A standardized terminology of spines in the order Siluriformes (Actinopterygii: Ostariophysi)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo A Ballen ◽  
Mario C C De Pinna
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Anatomy ◽  
Appendicular Skeleton ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Direct Examination ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Anatomical Nomenclature ◽  
Standardized Terminology ◽  
The Cost ◽  
First Time ◽  
Terminology System

Abstract A standardized terminology for the anatomy of pectoral- and dorsal-fin spines in the order Siluriformes is proposed based on an extensive literature review and direct examination of representatives of the order. The adult anatomy of the spines is described in detail. Terminology of various spine parts are reviewed and standardized, each term provided with a synonymic list organizing previous usage. Most of the structures treated have been recorded and named in the literature, but some are herein named for the first time. A quantitative approach is proposed for orienting decisions on name usage, aiming at minimizing differences between the terminology proposed and the vast amount of pre-existing literature, herein called the cost function. It is expected that this system will aid efforts in organizing the chaotic anatomical nomenclature of the appendicular skeleton in Siluriformes, and provide a solid basis for advances in comparative anatomy and nomenclature. The proposed terminology system has potential application on a number of fields that utilize information from catfish spines, ranging from taxonomy to phylogenetic systematics to paleontology and archaeology.

A generalized fuzzy cost efficiency model

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 1775-1791
Author(s):  
Nazila Aghayi ◽  
Samira Salehpour
Keyword(s):  
Cost Efficiency ◽  
Minimum Cost ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Fuzzy Environment ◽  
Decision Making Unit ◽  
Production Possibility Set ◽  
Fuzzy Cost ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Generalized Cost

The concept of cost efficiency has become tremendously popular in data envelopment analysis (DEA) as it serves to assess a decision-making unit (DMU) in terms of producing minimum-cost outputs. A large variety of precise and imprecise models have been put forward to measure cost efficiency for the DMUs which have a role in constructing the production possibility set; yet, there’s not an extensive literature on the cost efficiency (CE) measurement for sample DMUs (SDMUs). In an effort to remedy the shortcomings of current models, herein is introduced a generalized cost efficiency model that is capable of operating in a fuzzy environment-involving different types of fuzzy numbers-while preserving the Farrell’s decomposition of cost efficiency. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, the present paper is the first to measure cost efficiency by using vectors. Ultimately, a useful example is provided to confirm the applicability of the proposed methods.

An Evaluation of Provincial Macroeconomic Performance in Vietnam

2017 ◽  
pp. 34-47
Author(s):  
Hoi Le Quoc ◽  
Nam Pham Xuan ◽  
Tuan Nguyen Anh
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Institutional Transformation ◽  
Economic Indicators ◽  
Macroeconomic Performance ◽  
Economic Development Strategy ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Development Objectives ◽  
First Time

The study was targeted at developing a methodology for constructing a macroeconomic performance index at a provincial level for the first time in Vietnam based on 4 groups of measurements: (i) Economic indicators; (ii) oriented economic indicators; (iii) socio-economic indicators; and (iv) economic - social – institutional indicators. Applying the methodology to the 2011 - 2015 empirical data of all provinces in Vietnam, the research shows that the socio-economic development strategy implemented by those provinces did not provide balanced outcomes between growth and social objectives, sustainability and inclusiveness. Many provinces focused on economic growth at the cost of structural change, equality and institutional transformation. In contrast, many provinces were successful in improving equality but not growth. Those facts threaten the long-term development objectives of the provinces.

scholarly journals Autism Tsunami: the Impact of Rising Prevalence on the Societal Cost of Autism in the United States

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Blaxill ◽  
Toby Rogers ◽  
Cynthia Nevison
Keyword(s):  
Forecast Model ◽  
The United States ◽  
Population Projections ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Total Base ◽  
Cost Categories ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time

AbstractThe cost of ASD in the U.S. is estimated using a forecast model that for the first time accounts for the true historical increase in ASD. Model inputs include ASD prevalence, census population projections, six cost categories, ten age brackets, inflation projections, and three future prevalence scenarios. Future ASD costs increase dramatically: total base-case costs of $223 (175–271) billion/year are estimated in 2020; $589 billion/year in 2030, $1.36 trillion/year in 2040, and $5.54 (4.29–6.78) trillion/year by 2060, with substantial potential savings through ASD prevention. Rising prevalence, the shift from child to adult-dominated costs, the transfer of costs from parents onto government, and the soaring total costs raise pressing policy questions and demand an urgent focus on prevention strategies.

scholarly journals A METHODOLOGY TO SUPPORT COMPANIES IN THE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS DE-MANUFACTURING

