scholarly journals Welfare economics of managing an epidemic: an exposition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasushi Iwamoto
Keyword(s):  
Economic Activity ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Net Benefit ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Statistical Life ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Disease Epidemics ◽  
Activity Restrictions ◽  
Selective Activity

AbstractThis paper reviews recent findings on the normative analysis of private and governmental countermeasures against infectious diseases, focusing on COVID-19. Based on a model that relates the economic activity to infectious disease epidemics, policies that maximize social welfare are considered. Lockdowns in many countries are measures that restrict economic activity over a wide area, and the economic damage they cause is extremely large. Existing studies on the net benefit of lockdown implemented in 2020 have reached mixed conclusions as to whether it is warranted or not. Although the estimates of costs and effects are relatively stable, the setting of the value of a statistical life for converting effects into benefits has a wide range and is also likely to overestimate benefits. Therefore, a careful procedure for setting is particularly crucial to obtain a reliable evaluation of countermeasures. Compared to uniform restriction of activities, taking measures to restrict activities by selecting targets may improve efficiency. Attributes that can be used to select targets include those that can be identified at little or no cost, such as age and industry, and those that can only be identified at a cost, such as close contact with infectious individuals and the presence of pathogens. In comparison to lockdown, these measures may reduce human suffering and economic suffering. No trade-off exists between uniform activity restrictions and selective activity restrictions.

Research on the Economic Organization Environmental Impact

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 599-601
Author(s):  
Dan Paul Stefanescu ◽  
Oana Roxana Chivu ◽  
Claudiu Babis ◽  
Augustin Semenescu ◽  
Alina Gligor
Keyword(s):  
Economic Activity ◽  
Economic Organization ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Environmental Implications ◽  
Minimal Impact ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Material Environment ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Harmful Effects

Any economic activity carried out by an organization, can generate a wide range of environmental implications. Particularly important, must be considered the activities that have a significant negative effect on the environment, meaning those which pollute. Being known the harmful effects of pollution on the human health, the paper presents two models of utmost importance, one of the material environment-economy interactions balance and the other of the material flows between environmental factors and socio-economic activities. The study of these models enable specific conditions that must be satisfied for the economic processes friendly coexist to the environment for long term, meaning to have a minimal impact in that the residues resulting from the economic activity of the organization to be as less harmful to the environment.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Capabilities of a Smartphone- Based Low-Cost Microscope

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 522-525
Author(s):  
Dorina Hasselbeck ◽  
Max B. Schäfer ◽  
Kent W. Stewart ◽  
Peter P. Pott
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Of View ◽  
Parasitic Diseases ◽  
Optical Parameters ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Diagnostic Applications ◽  
Diagnostic Capabilities

AbstractMicroscopy enables fast and effective diagnostics. However, in resource-limited regions microscopy is not accessible to everyone. Smartphone-based low-cost microscopes could be a powerful tool for diagnostic and educational purposes. In this paper, the imaging quality of a smartphone-based microscope with four different optical parameters is presented and a systematic overview of the resulting diagnostic applications is given. With the chosen configuration, aiming for a reasonable trade-off, an average resolution of 1.23 μm and a field of view of 1.12 mm2 was achieved. This enables a wide range of diagnostic applications such as the diagnosis of Malaria and other parasitic diseases.

scholarly journals Host-Plant Variations Affect the Biotic Potential, Survival, and Population Projection of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 375
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yasir Ali ◽  
Tayyaba Naseem ◽  
Muhammad Arshad ◽  
Ijaz Ashraf ◽  
Muhammad Rizwan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myzus Persicae ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Population Projection ◽  
Chili Pepper ◽  
Intrinsic Rate Of Increase ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Pepper Plant ◽  
Net Reproductive Rate ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Wide Range

