scholarly journals Mammal-exclusion fencing improves the nesting success of an endangered native Hawaiian waterbird

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dain L. Christensen ◽  
Kristen C. Harmon ◽  
Nathaniel H. Wehr ◽  
Melissa R. Price
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Invasive Mammals ◽  
Poison Baiting ◽  
Complete Exclusion ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Himantopus Mexicanus ◽  
Hawaiian Waterbirds

Invasive predator control is often critical to improving the nesting success of endangered birds, but methods of control vary in cost and effectiveness. Poison-baiting or trapping and removal are relatively low-cost, but may have secondary impacts on non-target species, and may not completely exclude mammals from nesting areas. Mammal-exclusion fencing has a substantial up-front cost, but due to cost savings over the lifetime of the structure and the complete exclusion of mammalian predators, this option is increasingly being utilized to protect threatened species such as ground-nesting seabirds. However, non-mammalian predators are not excluded by these fences and may continue to impact nesting success, particularly in cases where the fence is designed for the protection of waterbirds, open to an estuary or wetland on one side. Thus, there remains a research gap regarding the potential gains in waterbird nesting success from the implementation of mammal-exclusion fencing in estuarine systems. In this study, we compared the nesting success of endangered Hawaiian Stilts (Ae‘o; Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) within a mammal-exclusion fence to that of breeding pairs in a nearby wetland where trapping was the sole means for removing invasive mammals. We predicted success would be greater for breeding pairs inside the exclusion fence and the hatchlings inside the enclosure would spend more time in the nesting area than hatchlings at the unfenced site. During a single breeding season following construction of a mammal-exclusion fence, we used motion-activated game cameras to monitor nests at two sites, one site with mammal-exclusion fencing and one site without. Clutch sizes and hatch rates were significantly greater at the fenced site than the unfenced site, but time spent by chicks in the nesting area did not differ between sites. These results add to the mounting body of evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of mammal-exclusion fencing in protecting endangered birds and suggests it can aid endangered Hawaiian waterbirds toward recovery. These results also suggest that the single greatest predatory threat to the Hawaiian Stilt may be invasive mammals, despite a host of known non-mammalian predators including birds, crabs, turtles, and bullfrogs, as the complete exclusion of mammals resulted in significant gains in nesting success. As additional fences are built, future studies are necessary to compare nesting success among multiple sites and across multiple seasons to determine potential gains in fledging success and recruitment.

scholarly journals Costs and Cost-Effectiveness of User-Testing of Health Professionals’ Guidelines to Reduce the Frequency of Intravenous Medicines Administration Errors by Nurses in the United Kingdom: A Probabilistic Model Based on Voriconazole Administration

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Jones ◽  
Bryony Dean Franklin ◽  
D. K. Raynor ◽  
Howard Thom ◽  
Margaret C. Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Medication Error ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Probability Of Detection ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Decision Analytic Model ◽  
Published Data ◽  
User Testing

Abstract Aim In the UK, injectable medicines are often prepared and administered by nurses following the Injectable Medicines Guide (IMG). Our earlier study confirmed a higher frequency of correct administration with user-tested versus standard IMG guidelines. This current study aimed to model the cost-effectiveness of user-testing. Methods The costs and cost-effectiveness of user-testing were explored by modifying an existing probabilistic decision-analytic model. The adapted model considered administration of intravenous voriconazole to hospital inpatients by nurses. It included 11 error types, their probability of detection and level of harm. Model inputs (including costs) were derived from our previous study and other published data. Monte Carlo simulation using 20,000 samples (sufficient for convergence) was performed with a 5-year time horizon from the perspective of the 121 NHS trusts and health boards that use the IMG. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken for the risk of a medication error and other sources of uncertainty. Results The net monetary benefit at £20,000/quality-adjusted life year was £3,190,064 (95% credible interval (CrI): −346,709 to 8,480,665), favouring user-testing with a 96% chance of cost-effectiveness. Incremental cost-savings were £240,943 (95% CrI 43,527–491,576), also favouring user-tested guidelines with a 99% chance of cost-saving. The total user testing cost was £6317 (95% CrI 6012–6627). These findings were robust to assumptions about a range of input parameters, but greater uncertainty was seen with a lower medication error risk. Conclusions User-testing of injectable medicines guidelines is a low-cost intervention that is highly likely to be cost-effective, especially for high-risk medicines.

scholarly journals Automated Residential Energy Audits Using a Smart WiFi Thermostat-Enabled Data Mining Approach