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 131-140
Author(s):  
Federica Cappelletti ◽  
Marta Rossi ◽  
Michele Germani ◽  
Mohammad Shadman Hanif
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Life Strategies ◽  
Disassembly Sequence ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
First Time ◽  
Complex Activities

AbstractDe-manufacturing and re-manufacturing are fundamental technical solutions to efficiently recover value from post-use products. Disassembly in one of the most complex activities in de-manufacturing because i) the more manual it is the higher is its cost, ii) disassembly times are variable due to uncertainty of conditions of products reaching their EoL, and iii) because it is necessary to know which components to disassemble to balance the cost of disassembly. The paper proposes a methodology that finds ways of applications: it can be applied at the design stage to detect space for product design improvements, and it also represents a baseline from organizations approaching de-manufacturing for the first time. The methodology consists of four main steps, in which firstly targets components are identified, according to their environmental impact; secondly their disassembly sequence is qualitatively evaluated, and successively it is quantitatively determined via disassembly times, predicting also the status of the component at their End of Life. The aim of the methodology is reached at the fourth phase when alternative, eco-friendlier End of Life strategies are proposed, verified, and chosen.

Empowering and Directive Leadership: The Cost of Changing Styles

2021 ◽  
pp. 227853372110083
Author(s):  
Smita Mukherjee ◽  
Zubin R. Mulla
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiment ◽  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Team Outcomes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Satisfaction With The Leader ◽  
The Cost ◽  
First Time

We examine the cost of leaders changing between empowering and directive leadership styles on team outcomes. In a laboratory experiment, we collected data from 240 participants in 80 teams. Confederates enacted different leadership styles and led teams of participants in performing a series of tasks. When leaders changed their style from directive to empowering, teams took time to respond in terms of higher satisfaction with leader and affective commitment. However, when leaders changed their style from empowering to directive, the deterioration of satisfaction with leader and reduction in affective commitment were immediate. Moreover, teams of leaders who had been consistently directive showed higher affective commitment as compared to teams of leaders who had a history of being empowering but later shifted to being directive. First time managers can get inputs on how they should enact their leadership style and be aware that switching between styles may impose long-term costs on the team’s affective commitment and satisfaction with the leader.

scholarly journals An Optimized Mathematical Model for Items Supplies Planning of a Logistic System

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ali Nasiri Khalili ◽  
Mostafa Kafaei Razavi ◽  
Morteza Kafaee Razavi
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Logistics System ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Multiple Objective Decision Making ◽  
System Requirements ◽  
Purchasing Logistics ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Mathematical Model ◽  
First Time

Items supplies planning of a logistic system is one of the major issue in operations research. In this article the aim is to determine how much of each item per month from each supplier logistics system requirements must be provided. To do this, a novel multi objective mixed integer programming mathematical model is offered for the first time. Since in logistics system, delivery on time is very important, the first objective is minimization of time in delivery on time costs (including lack and maintenance costs) and the cost of purchasing logistics system. The second objective function is minimization of the transportation supplier costs. Solving the mathematical model shows how to use the Multiple Objective Decision Making (MODM) can provide the ensuring policy and transportation logistics needed items. This model is solved with CPLEX and computational results show the effectiveness of the proposed model.

Simultaneous Spectral Imaging of C2*/CH* at Low-to-High Pressure Combustion

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Reyes ◽  
Kareem Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Intensity Ratio ◽  
High Pressures ◽  
Diffusion Flames ◽  
Laminar Flames ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Fuel Distribution ◽  
Premixed Laminar ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Indexing Technique ◽  
First Time

This paper presents the correlation of the intensity ratio of the C2* and CH* radicals to fuel-air measurements over a range of pressures using 93% octane gasoline as the fuel. The measurements are conducted for the first time at high pressures. The study utilizes beam splitting technology to simultaneously view C2* and CH* as a line of sight, global measurement at the cost of resolution. A heavily instrumented constant volume combustor, with optical access, was employed to acquire the data. The ratio of C2* and CH* has been proven to be a good index of the equivalence ratio of premixed laminar flames. This index is attained, quite simply, by filtering each at their respected emissive peaks and taking the ratio of C2* over CH*. This technique shows great promise for use in turbomachinery as it will allow for identification of rich and lean locations in a combustor. By knowing the fuel-air field, combustor inefficiencies can be addressed to allow for greater energy release in combustion. The issue lies with the application of the indexing technique. Presented data to date has been performed on laboratory based diffusion flames exhausting to atmosphere, or premixed, steady, combustor type flames at low pressure (1atm) conditions. These types of flames are not relevant for engine combustor conditions. Understanding the fuel distribution at relevant regimes will reveal where inefficiencies may lie in injector or combustor design. Propagating flame kernels pose a problem in that they do not produce as much light as a steady flame, this makes spectral data difficult to obtain. Steady flames also do not address the effects that pressure may have on the index of C2* and CH*. The authors of this work seek to address three main issues associated with the indexing technique: The feasibility of its application to combustors (hardware design), The ability to operate at low-light ignition events, and the effects pressure may have on the correlation of intensity ratio to the fuel-air measurement.

