scholarly journals Cost–Benefit Analysis of Measures to Reduce Windstorm Impact in Pure Norway Spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) Stands in Latvia

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valters Samariks ◽  
Oskars Krisans ◽  
Janis Donis ◽  
Ilze Silamikele ◽  
Juris Katrevics ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Wind Damage ◽  
Financial Benefit ◽  
Precommercial Thinning ◽  
The Impact

Wind is one of the major natural forest disturbances in Europe, and reduces the total economic (including carbon sequestration) value of forests. The aim of this study was to assess the financial benefit of silvicultural measures in young, pure, planted Norway spruce stands by reduction in the impact of wind damage over the rotation period. The analyzed measures are promptly applied precommercial thinning and low-density planting with improved plant material. Spatial information on factors affecting wind damage—wind climate and soil—were gathered and combined with the local growth model and empirical data from tree pulling experiments in Latvia to assess the economic value loss due to wind damage over a rotation period. Timely precommercial thinning and lower-density planting with improved plant material would ensure a positive net present value with an interest rate of 3%, using conservative estimates. The financial benefit is highest in windier (coastal) regions and for the planting, followed by moderate thinning. The results demonstrate that, even without changing the dominant tree species, a considerable reduction in wind-damage risk can be achieved.

scholarly journals Presence of Root Rot Reduces Stability of Norway Spruce (Picea abies): Results of Static Pulling Tests in Latvia

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oskars Krisans ◽  
Roberts Matisons ◽  
Steffen Rust ◽  
Natalija Burnevica ◽  
Lauma Bruna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Wind Damage ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Secondary Failure ◽  
The Future ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Individual Trees

Storms are the main abiotic disturbance in European forests, effects of which are expected to intensify in the future, hence the importance of forest stand stability is increasing. The predisposition of Norway spruce to wind damage appears to be enhanced by pathogens such as Heterobasidion spp., which reduce stability of individual trees. However, detailed information about the effects of the root rot on the stability of individual trees across diverse soil types is still lacking. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of root rot on the individual tree stability of Norway spruce growing on drained peat and mineral soils. In total, 77 Norway spruce trees (age 50–80 years) growing in four stands were tested under static loading. The presence of Heterobasidion spp. had a significant negative effect on the bending moment at primary and secondary failure of the tested trees irrespectively of soil type. This suggests increased legacy effects (e.g., susceptibility to pathogens and pests due to fractured roots and altered water uptake) of storms. Damaged trees act as weak spots increasing the susceptibility of stands to wind damage, thus forming a negative feedback loop and contributing to an ongoing decline in vitality of Norway spruce stands following storms in the study region in the future. Accordingly, the results support the importance of timely identification of the decayed trees, lowering stand density and/or shortening rotation period as the measures to counteract the increasing effects of storms on Norway spruce stands.

scholarly journals Control of Heterobasidion in Norway Spruce Stands: The Impact of Stump Cover on Efficacy of Urea and Phlebiopsis gigantea and Implications for Forest Management

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 679
Author(s):  
Astra Zaluma ◽  
Patrick Sherwood ◽  
Lauma Bruna ◽  
Uvis Skola ◽  
Talis Gaitnieks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Urea Solution ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Relative Area ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Precommercial Thinning ◽  
Phlebiopsis Gigantea ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
The Impact

This study investigated the efficacy of Rotstop®, a native Latvian Phlebiopsis gigantea strain and 35% urea solution in combination with a stump cover treatment to control against natural spore infection by Heterobasidion spp. upon precommercial thinning of Norway spruce in three stands growing on former agricultural lands. The major findings were that (i) infection rates of Heterobasidion spp. on stumps treated with the native P. gigantea strain, Rotstop® or urea are similar when stumps are uncovered, and (ii) stump cover promotes stump colonization by the Latvian P. gigantea strain and Rotstop®, leading to a significantly smaller relative area colonized by Heterobasidion spp., as well greater efficiency against Heterobasidion in comparison with urea. Covering of stumps appears beneficial for controlling Heterobasidion stump colonization and may be valuable to forest owners if used in small-scale operations, but it is impractical in automatized thinnings, where managers should consider using regular Rotstop® without covering the stumps.

scholarly journals THE INTENSIVE MANAGEMENT OF NORWAY SPRUCE: A COMPROMISE BETWEEN FINANCIAL GAIN AND GENETIC DIVERSITY?