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 2500
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman Alanezi ◽  
Kevin P. Hallinan ◽  
Kefan Huang
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Measured Temperature ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Furnace Efficiency ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Data Mining Approach ◽  
Energy Auditing ◽  
Energy Audits

Smart WiFi thermostats, when they first reached the market, were touted as a means for achieving substantial heating and cooling energy cost savings. These savings did not materialize until additional features, such as geofencing, were added. Today, average savings from these thermostats of 10–12% in heating and 15% in cooling for a single-family residence have been reported. This research aims to demonstrate additional potential benefit of these thermostats, namely as a potential instrument for conducting virtual energy audits on residences. In this study, archived smart WiFi thermostat measured temperature data in the form of a power spectrum, corresponding historical weather and energy consumption data, building geometry characteristics, and occupancy data were integrated in order to train a machine learning model to predict attic and wall R-Values, furnace efficiency, and air conditioning seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), all of which were known for all residences in this study. The developed model was validated on residences not used for model development. Validation R-squared values of 0.9408, 0.9421, 0.9536, and 0.9053 for predicting attic and wall R-values, furnace efficiency, and AC SEER, respectively, were realized. This research demonstrates promise for low-cost data-based energy auditing of residences reliant upon smart WiFi thermostats.

Otta Seals and Gravseals as Low-Cost Surfacing Alternatives for Low-Volume Roads: Experiences in South Africa

2003 ◽  
Vol 1819 (1) ◽  
pp. 338-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Oloo ◽  
Rob Lindsay ◽  
Sam Mothilal
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Low Volume Roads ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Traffic Volumes ◽  
Low Volume ◽  
To Come

The geology of the northeastern part of the province of KwaZulu–Natal, South Africa, is predominantly alluvial with vast deposits of sands. Suitable gravel sources are hard to come by, which results in high graveling and regraveling costs brought about by long haul distances and accelerated gravel loss. Most gravel roads carry fewer than 500 vehicles per day of which less than 10% are heavy vehicles. The high cost of regraveling has led to consideration of upgrading such roads to surfaced standard, even though traffic volumes do not justify upgrading. Traditional chip seals are expensive and cannot be economically justified on roads that carry fewer than 500 vehicles per day. The KwaZulu–Natal Department of Transport is actively involved in efforts to identify cost-effective alternative surfacing products for low-volume roads. Field trials were conducted with Otta seals and Gravseals, which have been used successfully in other countries, as low-cost surfacing products for low-volume roads. The Otta seal is formed by placing graded aggregates on a relatively thick film of soft binder that, because of traffic and rolling, works its way through the aggregates. Gravseal consists of a special semipriming rubberized binder that is covered by a graded aggregate. Both Otta seals and Gravseals provide relatively flexible bituminous surfaces suitable for low-volume roads. Cost savings are derived mainly from the broad aggregate specifications, which allow for the use of marginal materials.

scholarly journals Textbook Alternative Incentive Programs at U.S. Universities: A Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 105-123
Author(s):  
Ashley Lierman
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
The United States ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Impact Measurement ◽  
Grant Programs ◽  
Incentive Programs ◽  
Financial Investments ◽  
Faculty Time ◽  
The Cost

Objective – This article reviews current literature on incentive grant programs for textbook alternatives at universities and their libraries. Of particular interest in this review are common patterns and factors in the design, development, and implementation of these initiatives at the programmatic level, trends in the results of assessment of programs, and unique elements of certain institutions’ programs. Methods – The review was limited in scope to studies in scholarly and professional publications of textbook alternative incentive programs at universities within the United States of America, published within ten years prior to the investigation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted and then subjected to analysis for trends and patterns. Results – Studies of these types of programs have reported substantial total cost savings to affected students compared to the relatively small financial investments that are required to establish them. The majority of incentive programs were led by university libraries, although the most successful efforts appear to have been broadly collaborative in nature. Programs are well-regarded by students and faculty, with benefits to pedagogy and access to materials beyond the cost savings to students. The field of replacing textbooks with alternatives is still evolving, however, and the required investment of faculty time and effort is still a barrier, while inconsistent approaches to impact measurement make it difficult to compare programs or establish best practices. Conclusion – Overall, the literature shows evidence of significant benefits from incentive programs at a relatively low cost. Furthermore, these programs are opportunities to establish cross-campus partnerships and collaborations, and collaboration seems to be effective at helping to reduce barriers and increase impact. Further research is needed on similar programs at community colleges and at higher education institutions internationally.

