Sustainable Distribution Design: Contrasting Disposable, Recyclable, and Reusable Strategies for Packaging Materials Using a Total Cost Analysis With an Illustration of Milk Distribution

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sri Satya Kanaka Nagendra Jayanty ◽  
William J. Sawaya ◽  
Michael D. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Packaging Materials ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Cost Structures ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Total Cost Analysis ◽  
Plastic Containers

Engineers, policy makers, and managers have shown increasing interest in increasing the sustainability of products over their complete lifecycles and also from the ‘cradle to grave’ or from production to the disposal of each specific product. However, a significant amount of material is disposed of in landfills rather than being reused in some form. A sizeable proportion of the products being dumped in landfills consist of packaging materials for consumable products. Technological advances in plastics, packaging, cleaning, logistics, and new environmental awareness and understanding may have altered the cost structures surrounding the lifecycle use and disposal costs of many materials and products resulting in different cost-benefit trade-offs. An explicit and well-informed economic analysis of reusing certain containers might change current practices and results in significantly less waste disposal in landfills and in less consumption of resources for manufacturing packaging materials. This work presents a method for calculating the costs associated with a complete process of implementing a system to reuse plastic containers for food products. Specifically, the different relative costs of using a container and then either disposing of it in a landfill, recycling the material, or reconditioning the container for reuse and then reusing it are compared explicitly. Specific numbers and values are calculated for the case of plastic milk bottles to demonstrate the complicated interactions and the feasibility of such a strategy.

scholarly journals Redefinition of Cost-Benefit Efficiency of Land-Use Projects: Focusing on Environmental Cost

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Chen ◽  
Qianyi Du ◽  
Xueyan Xiong ◽  
Deliang Zhong ◽  
Na Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Efficiency Analysis ◽  
Environmental Cost ◽  
High Speed Rail ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Mining Project ◽  
Reasonable Approach ◽  
The Cost

The cost-benefit efficiency of projects is often wrongly evaluated due to the neglect of projects’ impact on the environment. In this paper, we aim to establish a model to measure such an impact and hence propose a more reasonable approach to evaluating cost-benefit efficiency of projects. We divide the total cost of a certain project into two parts: Business Cost (BC) and Environmental Cost (EC). BC is the explicit cost that can be approached from financial statements, while EC is the implicit cost which we try to quantify. EC is composed of three parts: (1) the Ecosystem Service Value (ESV), (2) the Restoration Cost (RC) to treat the pollution caused by the projects, and (3) the Disaster Cost (DC), potential losses caused by disasters due to launch of new projects. In order to make a cost-benefit efficiency analysis, we introduce profitability index, which is further developed into an adjusted profitability index by taking time value into consideration. Two case studies are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the model. A regional case of a coal-mining project proves that RC and DC play a significant role in cost-benefit efficiency analysis, while a nationwide case of high-speed rail shows that project scale matters. Additionally, we put our attention on the intensity of the project, which is a created measurement to characterize the project. Based on the study of intensity, the mechanism of cost-benefit break-even is further explained and some suggestions are proposed to policy makers.

scholarly journals Brain size is correlated with endangerment status in mammals

2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1825) ◽  
pp. 20152772 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric S. Abelson
Keyword(s):  
Brain Size ◽  
Extinction Risk ◽  
Small Body ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Metabolic Cost ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Relationship

Increases in relative encephalization (RE), brain size after controlling for body size, comes at a great metabolic cost and is correlated with a host of cognitive traits, from the ability to count objects to higher rates of innovation. Despite many studies examining the implications and trade-offs accompanying increased RE, the relationship between mammalian extinction risk and RE is unknown. I examine whether mammals with larger levels of RE are more or less likely to be at risk of endangerment than less-encephalized species. I find that extant species with large levels of encephalization are at greater risk of endangerment, with this effect being strongest in species with small body sizes. These results suggest that RE could be a valuable asset in estimating extinction vulnerability. Additionally, these findings suggest that the cost–benefit trade-off of RE is different in large-bodied species when compared with small-bodied species.

Cooperation and Collaboration Using Computer-Mediated Communication

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley G. Hathorn ◽  
Albert L. Ingram
Keyword(s):  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Other ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Collaborative Groups ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
The Cost

This study operationally defined and measured collaboration and compared the products and structure of collaborative groups that used computer-mediated communication. Key characteristics of collaboration selected from the literature were interdependence, synthesis, and independence, and a model for evaluating these characteristics was developed. All communication in this study occurred via asynchronous computer-mediated communication, using a threaded Web discussion. Participants in the study were graduate students, studying the same course with the same instructor at two venues. The students were divided into small groups from one or both venues, and four of these groups were studied. All students were given a problem to solve involving the cost-benefit trade-offs of distance education. The groups received different instructions. Two of them were told to collaborate on a solution, and the other two were told to select a role and discuss the problem from that point of view. Groups that were instructed to collaborate were more collaborative, but they produced a solution of a lower quality than the other groups. No conclusions could be drawn from the results on the structure of the groups. The role of collaboration in problem solving is discussed along with methods for creating more effective collaboration.

