scholarly journals Impact involving the community in entomological surveillance of the Triatoma infestans vectorial control

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Abrahan ◽  
María José Cavallo ◽  
Ivana Amelotti
Keyword(s):  
Community Participation ◽  
Triatoma Infestans ◽  
Entomological Surveillance ◽  
Principal Vector ◽  
Vertical Control ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
The Cost ◽  
La Rioja

Abstract BackgroundVectorial transmission is the principal way of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, the parasite that cause Chagas disease. In Argentina, Triatoma infestans is the principal vector, for this reason, vector control is the main strategy for the prevention of this illness. Provincial Program of Chagas La Rioja (PPCHLR) carries out entomological evaluation of domiciliary units (DU) and spraying those where T. infestans are found. The lack of government funds generated low visit frequency of PPCHLR, especially in areas with a low infestation that they were not prioritized. For this reason, seeking possible alternatives to complement control activities are necessary. Involving householders in entomologic evaluation would be a control alternative. The major objective was to determine the cost of entomological evaluation with and without community participation.MethodsFor entomological evaluation without community participation, PPCHLR data collected in February 2017 over 359 DU of Castro Barros Department (CBD) were used. For entomological evaluation with community participation, 434 DU of the same department were selected in November 2017. Each householder was trained in the insect collection that were kept in labelled plastic bags and recovered after two weeks to analyse T. cruzi presence in laboratory. Entomological evaluation costs with and without community participation over DU visited number, over DU evaluated number, and over DU sprayed were calculated and compared between methodologies. In addition, DU evaluated number out DU visited number was compared. ResultsThe results showed that the triatomines did not show evidence of T. cruzi infection. Costs in relation to DU visited, to those evaluated and to those sprayed, were lowered with community participation (p< 0.05). In addition, a greater number of DU evaluated in relation to those visited as well as greater surface were covered with community participation. ConclusionThe participation of the community in the infestation survey is an efficient complement of vertical control, allowing the spraying to be focused on infested houses and thus reducing costs and intervention times by PPCHLR.

scholarly journals Impact Involving the Community in Entomological Surveillance of the Triatoma Infestans Vectorial Control

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Abrahan ◽  
Maria José Cavallo ◽  
Ivana Amelotti
Keyword(s):  
Community Participation ◽  
Triatoma Infestans ◽  
Entomological Surveillance ◽  
Principal Vector ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
The Cost ◽  
La Rioja ◽  
Main Strategy

Abstract BackgroundVectorial transmission is the principal way of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, the parasite that cause Chagas disease. In Argentina, Triatoma infestans is the principal vector, for this reason, vector control is the main strategy for the prevention of this illness. Provincial Program of Chagas La Rioja (PPCHLR) carries out entomological evaluation of domiciliary units (UD) and spraying those where T. infestans are found. The lack of government funds generated low visit frequency of PPCHLR, especially in areas with a low infestation that they were not prioritized. For this reason, seeking possible alternatives to complement control activities are necessary. Involving householders in entomologic evaluation would be a control alternative. The major objective was to determine the cost of entomological evaluation with and without community participation.Methods For entomological evaluation with community participation, 434 DU corresponding to nine localities of Castro Barros Department (CBD) were selected in November 2017. T. infestans infestation of DUs selected was determined involving the community in triatomines detection. Each householder was trained in the insect collection that were kept in labelled plastic bags and recovered after two weeks to analyse T. cruzi presence in laboratory. For entomological evaluation without community participation, PPCHLR data collected in February 2017 over 359 DU of CBD were used. Entomological evaluation costs with and without community participation over DU visited number, over DU evaluated number, and over DU sprayed were calculated and compared between methodologies. In addition, DU evaluated number out DU visited number was compared. The infestation in the area was 13.8%, with relative risk differences by zones. ResultsThe results showed that the triatomines did not show evidence of T. cruzi infection. Costs in relation to DU visited, to those evaluated and to those sprayed, were lowered with community participation (p< 0.05). In addition, a greater number of DU evaluated in relation to those visited as well as greater surface were covered with community participation. ConclusionThe participation of the community in the infestation survey is more efficient, allowing the spraying to be focused on infested houses and thus reducing costs and intervention times by PPCHLR.