scholarly journals Open Source Digitally Replicable Lab-Grade Scales

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Hubbard ◽  
Joshua M. Pearce
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Load Cell ◽  
Significant Cost ◽  
Load Cells ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Cell Data ◽  
Precision Balance ◽  
Multiple Load

This study provides designs for a low-cost, easily replicable open source lab-grade digital scale that can be used as a precision balance. The design is such that it can be manufactured for use in most labs throughout the world with open source RepRap-class material extrusion-based 3-D printers for the mechanical components and readily available open source electronics including the Arduino Nano. Several versions of the design were fabricated and tested for precision and accuracy for a range of load cells. The results showed the open source scale was found to be repeatable within 0.1g with multiple load cells, with even better precision (0.01g) depending on load cell range and style. The scale tracks linearly with proprietary lab-grade scales, meeting the performance specified in the load cell data sheets, indicating that it is accurate across the range of the load cell installed. The smallest loadcell tested(100g) offers precision on the order of a commercial digital mass balance. The scale can be produced at significant cost savings compared to scales of comparable range and precision when serial capability is present. The cost savings increase significantly as the range of the scale increases and are particularly well-suited for resource-constrained medical and scientific facilities.

Cooperation and Free Riding in Cyber Security Information-Sharing Programs

2018 ◽  
pp. 309-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asmeret Bier Naugle ◽  
Austin Silva ◽  
Munaf Aamir
Keyword(s):  
Information Sharing ◽  
Cyber Security ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Free Riding ◽  
Cyber Attacks ◽  
Defense Strategies ◽  
Shared Information ◽  
Substantial Investment ◽  
Human Decision

Even with substantial investment in cyber defense, the risk of harm from cyber attacks is significant for many organizations. Multi-organization information-sharing programs have the potential to improve cyber security at relatively low cost by allowing organizations that face similar threats to share information on vulnerabilities, attacks, and defense strategies. The dynamics of an information-sharing program are likely to depend heavily on interactions between human decision makers. This article describes a system dynamics model of an information-sharing program. The model incorporates decision-making strategies of managers and cyber defenders in each participating organization. The model was used to assess how free-riding behavior is likely to affect the success of a multi-organization information-sharing program. Results shows that free riding may make information sharing more volatile and less beneficial early on, but other factors, including cost savings and the perceived utility of shared information, are likely to create success later in the time horizon.

scholarly journals The Flexiscope: a low cost, flexible, convertible and modular microscope with automated scanning and micromanipulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 191949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Courtney ◽  
Luke M. Alvey ◽  
George O. T. Merces ◽  
Niamh Burke ◽  
Mark Pickering
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Fluorescent Imaging ◽  
Multiple Roles ◽  
Flexible Work ◽  
Optical Components ◽  
Automated Scanning

With technologies rapidly evolving, many research institutions are now opting to invest in costly, high-quality, specialized microscopes which are shared by many researchers. As a consequence, the user may not have the ability to adapt a microscope to their specific needs and limitations in experimental design are introduced. A flexible work-horse microscopy system is a valuable tool in any laboratory to meet the diverse needs of a research team and promote innovation in experimental design. We have developed the Flexiscope; a multi-functional, adaptable, efficient and high-performance microscopy/electrophysiology system for everyday applications in a neurobiology laboratory. The core optical components are relatively constant in the three configurations described here: an upright configuration, an inverted configuration and an upright/electrophysiology configuration. We have provided a comprehensive description of the Flexiscope. We show that this method is capable of oblique infrared illumination imaging, multi-channel fluorescent imaging and automated three-dimensional scanning of larger specimens. Image quality is conserved across the three configurations of the microscope, and conversion between configurations is possible quickly and easily, while the motion control system can be repurposed to allow sub-micrometre computer-controlled micromanipulation. The Flexiscope provides similar performance and usability to commercially available systems. However, as it can be easily reconfigured for multiple roles, it can remove the need to purchase multiple microscopes, giving significant cost savings. The modular reconfigurable nature allows the user to customize the system to their specific needs and adapt/upgrade the system as challenges arise, without requiring specialized technical skills.