scholarly journals Potato Late Blight in the Columbia Basin: An Economic Analysis of the 1995 Epidemic

Plant Disease ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Johnson ◽  
T. F. Cummings ◽  
P. B. Hamm ◽  
R. C. Rowe ◽  
J. S. Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Blight ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Columbia Basin ◽  
Copper Hydroxide ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Late Season ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Mean Cost ◽  
First Time

The cost of managing late blight in potatoes during a severe epidemic caused by new, aggressive strains of Phytophthora infestans in the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon in 1995 was documented. The mean number of fungicide applications per field varied from 5.1 to 6.3 for early- and midseason potatoes, and from 8.2 to 12.3 for late-season potatoes in the northern and southern Columbia Basin, respectively. In 1994, a year when late blight was not severe, the mean number of fungicide applications per field made to early- and midseason potatoes was 2.0; whereas late-season potatoes received a mean of 2.5 applications. The mean per acre cost of individual fungicides applied varied from $4.90 for copper hydroxide to $36.00 for propamocarb + chlorothalonil. Total per acre expenses (application costs plus fungicide material) for protecting the crop from late blight during 1995 ranged from $106.77 to $110.08 for early and midseason potatoes in different regions of the Columbia Basin and from $149.30 to $226.75 for lateseason potatoes in the northern and southern Columbia Basin, respectively. Approximately 28% of the crop was chemically desiccated before harvest as a disease management practice for the first time in 1995, resulting in an additional mean cost of $34.48/acre or $1.3 million for the region. Harvested yields were 4 to 6% less than in 1994. The total cost of managing late blight in the Columbia Basin in 1995 is estimated to have approached $30 million.

A Microcosting Study of Establishing a Baby Café® in Texas

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rigoberto I. Delgado ◽  
Sara L. Gill
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
San Antonio ◽  
The United States ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Discounted Cost ◽  
Informal Interview ◽  
Resource Requirements ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Discounted Costs

Background: This article focuses on the costs of opening and running a Baby Café. A Baby Café is an intervention that focuses on providing peer-to-peer support for breastfeeding mothers. Research aim: This study aimed to estimate the costs of establishing and running a Baby Café. Methods: The authors used a microcosting approach to identifying costs using the case of a Baby Café located in San Antonio, Texas, and modeled after other existing cafés in the United States. They also used extensive literature review and conducted an informal interview with a manager of an existing Baby Café in the United States to validate our cost data. The cost analysis was done from the provider perspective. Results: Costs of starting a Baby Café were $36,000, whereas annual operating costs totaled $47,000. Total discounted costs for a 5-year period amounted to $250,000, resulting in a cost per Baby Café session of $521 and cost per mother of $104. Varying the number of sessions per week and number of mothers attending each session, the discounted cost per Baby Café session ranged between $460 and $740 and the cost per mother varied between $65 and $246. Conclusion: These findings can be used by policy makers and organizations to evaluate local resource requirements for starting a Baby Café. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention against other breastfeeding promoting initiatives.

scholarly journals Assessment of costs on the adaptation to climate change in Ukraine

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (4) ◽  
pp. 60-71
Author(s):  
Galyna Trypolska ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Protection ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Adaptive Nature ◽  
Regional Budgets ◽  
Promising Source ◽  
First Time

The paper focuses on the main adaptation measures financed in Ukraine at the expense of state and regional budgets region-wise during 2016-2018 within the framework of environmental activities. The source of data was "Environmental passports of the regions". The paper finds that during 2016-2018 the most funded items of expenditure were the construction and repair of sewerage, clearing of riverbeds, repair of water protection structures and wastewater treatment. A significant gap in the cost of measures of an adaptive nature between the regions is established. Expenditures in the Transcarpathian region, which most suffers from floods, were the lowest: they were 46 times lower than expenditures on adaptation measures in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which actively allocated funds for clearing riverbeds and strengthening the river banks. During 2016-2018, almost USD 110 million were proved to be spent on adaptation measures in Ukraine. The main source of funds were local budgets, in particular regional environmental funds. Green bonds are determined to become a promising source of funding for adaptation measures in Ukraine. For the first time, the amount of funds required for adaptation measures in Ukraine until 2050 has been partially estimated. It is proved that the only international funds that can provide funding for adaptation measures in Ukraine in late 2020, is the Global Environmental Facility.

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