University of Minnesota, Duluth
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ANÁLISIS ECONÓMICO Y FINANCIERO DEL PROYECTO MALLA SOMBRA: UNA INICIATIVA PARA LA PRODUCCIÓN SOSTENIBLE DE TOMATE EN MÉXICO
No full textThis descriptive research was conducted in ejido El Quemado, Gómez Palacio, Durango. The San Isidro Rural Production Society (Sociedad de Producción Rural San Isidro) allowed the evaluation of its logbooks and accounting books to conduct an economic and financial evaluation of the Shade Net project for sustainable tomato production. Economic indicators were calculated based on the Net Present Value (NPV) at $967,596, the IRR at 20%, and the B/C Ratio at 1.22. These results allowed for the evaluation of scenarios involving cost increases and production decreases of 10%, significantly reducing the IRR by 6% and 4%, respectively, for each scenario, and the B/C Ratio to 1.10 and 1.09. The project's actual values indicate its viability. However, the simulated scenarios serve as a warning that will allow rural producers to establish strategic plans for continuous improvement of the production process
EL CORREDOR INTEROCEÁNICO DEL TREN DEL ISTMO DE TEHUANTEPEC, REALIDADES Y POTENCIALIDADES PARA SU ENTRADA PLENA A LA CADENA GLOBAL DE SUMINISTROS
No full textThe Isthmus of Tehuantepec Interoceanic Corridor (CIIT) project is a project conceived in economic and social justice terms to leverage not only nearshoring but also reshoring. It is a current project that seeks to connect trade from Asia (South Korea, China, Japan, Singapore) with the west and east coasts of the United States of America and Canada. The creation of 10 industrial parks, investment to revive freight and passenger trains, and the rehabilitation and creation of at least two ports in Veracruz and another two in Oaxaca will undoubtedly trigger development in this region of Mexico. This region has the potential to create sources of wind and hydroelectric energy, and to boost tourism and the manufacturing industry again, as well as warehousing services for transnational corporations that require supply links other than the Panama Canal. Given this perspective, this research aims to evaluate infrastructure, maritime-land connectivity, and rainfall conditions as elements of regional development, consolidating the strengthening of the global supply chain and combining efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to southern Mexico, which will translate into permanent employment for the local and floating population within the radius of the communication route known as the "Corredor Industrial del Istmo de Tehuantepec".On March 28, 2025, 600 cars from the Korean company Hyundai arrived to be transported through the trans-isthmian route system from the Port of Salina Cruz to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, to later be transferred to the East Coast of the United States of America, a case that had not happened in 100 years for Mexico
EVALUACIÓN DE LA SOSTENIBILIDAD DE UN SISTEMA DE PRODUCCIÓN DE EJEMPLARES CANINOS OPERATIVOS
No full textThe purpose of this study is to present the results of research aimed at developing an agribusiness model based on a production system of working dogs, as an innovative productive alternative. The study focused on evaluating desirable scenarios for the breeding, training, and commercialization of dogs specialized in detection and protection tasks. Through a technical and financial analysis, a sustainable model is proposed that considers the costs associated with infrastructure, feeding, personnel, and the acquisition of training supplies, as well as a five-year profit projection. The methodology employed included the selection of optimal breeds, the design of specific training programs (particularly for substance detection), the definition of operational scenarios, and the evaluation of ethical management strategies and animal welfare. The results demonstrate the economic feasibility of the model, highlighting its potential to meet the growing demand from public and private security institutions
Industrial Metal Supply Shocks and Heterogeneous Macroeconomic Effects: Evidence from Copper
No full textThis paper studies the macroeconomic effects of global copper supply shocks. We identify exogenous disruptions to copper supply using a Bayesian structural VAR of the world copper market that combines sign and narrative restrictions. We then trace the international transmission of the identified shock using a two-step approach based on country-level models for major copper-importing and exporting economies. We find that copper supply shocks raise producer prices and depress industrial activity in importing economies, while exporters benefit from higher world prices through improved terms of trade. Importer-exporter status alone is insufficient to characterize exposure: heterogeneity in responses reflects differences in manufacturing copper intensity and buffering capacity through secondary copper production
What makes rural entrepreneurs stay? Social and economic characteristics of in-migrants and locals
No full textRural communities face ongoing challenges related to population decline, labor shortages, and uneven economic opportunities. In recent years, self-employed in-migrants[1] have been viewed as a potential driver of rural revitalization. These individuals contribute to job creation, stimulate local markets, and strengthen rural–urban linkages. However, while their initial impact on rural economies has been well recognized, a critical question remains: do these in-migrants stay long enough for their entrepreneurial activities to generate lasting benefits? The sustainability of rural job creation depends not only on attracting in-migrants with an entrepreneurial path but also on understanding the factors that influence their decision to remain in rural areas over time
Watershed Program Evaluation: Kiowa Creek Watershed, Colorado
No full textExcerpts: The Kiowa Creek Watershed evaluation plan was included as a part of the original work plan in 1954. The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of the watershed protection program in physical and economic terms. A further objective was that results of this and similar evaluations would provide a sound basis for improvement in planning and installing watershed projects carried out under P. L. 566. The original evaluation plan was amended in 1956 to provide for the additional equipment and instrumentation needed to ensure proper measurement of annual benefits. Provision was made for an additional stream flow gage and sediment load station in 1962. Evaluation studies were conducted from 1955 through June 1966 to measure various physical and economic factors within the watershed and changes brought about by the program. These factors include changes in runoff characteristics, flood and sediment damages, and crop and forage production resulting from improvement in soil and moisture conditions. The specific objective of the evaluation studies was to measure the effectiveness of the works of improvement