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a polyphagous insect pest is a major threat to a wide range of crops worldwide. Aiming to evaluate the life history traits of M. persicae, feeding on different host plants, we used five vegetables: cabbage, Brassica oleracea (Brassicaceae); chinese cabbage, B. rapa (Brassicaceae); chili pepper, Capsicum annum (Solanaceae); crown daisy, Chrysanthemum coronarium (Asteraceae); and eggplant, Solanum melongena (Solanaceae). TWOSEX-MSchart software was used for the statistical analysis about the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The highest fecundity (69.65 individuals) rate of M. persicae, intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.425 d−1), finite rate of increase (λ = 1.531 d−1), net reproductive rate (R0 = 69.65 offspring), and shortest mean generation time (T = 9.964 d) were recorded on the chili pepper plant. Whereas, lower fitness occurred on cabbage. The findings attained from population growth parameters indicate that chili pepper is the most susceptible plant, while cabbage is resistant to aphids. Population projection results also supported this statement, as the final total population size on cabbage was significantly lower than other plants. The reported information would be useful for devising integrated pest management programs, particularly those involving M. persicae. This information also suggests the adaptability of M. persicae causing economic damage to these vegetable cultivars.

Benefit-Cost Analysis of Radiocesium Decorporation by a Prussian Blue Treatment and Stockpiling

Drug Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (02) ◽  
pp. 89-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Rump ◽  
Daniela Stricklin ◽  
Andreas Lamkowski ◽  
Stefan Eder ◽  
Matthias Port
Keyword(s):  
Prussian Blue ◽  
Treatment Initiation ◽  
Market Price ◽  
Life Time ◽  
Net Benefit ◽  
Benefit Cost Analysis ◽  
Holding Costs ◽  
Statistical Life ◽  
Cesium 137 ◽  
Radiological Dose

AbstractIn the case of an attack by a “dirty bomb” with cesium-137 there is a risk of internal contamination. The excretion of cesium-137 can be enhanced by Prussian Blue (PB), and thus the committed effective dose be reduced. We analyzed the benefit and costs of PB decorporation treatment. We simulated the reduction of the radiological dose by PB treatment after cesium-137 incorporation by inhalation. The saving of life time was quantified using the monetary “value of a statistical life” (VSL). Treatment costs were based on the market price of PB in Germany. Moreover we considered the holding costs of stockpiling. The benefit of PB treatment increases with its duration up to about 90 days. If treatment initiation is delayed, the maximum achievable benefit is decreased. For a VSL of 1.646 million €, the net benefit of a 90-days treatment started 1 day after the incorporation remains positive up to a stockpiling duration of 10 years. If starting PB treatment as late as the 180th day after incorporation, the costs will surpass the benefit. We conclude that a prompt decision making and early treatment initiation greatly impacts on the medical but also economic efficiency of a PB treatment.

scholarly journals Robust estimation of vertical symmetry axis models via joint migration inversion: Including multiples in anisotropic parameter estimation

Geophysics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. C57-C74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman A. Alshuhail ◽  
Dirk J. Verschuur
Keyword(s):  
Symmetry Axis ◽  
Transverse Isotropy ◽  
Half Cycle ◽  
Anisotropic Parameter ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Highly Nonlinear ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Internal Multiples

Because the earth is predominately anisotropic, the anisotropy of the medium needs to be included in seismic imaging to avoid mispositioning of reflectors and unfocused images. Deriving accurate anisotropic velocities from the seismic reflection measurements is a highly nonlinear and ambiguous process. To mitigate the nonlinearity and trade-offs between parameters, we have included anisotropy in the so-called joint migration inversion (JMI) method, in which we limit ourselves to the case of transverse isotropy with a vertical symmetry axis. The JMI method is based on strictly separating the scattering effects in the data from the propagation effects. The scattering information is encoded in the reflectivity operators, whereas the phase information is encoded in the propagation operators. This strict separation enables the method to be more robust, in that it can appropriately handle a wide range of starting models, even when the differences in traveltimes are more than a half cycle away. The method also uses internal multiples in estimating reflectivities and anisotropic velocities. Including internal multiples in inversion not only reduces the crosstalk in the final image, but it can also reduce the trade-off between the anisotropic parameters because internal multiples usually have more of an imprint of the subsurface parameters compared with primaries. The inverse problem is parameterized in terms of a reflectivity, vertical velocity, horizontal velocity, and a fixed [Formula: see text] value. The method is demonstrated on several synthetic models and a marine data set from the North Sea. Our results indicate that using JMI for anisotropic inversion makes the inversion robust in terms of using highly erroneous initial models. Moreover, internal multiples can contain valuable information on the subsurface parameters, which can help to reduce the trade-off between anisotropic parameters in inversion.

