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Proton radiotherapy (PRT) is associated with fewer late effects compared to photon radiotherapy (PHT) in selected survivors of childhood cancers. While PRT is more costly upfront, the reduction in long-term morbidity is expected to provide cost recovery to healthcare systems. We use real-world data (RWD) to compare physician claims and discharge abstract database (DAD) data in a cohort of pediatric patients receiving PRT or PHT. Using the Alberta Health Services (AHS) pediatric database, we identified those receiving radiotherapy (RT) between 2010 and 2022, inclusive, who met AHS guidelines for PRT referral to the United States. Patient demographics including follow-up time from RT start dates were determined. Data from the Alberta Pediatric Cancer Survivors cohort was abstracted including physician claims and DAD data after completion of RT. Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) data was accessed to determine hospitalization costs per day for the year of admission. Univariate analysis was performed using the t-test at a significance level of 0.05. Records for 228 children were identified: 35 patients (15.4%) received PRT and 193 patients received PHT (84.7%). Median follow-up (FU) from RT was not different in children treated with PRT (6.34 years, IQR 5.16 years) and PHT (6.45 years, IQR 7.28 years, p = 0.509). The mean number of outpatient visits was lower following PRT (114.0, SD 94.5) vs PHT (179.0, SD 201.5, p = 0.005). Regarding inpatient hospitalizations, the mean length of stay (LOS) was lower after PRT (30.7 days, SD 30.2) vs PHT (52 days, SD 56.9, p = 0.017). We compared the cost of hospitalization 60 days post RT for the PRT and PHT groups. As patients receiving PRT received care of country, we 60 days post RT represented a time both groups would be eligible to receive care at home. The mean cost of hospitalization for the PRT group 60 days post RT was $5337.57 (SD = $7919.88). Comparatively the mean cost of hospitalization 60 days post RT for the photon group was $7053.25 (SD = $15.751.83). The trend towards higher cost of hospitalization seen for the PHT was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). PRT is associated with reduced outpatient physician visits and LOS after completion of RT compared to PHT using RWD. With reductions in LOS, there is potential cost savings with a lower mean cost of hospitalization 60 days post RT seen in the PRT group. While this trend did not reach statistical significance, small numbers of patients were represented in the PRT group. Assessment of claims cost and hospitalization costs over the entire follow-up period for this cohort of patients is planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the residual value of tractors is imperative for comprehensive cost analyses within the agricultural machinery sector. Despite numerous studies offering various models and independent variables, the double square root regression approach, originally developed by Cross and Perry and adapted by ASABE for North American contexts, has been widely utilized. However, factors such as the complexity of OEM portfolios, steep price increases due to compliance with diesel emission regulations, and limited data availability in Europe and its market specificities necessitate improvements in predictive accuracy. This study evaluates different tractor cohort alternatives beyond engine horsepower to enhance predictive robustness. Incorporating brand and powertrain type alongside engine power significantly improved model performance and exhibited the strongest robustness, as evidenced by reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) and increased R-squared values. These findings contribute to the refinement of tractor residual value estimation models, offering valuable insights for stakeholders in the agricultural machinery industry.

Supply chain resilience (SCRES) refers to the ability of a supply chain (SC) to both resist disruptions and recover its operational capability after disruptions. This paper presents a simulation model that includes network structural properties in the analysis of SCRES. This simulation model extends an existing graph model to consider operational behaviours in order to capture disruption-recovery dynamics. Through structural analysis of a supply chain network (SCN), mitigation strategies are designed to build redundancy, while contingency strategies are developed to prioritise recovery of the affected SCN. SCRES indexes are proposed by sampling SC performance measures of disruption for each plant and aggregating the measures based on the criticality of the plants in the SCN. The applicability of this simulation model is demonstrated in a real-world case study of different disruption scenarios. The application of mitigation and contingency strategies is shown to both improve recovery and reduce the total costs associated with disruptions. Through such simulation-based analysis, firms can gain insight into the SCRES of their existing SCNs and identify suitable strategies to improve SCRES by considering recovery time and costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic materials are usually processed toward C5 and C6 corresponding sugars. Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) is a pretreatment method to solubilize hemicellulose to sugars such xylose without degrading cellulose. However, this pretreatment has not been compared to other processes. Thus, this paper focuses on the techno-economic comparison of the C5–C6 production of C5–C6 as raw materials platforms using non-centrifuged sugarcane bagasse (NCSB) and Pinus patula wood chips (PP). Hydrolysates using TFA 2.5 M as an acid were characterized through HPLC regarding arabinose, galactose glucose, xylose, and mannose sugars. Then, simulations of the processes according to the experimental results were done. The economic assessment was performed, and compared with some common pretreatments. The mass and energy balances of the simulations indicate that the process can be compared with other pretreatments. From the economic perspective, the main operating expenditures (OpEx) are related to raw materials and capital depreciation due to the