scholarly journals Exploring equity in health and poverty impacts of control measures for SARS-CoV-2 in six countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. e005521
Author(s):  
Sedona Sweeney ◽  
Theo Prudencio Juhani Capeding ◽  
Rosalind Eggo ◽  
Maryam Huda ◽  
Mark Jit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Protection ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Complex Models ◽  
Intervention Policy ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundPolicy makers need to be rapidly informed about the potential equity consequences of different COVID-19 strategies, alongside their broader health and economic impacts. While there are complex models to inform both potential health and macro-economic impact, there are few tools available to rapidly assess potential equity impacts of interventions.MethodsWe created an economic model to simulate the impact of lockdown measures in Pakistan, Georgia, Chile, UK, the Philippines and South Africa. We consider impact of lockdown in terms of ability to socially distance, and income loss during lockdown, and tested the impact of assumptions on social protection coverage in a scenario analysis.ResultsIn all examined countries, socioeconomic status (SES) quintiles 1–3 were disproportionately more likely to experience income loss (70% of people) and inability to socially distance (68% of people) than higher SES quintiles. Improving social protection increased the percentage of the workforce able to socially distance from 48% (33%–60%) to 66% (44%–71%). We estimate the cost of this social protection would be equivalent to an average of 0.6% gross domestic product (0.1% Pakistan–1.1% Chile).ConclusionsWe illustrate the potential for using publicly available data to rapidly assess the equity implications of social protection and non-pharmaceutical intervention policy. Social protection is likely to mitigate inequitable health and economic impacts of lockdown. Although social protection is usually targeted to the poorest, middle quintiles will likely also need support as they are most likely to suffer income losses and are disproportionately more exposed.

The National Shipbuilding Research Program Welding Fume Study

2001 ◽  
Vol 17 (01) ◽  
pp. 35-39
Author(s):  
Daniel O. Chute ◽  
Bradley W. Christ
Keyword(s):  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Welding Fume ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Exposure Control ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Shipbuilding Industry ◽  
Worker Exposure ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents the results of a study evaluating the impact of anticipated reductions in OSHA worker exposure limits for airborne contaminants, nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and hexavalent chromium (Cr6) on the shipbuilding industry. As part of the study field evaluation, air monitoring and data analysis were conducted to measure the effectiveness of a series of exposure control methods including fume extractor guns, ixed fume extraction systems, portable fume extraction systems, low fume welding wires, downdraft/backdraft tables, and fume iltration devices. Six shipyards participated in this study. The study concluded that the cost of compliance increases greatly with lower exposure limits. It was recommended that the shipbuilding industry continue to develop and evaluate feasible control measures in anticipation of revised standards.

Environmental and Economic Assessment of Recycled Aluminum Alloy Production - A Case Study of China

2010 ◽  
Vol 146-147 ◽  
pp. 1027-1030
Author(s):  
Jing Min Hong ◽  
Zainab Z. Ismail ◽  
Jing Lan Hong
Keyword(s):  
Aluminum Alloy ◽  
Economic Impacts ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Aluminum Scrap ◽  
Terrestrial Ecotoxicity ◽  
Production Stages ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

A life cycle assessment was carried out to estimate the environmental and economic impacts of recycled aluminum alloy production. The impact seen from non-carcinogens, respiratory inorganics, terrestrial ecotoxicity, global warming and non-renewable energy categories played an important role to overall environmental impacts. The impact seen from carcinogens and aquatic ecotoxicity played relatively small role, while the impact seen from the rest categories affect the environment was ignorable. Specifically, the emissions from the aluminum and silicon production stages involved played an important role due to high energy consumption, while potential impact generated from other elements was quite small. Similarly, the cost of old aluminum scrap represented the dominant contribution to overall economic impacts. Accordingly, choosing natural gas based electricity production technology and improving old aluminum scrap consumption efficiency are the efficient way to minimize the overall environmental and economic impact, respectively.

