. Les souris dépourvues globalement d’ABHD6 et nourris avec une diète riche en gras (HFD) montrent une faible diminution de la prise alimentaire, une diminution du gain de poids corporel et de la glycémie à jeun et une amélioration de la tolérance au glucose et de la sensibilité à l'insuline et ont une activité locomotrice accrue. En outre, les souris ABHD6-KO affichent une augmentation de la dépense énergétique et de la thermogenèse induite par le froid. En conformité avec ceci, ces souris présentent des niveaux élevés d’UCP1 dans les adipocytes blancs et bruns, indiquant le brunissement des adipocytes blancs. Le phénotype de brunissement est reproduit dans les souris soit en les traitant de manière chronique avec WWL70 (inhibiteur d’ABHD6) ou des oligonucléotides anti-sense ciblant l’ABHD6. Les tissus adipeux blanc et brun isolés de souris ABHD6-KO montrent des niveaux très élevés de 1-MAG, mais pas de 2-MAG. L'augmentation des niveaux de MAG soit par administration exogène in vitro de 1-MAG ou par inhibition ou délétion génétique d’ABHD6 provoque le brunissement des adipocytes blancs. Une autre évidence indique que les 1-MAGs sont capables de transactiver PPARα et PPARγ et que l'effet de brunissement induit par WWL70 ou le MAG exogène est aboli par les antagonistes de PPARα et PPARγ. L’administration in vivo de l’antagoniste de PPARα GW6471 à des souris ABHD6-KO inverse partiellement les effets causés par l’inactivation du gène ABHD6 sur le gain de poids corporel, et abolit l’augmentation de la thermogenèse, le brunissement du tissu adipeux blanc et l'oxydation des acides gras dans le tissu adipeux brun. L’ensemble de ces observations indique que ABHD6 régule non seulement l’homéostasie de l'insuline et du glucose, mais aussi l'homéostasie énergétique et la fonction des tissus adipeux. Ainsi, 1-MAG agit non seulement comme un facteur de couplage métabolique pour réguler la sécrétion d'insuline en activant Munc13-1 dans les cellules bêta, mais régule aussi le brunissement des adipocytes blancs et améliore la fonction de la graisse brune par l'activation de PPARα et PPARγ. Ces résultats indiquent que ABHD6 est une cible prometteuse pour le développement de thérapies contre l'obésité, le diabète de type 2 et le syndrome métabolique.

Liquidity traps, capital flows

This paper explores the role of capital flows and exchange rate dynamics in shaping the global economy's adjustment in a liquidity trap. Using a multi-country model with nominal rigidities, we shed light on the global adjustment since the Great Recession, a period where many advanced economies were pushed to the zero bound on interest rates. We establish three main results: (i) When the North hits the zero bound, downstream capital flows alleviate the recession by reallocating demand to the South and switching expenditure toward North goods. (ii) A free capital flow regime falls short of supporting efficient demand and expenditure reallocations and induces too little downstream (upstream) flows during (after) the liquidity trap. (iii) When it comes to capital flow management, individual countries' incentives to manage their terms of trade conflict with aggregate demand stabilization and global efficiency. This underscores the importance of international policy coordination in liquidity trap episodes.

Analysis of Some Single and Two Commodity Inventory Problems

This thesis is devoted to the study of some stochastic models in inventories. An inventory system is a facility at which items of materials are stocked. In order to promote smooth and efficient running of business, and to provide adequate service to the customers, an inventory materials is essential for any enterprise. When uncertainty is present, inventories are used as a protection against risk of stock out. It is advantageous to procure the item before it is needed at a lower marginal cost. Again, by bulk purchasing, the advantage of price discounts can be availed. All these contribute to the formation of inventory. Maintaining inventories is a major expenditure for any organization. For each inventory, the fundamental question is how much new stock should be ordered and when should the orders are replaced. In the present study, considered several models for single and two commodity stochastic inventory problems. The thesis discusses two models. In the first model, examined the case in which the time elapsed between two consecutive demand points are independent and identically distributed with common distribution function F(.) with mean  (assumed finite) and in which demand magnitude depends only on the time elapsed since the previous demand epoch. The time between disasters has an exponential distribution with parameter . In Model II, the inter arrival time of disasters have general distribution (F.) with mean  ( ) and the quantity destructed depends on the time elapsed between disasters. Demands form compound poison processes with inter arrival times of demands having mean 1/. It deals with linearly correlated bulk demand two Commodity inventory problem, where each arrival demands a random number of items of each commodity C1 and C2, the maximum quantity demanded being a (< S1) and b(

Implications of Government Sponsored Social Security and Welfare Schemes on Socioeconomic Status of Small Scale Marine Fisherfolk in Kerala