cost of TFA corrosion issues. The processes showed a CapEx and OpEx of 0.99 MUSD and 6.59 M-USD/year for NCSB, and 0.97 MUSD and 4.37 MUSD/year for PP, considering a small-scale base (1 ton/h). TFA pretreatment is innovative and promising from a techno-economic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asset management in Indonesia still poses problems in terms of securing state-owned property. These concerns make it difficult for analysts to predict laboratory equipment depreciation. Therefore, this research aims to create a new model to address this issue. Additionally, to support laboratory managers in gaining insights, a technology-based framework in the form of a laboratory equipment depreciation prediction model has been developed. A new model has been created in this research, which integrates supervised learning models with linear regression algorithms, and subsequently employs a waterfall system development approach. The testing results of the model for predicting laboratory equipment depreciation showed a high level of accuracy, reaching 93%. Furthermore, the comparison between the prediction model and the laboratory equipment data tested directly by technicians demonstrated an accuracy rate of 100%. Finally, the numerical results demonstrate that our framework provides a valuable solution to the difficulties in predicting laboratory equipment depreciation, offering an innovative and practical approach to laboratory equipment maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires a transformation of capital assets in the economy, especially those for energy supply. This paper explores the hypothesis that economically efficient decarbonization occurs when the demand for fossil fuels declines at the same rate as their capital assets depreciate. In theory this means that new investments in fossil fuel assets are avoided, but without incurring stranded assets. We examine the practicality of this hypothesis using a biophysical economic model of the US energy supply system, with an example focused on impacts of electric vehicles on the petroleum supply chain. We specifically address two questions: (1) What rate of market penetration for electric vehicles is necessary to avoid investments in the petroleum‐related assets? (2) How do the costs of upstream capital assets change with the transformation to electric vehicles? High annual depreciation rates for oil refineries (δ = 9.47%) and assets for crude oil extraction (δ = 8.23%) have important impacts on results. To avoid new investment in oil refining assets through widespread electrification of light‐duty vehicles, the vehicle stock would need to be transformed in just 4 or 5 years. Under most scenarios, some petroleum pipelines will likely become stranded assets due to their low rate of depreciation (δ = 2.48%). In some scenarios, additional investments in wind and solar power generation surpass oil and gas extraction for about 5 years during the transformation to electric vehicles. Once built, however, wind and solar capital assets last longer, as shown by their low rate of depreciation (δ = 3.26%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Turkish lira has depreciated by 200% between 2012 and 2022. We investigate how exchange rates affect Turkish imports and exports. Nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag results indicate that appreciations during appreciation episodes increase imports and exports but exchange rate changes during depreciation periods frequently do not affect trade. These responses are inconsistent with the predictions of the imperfect substitutes model and the dominant currency pricing model. Rather, they are consistent with models where firms need to import inputs in order to export and where appreciations ease credit constraints that firms face when they must borrow in foreign currencies to purchase inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the consequences of adopting a new accrual-based relief mechanism on private firms' borrowing capacity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian government implemented a temporary change in accounting rules that allowed firms to suspend up to the entire amount of their depreciation and amortisation charges. Using a sample of Italian firms from 2018 to 2021 and a difference-in-differences model, we show that the depreciation and amortisation suspension policy (DASP) adopters, compared to non-adopters, access larger loans and negotiate a lower cost of debt than in the pre-DASP period. Our results are robust to additional tests for potential endogeneity and confounding factors such as earnings management and the adoption of other accounting-based relief mechanisms. We provide evidence that accrual-based relief mechanisms have real economic effects and are effective measures to support firms in managing a systemic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing is the property of Editorial Department of Petroleum Geology & Oilfield Development in Daqing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The highest rate of inflation was observed as countries faced increasing prices for food and energy, primarily due to supply disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In such challenging times, interest rate-based monetary policy remains an important issue for fighting inflation. From a policy perspective, central banks all over the globe tighten their monetary policy stance to cool inflation. Arguably, Turkey opted for an ultra-lose monetary policy via very low interest rates in response to high inflation. Drawing on the Turkish experience, we tackle the evolution of the Turkish central bank's operations in the face of high inflation, providing further details on how ultra-loose monetary policy implementation can be extremely challenging in a highly inflationary economy. We extend the existing body of literature by employing the time-varying Granger causality model proposed by Shi et al. (J Time Ser Anal 39:966–987,2018; J Financ Econom 18:158–180, 2020). Using monthly data (2005:01 to 2022:01), we examine the links between interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates to detect possible changes across various time horizons. The major finding of this study explores the significant episodes of causality by detecting the origination date of causality starting from 2018 toward 2021. This finding confirms that August 2018 and its repercussions on the sharp currency depreciation and high Turkish inflation are pivotal moments to understand the nature of Turkey's economic growth model and the impact of monetary policy in the ongoing economic crisis that hit Turkey harder. Our results reveal that a poorly managed country's interest rate decisions can be disastrous for the exchange rate movements and inflation dynamics, whereas the conclusion is that there are limits to what central banks can do. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary studies overlooked the importance of the financial crisis in the asymmetric transmission of financial market shocks to FX market returns. Moreover, existing studies also concentrated on the response of aggregate equity market returns to the forex market returns rather than the vice versa asymmetric effect for the ASEAN-5 region. We utilised the panel based ARDL and NARDL framework using pooled mean group method for conducting this study. There are 415 observations spanning the pre-crisis period of January 2001 to December 2007. Furthermore, 595 and 1135 observations are taken into consideration when post-recessionary, and overall sampling periods of January 2010 to December 2019 and January 2001 to December 2019 are considered, correspondingly. Overall, the findings indicated that in the short run, only negative equity market returns caused depreciation in the local currencies of ASEAN-5 member countries during the pre-crisis period, whereas only positive shocks during the post-crisis regime appreciated the local currencies of ASEAN-5 member countries. Furthermore, only longer-term negative financial market shocks contribute to post-crisis local currency deflation in the ASEAN-5 member nations. This demonstrates that investors and exporters must consider the importance of the particulate crisis period when formulating forward currency arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing equipment at the most economical time not only helps to save state transportation agencies (STAs) costs for operating the fleet but also keeps the fleet's level of service at an optimal level. Prior research studies focused on developing alternative economic-oriented equipment replacement models rather than the equivalent annual cost (EAC) model to achieve better economic decisions. In addition, various optimization techniques were applied to equipment replacement problems with different objectives, constraints, and contexts. However, few studies examined the impact of depreciation estimation on the equipment replacement decision within STAs by minimizing total equipment cost over a finite study period using the dynamic programming optimization method. This study performed a case study of two class codes of equipment [1.5 m3 (2-yd) diesel engine front-end loaders and 0.453 t (half-ton) fleetside pickup trucks] to analyze the impact of different depreciation calculations on equipment replacement decisions. Using real-world data provided by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the study showed that the double-declining balance depreciation method substantially reduces the number of pieces of equipment recommended for replacement compared with the result of the straight-line depreciation method. This study contributes to the understanding of the impact of depreciation methods on equipment replacement decisions as well as the importance of properly estimating equipment depreciation to minimize the equipment costs over a designated study period among STA communities. The demonstrated manual calculation procedures of dynamic programming for cost optimization potentially may facilitate STA's adoption of dynamic programming for equipment economic decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of steam injection development of heavy oil, due to the serious heterogeneity and interference of steam channeling in the high-permeability layer, there is a lot of oily sludge in the produced liquid of oil wells, which is difficult to deal with. According to existing profile control technology and the related properties of oily sludge, a profile control system was developed by using oily sludge as the main agent and by adding other additives. At the same time, the properties of sludge, the matching relationship between the particle size of sludge and the formation of pore roar, the temperature resistance, the plugging ability, and other contents were studied. The agent featured an adjustable curing time (3 to 300 h) and resistance to pressures greater than 6 MPa and temperatures greater than 350 °C. After the agent was injected into the high-permeability steam channeling, the system was cemented with the formation rock and the sealing rate was more than 85%, without any damage to the low- and medium-permeability layers. According to the different characteristics of the production well and steam injection well, the construction technology was optimized, the oily sludge profile control technology suitable for heavy oil reservoirs was formed, and the field test was carried out. At present, more than 150 wells have been used in the field, with a cumulative oil increase of 10,756 tons. The technology not only solves the environmental pollution caused by oily sludge but also reduces the cost of thermal recovery of heavy oil, with great significance for improving the final recovery efficiency and commercial benefits of the oilfield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PURPOSE of the present development is to analyze and evaluate costs by branch in agriculture and to propose approaches for their minimization in order to increase the financial results in the sector. On the basis of available statistical information and applied theoretical statements, a METHOD was chosen for the analysis of the return on costs related to the level and dynamics of cost-type profitability. The RESULTS of the analysis make it possible to determine the most efficient production on the basis of an optimal "profit-cost" ratio, with a focus on minimizing costs in the separate areas in agriculture. The CONCLUSION is related to finding a cause-and-effect relationship between the components of cost profitability, which is the basis for specific recommendations and opportunities to increase its level. In this regard, profit is considered as the main, but not the only factor for the growth of profitability in the agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been well documented in the current literature to improve healthcare outcomes by decreasing length of stay, resource utilization, and morbidity without increasing readmission rates or complications. This subsequently leads to a net decrease in hospital costs. However, the initial costs of implementing such a program have not been well described, which is crucial information for hospitals with less resources. The aim of this study was to provide a cohesive review of the current literature for the costs of implementing a colorectal surgery ERAS protocol. Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted on five databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, PROSPERO, PubMed, and Cochrane) with the assistance of a professional librarian. All relevant English articles published between 1995 and June 2021 were screened for eligibility prior to inclusion in the review. Cost data were converted to US dollars based on the exchange rate at the end time of the study period for standardization. Results: Seven studies were included for review. The studies evaluated a range of 50–1295 patients through their respective ERAS programs, which were followed for 5 to 22 months. ERAS implementation costs ranged from $57 to $1536 per patient. Components for each ERAS program varied for each study, but ultimately, the greatest costs were attributed to personnel. Conclusions: Despite data heterogeneity and inconsistencies between cost breakdowns, a majority of the implementation cost was found to be secondary to personnel. This review demonstrates the need for a more standardized approach for reporting ERAS implementation costs through an open database as well as a potential streamlining of the ERAS protocol to facilitate implementation in institutions with less financial resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines asymmetric and the lag effects of oil price, gas price, and exchange rate on stock performance of the Malaysian oil and gas sub-industries. Using company-level data and multi factor asset pricing models, this study found that oil price, gas price, exchange rate, and common systematic risk factors such as market, size, and book-to-market have significant effects on the stock performance of Malaysian oil and gas sub-industries, but these exposures remain heterogeneous. Oil price and exchange rate show strong asymmetrical impacts on stock performance when decomposed into oil price increases (decreases) and exchange rate depreciation (appreciation). Increases in oil price and exchange rate depreciation have a greater impact on stock performance of oil and gas industry than decreases in oil price and exchange rate appreciation. Oil price, gas price, and exchange rate exhibit lag effects on the performance of oil and gas stocks. The findings have important asset pricing implications for profitable investment and portfolio strategies based on oil and gas risk factors for oil-exporting country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: There is increasing focus on physician burnout, psychiatric problems, and substance use disorders. Costs of recovery for physicians enrolled in Physician Health Programs (PHPs) remain unexamined with little known regarding funding resources. We sought to elucidate perceived costs of recovery from impairing conditions and highlight resources for financial strain. Methods: This survey study was distributed by the Federation of State Physician Health Organizations via e‐mail to 50 PHPs in 2021. Questions assessed perceptions of costs and ability to pay for recommended evaluation, treatment, and monitoring. Questions also assessed limitation of engagement due to financial concerns, and availability of financial resources. Results: Complete responses were received from 40 of 50 eligible PHPs. The majority (78%) of responding PHPs assessed ability to pay at initial intake evaluation. There is notable financial strain on physicians, particularly those earliest in training, to pay for services. Discussion and Conclusions: PHPs are vital to physicians, especially physicians‐in‐training, as "safe haven programs." Methods to financially assist through PHPs included fee deferrals, sliding scale fees, and fee forgiveness. Health insurance, medical schools, and hospitals were able to provide additional assistance. Scientific Significance: Because burnout, mental health, and substance use disorders are high stakes amongst physicians, it is critical that access to PHPs is available, destigmatized, and affordable. Our paper focuses specifically on the financial cost of recovery, the financial burden placed on PHP participants, a topic lacking in the literature, and highlights remedies and vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to examine the determinants of the exchange rate based on the portfolio balance model. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL), we empirically evaluate the effect of private net foreign assets and the traditional factors affecting the exchange rate dynamics in Mexico from 1990-2019. The main results suggest that: i) the portfolio approach constitutes a consistent system to explain the behavior of the exchange rate; ii) an increase in economic activity and interest rate differentials triggers an appreciation of the exchange rate; iii) an increase in the inflation gap and private net foreign assets causes a depreciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the epideictic practices Chicana rhetors use to reclaim the figure of Malintzin, a woman cast as a promiscuous traitor for her role in the Spanish conquest. Since the figure of la Malinche was used to shame Chicana feminists as the traitors of the Chicano movement, Chicanas responded by first rejecting the narrative of la Malinche through rhetorical delinking, reframing her story with the use of amplification and depreciation, and finally