Exploring the Culture of Surveillance: A Qualitative Study in Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-95
Author(s):  
Délcio Faustino ◽  
Maria João Simões
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Surveillance Culture ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Subjective Meanings

By following the theoretical framework of the surveillance culture this article aims to detail the surveillance imaginaries and practices that individuals have, capturing differences and social inequalities among respondents. We present an in-depth look into surveillance awareness, exploring subjective meanings and the varying awareness regarding commercial, governmental, and lateral surveillance. Furthermore, a detailed analysis is made on how individuals sometimes welcome surveillance, expanding on the cost-benefit trade-off, and detailing it on three distinct trade-offs: the privacy vs. commercial gains/rewards, the privacy vs. convenience and, the privacy vs. security. Lastly, we present a section that explores and analyzes resistance to surveillance.

Different cost-benefit analyses in The Netherlands for the European Water Framework Directive

Water Policy ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 746-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. van der Veeren
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Water Framework Directive ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
European Water Framework Directive ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
European Water ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Economic Analyses

Since 2005, several cost benefit analyses have been performed for the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) in The Netherlands. These analyses had in common that they were meant to support the decision-making process by informing policy makers and making the trade-offs as transparent as possible. The analyses also anticipate questions from the Dutch Parliament. Nevertheless, each time the analyses were slightly different, depending on the situation and (political) questions that had to be answered. This article presents the background and the highlights of the various analyses, describes their differences and similarities and tries to find a common thread in the results. Even though the results are barely comparable for a number of reasons, they seem to indicate that such a line exists and that economic analyses have played a role in the decision-making process by making tradeoffs more explicit. This has offered the opportunity for an iterative dialogue with the Dutch Parliament, which contributed to a decision-making process which resulted in a socially accepted programme of measures that is economically sound and transparent.

Estimating the Social Cost of Using Agricultural Land in the Punjab

1975 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-314
Author(s):  
Shahrukh Rafi Khan
Keyword(s):  
Social Cost ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Social ◽  
Sugar Mills ◽  
A Site ◽  
The Cost

Pakistan, like any developing country, must regularly divert some of the scarce agricultural land to an alternative use—to another crop, to a site for a reservoir or a plant for processing agriculture's output, or to industrial, com¬mercial or housing purposes. This paper is an exercise in estimating he social cost of releasing agricultural land in the Punjab for use in another activity. It will, hopefully, serve as a model for planners and policy-makers who are con¬fronted with specific projects requiring cost-benefit analysis. For example, Pakistan's Fifth Five-Year Plan calls for construction of numerous sugar mills, sites for which will require an estimated 100 acres of agricultural land per mill. The-cost of using this land for sugar refining may be expressed in terms of the net value of the agricultural output foregone. Similarly, if cane cultivation > is extended to provide input for the refineries, its cost must be evaluated by the value of the crops which are foregone.

scholarly journals Effect of Instructor-Personalized Multimedia in the Online Classroom

2009 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Jean Mandernach
Keyword(s):  
Student Engagement ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Online Course ◽  
College Level ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
University Policy ◽  
Conflicting Evidence ◽  
Cost Benefit Ratio ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

There is considerable evidence that well-designed multimedia resources can enhance learning outcomes, yet there is little information on the role of multimedia in influencing essential motivational variables, such as student engagement. The current study examines the impact of instructor-personalized multimedia supplements on student engagement in an introductory, college-level online course. A comparison of student engagement between courses that feature increasing numbers of instructor-personalized multimedia components reveals conflicting evidence. While qualitative student feedback indicates enhanced engagement as a function of instructor-generated multimedia supplements, quantitative data reports no significant differences in engagement or learning between the various levels of multimedia inclusion. Findings highlight the complexity surrounding the appropriate use of multimedia within an online course. University policy-makers and instructors are cautioned to examine carefully the cost-benefit ratio of multimedia inclusion for online learning environments.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Information Acquisition in Transportation Planning

1971 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
A M Khan
Keyword(s):  
Transport System ◽  
Transportation Planning ◽  
Information Acquisition ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Statistical Decision Theory ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
System Changes ◽  
The Cost

This paper presents an analytical methodology, based on the principles of statistical decision theory, for the cost-benefit analysis of information acquisition in transportation planning. Application of this methodology provides guidelines for determining the optimal level of resources to be invested in the collection of information used for planning transport system changes. The rationale of investing resources in transport facilities and the philosophy of evaluating such investments are discussed. The context of the economics of acquiring information to support such analyses is pointed out. Application of the methodology developed to a realistic problem is described. The results of trade-offs between the reduction in social costs of transportation— the benefit, and the cost of information acquisition— the cost, are discussed. Thus, the role of a formal cost-benefit analysis of information acquisition in planning for transport system changes is pointed out.

scholarly journals A Simple Framework for the Cost–Benefit Analysis of Single-Task Construction Robots Based on a Case Study of a Cable-Driven Facade Installation Robot