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Solveiga Luguza ◽  
Endijs Bāders ◽  
Pauls Zeltiņš ◽  
Roberts Čakšs ◽  
Dainis Edgars Ruņģis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Seed Orchard ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Radial Increment ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) is a high-yielding commercial tree species grown in the Baltic sea region. It not only ensures timber production, but also provides a notable amount of crown branch biomass and a substantial amount of technically accessible stump biomass for energy. Thus, it has a high potential as a source of renewable materials and energy in the bioeconomy. Recent studies in Latvia have shown no long-term negative consequences to forest ecosystems from whole-tree harvesting. Hence, this management method can be considered sustainable for Norway spruce stands in fertile mineral soils. Not only yield, but also risks need to be considered to ensure financial sustainability, mainly the impact of wind-storms, drought, and pests. A combination of silviculture and genetics (tree breeding) can be used to reduce the probability of damage to Norway spruce stands. The aim of our study was to assess the potential of simultaneously ensuring both genetic gain and diversity in Norway spruce plantations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data characterizing/showing tree growth – current height, diameter at breast height, survival, as well as radial increment (increment cores) – were obtained from a 50-year-old Norway spruce plantation. Data characterizing genetic diversity were collected from a gene reserve stand (48 trees), Norway spruce seed orchard progenies consisting of 20 clones, as well as 12 pure Norway spruce stands. DNA was extracted and analysed with 6 to 14 nuclear SSR markers. RESULTS No significant differences were observed between the seed orchard progenies, the trees from the gene reserve stand and other Norway spruce stands using the assessed parameters – allelic richness, observed heterozygosity, genetic diversity and relatedness. This indicates that the use of a seed orchard containing a relatively low number of clones as a seed source for plant production and forest regeneration would not have a negative impact on genetic diversity. However, notable gains in productivity can be achieved using selected plant material. At the age of 50 years, phenotypically selected clones in the low-density (5×5m) plantation had a mean yield of 327±42 m3ha-1, significantly exceeding the mean yield (277±56 m3ha-1) observed in Norway spruce stands of the same age and the same site conditions (forest type), while no significant differences were observed compared to the average stand yield at the age of 80 years (347±47 m3ha-1). The target diameter of 31 cm was reached at the age of 42±0.9 years on average, but this varied significantly among clones. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate a notable potential to reduce the rotation period, thereby: a) increasing the availability of raw material for further processing and energy production, and b) reducing financial risks due to lowering the probability that the stand will sustain substantial damage (i.e. wind storm). This gain can be achieved without significantly compromising genetic diversity. Further studies shall address potential changes in genetic diversity at the landscape level over a longer period when using a very limited set of clones. Stands in nature reserves could serve as a basis for comparison in such studies.