scholarly journals Impact of involving the community in entomological surveillance of Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera, Triatominae) vectorial control

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Abrahan ◽  
M. J. Cavallo ◽  
I. Amelotti
Keyword(s):  
Community Participation ◽  
Triatoma Infestans ◽  
Spatial Scan Statistic ◽  
Entomological Surveillance ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
Visitation Frequency ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Collection Data ◽  
The Cost ◽  
La Rioja

Abstract Background Vectorial transmission is the principal path of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. In Argentina, Triatoma infestans is the principal vector; therefore, vector control is the main strategy for the prevention of this illness. The Provincial Program of Chagas La Rioja (PPCHLR) carries out entomological evaluation of domiciliary units (DUs) and spraying of those where T. infestans is found. The lack of government funds has led to low visitation frequency by the PPCHLR, especially in areas with a low infestation rate, which are not prioritized. Therefore, seeking possible alternatives to complement control activities is necessary. Involving householders in entomological evaluation could be a control alternative. The major objective was to determine the cost of entomological evaluation with and without community participation. Methods For entomological evaluation without community participation, PPCHLR data collected in February 2017 over 359 DUs of the Castro Barros Department (CBD) were used. For entomological evaluation with community participation, 434 DUs of the same department were selected in November 2017. Each householder was trained in collecting insects, which were kept in labeled plastic bags, recovered after 2 weeks, and analyzed in the laboratory for the presence of T. cruzi. Using householders' collection data, a spatial scan statistic was used to detect clusters of different T. infestans infestations. Entomological evaluation costs with and without community participation related to the numbers of DUs visited, DUs evaluated, and DUs sprayed were calculated and compared between methodologies. In addition, the number of DUs evaluated of the DUs visited was compared. Results According to the results, the triatomines did not show evidence of T. cruzi infection. Spatial analysis detected heterogeneity of T. infestans infestation in the area. Costs related to the DUs visited, evaluated, and sprayed were lower with community participation (p < 0.05). In addition, more DUs were evaluated in relation to those visited and a greater surface area was covered with community participation. Conclusion Participation of the community in the infestation survey is an efficient complement to vertical control, allowing the spraying to be focused on infested houses and thus reducing the PPCHLR's costs and intervention times.

scholarly journals Computer Modeling of Barrel-Vaulted Sanctuary Exhibiting Flutter Echo with Comparison to Measurements

Acoustics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 87-109
Author(s):  
Heather Lai ◽  
Brian Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Computer Modeling ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Impulse Responses ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Geometrical Acoustics ◽  
Decay Times ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Show Evidence ◽  
Architectural Planning ◽  
The Cost

Computer modeling in acoustics allows for the prediction of acoustical defects and the evaluation of potential remediations. In this article, computer modeling is applied to the case of a barrel-vaulted sanctuary whose architectural design and construction led to severe flutter echoes along the main aisle, which was later mitigated through acoustical remediations. State-of-the-art geometrical acoustics and wave-based simulations are carried out to analyze the acoustics of this space, with a particular focus on the flutter echoes along the main aisle, before and after remediations. Multi-resolution wavelet and spectrogram analyses are carried out to isolate and characterize flutter echoes within measurements and computer-simulated room impulse responses. Comparisons of simulated responses to measurements are also made in terms of decay times and curves. Simulated room impulse responses from both geometrical acoustics and wave-based methods show evidence of flutter echoes matching measurements, to varying degrees. Time-frequency analyses isolating flutter echoes demonstrate better matches to measurements from wave-based simulated responses, at the cost of longer simulation times than geometrical acoustics simulations. This case study highlights the importance of computer modeling of acoustics in early design phases of architectural planning of worship spaces.

scholarly journals Undergraduate Student Perspectives on Textbook Costs and Implications for Academic Success

Open Praxis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Lucinda Rush Wittkower ◽  
Leo S Lo
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
General Education ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
General Education Courses ◽  
The Cost