scholarly journals TOURIST BRANDING AS A MEANS OF REALIZATION OF STRATEGIC GOALS OF TRUSKAVETS RESORT DEVELOPMENT

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larysa Teodorovych ◽  
Mariia Lushchyk
Keyword(s):  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Strategy Of Development ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Strategic Goals ◽  
Resort Development ◽  
Negative Factors ◽  
The City ◽  
Goals And Objectives

This article describes the advantages and infrastructural features of the resort of Truskavets - the most developed spa resort in Ukraine. It is emphasized that this resort has a developed network of different types of accommodation: hotels, sanatoriums, boarding houses, villas, which have more than 26,550 beds. A wide range of medical and health services is provided. The marketing strategy of development of the city which includes formation of a tourist brand is developed. Based on the data of the SWOT-analysis, the operational goals and objectives for achieving the strategic goals of the resort development were determined. Comparing the goals and real changes, the achievements and problems of the resort were identified to achieve the strategic goal: "Truskavets is the capital of health. The leader among the balneological resorts of the world with the unique healing water Naftusya. Western Ukrainian Center for Medical and Cultural Tourism, Sports, Beauty and Longevity, with a developed infrastructure, high social and economic standards. " Many tasks have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has caused significant economic damage to the city. In addition, the development of the resort is hampered by negative factors related to the solution of issues at the legislative and administrative levels. The modern logo of Truskavets indicates that the uniqueness of the brand is based on water resources, but it does not fully represent the tourist and recreational potential of the city. In the minds of potential consumers, the city is perceived only as a place where you can improve your health. Mostly middle-aged and older people are interested in it, the city does not attract young people. In Truskavets, the range of services of the sanatorium-resort complex is expanding and the quality of service is improving. But, despite the developed system of accommodation facilities, the development of territorial tourist products is slow. The potential of the subregion and the surrounding centers of culture and tourism is not fully used. The material and technical base of Truskavets, in addition to medical and health tourism, allows to develop business, excursion, cultural and educational, entertainment, sports and other types of tourism.

scholarly journals High variability in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within households and implications for control

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259097
Author(s):  
Damon J. A. Toth ◽  
Alexander B. Beams ◽  
Lindsay T. Keegan ◽  
Yue Zhang ◽  
Tom Greene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Test Data ◽  
Attack Rate ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Test Accuracy ◽  
Household Transmission ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Test Specificity

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a high risk of transmission in close-contact indoor settings, which may include households. Prior studies have found a wide range of household secondary attack rates and may contain biases due to simplifying assumptions about transmission variability and test accuracy. Methods We compiled serological SARS-CoV-2 antibody test data and prior SARS-CoV-2 test reporting from members of 9,224 Utah households. We paired these data with a probabilistic model of household importation and transmission. We calculated a maximum likelihood estimate of the importation probability, mean and variability of household transmission probability, and sensitivity and specificity of test data. Given our household transmission estimates, we estimated the threshold of non-household transmission required for epidemic growth in the population. Results We estimated that individuals in our study households had a 0.41% (95% CI 0.32%– 0.51%) chance of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection outside their household. Our household secondary attack rate estimate was 36% (27%– 48%), substantially higher than the crude estimate of 16% unadjusted for imperfect serological test specificity and other factors. We found evidence for high variability in individual transmissibility, with higher probability of no transmissions or many transmissions compared to standard models. With household transmission at our estimates, the average number of non-household transmissions per case must be kept below 0.41 (0.33–0.52) to avoid continued growth of the pandemic in Utah. Conclusions Our findings suggest that crude estimates of household secondary attack rate based on serology data without accounting for false positive tests may underestimate the true average transmissibility, even when test specificity is high. Our finding of potential high variability (overdispersion) in transmissibility of infected individuals is consistent with characterizing SARS-CoV-2 transmission being largely driven by superspreading from a minority of infected individuals. Mitigation efforts targeting large households and other locations where many people congregate indoors might curb continued spread of the virus.