scholarly journals 755. Clostridioides difficile Testing and the Use of Laxatives in Immunocompromised Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S474-S475
Author(s):  
Amanda Al-Bahou ◽  
Rod Quilitz ◽  
Yanina Pasikhova ◽  
John Greene
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Financial Benefit ◽  
Active Infection ◽  
Population Number ◽  
Historical Cohort ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) rates have plateaued at historical highs in the United States since 2010 and remains a major health problem. While optimal CDI testing remains unclear, current literature recommends testing patients whose symptoms are not clinically attributable to underlying conditions, e.g., laxatives. At Moffitt Cancer Center, a soft-stop alert was implemented to alert the provider if the patient received a laxative within the previous 48 hours of CDI testing. We aim to evaluate the incidence of CDI rates with prior laxative use in immunocompromised patients, as well as, the impact of the soft-stop alert in reducing CDI testing. Methods Retrospective, single-center, review of adult patients who were tested for CDI after the implementation of the soft-stop alert from October 1, 2020 to December 21, 2020. These patients were compared to a historical cohort of patients who were tested for CDI prior to the alert implementation from October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The primary outcome was the percent of patients that received a laxative within 48 hours of CDI testing pre-alert compared to post-alert. Secondary outcomes included the percent of colonization versus active infection in this immunocompromised population, number and type of laxatives administered prior to testing, and the frequency of alert and reduction of CDI tests ordered. A cost-benefit analysis was also performed. Results In the historical cohort (n=480), 14.8% received a laxative within 48 hours of CDI testing (Figure 1). Within patients who received a laxative in this group, 4.2% had a definitive active infection. After the alert was implemented, a total of 630 CDI tests were ordered from October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, and the alert was fired for 123 (19.5%) tests ordered (Figure 2). Of the tests where the alert was fired, the CDI test was removed for 42.3% and continued for 57.7% of orders resulting in savings of &3,263. In this cohort, 5.6% of patients had a definitive active CDI infection who received a laxative and testing was continued (Figure 3). Figure 2: CDI Test and Laxative Administration Alert Figure 3: Post-Alert Laxatives Administered and CDI Test Result Conclusion The soft-stop alert implemented reduced CDI testing in patients who received a laxative in the last 48 hours correlating with a financial benefit, improvement in guideline adherence, and reduction in laboratory labor. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals A Financial Assessment of Windstorm Risks for Scots Pine Stands in Hemiboreal Forests

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janis Donis ◽  
Renate Saleniece ◽  
Oskars Krisans ◽  
Edgars Dubrovskis ◽  
Mara Kitenberga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Wind Damage ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Salvage Logging ◽  
Commercial Thinning ◽  
The Impact

Windstorms are a significant disturbance in northern European Scots pine forests. Mechanistic models for assessment of their impact have been developed. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of windstorms on the financial value of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands. Wind damage probability in stands with certain dimensions (linked to age and site index) and the reduced value retrieved from salvage logging instead of planned harvest in undamaged stands were used for calculation. Equivalent annual annuity with interest rates of 3%, 4%, and 5%, three different commercial thinning regimes, and different planting densities were used to assess the mean influence. Wind damage risk had a notable and significant negative effect on the financial value of Scots pine forest stands. Equivalent annual annuity decreased sharply with stand age, especially in the most productive sites (SI 36). The negative financial impact could be reduced by selection of a lower initial planting density (1000–2000 trees ha−1 instead of 3000) and by reducing the rotation period, for example, by using target diameter as the criteria for the time of final harvest.

The Use of Cost-Benefit Analysis for Evaluating Efficiency of Public Investment Projects (The Case of Sochi-2014 Winter Olympic Games)

2011 ◽  
pp. 57-78
Author(s):  
I. Pilipenko
Keyword(s):  
Net Present Value ◽  
Olympic Games ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Public Investment ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Investment Efficiency ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Step Method ◽  
Investment Projects ◽  
The Usa

The paper analyzes shortcomings of economic impact studies based mainly on input- output models that are often employed in Russia as well as abroad. Using studies about sport events in the USA and Olympic Games that took place during the last 30 years we reveal advantages of the cost-benefit analysis approach in obtaining unbiased assessments of public investments efficiency; the step-by-step method of cost-benefit analysis is presented in the paper as well. We employ the project of Sochi-2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Russia to evaluate its efficiency using cost-benefit analysis for five accounts (areas of impact), namely government, households, environment, economic development, and social development, and calculate the net present value of the project taking into account its possible alternatives. In conclusion we suggest several policy directions that would enhance public investment efficiency within the Sochi-2014 Olympics.