reclaiming Malintzin as an aspirational symbol for Chicana feminists. Chicana epideictic makes a political argument about the value and worth of Chicana feminists by praising the Malintzin figure. Chicana epideictic challenges and celebrates community values and blurs the line between epideictic and deliberative rhetoric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify the variables responsible the methodological differences that cause incompatibilities in the EBITDA disclosed by the companies listed on B3, related to errors in data collection and undue changes in the formula by the reconciliation issuers. Methodology: Application of descriptive statistics on a sample of 35 entities that disclosed the incompatible EBITDA for 2018, observing the behavior of the indicator's variables in the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Results: The most common calculation errors occurred when collecting data from the financial statements. The variable that most impacted erroneously calculated values was related to depreciation, amortization and depletion. It is concluded that, even with the standardization of the disclosure of EBITDA by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Brazil as of 2012, errors in the calculation of this indicator are still common, which reinforces the need for practical studies that verify the conformity of these companies' non-GAAP disclosures. Contributions of the Study: Considering that non-GAAP performance measures, such as EBITDA, are disseminated worldwide among investors and analysts to analyze corporate results, such measures are at risk of error and manipulation by the issuers' managers. In this sense, the study contributed in the practical sphere because it demonstrated which errors companies effectively made when calculating and demonstrating their EBITDA reconciliations. In addition, it bridges an academic gap concerning the methodology for calculating EBITDA, since even with the growing literature related to non-GAAP disclosures, the method of calculating the indicator has received low attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anáhuac Journal is the property of Universidad Anahuac del Sur S.C. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With the invasion of russian troops on the territory of Ukraine, the NBU faced the task of preventing the depreciation of the national currency, avoiding panic, and ensuring the stability of the banking system. This was achieved, in particular, due to anti-crisis monetary measures. The regulator was promptly making the necessary decisions, the review of which and the assessment of their effectiveness in the paradigm of the economy of war this study is devoted to. The set of tools of anti-crisis monetary management, prerequisites, factors and features of their application in the conditions of a fullscale military invasion are reviewed. A comparative-dynamic analysis of the main monetary indicators was conducted, which showed their manageability and relative stability. It’s proved that the main inflationary trend in Ukraine is characterized by uncertainty, formed under the influence of non-monetary factors of a subjective nature, which are outside the influence of monetary policy. These and other non-market factors provoked a reduction in international reserves and instability in the foreign exchange market. NBU reacted by introducing pre-emptive currency restrictions. It was determined that in order to avoid panic in the foreign exchange market, the NBU made such important and prompt decisions as fixing the exchange rate, introducing the necessary restrictions on the purchase of foreign currency and cross-border currency transactions, restricting withdrawal of funds from foreign currency accounts, providing the possibility of exchanging cash hryvnias abroad. To avoid uncontrolled devaluation and capital outflow, the NBU supported the foreign exchange market with interventions. Anti-crisis measures aimed at maintaining the liquidity of the banking system were analysed, including operations with certificates of deposit and government bonds, which in the conditions of martial law don't always achieve the goals of ensuring financial stability. These and other measures helped the regulator maintain the banking system's overall stability and uninterrupted operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigación Económica is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Facultad de Economia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Economica is the property of University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Economics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We study the transmission of exchange rate shocks in the Turkish interbank loan market using high-frequency bank-level data. Our results suggest that interbank market plays a stabilizing role: following large domestic currency depreciations, banks with a higher share of foreign currency liabilities borrow more in the interbank market, with a higher but insignificant effect on borrowing costs. The results are stronger the larger the exchange rate shock is and the lower the capital adequacy or liquidity ratios of borrower banks. Interbank markets play a weaker stabilizing role for banks with higher short-term rollover risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a vast sense, economy is a medium of products distribution and exchange of goods or services by different agents. Demand and supply issues for goods and services lead societies to plan market-based economics. The main goal of marketbased economics is to balance demand and supply, known as the general equilibrium. Mathematical economy paves the way to verify the existence, uniqueness, and algorithms for computing the equilibria. Differential geometries prefer to visualize the shape of the equilibrium manifold, i.e., the set of pairs of prices and endowments such that the aggregate excess demand function is equal to zero. Balasko had shown if the equilibrium price is unique for every economy, the price is constant, and the curvature is zero. Moreover, Loi and Matta generalized it in the form that for two commodities and an arbitrary number of agents, if the curvature of E (r), which is equilibrium