scholarly journals Does the Baltic Dry Index predict economic activity in South Africa? A review from 1985 to 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Sartorius ◽  
Benn Sartorius ◽  
Dino Zuccollo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Economic Activity ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Share Price ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Baltic ◽  
Baltic Dry Index

Background: The ability of the Baltic Dry Index to predict economic activity has been evaluated in a number of developed and developing countries. Aim: Firstly, the article determines the primary factors driving the dynamics of the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) and, secondly, whether the BDI can predict future share price reactions on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange All Share Index (JSE ALSI), South Africa. Setting: This article investigates the dynamics and predictive properties of the BDI in South Africa between 1985 and 2016. Methods: The article uses a review of a wide range of published data and two time-series data sets to adopt a mixed methods approach. An inductive contents analysis is used to answer the first research question and a combination of a unit root test, correlation analysis and a Granger causality model is employed to test the second research question. Results: The results show that the BDI price is primarily driven by four underlying constructs that include the supply and demand for dry bulk shipping, as well as risk, cost and logistics management factors. Secondly, the results indicate a break in the BDI data set in July 2008 that influences a fundamental change in its relationship with the JSE ALSI index. In the pre-break period (1985 to 2008), the BDI is positively correlated with the ALSI (0.837, α = 0.05) before sharply diverging in the second period from August 2008 to 2016. In the first period, the BDI showed an optimal lag period of 6 months as a predictor of the ALSI index, but this predictive ability ceases after July 2008. The article makes a two-part contribution. Firstly, it demonstrates that the BDI is a useful predictor of future economic activity in an African developing country. Secondly, the BDI can be incorporated in government and industry sector planning models as a variable to assess future gross domestic product trends. Conclusion: The study confirms that the BDI is only a reliable indicator of future economic activity when the supply of shipping capacity is well matched with the demand.

Economic Damage Due to Ozone Pollution in NCR

2016 ◽  
pp. 284-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumit Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Human Health ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Economic Damage ◽  
Ozone Pollution ◽  
National Capital Region ◽  
Quality Models ◽  
Statistical Life ◽  
Ozone Concentrations ◽  
National Capital ◽  
Significant Burden

Air pollution is a serious concern not just for human health but for agriculture also. This puts significant burden on the economy of a region. This paper assesses the health and agricultural damage caused by prevailing Ozone concentrations in National Capital Region (NCR) of India. The analysis is based on modelled and validated Ozone concentrations using state of the art air quality models. Established dose response relationships are used for assessment of impact over human health and agriculture. Value of statistical life approach and minimum support prices are used for economic evaluation of health and agricultural impacts, respectively. More than 3000 mortalities and loss of more than 1300 kt of agricultural crops can be attributed to Ozone pollution. An annual economic loss of about 1.27 billion USD is estimated on account of Ozone pollution in NCR. This study calls for sustainable development of the region which promotes growth without affecting the environmental quality.

scholarly journals Low wages – Coincidence or a result? Evidence from Poland

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 549-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Ryczkowski ◽  
Monika Maksim
Keyword(s):  
Economic Activity ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Pension Schemes ◽  
Average Impact ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low Wages

The article evaluates the influence of a wide range of socio-demographic, job and company-related characteristics on the likelihood of low earnings by applying logistic regression on a broad range of Labour Force Survey data. We evidenced that the average impact of the company-related characteristics is three times stronger than the impact of personal characteristics. We also found that working full-time considerably decreases this risk of low wages, but company-related and personal characteristics (except for the kind of company’s economic activity) have not provided a rent (benefit) from working full-time. The underlying conclusion is that reforms decreasing the size of the low-wage sector in the former transition countries should be focused on targeted employment programmes enhancing transitions to more profitable economic activities instead of possibly maintaining the unprofitable industries at all costs. Additionally, the reforms should be concentrated on introducing employment regulations to harmonise the rules of employment among all contract types, which would put the part-timers and the underemployed on a more equal footing with fulltime workers especially in terms of pension schemes and access to training.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document