A socio-economic research is required as an attempt to address the socio-economic issues facing small-scale fisheries. A study of the socio economic conditions of small-scale fishermen is a prerequisite for good design and successful implementation of effective assistance Programmes. It will provide an overall pidure of the structure, activities and standards of living of small-scale fisherfolk The study is confined to the coastal districts of Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram districts. It also gives a picture of socio-economic conditions of the fisher folk in the study area. The variables that may depict the standard of living of the small-scale fisherfolk are occupational structure, family size, age structure, income, expenditure, education, housing and other social amenities. It attempts to see the asset creation of the fisherfolk with the help of government agencies, and the nature of savings and expenditure pattern of the fisherfolk. It also provides a picture of the indebtedness of the fisherfolk in the study area. The study analyses the schemes implemented by the government through its agencies, like Fisheries Department, Matsyaboard, and Matsyafed; and the awareness of fisherfolk regarding these schemes, their attitude and reactions, the extent of accessibility, and the viability of the schemes.

Targeted Public Distribution System in Food Grains:Extent of Utlization by the Tribal Population in Kerala

In India, Food Security meant supply of food grains and the medium was Public Distribution System. Public Distribution System (PDS) is a rationing mechanism that entitles households to specified quantities of selected commodities at subsidized prices. The Objectives of PDS are maintaining Price Stability, rationing during times of scarcity, welfare of the poor, and keeping a check on private trade. Kerala has registered remarkable improvement in poverty reduction in general over the years among all social sections, including scheduled caste and scheduled tribe population. As part of the structural adjustment intended to reduce public expenditure, PDS has been modified as Revamped PDS (RPDS) during 1992 and later on as Targeted PDS (TPDS) in 1997, intended to target households on the basis of income criterion, classifying people as Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL). TPDS provides 25Kg. of food gra.ins through the Fair Price Shops per month @ Rs.3/- per Kg. of rice/ wheat to the BPL category and @Rs.8.90 and Rs.6.7O for rice and wheat respectively to the APL category of people. Since TPDS is intended to target the poor people, the subsidy spent by the government for the scheme should be beneficial to the poor people and naturally they should utilize the benefits by purchasing the food grains allotted under the scheme. Several studies have shown that there is underutilization of the allotments under TPDS. Therefore, the extent of utilization of TPDS in food grains, how and why remains as a major hurdle, in improving the structure and system of PDS. Livelihood of the tribal population being under threat due to increasing degradation of the resources, the targeting system ought to be effective among the tribal population. Therefore, performance of the TPDS in food grains, in terms of the utilization by the tribal population in Kerala, impact thereof and the factors, if any, affecting proper utilization were considered as the research problem in this study. The study concentrated on the pattern of consumption of food grains by the tribal people, whether their hunger needs are met by distribution of food grains through the TPDS, extent to which TPDS in food grains reduce their share of expenditure on food in the total household expenditure, and the factors affecting the utilization of the TPDS in food grains by the tribal population. Going through the literature, it has been noted that only few studies concentrated on the utilization of TPDS in food grains among the tribal population in Kerala.The Research Design used in this study is descriptive in nature, but exploratory in some aspects. Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad have more than 60% of the population of the tribals in the state. Within the three districts mentioned above, 14 villages with scheduled tribe concentration were selected for the study. 95 tribal colonies were selected from among the various tribal settlements. Collection of primary data was made from 1231 households with in the above tribal colonies. Analysis of data on the socio-economic factors of the tribal people, pattern of food consumption, extent of reduction in the share of expenditure on food among the household expenditure of the tribal people and the impact of TPDS on the tribal families etc. and testing of hypotheses to find out the relation/association of each of the six variables, using the data on BPL and APL categories of households separately have resulted in findings such as six percent of the tribal families do not have Ration Cards, average per capita consumption of food grains by the tribal people utilizing TPDS meets 62% of their minimum requirement, whereas the per capita consumption of food grains by the tribal people is higher than the national average per capita consumption, 63% deficiency in food grains may be felt by tribal people in general, if TPDS is withdrawn, and the deficit for BPL tribal people may be 82%, TPDS facilitates a reduction of 9.71% in the food expenditure among the total household expenditure of the tribal people in general, share of food to non-food among BPL category of tribals is 55:45 and 40:60 among the APL, Variables, viz. household income, number of members in the family and distance of FPS from tribal settlements etc. have influence on the quantity of rice being purchased by the tribal people from the Fair Price Shops, and there is influence of household income and distance of FPS from tribal settlements on the quantity of rice being purchased by the tribal people from the open market. Rationing with differential pricing on phased allotments, rectification of errors in targeting, anomalies in norms and procedures for classifying tribal people as BPL/APL, exclusive Income Generation for tribal population, paddy cultivation in the landholdings possessed by the tribal people, special drive for allotment of Ration Cards to the tribal people, especially those belonging to the BPL category, Mobile Fair Price Shops in tribal settlements, ensure quality of the food grains distributed through the TPDS, distribution of wheat flour in packed condition instead of wheat through the Fair Price Shops are recommended to address the shortcomings and weaknesses of the TPDS vis-avis the tribal population in Kerala.

Sustainability of Participatory Projects: Study of Productive Sector under Peoples’ Planning in Chempu Village Panchayat of Kottayam District

The study has wider policy implications as it identifies the possible variables which influence the sustainability of participatory productive sector projects. The method which is developed to study the sustainability of projects under People’s Planning in Chempu Panchayat could be used for studying the same in other panchayats also. Unlike the case of the standard features of sustainability identified, the independent variables vary according to the nature of the project. Hence, this needs to be modified accordingly while applying the method in a dissimilar domain. Selection of a single panchayat for the present study is relevant on the basis of a common package of inputs for decentralised planning which is forwarded by the State Planning Board respectively for the three-tier panchayat system in Kerala. The dynamic filed realities could be brought out in view of a comprehensive planning approach through an in depth study of specific cases.The assessment of the nature and pattern of productive sector projects in the selected Village Panchayat puts the projects under close scrutiny. The analysis has depended largely on secondary sources of information, especially from panchayat level plan documents, and also on the primary information obtained using direct observation and on-site inspection of project sites. An analysis of the nature and pattem of productive sector projects is important as it gives all necessary information regarding follow-up, monitoring/evaluation and even termination of a particular project. It has also revealed the tendencies of including infrastructure and service sector projects under ‘productive’ category, especially for maintaining the stipulated ratio (40:30:30) of grant-in-aid distribution. The study regarding the allocation and expenditure pattern of plan funds is vital in policy level as it reveals the under-noticed allocation and expenditure pattern of plan funds other than grant-in-aid. One major limitation of the study has been the limited availability of secondary data, especially regarding project-wise expenditure and monitoring/evaluation reports of various project committees.

Socio-Economic Survey of a Specific village

This thesis Entitled Socio-Economic Survey of a Specific village.For the purpose of analysis the thesis is divided into nine chapters. The first chapter introduces the subject of study and explains the significance of the study.It also provides the profile of the village. Chapter two deals with the different aspects of agriculture in the village.Chapter three discusses the problems of industrialisation in the Village. Chapter four is on village administration. It elaborates on the services rendered by government machinery in facilitating the development of agriculture and industry in the village.Chapter five explains the ways and means of marketing of village produce, both industrial and agricultural origin. It also explains the relevance of intra village connections in facilitating marketing.Chapter seven provides information regarding the income and expenditure pattern of the village.Chapter eight is on village social life. It explains the social life of the villagers, including religious

A critical study of major construction projects in kerala vis-a-vis effectiveness in project implementation

Chapter 1 presents a brief note on the state at which the construction industry stands at present, bringing into focus the significance of the critical study. Relevance of the study, area of investigation and objectives of the study are outlined in this chapter. The 2nd chapter presents a review of the literature on the relevant areas. In the third chapter an analysis on time and cost overrun in construction highlighting the major factors responsible for it has been done. A couple of case studies to estimate loss to the nation on account of delay in construction have been presented in the chapter. The need for an appropriate estimate and a competent contractor has been emphasised for improving effectiveness in the project implementation. Certain useful equations and thoughts have been formulated on this area in this chapter that can be followed in State PWD and other Govt. organisations. Case studies on project implementation of major projects undertaken by Government sponsored/supported organizations in Kerala have been dealt with in Chapter 4. A detailed description of the project of Kerala Legislature Complex with a critical analysis has been given in this chapter. A detailed account of the investigations carried out on the construction of International Stadium, a sports project of Greater Cochin Development Authority is included here. The project details of Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, its promoters and contractors are also discussed in Chapter 4. Various aspects of implementation which led the above projects successful have been discussed in chapter 5. The data collected were analysed through discussion and perceptions to arrive at certain conclusions. The emergence of front-loaded contract and its impact on economics of the project execution are dealt with in this chapter. Analysis of delays in respect of the various project narrated in chapter 3 has been done here. The root causes of the project time and overrun and its remedial measures are also enlisted in this chapter. Study of cost and time overrun of any construction project IS a part of construction management. Under the present environment of heavy investment on construction activities in India, the consequences of mismanagement many a time lead to excessive expenditure which are not be avoidable. Cost consciousness, therefore has to be keener than ever before. Optimization in investment can be achieved by improved dynamism in construction management. The successful completion of coristruction projects within the specified programme, optimizing three major attributes of the process - quality, schedule and costs - has become the most valuable and challenging task for the engineer - managers to perform. So, the various aspects of construction management such as cost control, schedule control, quality assurance, management techniques etc. have also been discussed in this fifth chapter. Chapter 6 summarises the conclusions drawn from the above criticalr1 of rhajor construction projects in Kerala.

