Contract enforcement is probabilistic, but the probability depends on rules and processes. A stimulus to trade may induce traders to alter rules or processes to improve enforcement. In the model of this paper, such a positive knock-on effect occurs when the elasticity of supply of traders is sufficiently high. Negative knock-on is possible when the elasticity is low. Enforcement strategies in c...

On the Curvature of the Reporting Function from Objective Reality to Subjective Feelings I suggest the idea of a reporting function, r(.), from reality to feelings. The ‘happiness’ literature claims we have demonstrated diminishing marginal utility of income. I show not, and that knowing r(.)’s curvature is crucial. A quasi-experiment on heights is studied. JEL Classification: I3, D1

Cet article analyse la contribution fiscale d’un grand nombre d’entreprises maliennes (3 474) qui représentent totalité du secteur formel de ce pays. En utilisant des données individuelles collectées à partir bilans et comptes résultat, nous estimons les déterminants taux d’imposition implicites tels que taille l’entreprise, sa loc...

We report sequencing of the O antigen encoded by the rfb gene cluster of Salmonella enterica serotype Jangwani (O17) and Salmonella serotype Cerro (O18). We developed serogroup O17- and O18-specific PCR assays based on rfb gene targets and found them to be sensitive and specific for rapid identification of Salmonella serogroups O17 and O18.

Formality, Informality, and Social Welfare An industry is modeled in which entrepreneurs, who are heterogeneous in ability, may produce formally or informally. It is shown how the formal-informal mix depends on the distribution of ability, product demand and various parameter values. The industry equilibrium is compared to one in which informality is prohibited. With relatively high product dem...

Using estimates of earnings functions in Ghana, this paper examines patterns of labor market segmentation with regard to formal and informal employment. Persistent earnings differentials are used as indicators of limited mobility across segments of the employed labor force. We find evidence of labor market segmentation between formal and informal employment and between different categories of i...

In many developing countries property rights over rural land are maintained through continuous personal use instead of by land titles. We show that removing the link between land use and land rights through the issuance of ownership certificates can result in large-scale adjustments to labor and land allocations. Using the rollout of the Mexican land certification program from 1993 to 2006, we ...

The Kodila-Tedika & Bolito-Losembe (2014, ADR) finding on no evidence of causality flowing from State fragility to classical corruption or extreme corruption could have an important influence on academic and policy debates. Using updated data (1996-2010) from 53 African countries, we provide evidence of a positive (negative) nexus between political stability/no violence and corruption-control (...