manifold with fixed total resources r, is zero, there is the uniqueness of equilibrium for every economy. The general equilibrium condition is also must be held in a flea market, in which all kinds of goods are in their depreciated form. By definition, depreciation is the decline in the value of an asset over time due to different factors such as usage, wear, and tear and obsolescence, which is a significant concept that must be considered when pricing an item for sale. One reason why depreciation must be considered is that, if it is not, businesses would have an unrealistic and distorted estimation of their assets. Consequently, their estimation of the depreciation period net profit in the book value (B.V) will be inaccurate. In turn, the amount of tax a company needs to pay may exceed the original amount as the losses are not considered accurately. Here, to calculate the incurred losses due to depreciation, we consider the current value of the original price paid for the item, considering the interest rate and different depreciation periods. This matter yields the current value of the item to be sold and, comparing it with the current value of its original price lets us understand whether selling the price is to the benefit of the seller or not. Parametrization of depreciation and curvature Imagine in the flea market there are rfixed total depreciated resources and m consumers, and according to equilibrium theory, the supply and demand in this market must be equal. So by assuming l = m = 2 we have, B(r) = {(s(t), w1 (t), w2(t)) | f1(s(t), w1(t)) + f2(s(t), w2(t)) = r(t)}, and the equilibrium manifold be formed as below E(r) = {(s(t), w1¹ w1²) | f1¹(s(t), s(t)w1¹+w1²) = f2¹ (s(t), s(t) (r1-w1²) + r2 - w1²) = r1}. The monetary value of an asset decreases over time due to use, wear, and tear, or obsolescence and straight-line depreciation is formulated as follows, DJ = J/N (p - s) where Nis the expected life of the equipment, sis the salvage value of the equipment at the end of each depreciation period, and pis the price of equipment at the early stage when it had been bought. The B.V of good is the difference between the initial cost and the depreciation cost at the end of depreciation periods which is formulated as follow, (1).B.VJ = p - J/N (p - s) The significant matter to focus on is that we must find the present value of the money that is paid for that equipment J periods of depreciation ago and compare it with a salvage value of the equipment at the moment t. To do that, we must make use of the compound amount formula, w = p(1+i)J, (2) which iis the interest rate. Now we rewrite Eq. (2) as, w(t) = w(t-J)(1 + i)J, (3) and at the end, by having Eq. (3) as an assumption, we can reform Eq. (1) as follows, B.VJ = w(t) - J/W(w(t) – s(t)). Here we construct a parametrization by using time and depreciation periods. ∅(t,J) = (s(t),J,w(t) - J/N (w(t) - s(t))). We assume the salvage value of equipment at the end of depreciation periods must be vanished, s(t)t=N = 0, and the depreciation periods which has passed must be less than total life of equipment, J < N, thus, w(t) - J/N (w(t) - s(t)) = 0, w(t) = λs(t), whichλ > 1 and λ = J/N-J. The goal of this paper is to realize whether selling a used item is to benefit. We need to compare the current value of the original price paid for the product, due to the interest rate, with its price in a flea market as a used item and also the uniqueness of the price of depreciated goods by using the zero curvature in a flea market in general equilibrium conditions. Here also, we have calculated Ricci and Gaussian curvature by using the relation between these curvatures in the second fundamental form that we have constructed. We collect the mathematical economy aspect of general equilibrium in its differential geometry and topological view. Moreover we have parametrized the depreciation due to general equilibrium condition assumptions. In order to show the uniqueness of price of depreciated good s(t), by using that if 1 = 2, a necessary and sufficient condition for q unique equilibrium price is that the curvature of E (r) must be vanished. Results and discussion We consider the unit tangent sphere bundle of a Riemannian manifold (M. g) as a (2n+1) dimensional manifold, and then we equip that to the g-natural metric. Considering the associated metric of this metric, we define an almost contact B-metric structure on the unit tangent sphere bundle, and by using the coefficients of the structural tensors and the relevant classification for such structures, we attempt to classify the unit tangent sphere bundle equipped to this structure, and we prove that the non-zero coefficients of structure tensor F belong to the class F1⊕F4. Conclusion The following conclusions are obtained from this research. In this paper, using the initial definitions and assumptions of general equilibrium theory, and differential geometry, we have provided a new parametrization for depreciation, based on equilibrium condition and the book value formula. Therefore, in equilibrium condition, the curvature vanishes, and thus we obtain w(t) = s(t) + c. We know that w(t)is present value of the amount originally paid for the item and s(t) is the current price of depreciated item in flea market. Comparing these two values, considering the equilibrium conditions, if w(t) > s(t), c must be less than zero, which means we have lost money by selling this item. And if w(t) < s(t), cmust be greater than zero, which means we have profited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the role of lifelong learning in counteracting skill depreciation and obsolescence. We differentiate between occupations with more hard skills versus more soft skills and draw on representative job advertisement data that contain machine‐learning categorized skill requirements and cover the Swiss job market in great detail across occupations (from 1950 to 2019). We examine lifelong learning effects for "harder" versus "softer" occupations, thereby analyzing the role of training in counteracting skill depreciation in occupations that are differently affected by skill depreciation. Our results reveal novel empirical patterns regarding the benefits of lifelong learning, which are consistent with theoretical explanations based on structurally different skill depreciation rates: In harder occupations, with large shares of fast‐depreciating hard skills, the role of lifelong learning is primarily as a hedge against unemployment risks rather than a boost to wages. By contrast, in softer occupations, in which workers build on more value‐stable soft‐skill foundations, the role of lifelong learning instead lies mostly in acting as a boost for upward career mobility and leads to larger wage gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost segregation study is a tax planning strategy employed to optimize cash flow by redefining real estate assets as personal property and land improvement, enabling accelerated tax depreciation. However, conventional cost segregation practices suffer from limitations, such as time-consuming procedures and high associated costs, which hinder their effectiveness. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents an innovative strategy that integrates Building Information Modelling (BIM) to develop an automated cost segregation system. The research aims to optimize the workflow by developing a BIM model and using 5D BIM to perform a cost segregation study by categorizing building elements under a Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). This workflow aims at minimizing the time and financial resources expended with traditional methodologies. The proposed workflow enables precise identification and separate depreciation of building components, resulting in significant tax deductions that would otherwise be unattainable. The results indicate that performing cost segregation with BIM leads to a significant increase in depreciation amounts, particularly during the initial six years, while also raising the net present value of depreciation by 45%. The integration of BIM technology facilitates effective management and sharing of cost segregation data among stakeholders, enhancing collaboration and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Owners can optimize cost management and financial planning, identifying tax-saving opportunities and improving cash flow. General Contractors (GCs) can leverage the system during the bidding process, enhancing their competitiveness and project acquisition potential. Future research can explore the integration of cost segregation modules from BIM with asset management tools, enabling improved facility and fiscal management of building components. Such integration holds promise for enhancing the construction and real estate industry's overall efficiency and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper investigates the impact of US economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on major crude oil markets. GARCH-tDDC-Copula model is constructed to study the spillover effect of US EPU on the international crude oil market risk, and then the median-CoVaR portfolio model is constructed to discuss the optimal portfolio strategy of crude oil importers when US EPU is in different states. Results show that the spillover effect of US EPU on international crude oil market risk is nonlinear, asymmetric and time-varying. When US EPU increases from the average level to the 0.95 quantile level, the price reduction risk of crude oil market in Brent, Dubai and Western Texas increases by 37.26%, 42.66%, and 39.28% respectively, and the price increase risk increases by 7.22%, 6.64%, and 7.53% respectively. Compared with the median-VaR portfolio strategy and the equal-weight combination portfolio strategy, the advantage of the median-CoVaR model is that it can achieve 'targeted' management for asset risk under specific conditions. When US EPU peak occurs, crude oil importers can formulate a basket price strategies with dynamic weighted based on the median-CoVaR model, which can better reduce the depreciation risk of crude oil assets. The findings have important implications for importers and investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the impact of exchange rate changes on the trade balance of China and its major trading partners. In the past, many studies have been focussed on the linear effect of exchange rate change, but in this paper, a non-linear Autoregressive Distribution Lag (NARDL) model is proposed. Empirical results show that there are nonlinear and asymmetric effects on the trade balance of exchange rate. In particular, the effect of exchange rate appreciation on Sino-US trade balance is more significant than that of depreciation. A genuine devaluation of the domestic currency would improve the balance of the domestic trade. However, the opposite effect is found in the case of Sino-Japan and the Euro, and the depreciation of the currency will make the trade balance worse. These results provide a solid basis for understanding the relation of exchange rate variation and trade balance. In terms of economic reality, it is also a useful reference for adjusting exchange rate and commercial policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the oil recovery efficiency of ASP (alkali-surfactant-polymer) flooding, lipopeptide surfactant was added into ASP to form a new system (LASP). Core flooding experiments and field pilots suggested that LASP can achieve better oil recovery with lower costs. To determine the synergistic effects of the LASP system, a series of pore-scale flooding experiments were performed to quantify the displacement and sweep efficiencies of the LASP system and its main components independently. The results suggested that the petroleum sulfonate tends to improve displacement efficiency (by 21.1%) and the polymer tends to widen the effective sweep area (by 14.2%). While lipopeptide improved both oil displacement efficiency (31.2%) and sweep efficiency (10.2%) depending on the oil emulsification. Their mixture, that is; LASP, reached a higher displacement (42.1%) and sweep efficiency (12.9%) that depended on synergistic effects between the components. For instance, the bio- and chemical surfactants and the polymer synergistically improved the stability and deformability of oil emulsion, which reduce flow resistance and then improve displacement efficiency. However, the throat-blocking mechanism, which expanded sweep area