Personal finance of gulf-returned Keralites

The study is about the Gulf-returned Keralites and their personal financial planning during the Gulf-period. The researcher has examined the nature of their income, expenditure, savings and investments during the Gulf-period and after their return. Even though the Gulf-returned Keralites had remitted huge amounts to Kerala, it appears that the majority of them are struggling hard to make both ends meet. The sample consists of 318 Gulf-returned Keralites selected by employing stratified random sampling technique, from 5 districts. After a pilot study, the data was collected through personal interviews using a structured schedule. In order to find out whether the respondents had personal financial planning during the Gulf-period, the researcher has evaluated 15 elements of personal financeusing a five-point-scale rating technique. The hypotheses were tested using correlation, t-test, chi-square and ANOVA, through SPSS.

Personal Finance of Gazetted Officers in Kerala

The purpose of personal financial management is achievement of personal financial freedom. It is a stage where finance will not be a hindrance against the fulfilment ofthe financial objectives of persons. After counting individual values and preferences we arrive at a standard or normal financial behaviour. Even though individuals differ in their tastes and preferences, there are a very large amount of commonality among them. The financial manager should list out the various financial objectives ofthe family. Then he should make the best choice from among the various alternatives on a priority based system. In short personal finance is concerned with the way in which a person manages his income and expenditure to achieve his personal financial objectives. Thus a proper personal financial planning is essential in every family for attaining financial discipline in the family. The fall ofthejoint family system, the growing financial responsibilities of modern families, limited chance ofincreasing income, growing population, financial insecurity of the government employees, lack of financial freedom, lack of proper personal financial practice and its awareness, the growing suicide rate on account offinancial crisis etc.,make the study a necessity

Physiology of the blood of cat fishes

The vast areas of derelict swamps covered by macrophyton and swarmed by insects scattered in different parts of India are at present either under total negligence or utilized as waste disposal dumps. Eventhough Indian subcontinent is ranked among the first ten fish producing countries in the world, the fish production is not at par with the increasing need of protein in the average Indian diet. So the water areas which become unusable for conventional human activities like the swamps could be used for fish culture which would increase the availability of protein in the form of fish flesh, thus providing new opportunities to the fishermen. But the conversion of swamps for fish culture would entail considerable expenditure. Hence the significance of a group of fresh water fishes which have made their favourable abode the muddy swamps of tropics depending partly on accessory _respiration to survive in the inimical environment. The homeostasis achieved in such a hostile, hypoxic medium make them excellent choices for culture in the derelict freshwater bodies of India. These air breathing fishes form an economically important group which are highly esteemed as food fishes in many parts of South Asia and Africa. Though their natural habitat seems to be the marshes, they have also conquered other freshwater bodies like ponds, tanks, rivers and flooded paddy fields. They can also tolerate slightly brackish waters. They are known for their nutritive, invigorating and therapeutic qualities and are recommended by physicians as diet during convalescence (Jhingran, 1982)

Centre-State Financial Flows and Inter—State Disparities in India

The problem of regional disparities in economic development is for India an inheritance from the colonial past. At the beginning of the First Five Year Plan (1950-51), three years after the advent of independence, the per capita State income showed considerable inter—state variations.

A Case Study Of The Finance Of Selected Panchayats In Ernakulam District

The objectives of the present study are to inquire into the financial aspects of the selected Panchayats in Ernakulam district; , to analyse the income and expenditure pattern of selected and ‘District Panchayats'16 during 1969-70 through 1983-84; , to suggest the steps to be taken by the Panchayat for the proper utilisation of resources and for increasing the availability of resources; to suggest the additional sources of revenue for the Panchayats

Short-Term Load Forecast Of A Low Loadfactor Power System For Optimization Of Merit Order Dispatch Using Adaptive Learning Algorithm

Short term load forecasting is one of the key inputs to optimize the management of power system. Almost 60-65% of revenue expenditure of a distribution company is against power purchase. Cost of power depends on source of power. Hence any optimization strategy involves optimization in scheduling power from various sources. As the scheduling involves many technical and commercial considerations and constraints, the efficiency in scheduling depends on the accuracy of load forecast. Load forecasting is a topic much visited in research world and a number of papers using different techniques are already presented. The accuracy of forecast for the purpose of merit order dispatch decisions depends on the extent of the permissible variation in generation limits. For a system with low load factor, the peak and the off peak trough are prominent and the forecast should be able to identify these points to more accuracy rather than minimizing the error in the energy content. In this paper an attempt is made to apply Artificial Neural Network (ANN) with supervised learning based approach to make short term load forecasting for a power system with comparatively low load factor. Such power systems are usual in tropical areas with concentrated rainy season for a considerable period of the year