To provide more affordable course content to our students and faculty, local data on how students perceive textbook expenses and how the costs impact student success would be necessary in order to advocate to faculty and other stakeholders. This survey, conducted at a mid-sized research public institution, aims to explore student perceptions of textbooks and how these perceptions influence academic success. The results reveal that students feel that the cost of required textbooks is unreasonable and that students are more likely to purchase required textbooks for in-major classes than for elective or general education courses. The most common means of reducing costs are purchasing from a vendor other than the campus bookstore, renting, or sharing books with classmates. Implications for academic success included not purchasing required textbooks or withdrawing from a course due to not having the materials. Students whose majors are housed in the College of Business have the highest textbook costs.

scholarly journals The influence of the training system directed to increase stress resistance on the economic efficiency of sports horses` training

2021 ◽  
pp. 12-17
Author(s):  
І. O. Каbasova ◽  
◽  
M. P. Petryshko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Stress Resistance ◽  
Economic Effect ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Training System ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Types ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Complex Methods

The economic efficiency of the applying the complex to increase the stress resistance of horses during participation in competitions and demonstrative performances has been determined in this work. Thus, the sports success of horses with application of complex methods to increase the stress resistance during participation in competitions and demonstrative performances and horses trained on the usual training system has been compared; the economic effect of applying some complex methods to increase the stress resistance of horses during participation in competitions and demonstrative performances has been investigated. The research has been carried out on 10 heads of horses of the jumping group of Dergachy child and youth horse racing school. Based on the results of horses` participation in competitions and taking into account the higher nervous activity types, two equivalent groups – control and experimental by five heads in each have been formed. The complex methods to increase the stress resistance have been introduced in training system of horses of the experimental group; training of horses of the control group remained unchanged. The calculation of expenses for participation in competitions has been carried out by drawing up expenditures for transportation of horses, nutrition and accommodation of the team, starting contributions and the cost of renting stables. The total number of starts has been determined by multiplying the number of heads of horses by the number of starts of one head during the period of competitions. The number of successful starts has been calculated by a percentage of starts with the prize places from the total number of starts. To determine the economic efficiency of the application of the complex methods to increase the stress resistance of horses the amount of expenses per successful start by dividing the total amount of costs for the number of successful starts was calculated. It has been established that the economic efficiency of the applying of the complex methods to increase the stress resistance of horses is 1194,75 UAH for one successful start. The results of the research allowed to recommend the application of the developed method to increase the stress resistance in the training system of horses in order to increase the effectiveness of participation in competitions and reducing costs for each successful start.

scholarly journals A Financial Model for Economic Analysis of Cement Factory

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-72
Author(s):  
Bijan Bidabad ◽  
Mahshid Sherafati ◽  
Rohollah Mohammadi
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Economic Structure ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Financial Model ◽  
Software Application ◽  
Cement Factory ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
The Cost

In this paper, a method is presented to combine financial data and financial statements for economic analysis, which consequently introduces a software application for determining the economic structure of a cement factory. This software converts nearly 300 items of raw data of a cement factory to almost 4 times more economic-analytic information. The software analyzes the quantity and quality of production activities in addition to the cost structure of the concerned cement factory. It provides more than 80 descriptive figures, which have been defined previously and are applied to illustrate the economic structure of the cement factory. The calculated tables and figures are able to guide decision makers of the cement factory with regard to inefficiencies, obstacles, and various problems in the factory. In the end, a set of policies for increasing production efficiency and reducing costs are expressed briefly, which can be considered as the primary plans to operationalize the analytical information of the software. It is worth to mention that the presented structure of the software has been designed for Abyek Cement Factory. However, it can be employed as a guiding project for other cement factories as well. In other words, the software can be rebuilt with consideration of their specific information by revising and adjusting the software structure to cover their specific features.