Buildings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Rongbo Hu ◽  
Kepa Iturralde ◽  
Thomas Linner ◽  
Charlie Zhao ◽  
Wen Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Single Task ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Traditional Construction ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Cost

Single-task construction robots (STCRs) have become a popular research topic for decades. However, there is still a gap in the ubiquitous application of STCRs for onsite construction due to various reasons, such as cost concerns. Therefore, cost–benefit analysis (CBA) can be used to measure the net economic benefit of the STCRs, compared to traditional construction methods, in order to boost the implementation of STCRs. This paper presents a simple and practical framework for the economic evaluation of STCRs and conducts a case study of a cable-driven facade installation robot to verify the method. The results show that the cable-driven robot for facade installation is worth investing in in the UK, as well as in the majority of G20 countries. Furthermore, other socioenvironmental implications of STCRs and the limitations of the study are also discussed. In conclusion, the proposed method is highly adaptable and reproducible. Therefore, researchers, engineers, investors, and policy makers can easily follow and customize this method to assess the economic advantages of any STCR systems, compared to traditional construction technologies.

scholarly journals Control and Cost-benefit Analysis of Fast Spreading Diseases: The case of Ebola

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Romarie Rosado Morales ◽  
Lauren Charles-Smith ◽  
Brent Daniel
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Special Equipment ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Cost

IntroductionMitigating the spread of infectious disease is of great importancefor policy makers. Taking the recent outbreak of Ebola as an example,it was difficult for policy makers to identify the best course of actionbased on the cost-effectiveness of what was available.In effort to address the needs of policy makers to mitigate the spreadof infectious disease before an outbreak becomes uncontrollable, wehave devised a cost-benefit disease control model to simulate theeffect of various control methods on disease incidence and the costassociated with each of the scenarios. Here, we present a case studyof Ebola used to quantify the cost effectiveness of vaccination andisolation methods to minimize the spread of the disease. We evaluatethe impact of changing strategy levels on the incidence of the diseaseand address the benefits of choosing one strategy over the other withregards to cost of vaccine and isolation.MethodsDisease.We use a general SEIRJ model for disease transmission.Here, S-Susceptible, E- Exposed (latent), IA– Infected (asymptomatic),IM– Infected (mild symptoms), IS– Infected (severe symptoms),JM– Isolated (mild symptoms at home), JS– Isolated (severesymptoms in hospital), and R- Recovered individuals. In this model,we consider the dynamics of the system and the effect of the relativetransmissibility of isolated individuals (L) compared to other infectedindividuals1.Cost.Ebola vaccination and treatment are very expensive andnot widely available. Some preliminary data shows that it will take$73 million (M) to produce 27 M vaccines2plus the cost for vaccinedelivery and health care professionals (not included here). On theother hand, the treatment for Ebola in the U.S. would cost $25,000dollars a day per person3to ensure proper isolation and adequate care(treatment, health care professionals, facilities and special equipment).Although not included in this research, the proper isolation of Ebolapatients would also lead to a loss in hospital revenue of $148,000per day due to reduced patient capacity3. Here, we use $27,000 perindividual hospitalized per day and $2.70 per person vaccinated.Model.To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of control methods ondisease transmission, we assessed the affect of different levels ofvaccination coverage on the resulting number of infected individuals.Then, we calculated the overall estimated cost of vaccination andresulting hospitalization for each scenario to identify the lowest cost-benefit ratio.ResultsUsing a base population of 10 M individuals, we ran scenarios fordifferent levels of vaccination (μ= 0.01, 0.05, 0.1) while varying therelative transmissibility of isolated individuals (L = 0.5, 0.6, 0.65).For each combination, we calculated the incidence, vaccination andhospitalization cost per individual per day (Fig 1). We note that anincrease in the relative transmissibility of isolated individuals leads toa higher number of infected people and, therefore, a reduced numberof candidates for vaccination and an overall increase in cost. Since thecost of vaccination is 1 ten-thousandth of the cost of hospitalization,our results clearly show the cost-benefit of vaccinating over hospitaltreatment. In every scenario studied, we observed a measurablereduction in disease incidence when vaccinating a higher fraction ofthe population compared to isolating individuals post infection.ConclusionsGiven these preliminary results, we plan to extend the frameworkof our model to a dynamic control system where we consider the costof vaccination and isolation embedded in the system of differentialequations. This approach will allow us see the best availablecontrol implementation while minimizing the cost of treatment andvaccination.KeywordsControl; Epidemiological Modeling; Transmission Dynamics; Cost;EBOLAReferences1. Chowell D, Castillo-Chavez C, Krishna S, Qiu X, Anderson KS. 2015.Modeling the effect of early detection of Ebola.The Lancet InfectiousDiseases, 15(2), 148-149.2. http://www.forbes.com/sites/danmunro/2014/10/23/head-of-gsk-ebola-vaccine-research-can-we-even-consider-doing-a-trial/#3cbd929665db3. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/25/ebola-costs-add-up/19346913/

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