Control of Shear Cutting Noise: Effectiveness of Passive Control Measures

2002 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 6-12
Author(s):  
Joseph C. S. Lai ◽  
Colin Speakman ◽  
Hugh M. Williamson
Keyword(s):  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Passive Control ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Metal Sheet ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Noise Abatement ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

In an attempt to reduce noise from roll former shears three noise abatement enclosures of different designs and sheet dampers were assessed. Results indicate that only a noise reduction of 5dB can be achieved at the operator position by noise abatement enclosures, virtually independent of their designs and materials. This rather poor performance of enclosures is basically caused by structure-borne paths whereby vibrations are transmitted through the metal sheet product itself from the inside of the enclosure to the outside. Sheet dampers which have been designed to reduce the impact induced vibrations of the sheet product achieves a similar noise reduction as the enclosures but at about one quarter of the cost.

scholarly journals Robotic Spot Spraying of Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martinii) in Grazing Pastures of the Australian Rangelands

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2054
Author(s):  
Brendan Calvert ◽  
Alex Olsen ◽  
James Whinney ◽  
Mostafa Rahimi Azghadi
Keyword(s):  
Foliar Application ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Invasive Weed ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Step ◽  
Experimental Trials ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Harrisia cactus, Harrisia martinii, is a serious weed affecting hundreds of thousands of hectares of native pasture in the Australian rangelands. Despite the landmark success of past biological control agents for the invasive weed and significant investment in its eradication by the Queensland Government (roughly $156M since 1960), it still takes hold in the cooler rangeland environments of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. In the past decade, landholders with large infestations in these locations have spent approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per annum on herbicide control measures to reduce the impact of the weed on their grazing operations. Current chemical control requires manual hand spot spraying with high quantities of herbicide for foliar application. These methods are labour intensive and costly, and in some cases inhibit landholders from performing control at all. Robotic spot spraying offers a potential solution to these issues, but existing solutions are not suitable for the rangeland environment. This work presents the methods and results of an in situ field trial of a novel robotic spot spraying solution, AutoWeed, for treating harrisia cactus that (1) more than halves the operation time, (2) can reduce herbicide usage by up to 54% and (3) can reduce the cost of herbicide by up to $18.15 per ha compared to the existing hand spraying approach. The AutoWeed spot spraying system used the MobileNetV2 deep learning architecture to perform real time spot spraying of harrisia cactus with 97.2% average recall accuracy and weed knockdown efficacy of up to 96%. Experimental trials showed that the AutoWeed spot sprayer achieved the same level of knockdown of harrisia cactus as traditional hand spraying in low, medium and high density infestations. This work represents a significant step forward for spot spraying of weeds in the Australian rangelands that will reduce labour and herbicide costs for landholders as the technology sees more uptake in the future.

scholarly journals The Role of Cash Transfers in Rebuilding Livelihoods in an Emergency Response: the Typhoon Haiyan Case Study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nothando Gazi
Keyword(s):  
Disaster Response ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
The Impact

The number of climate-related disasters is increasing more than ever before and cash is becoming an increasingly important tool to deliver assistance during a disaster response due to its flexibility and ability to cut across sectors, amongst other benefits. This research seeks to explore the role of cash in linking the relief phase to the long-term recovery through the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, by focusing on Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda) as a case study. The Philippines has high exposure and vulnerability to climate-related disasters, however, it boasts of one of the most advanced social protection systems in the East Asia Pacific region (Bowen, 2015). In order to reach the research objectives, the research methodology employed involves a review of related literature, a field-based evaluation involving interviewing humanitarian practitioners and the adoption of DFID’s Sustainable Livelihood Framework (1999) as a framework of analysis. The results show that cash-based livelihood programming plays a vital role in leading the transition from relief to recovery due to the Value for Money (VfM) it delivers, role in strengthening local market and supply chains and the positive economic multiplier effects that benefit the wider community. Most interventions focus on asset creation, however, investment should be made into disaster risk reduction to reduce vulnerabilities that worsen the impact of shocks on poor households. Also, to enhance the benefits resulting from cash programming, supporting activities should be used in parallel with cash provision. Cash-for-training and livelihood start-up grants can empower women by increasing their human capital and introducing them to the formal economy. More work is required to transform the structures and policies that disadvantage women through patriarchal power systems.

The South America Tomato Leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), Spreads Its Wings in Eastern Africa: Distribution and Socioeconomic Impacts

2019 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 2797-2807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Osa Aigbedion-Atalor ◽  
Martin P Hill ◽  
Myron P Zalucki ◽  
Francis Obala ◽  
Gamal E Idriss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Sustainable Livelihoods ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Tuta Absoluta ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Socioeconomic Impacts ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Following the arrival of Tuta absoluta Meyrick in the eastern African subregion in 2012, several studies have shown numerous ecological aspects of its invasion. We investigated the impact of T. absoluta on people’s livelihoods across four counties of Kenya. Here, 200 farmers in the country were interviewed in person using semistructured questionnaires. In addition to livelihood surveys, T. absoluta distribution was mapped between 2016 and 2018 to determine its current distribution across four countries (Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) in the subregion. Albeit a recent invader, T. absoluta is abundant and distributed throughout the subregion and is viewed as the worst invasive alien species of agriculturally sustainable livelihoods by tomato farmers. The arrival of T. absoluta in the subregion has resulted in livelihood losses and increased both the cost of tomato production and frequency of pesticide application. We recommend the implementation of biological control along, with other control measures in an integrated approach, against T. absoluta in the subregion, where its impact on sustainable livelihoods is serious and long-term control strategies are required to curb its detrimental effects.

scholarly journals On the reliability of predictions on Covid-19 dynamics: a systematic and critical review of modelling techniques

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janyce E. Gnanvi ◽  
Val\`ere K. Salako ◽  
Brezesky Kotanmi ◽  
Romain Gl`el`e Kakai
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Models ◽  
Bayesian Model ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Actual Number ◽  
Large Uncertainty ◽  
Central Value ◽  
Complex Models ◽  
Modelling Techniques ◽  
The Impact

Since the beginning of the new coronavirus 2019-nCoV disease (Covid-19) in December 2019, there has been an exponential number of studies using diverse modelling techniques to assess the dynamics of transmission of the disease, predict its future course and determine the impact of different control measures. In this study, we conducted a global systematic literature review to summarize trends in the modelling techniques used for Covid-19 from January 1st 2020 to June 30th 2020. We further examined the reliability and correctness of predictions by comparing predicted and observed values for cumulative cases and deaths. From an initial 2170 peer-reviewed articles and preprints found with our defined keywords, 148 were fully analyzed. We found that most studies on the modelling of Covid-19 were from Asia (52.70%) and Europe (25%). Most of them used compartmental models (SIR and SEIR) (57%) and statistical models (growth models and time series) (28%) while few used artificial intelligence (5%) and Bayesian approach (3%). For cumulative cases, the ratio predicted/observed values and the ratio of the amplitude of confidence interval (CI) or credibility interval (CrI) of predictions and the central value were on average larger than 1 (4.49-9.98 and 1.10-1.94, respectively) indicating cases of incorrect predictions, large uncertainty on predictions, and large variation across studies. There was no clear difference among models used for these two ratios. However, the ratio predicted/observed values was relatively smaller for SIR models than for SEIR models, indicating that more complex models might not be more accurate for predictions. We further found that values of both ratios decreased with the number of days covered by studies, indicating that the wider the time covered by the data, the higher the correctness and accuracy of predictions. In 21.62% of studies, observed values fall within the CI or CrI of the cumulative cases predicted by studies. Only six of the 148 selected studies (4.05%) predicted the number of deaths. For 33.3% of these predictions, the ratio of predicted to actual number of deaths was close to 1. We also found that the Bayesian model made predictions closer to reality than the compartmental and the statistical models, although these differences are only suggestive due to the small size of the data. Our findings suggest that while predictions made by the different models are useful to understand the pandemic course and guide policy-making, there should be cautious in their usage.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the economic impact of classical and African swine fever epidemics using OutCosT, a new spreadsheet-based tool

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordi Casal ◽  
Damian TagoPacheco ◽  
Pilar Pineda ◽  
Blagojco Tabakovsky ◽  
Imelda Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
National Level ◽  
African Swine Fever ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
Classical Swine Fever ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