Information Technology Offshoring Outsourcing

2011 ◽  
pp. 122-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smita Gupta ◽  
Narendra S. Chaudhari
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Offshore Outsourcing ◽  
Business Services ◽  
Job Growth ◽  
Software Development Methodologies ◽  
The U.S

Offshore outsourcing is a term covering a range of information technology (IT) and business services delivered to companies in developed countries by IT personnel based in developing countries. The significant cost savings achieved by the offshore model is the prime factor in its growing acceptance and use. IT software and service outsourcing is becoming a new reality for employers, employees, government and academicians. The widespread use of Internet, standardization of software development methodologies, efficient IT project management techniques, low cost of telecommunications, have provided the necessary thrust for global production of software and services. In this chapter, we analyze the impact of today’s offshore outsourcing movement to the United States economy, education, jobs, wages, and social issues. We suggest that offshoring is a viable economic model. It leads to improved productivity, lower inflation and eventually growth in jobs and wages. The U.S. will also see significant numbers of “in-sourced” jobs because of subsidiaries of foreign based companies. Future job growth in different areas of business and skills, require young students and present IT workforce to acquire them with education and training. Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan has also expressed the need to produce highly skilled workers. The loss of jobs of IT workers is the difficult aspect of offshoring. Laid-off workers should be provided assistance to find a new comparable job, both by the U.S. government and companies. In this chapter, we make some recommendations to reduce, minimize and overcome the hardships caused by the IT outsourcing.

scholarly journals 128 Factors Associated with Cost Savings Following Use of a Pharmacogenetic Assay in Individuals with Mood and Anxiety Disorders

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-282
Author(s):  
Alison M Edwards ◽  
Roy H Perlis ◽  
David S Krause
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Cost Difference ◽  
Outpatient Visits ◽  
Mood And Anxiety Disorders

Abstract:Background:In a study conducted in the database of a large commercial healthcare insurer, we previously demonstrated that use of a commercial pharmacogenetic assay for individuals with mood disorders was associated with decreased resource utilization and cost in the 6 month period following use compared to propensity-score matched controls. We conducted a post hoc analysis to understand variables associated with high cost savings.Methods:The results and methods of the initial study have previously been described. Cases were individuals with mood and anxiety disorders who received a commercial pharmacogenetic assay (Genomind, King of Prussia PA) to inform pharmacotherapy. 817 tested individuals (cases) with mood and/or anxiety disorders were matched to 2745 controls. Overall costs were estimated to be $1,948 lower in the tested group. The differences were largely the result of lesser emergency room and inpatient utilization for cases. In the present analysis, cost difference for cases compared to their matched controls was rank ordered by decile. High cost savers were arbitrarily defined a priori as the top 20% of savers. Using multivariable modeling techniques, an ordinal logistic regression model was generated in which baseline or follow-up variables were statistically tested for independent associations with high, low, and no cost savings.Results:606 (74%) of cases were net cost savers compared to their controls (cost difference <0). High cost savers (n=121) saved on average $10,690 compared to their matched controls. They were statistically more likely to have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (n=33/121) than low cost savers (n=57/485) or non-savers (n=31/211), and had a lower Charlson Comorbidity index. High cost savers had fewer mean number of antidepressants in the baseline period (mean=3.16) compared to non-savers (3.73) but more than low cost savers (2.72) (p<0.05 across groups). In a multivariable model, bipolar, count of antidepressants, outpatient visits, and inpatient visits were statistically associated with being a high cost saver; antidepressant count and all-cause inpatient and outpatient visits in the baseline period were inversely associated with cost savings.Conclusions:Use of a pharmacogenetic assay was associated with cost-savings in the database of a large commercial insurer. Patients with bipolar disorder were more likely to be high cost savers than individuals with other mood and anxiety disorders.Funding Acknowledgements:Genomind

Microhole Coiled Tubing Drilling: A Low Cost Reservoir Access Technology

2009 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kent Perry
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Field Testing ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Unconventional Gas ◽  
Drilling Rig ◽  
Coiled Tubing ◽  
Drilling Technology ◽  
Drilling Rigs ◽  
The U.S

Although the microhole coiled tubing drilling rigs have been used extensively in Canada, their application in the U.S. has been very limited. In an effort to introduce this technology to the U.S. operators, GTI, with the support of DOE∕NETL, has completed a successful field testing of the coiled tubing microhole drilling technology. In this paper we report results of field testing of the system in 25 wells drilled in the Niobrara unconventional gas play of Kansas and Colorado. The objective of the field test was to measure and document the rig performance under actual drilling conditions. In these tests, a coiled tubing drilling rig (designed and built by T Gipson with Advanced Drilling Technologies Inc.) was utilized. The rig operations have continued to improve to the point where it now drills a 3100ft well in a single day. Well cost savings of approximately 30% over conventional rotary well drilling have been documented. A description of the rig and a summary of its performance in the Niobrara unconventional gas play are included. In addition, an estimate of economic advantages of widespread application of microhole drilling technology in the lower 48 states is presented.

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