Circassian Walnut
No full textExcerpts: Probably no other wood has served so many purposes as Circassian walnut. Long before the discovery of America it was the most popular of all woods for furniture and interior finish, while throughout southern Europe the wood is still used locally for all grades of furniture. Its present high cost, however, prohibits its use in this country for any but the very finest furniture and cabinet work. When more abundant, its use abroad also included coach making, turnery, toys, press screws, joinery, carved work, and wooden shoes. During the wars of the eighteenth century Circassian walnut was used so extensively for gunstocks that even at that early date the supply was seriously decreased. The wood of old trees is especially valuable on account of its dark color and beautiful veining, strength, lightness, and elasticity. When particularly well marked it is one of the most attractive and valuable of veneer woods, particularly for furniture. The best grades often bring a higher price than mahogany, especially in the United States
Determinants of Farmers’ Motivation for Litchi Cultivation in Kapasia, Bangladesh: An Analysis Based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
No full textLitchi cultivation is highly profitable business in Gazipur District, Bangladesh specially in Kapasia upazila. This study aimed to assess the motivation of litchi farmers using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, identify their socio-economic characteristics, and explore the major constraints they face in litchi cultivation. Data were collected randomly from 110 litchi farmers through a semi structured interview schedule. The results indicated that farmers primarily motivated to fulfil physiological and safety needs like, fulfilling familys’ food requirements, ensuring shelter and cloth to the family members. It was observed that farmers safety needs and esteem needs were high in comparison to aesthetic, esteem and self-actualization needs. However, farmers showed lower interest to fulfil some aspects of self-actualization needs such as teaching or motivating farmers. Key obstacles reported by farmers included inflorescence drop, irrigation issues, drying of flower clusters and inadequate support from agricultural extension officers. The study recommends increasing training opportunities, enhancing the role of extension services and conducting need-based research to further motivate farmers
Suggested Strategic Solutions to the Constraints in Funds and Investment Management of Urban Co-operative Banks
No full textAims: With a focus on their socioeconomic importance in urban and semi-urban regions, the essay offers a thorough analysis of the difficulties Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) encounter when managing capital and investments. It looks at things like operational inefficiencies, complicated regulations, scarce resources, and pressure from other competing financial institutions. It investigates topics such as non-performing assets, fraud prevention, contemporary banking services, loan and deposit mix, and regulatory compliance through the examination of primary data. The paper identifies systemic barriers and suggests technology adoption, improved employee training, and strategic policy changes to increase UCBs' operational effectiveness and resilience while upholding their core cooperative values. The study used stratified sampling, selecting 12 UCBs across Kerala's regions, with three directors representing diverse categories. The study emphasises the difficulties Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) encounter when managing their funds and investments. High non-performing assets (NPAs), a lacklustre technology infrastructure, and deficiencies in personnel training are among the main conclusions. Regular policy changes make it more difficult to comply with regulations. The mix of loans and deposits shows weaknesses in using analytics and adjusting to market conditions. Updated systems and improved training are necessary for fraud prevention measures. Customer resistance and integration issues are limiting the uptake of contemporary financial services. The suggestions include diversifying financial goods, using cutting-edge technologies, providing personnel training, and enhancing infrastructure.
Conclusion: Urban Cooperative Banks face regulatory constraints, limited funding, insufficient technology, and training gaps. Investments in modern tools, proactive compliance, and enhanced training programs are essential for growth and resilience
Strengthening Litchi Farming through Targeted Training: Insights from Dinajpur District, Bangladesh
No full textThe study aimed to assess the extent of training needs among litchi farmers in Dinajpur Sadar Upazila and examine the relationship between their training needs and selected personal and socio-economic characteristics. It also sought to identify key problems faced in litchi production. The research was conducted in five villages Nayonpur, Borol, Kathalipara, Masimpur, and Mahabbotpur within Dinajpur Sadar Upazila. A total of 81 litchi farmers were selected through simple random sampling from a population of 270. Data were collected via personal interviews using a pre-tested structured schedule between September 2 and October 5, 2024. The extent of training needs was the main variable of interest, while eleven characteristics served as explanatory variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis.The majority of litchi farmers (62.9%) had medium training needs, 30.9% had high, and 6.2% had low training needs. Age, experience in litchi gardening, and communication exposure showed significant positive relationships with training needs, whereas education and knowledge of litchi production, post-harvest handling, and marketing had significant negative relationships. Pesticide application ranked highest among the fifteen identified training priorities, while harvesting ranked lowest. Key problems included the lack of training support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), poor transportation to markets, and inadequate knowledge of litchi processing and preservation. The findings suggest the need for targeted, need-based training programs focused on areas such as pesticide use, marketing, and post-harvest management. Strengthening the role of the DAE and improving communication infrastructure could enhance knowledge dissemination and boost productivity among litchi farmers