Documentation FiFoSiM: Integrated tax benefit microsimulation

This paper describes FiFoSiM, the integrated tax benefit microsimulation and CGE model of the Center of Public Economics at the University of Cologne. FiFoSiM consists of three main parts. The first part is a static tax benefit microsimulation module. The second part adds a behavioural component to the model: an econometrically estimated labour supply model. The third module is a CGE model which allows the user of FiFoSiM to assess the global economic effects of policy measures. Two specific features distinguish FiFoSiM from other tax benefit models: First, the simultaneous use of two databases for the tax benefit module and second, the linkage of the tax benefit model to a CGE model. --FiFoSiM,microsimulation,CGE

AGEFIS:Applied General Equilibrium for FIScal Policy Analysis

AGEFIS (Applied General Equilibrium model for FIScal Policy Analysis) is a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model designed specifically, but not limited, to analyze various aspects of fiscal policies in Indonesia. It is yet, the first Indonesian fully-SAM-based CGE model solved by Gempack. This paper describes the structure of the model and illustrates its application.AGEFIS, CGE, Fiscal Policy, Indonesia

Documentation FiFoSiM: integrated tax benefit microsimulation and CGE model

This documentation describes FiFoSiM, the integrated tax benefit microsimulation and CGE model of the Center of Public Economics at the University of Cologne. FiFoSiM consists of three main parts. The first part is a static tax benefit microsimulation module. The second part adds a behavioural component to the model: an econometricaly estimated labour supply model. The third module is a CGE model which allows the user of FiFoSiM to assess the global economic e¤ects of policy measures. Two specific features distinguish FiFoSiM from other tax benefit models. First, the simultaneous use of two databases for the tax benefit module and second, the linkage of the tax benefit model to a CGE model. --FiFoSiM,microsimulation,CGE

Trade Liberalisation and Poverty in Nepal A Computable General Equilibrium Micro Simulation Analysis

Concern is growing regarding the poverty impacts of trade liberalization. The strong general equilibrium effects of trade liberalization can only be properly analysed in a CGE model. However, the aggregate nature of CGE models is not suited to detailed poverty analysis. We bridge this gap by constructing a CGE model that explicitly models all households from a nationally representative household survey. We find complex income and consumption effects that would be missed in standard CGE models. Urban poverty falls and rural poverty increases as initial tariffs were highest for agriculture. Impacts increase with income level, resulting in rising income inequality.computable general equilibrium modelling, international trade, poverty, Nepal

Armington Parameter Estimation for a Computable General Equilibrium Model: A Database Consistent Approach

Substitution elasticities in policy-oriented computable general equilibrium (CGE) models are key parameters for model results since they determine behaviour in these models. As Dawkins et al. (2001) observe, the current situation with regard to the elasticities available for use in these models is poor. We focus on an important type of elasticity that is widely used in CGE models with international trade: the so-called ‘Armington’ elasticities (Armington, 1969). These elasticities are well known for their critical role in determining model results. We present an alternative approach to quantifying Armington elasticities which is consistent across historical databases. The approach is used to derive elasticities from successive databases of a commonly-used global CGE model, the GTAP model.Armington assumption, computable general equilibrium models, estimating Armington paprmeters

Deriving CGE Baselines from Macro-economic Projections

Quantitative policy analysts are usually confronted with the problem to derive a base-line scenario that reflects the most likely state of an economy in a future year. The methods used in practice to derive such a base-line scenarios are heterogeneous and range from the usage of the last observable year to complete and consistent estimation procedures. In the case of general equilibrium (CGE) analyses, the Scenar2020 project (European Commission 2006a) is one example how projections of macro-economic indicators (exogenous drivers) are used to construct the base-line as a model scenario: Starting from a calibrated version, exogenous variables are modified until macro-economic projections are met. However, numerous projections refer to economic indicators which are endogenous variables within the CGE framework, such as gross domestic product (GDP), market prices, or produced quantities. To investigate methods that allow integrating projections for endogenous CGE variables is the main topic of this study. Our starting point is the work by Arndt et al (2002), where entropy-based (Golan et al 1996) techniques are employed for the estimation of behavioural parameters by fitting a CGE model to time series on endogenous variables. Following this concept, we investigate a method to fit a CGE´s parameters and endogenous variables to market- and macro-economic projections from major research institutes.general equilibrium model, baseline construction, parameter estimation, macro-economic projections, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

On the Real Exchange Rate Effects of Higher Electricity Prices in South Africa

The paper uses a static Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model of South Africa and simulates various shocks to the price of electricity. We attempt different closures to the model and compare their respective effects on the Consumer Price Index. In a CGE model, this is measuring the real appreciation of the exchange rate, or international trade competitiveness. In general, we conclude that electricity prices per se does not significantly influence the real exchange rate, regardless of which closure is used.