Design and Implementation of an Event-Based RFID Middleware

2012 ◽  
pp. 110-131
Author(s):  
Angelo Cucinotta ◽  
Antonino Longo Minnolo ◽  
Antonio Puliafito
Keyword(s):  
Business Processes ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Rfid Technology ◽  
Application Development ◽  
Technological Level ◽  
Rfid Middleware ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Event Based

The downward trend in the cost of RFID technology is producing a strong impact on the industrial world that is using such powerful technology in order to rethink and optimize most of the existing business processes. In this sense, the chipless technology is playing a key role to facilitate the adoption of RFID in enterprises. All this implies the use of solutions that simplify the adoption of the continuously evolving RFID technology and allow keeping a high-level vision versus the specific technical details. In brief, it is mandatory to abstract the technological level and makes transparent the physical devices to the application level. The widespread use of the RFID technology also produces a large volume of data from many objects scattered everywhere, that have to be managed. In these complex scenarios, the RFID middleware represents an ideal solution that favors the technology integration, reducing costs for application development and introducing real benefits to the business processes. In this chapter, the authors describe the main features of our event-based RFID middleware and its powerful architecture. Their middleware is able to assure an effective process of technological abstraction, switching from a vision linked to the specific issues of interfacing devices (chipless tags, readers, sensor networks, GPS, WiFi, etc.) to the management of the event generated by each device. In brief, “event-based” means to integrate the management logic of different devices.

Reducing Costs of Knowledge Transfer in Tourism Development using Historical Materials

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-25
Author(s):  
Ayako Sawada ◽  
Taketoshi Yoshida ◽  
Hiroshi Horii ◽  
Misato Horii ◽  
Masaharu Hayashi
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Regional Economies ◽  
Sticky Information ◽  
Historical Materials ◽  
Local Resources ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
The Cost

Recently, discovering local resources and utilizing them have been underway for the purpose to revitalize regional economies. The authors have conducted some activities for regional activation using historical materials such as old documents and maps. For these activities historians play an important role to discover and utilize local resources from historical materials. The cost of transferring historians’ knowledge about such resources to tour developers is high. In this study, a tour developer who is also a volunteer tour guide designed two tour courses featuring local historical material with the aid of a proposed information system. They clarify the role of the information system and the factors of reducing the costs of knowledge transfer in tourism development using historical materials from the view points of the sticky information.

scholarly journals Cost-Effectiveness of Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery

2020 ◽  
pp. 219256822096409
Author(s):  
Anthony M. Alvarado ◽  
Bryan A. Schatmeyer ◽  
Paul M. Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Resource Utilization ◽  
Spinal Deformity ◽  
Adult Spinal Deformity ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Spinal Deformity Surgery ◽  
Reducing Costs ◽  
The Cost

Study Design: Review article. Objective: A review of the literature evaluating the cost-effectiveness of undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery and potential avenues for reducing costs. Methods: A review of the current literature and synthesis of data to provide an update on the cost effectiveness of undergoing adult spinal deformity surgery. Results: Compared with nonoperative management, operative management for adult spinal deformity is associated with improved patient-reported outcomes and quality of life; however, it is associated with significant financial and resource use. Conclusion: Operative management for adult spinal deformity has been shown to be effective but is associated with significant cost and resource utilization. The optimal operative treatment is highly dependent on the patients’ symptomatology and is surgeon dependent. Maximizing preoperative surgical health and minimizing postoperative complications are key measures in reducing the cost and resource utilization of adult spinal deformity surgery. Future studies are needed to evaluate how to optimize the cost-effectiveness.

Stigmatized products: how conflicting laws can influence decisions to proceed

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-49
Author(s):  
Stephanie Geiger-Oneto ◽  
Betsy D. Gelb ◽  
Travis Simkins
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
State Legislatures ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
State Laws ◽  
Product Categories ◽  
Plastic Bags ◽  
Single Use ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offers the authors’ perspective on a problem rarely considered by those making strategic decisions: conflicting laws at different levels of jurisdiction, specifically those related to stigmatized products. Design/methodology/approach The authors use as examples of product categories from marijuana to single-use plastic bags, describing the conflicting laws that add to costs for marketers and consumers. Findings The authors find that conflicting laws add to the uncertainty, legal expenses, and therefore, the cost of marketing a stigmatized product, whether stigmatized because of its impact on the environment, on health or on moral grounds. Research limitations/implications The examples are not exhaustive, but their implications are significant: that as state legislatures are preempting local bans, Congress may preempt state laws. Originality/value This paper adds one more complexity to decision-making in the area of products to offer and/or merger/acquisition decisions that may bring company products that face conflicting laws.

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