The impact of Cu treatment on phenolic and polyamine levels in plant material regenerated from embryos obtained in anther culture of carrot

2007 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krystyna Górecka ◽  
Milena Cvikrová ◽  
Urszula Kowalska ◽  
Josef Eder ◽  
Katarzyna Szafrańska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anther Culture ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
The Impact

Application of a Tax to E-Commerce Deliveries in Barcelona

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110124
Author(s):  
Genís Majoral ◽  
Francesc Gasparín ◽  
Sergi Saurí
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Environmental Tax ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Demand Side ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Revenue Collection ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
The Impact

The number of e-commerce transactions is increasing worldwide. Deliveries of goods purchased online generate externalities throughout the whole supply chain and, particularly, the increasing concern about the last-mile distribution of goods. The escalating presence of vans in cities contributes to poor air quality, climate change, noise, and congestion. So far, the majority of solutions to address this issue are based on the supply side, such as electric vans, optimizing the routing and pick-up-points, and so forth. Even in other transport sectors, pricing solutions are well known, yet they have not been extended to e-commerce delivery. This paper aims to propose an environmental tax falling on the demand side and equaling the externalities from this activity. The analysis has been particularized for the case of Barcelona. A cost–benefit analysis to assess the impact of such a tax has been carried out. When revenue collection is reinvested in the logistics sector, and for subsidizing electric distribution vehicles, the results indicate that the levying of the tax can generate positive outcomes.

scholarly journals Economic Analysis of the Use of VCS2000 for Pork Carcass Meat Yield Grading in Korea

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1297
Author(s):  
Juntae Kim ◽  
Hyo-Dong Han ◽  
Wang Yeol Lee ◽  
Collins Wakholi ◽  
Jayoung Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Meat Yield ◽  
The Cost

Currently, the pork industry is incorporating in-line automation with the aim of increasing the slaughtered pork carcass throughput while monitoring quality and safety. In Korea, 21 parameters (such as back-fat thickness and carcass weight) are used for quality grading of pork carcasses. Recently, the VCS2000 system—an automatic meat yield grading machine system—was introduced to enhance grading efficiency and therefore increase pork carcass production. The VCS2000 system is able to predict pork carcass yield based on image analysis. This study also conducted an economic analysis of the system using a cost—benefit analysis. The subsection items of the cost-benefit analysis considered were net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and benefit/cost ratio (BC ratio), and each method was verified through sensitivity analysis. For our analysis, the benefits were grouped into three categories: the benefits of reducing labor costs, the benefits of improving meat yield production, and the benefits of reducing pig feed consumption through optimization. The cost-benefit analysis of the system resulted in an NPV of approximately 615.6 million Korean won, an IRR of 13.52%, and a B/C ratio of 1.65.

scholarly journals Impact of Scene Content on High Resolution Video Quality

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2872
Author(s):  
Miroslav Uhrina ◽  
Anna Holesova ◽  
Juraj Bienik ◽  
Lukas Sevcik
Keyword(s):  
Video Compression ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Video Quality ◽  
Video Sequences ◽  
Compression Efficiency ◽  
Opinion Score ◽  
Scene Description ◽  
Two Parameters ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

This paper deals with the impact of content on the perceived video quality evaluated using the subjective Absolute Category Rating (ACR) method. The assessment was conducted on eight types of video sequences with diverse content obtained from the SJTU dataset. The sequences were encoded at 5 different constant bitrates in two widely video compression standards H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC at Full HD and Ultra HD resolutions, which means 160 annotated video sequences were created. The length of Group of Pictures (GOP) was set to half the framerate value, as is typical for video intended for transmission over a noisy communication channel. The evaluation was performed in two laboratories: one situated at the University of Zilina, and the second at the VSB—Technical University in Ostrava. The results acquired in both laboratories reached/showed a high correlation. Notwithstanding the fact that the sequences with low Spatial Information (SI) and Temporal Information (TI) values reached better Mean Opinion Score (MOS) score than the sequences with higher SI and TI values, these two parameters are not sufficient for scene description, and this domain should be the subject of further research. The evaluation results led us to the conclusion that it is unnecessary to use the H.265/HEVC codec for compression of Full HD sequences and the compression efficiency of the H.265 codec by the Ultra HD resolution reaches the compression efficiency of both codecs by the Full HD resolution. This paper also includes the recommendations for minimum bitrate thresholds at which the video sequences at both resolutions retain good and fair subjectively perceived quality.

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