during lipopeptide flooding, no longer existed in the LASP system. Nevertheless, the LASP system can depend on high viscosity of polymer to effectively expand sweep area. Oil recovery in the LASP system is more than the sum of the mechanism of each component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing robustness of cyber-physical system under cascading failures still remains to be an important problem. In this paper, we propose a novel coupled model with the process of cascading failure, the DC power flow model and sequential bus/branch recovery in the interdependent power-communication network. Then, we adopt the Q-learning algorithm to search out the optimal recovery sequence with the minimal number of recovery times. By comparing the recovery costs of sequential bus recovery and sequential branch recovery, it is found that the strategy of branch recovery requires less recovery cost. Besides, we have also compared the performance of Q-learning-based branch recovery strategy with those of several other topology-related branch recovery strategies. Experimental results show that the Q-learning-based algorithm can effectively find the optimal sequence of branch recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Downstream processing is a significant part of a production process and accounts for 50–90% of the production cost of biotechnological products. Post-fermentation localization of a microbial metabolite contributes significantly to the recovery cost of the product. Enterobacter cloacae produced naturally, acidic lipase with a 0.023:1 extracellular localization ratio. This research aimed to re-direct the localization of lipase to the extracellular milieu to reduce recovery costs using multi-objective response surface optimization (MO-RSM). The approach resulted in a 1:0.32 extracellular: intracellular lipase ratio, with product formation kinetics of Luedeking-Piret function showing a significant switch from a completely growth-associated intracellular production to a predominantly non-growth-associated extracellular localization. The enzyme was purified by an aqueous two-phase system which extracted 95.22% lipase with 72.36 purity. Characterization of the enzyme showed a molecular weight of 55.7 kDa, kcat of 68.59 s−1, and a Km of 0.63 mmol. Lipase activity occurred optimally at pH 2.5–3.5 and 50 °C, and was stable in most organic solvents tested. The acidic lipase demonstrated pH-dependent enantioselective esterification in resolving (R, S)-ibuprofen (E = 14, pH 4.5) and (R, S)-Naproxen (E = 13, pH 2.5), with an enantioselective preference for (S)-enantiomer in both drugs thus underpinning its potential for pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to the more typical monthly series, Reserve Bank of Australia data offer a high frequency window into central bank actions following the onset of the pandemic. Daily observations demonstrate not only the absolute size of the Reserve Bank's open market purchases but also a dramatic increase in the conditional variance identified under GARCH estimation. Regression analysis and impulse response functions reveal significant monetary policy responses to government support measures and exchange rate movements against the US dollar. Notwithstanding its overall highly expansionary monetary policy, the Reserve Bank appears to have tempered the pace of its open market purchases when either the government policy response intensified or currency depreciation increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Net importing countries are very susceptible to changes in the value of their currency. Pakistan, being a small open economy, faces a constant pressure in its current account and BOP, which leads to unavoidable stress on its exchange rate. Exchange rate movements affect the cost of imports directly which have been studied extensively in empirical literature. However, these studies ignore the possibility of asymmetric effects of exchange rate and its impact on import demand in Pakistan. An appreciation in exchange rate may have a different impact on demand for imports than depreciations depending upon the level of rigidity in consumer preferences as well as the availability of substitutes for consumer goods, capital goods and raw materials. We use quarterly data of Pakistan's consumer goods, capital goods and raw material imports from 2005:Q1 to 2018:Q4 and employ a relatively recent econometric methodology, namely, Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) technique. The results confirm the existence of asymmetric impact of exchange rate in the long-run. The appreciation of currency has more pronounced impact in increasing imports relative to the depreciation of it in decreasing imports. There are further differences of this effect within imports across consumer goods, capital goods and raw materials. We present policy implications of this asymmetric effect of exchange rate on disaggregated consumer imports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the financial model and valuation of Kyoka Motors' 2S car dealership. Topics discussed include the challenges and opportunities in the automobile industry in Pakistan, the company background of Kyoka Motors, and the development of a business plan for the new 2S dealership, including financial projections and budgeting.

Copyright of Review of African Political Economy is the property of Review of Political Economy (ROAPE) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study investigates the existence of the J-curve effect in Japan for the most recent sample period, for which there is a continuation of the weak trend in the yen. The results failed to confirm the existence of the J-curve effect in national Japanese data. However, the J-curve effect explains the time lag between yen depreciation from the end of 2012 and improvement in the trade balance in 2015 in the Kansai region, in which only a relatively small proportion of exports can be attributed to the automotive industry with using the pricing strategies. Specifically, the empirical result suggested that the period from August 2013 to July 2014 formed the dip in the J-curve, and it matches actual relevant movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]