African swine fever (ASF) and classical swine fever (CSF) are two major transboundary animal diseases of swine with important socioeconomic consequences at farm, subnational and national level. The objective of this study was to evaluate the direct cost of outbreaks and their control at country/regional level in four countries: namely CSF in Colombia in 2015-2016, the retrospective cost of ASF in the Philippines in 2019 and in a province of Vietnam in 2020, and a hypothetical ASF scenario in one region in North Macedonia, using the newly developed Outbreak Costing Tool (OutCosT). The tool calculates the costs of 106 different items, broken down by up to four types of farms, and by who assumes the cost (whether veterinary services, farmers or other stakeholders). The total cost of CSF in Colombia was US$ 3.8 million of which 88% represented the cost of the vaccination campaign. For ASF, there were wide differences between countries: US$ 826,911 in Lao Cai (Vietnam), US$ 3,319,666 in North Macedonia and over US$ 58 million in the Philippines. While in the Philippines and Vietnam, 96-98% of the cost occurred in the affected farms, the highest expenditure in North Macedonia scenario was the movement control of the neighbouring and at-risk farms (77%). These important differences between countries depend on the spread of the disease, but also on the production systems affected and the measures applied. Apart from the financial cost, these diseases have other negative impacts, especially in the livelihoods of smallholder farms. The OutCosT tool also allows users to evaluate qualitatively other important aspects related to the epidemics, such as the impact on human health, the environment, animal welfare, socio-economic vulnerability, trading and political response. The main purpose of the OutCosT, which will become a FAO corporate tool, is to support country authorities to rapidly respond to ASF outbreaks by estimating the associated costs, and for advocacy purposes to mobilize resources at national or international levels.

scholarly journals KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS IN UPHOLDING SCOPE CREEP MANAGEMENT IN ROAD PROJECTS

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Jayalath ◽  
◽  
K.K.G.P Somarathna ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
The Road ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Road Project ◽  
Road Projects ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Scope creep has been a day-to-day occurrence in almost every major road project causing a considerable cost overrun with no early dimple. This paper offers a critical appraisal on the dominant causes behind scope creep in the road projects. A comprehensive literature survey was undertaken to explore the factors specifically contributing scope creep and various control measures that are adopted, among other purposes, in at least reducing the impact due to scope creep in the final delivery of road projects. The study included interviews with 15 experts to identify major issues and add their hands-on experience. A questionnaire survey was subsequently administered among 100 industrial personnel having a cost management background in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the key performance indicators (KPIs) in terms of taming scope creep. Results from the study showed that concomitant client instructions on additional features, unclear scope and incremental changes cause scope creep throughout the project. Among 53 KPIs identified, the most effective KPI that enables adequate control of scope creep in road projects is the cost efficiency ratio. The results enable comprehending the causes of scope creep and its resultant net effect on cost control.

scholarly journals Spatio-temporal modelling of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (12) ◽  
pp. 2485-2493 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. MALESIOS ◽  
N. DEMIRIS ◽  
P. KOSTOULAS ◽  
K. DADOUSIS ◽  
T. KOUTROUMANIDIS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Foot And Mouth Disease ◽  
Mouth Disease ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Excess Zeros ◽  
Foot And Mouth ◽  
Complex Models ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARYWe present and analyse data collected during a severe epidemic of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that occurred between July and September 2000 in a region of northeastern Greece with strategic importance since it represents the southeastern border of Europe and Asia. We implement generic Bayesian methodology, which offers flexibility in the ability to fit several realistically complex models that simultaneously capture the presence of ‘excess’ zeros, the spatio-temporal dependence of the cases, assesses the impact of environmental noise and controls for multicollinearity issues. Our findings suggest that the epidemic was mostly driven by the size and the animal type of each farm as well as the distance between farms while environmental and other endemic factors were not important during this outbreak. Analyses of this kind may prove useful to informing decisions related to optimal control measures for potential future FMD outbreaks as well as other acute epidemics such as FMD.

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