Global Trade Models and Economic Policy Analyses: Relevance, Risks and Repercussions for Africa

Computable general equilibrium (CGE) models are widely used for trade policy analyses and recommendations. Simulation results from these models have also been used as a basis for offering advice to African countries on what positions to take in multilateral trade negotiations. There is however increasing discomfort with the use of these models for policy recommendations, especially in Africa. In this paper we compare the results of several CGE studies that examined the impact of potential Doha Round reforms on Africa and demonstrate that the results differ drastically both in terms of magnitude and direction. Part of the discrepancies in results can be explained by differences in database, model structure, and choice of parameters. Others are, however, difficult to explain because several studies either do not report key assumptions made or do not provide a clear description of how their framework differs from those in the literature. We also show that the modelling approach and the database used in most CGE studies do not take account of key features of African economies that have serious implications for the impact of trade reforms on Africa. Finally, we outline potential consequences of the misuse of CGE models for policy evaluation and suggest pitfalls to avoid if CGE model results are to be taken seriously by policy makers in Africa.Trade Reforms; CGE Models; Doha Round; Africa

New Working Paper: Using CGE and Microsimulation Models for Income Distribution Analysis: A Survey

This paper carries out a detailed survey of CGE and Microsimulation models used in the evaluation of issues related directly or indirectly to incomes distribution. Different model structures are discussed which have been employed for country-specific, multi-country and region-specific studies. The paper considers the relevance of a relatively recent approach in modeling_linking CGE frameworks with microsimulation models, for the income distribution and poverty analysis. Finally we discuss the practical application of this methodology along with a detailed picture of some active CGE-microsimulation models. http://www.economics.nuig.ie/resrch/pdf/paper_0089.pdf

Cortical granule exocytosis is mediated by alpha-SNAP and N-Ethilmaleimide sensitive factor in mouse eggs

Cortical granule exocytosis (CGE), also known as cortical reaction, is a calciumregulated secretion that represents a membrane fusion process during meiotic cell division of eggs. The molecular mechanism of membrane fusion during CGE is still poorly understood and is thought to be mediated by the SNARE pathway;nevertheless, it is unkown if SNAP (acronym for soluble NSF attachment protein) and NSF (acronym for N-ethilmaleimide sensitive factor), two key proteins in the SNARE pathway, mediate CGE in any egg model. In this paper, we documented the gene expression of α-SNAP, γ-SNAP and NSF in mouse oocytes. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of these proteins maintains a similar level during oocyte maturation and egg activation. Their localization was mainly observed at the cortical region of eggs, which is enriched in cortical granules. To evaluate the function of these proteins in CGE we set up a functional assay based on the quantification of cortical granules. Endogenous α-SNAP and NSF proteins were perturbed by microinjection of recombinant proteins or antibodies prior to CGE activation. The microinjection of wild type α-SNAP and the negative mutant of α-SNAP L294A in eggs inhibited CGE stimulated by strontium. NEM, an irreversibly inhibitor of NSF, and the microinjection ofthe negative mutant NSF D1EQ inhibited cortical reaction. The microinjection of anti-α-SNAP and anti-NSF antibodies was able to abolish CGE in activated eggs. The microinjection of anti-γ SNAP antibody had no effect on CGE. Our findings indicate, for the first time in any oocyte model, that α-SNAP, γ-SNAP, and NSF are expressed in mouse oocytes. We demonstrate that α-SNAP and NSF have an active role in CGE and propose a working model.Fil: de Paola, Maria Matilde. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Cienicas Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo; ArgentinaFil: Bello, Oscar Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Cienicas Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; Argentina. University of Yale; Estados UnidosFil: Michaut, Marcela Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Cienicas Médicas. Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza Dr. Mario H. Burgos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentin