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.

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.

scholarly journals Economics of Cogongrass Control in Slash Pine Forests

2007 ◽  
Vol 39 (s1) ◽  
pp. 61-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janaki R.R. Alavalapati ◽  
Shibu Jose ◽  
George A. Stainback ◽  
Jagannadha R. Matta ◽  
Douglas R. Carter
Keyword(s):  
Cooperative Behavior ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Imperata Cylindrica ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Pine Forests ◽  
Invasive Weed ◽  
Net Returns ◽  
Dynamic Optimization Model ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), an invasive weed, is a threat to slash pine forests. Using a dynamic optimization model, we estimated the impact of cogongrass on the profitability of slash pine forestry under four scenarios: no threat of cogongrass infestation; infestation is uncertain, and no control measures are taken; infestation is uncertain, but control measures are undertaken by one landowner but not the neighbors; and infestation is uncertain, and control measures are undertaken by everyone. Results indicate that annual net returns per acre under each scenario, respectively, are $25.30, $16.97, $13.89, and $17.38. Results suggest fostering a cooperative behavior among landowners is desirable.

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 On the Low Frequency Impact Noise Measurement in Residential Buildings

2021 ◽  
Vol 2069 (1) ◽  
pp. 012159
Author(s):  
D Urbán ◽  
P Zat’ko
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Pressure ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Spatial Averaging ◽  
Impact Noise ◽  
Normative Requirements ◽  
Enclosed Space ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract We commonly encounter cases that, despite the fact that buildings meet normative requirements, people are disturbed by unwanted noise generated by walking and other sources of impact noise. It is not unusual that in practice the designer often moves on the edge of the required criteria in order to reduce the cost of constructions and its parts. In this article, we selected 4 blindly chosen cases of flats where complaints from residents about high levels of impact noise were recorded although the construction meets the requirements set out in the standard. Based on the obtained documentation of in-situ performed measurements by different consulting companies, BEM and FEM models were created, and the distribution of acoustic pressure in an enclosed space and compared different methods of spatial averaging of the resulting acoustic pressure were simulated. The aim of this analysis is to point some of the reasons for possible user complaints about the impact noise despite normative requirements. The usual problems are benevolent national requirements and the issue of measuring noise in the low frequency range and underestimating its significance. The article also discusses the currently set requirements for the evaluation of floor structures in selected countries.

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 Agent-based modelling of complex factors impacting malaria prevalence

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miracle Amadi ◽  
Anna Shcherbacheva ◽  
Heikki Haario
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Transmission ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Socio Economic Factors

Abstract Background Increasingly complex models have been developed to characterize the transmission dynamics of malaria. The multiplicity of malaria transmission factors calls for a realistic modelling approach that incorporates various complex factors such as the effect of control measures, behavioural impacts of the parasites to the vector, or socio-economic variables. Indeed, the crucial impact of household size in eliminating malaria has been emphasized in previous studies. However, increasing complexity also increases the difficulty of calibrating model parameters. Moreover, despite the availability of much field data, a common pitfall in malaria transmission modelling is to obtain data that could be directly used for model calibration. Methods In this work, an approach that provides a way to combine in situ field data with the parameters of malaria transmission models is presented. This is achieved by agent-based stochastic simulations, initially calibrated with hut-level experimental data. The simulation results provide synthetic data for regression analysis that enable the calibration of key parameters of classical models, such as biting rates and vector mortality. In lieu of developing complex dynamical models, the approach is demonstrated using most classical malaria models, but with the model parameters calibrated to account for such complex factors. The performance of the approach is tested against a wide range of field data for Entomological Inoculation Rate (EIR) values. Results The overall transmission characteristics can be estimated by including various features that impact EIR and malaria incidence, for instance by reducing the mosquito–human contact rates and increasing the mortality through control measures or socio-economic factors. Conclusion Complex phenomena such as the impact of the coverage of the population with long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), changes in behaviour of the infected vector and the impact of socio-economic factors can be included in continuous level modelling. Though the present work should be interpreted as a proof of concept, based on one set of field data only, certain interesting conclusions can already be drawn. While the present work focuses on malaria, the computational approach is generic, and can be applied to other cases where suitable in situ data is available.

scholarly journals The smash of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in the grasslands of Oman

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahaad Issa Shammas
Keyword(s):  
Economic Status ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Economic Effects ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Parthenium Hysterophorus ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Invasive Weed ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Impact

This study examines the invasiveness of Parthenium hysterophorus L. considered as harmful, unpleasant noxious invasive weed in Sultanate of Oman. Since the subject of investigation has allelopathic effects, the author’s objective is to identify its abundance, its impact to environment, human and animal health. Allelopathy of this invasive weed has started to be known and considered by the farmers and harvesters. The harmful and socio-economic effects of the weed to humans, animals and to landscape are not fully known nor understood by the local farmers and pastoralists in the southern part of Oman where this weed is most invasive. Data were collected through field observation, informal interviews, focus group discussions and survey questionnaire. They were treated and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings prompted the participants to propose possible and practical control solutions for the spread of P. hysterophorus if not totally eradicated, considering the availability of resources, level of awareness and the socio-economic status of the affected regions. The results of the investigation are hoped to improve the over-all management that are being conducted by the concerned agencies and volunteers towards the rapid spread of the weed. The findings revealed that P. hysterophorus has serious impacts on vegetation, pastures and agriculture, as it was observed in reduced level growth of both plants and trees. The possible control measures gathered from the participants indicate that they are willing to cooperate and learn more about the impact of the weed.

scholarly journals Implementation of Clinical Assistants in a Pediatric Oncology Department: an Activity and Clinical Time Release Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Adroher ◽  
Celia Calvo ◽  
Laura Pavon ◽  
Ricard Casadevall ◽  
Esther Alvarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Pediatric Oncology ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Lower Productivity ◽  
Release Analysis ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Administrative Tasks ◽  
The Impact

Background: There is a high bureaucratic and administrative burden associated with health care tasks (test requesting, visits scheduling, supporting documents provision) that has historically largely fallen on health care professionals, which is one among the factors contributing to low job satisfaction and lower productivity. Incorporating new professional roles that help to better respond to the needs of both patients and professionals can increase the quality and efficiency of service provision. Objective: To evaluate the impact of the clinical assistant’s introduction in the Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital’s pediatric oncology department, in terms of displacement of activity loads carried out by this new professional role and the consequent time freed up for physicians. Methodology: Observational and retrospective study using administrative data based on the analysis of the type of activity performed by clinical assistants and the measurement of the time freed up in favor of the physicians, based on in situ timekeeping, to approximate the potential skill mix productivity increase. Results: Since its implementation in the pediatric oncology department, clinical assistants have performed 13,553 requests (69.93% of the total), representing a total saving of 266.83 hours or 6.67 workweeks of 40 hours. They performed 74.25% of outpatient surgical requests in the oncology department, 87.5% of day hospital requests and 54.13% of total requests in the outpatient consultations area. Conclusion: The introduction of clinical assistants in the oncology department could be efficient to the extent that it displaces a good part of the bureaucratic and administrative tasks previously performed by health care professionals. This delegation allows them to work more closely to the maximum of their competences and the physicians to have more time for higher added value clinical tasks. In terms of efficiency, this role change enables to optimize the clinical process, reducing the cost by 56% compared to the conventional model.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Suicide Prevention Strategy on Reducing the Economic Cost of Suicide in the New South Wales Construction Industry

Crisis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Doran ◽  
Rod Ling ◽  
Jorgen Gullestrup ◽  
Sarah Swannell ◽  
Allison Milner
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Workplace Safety ◽  
Relative Risk Ratio ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Background: Little research has been conducted into the cost and prevention of self-harm in the workplace. Aims: To quantify the economic cost of self-harm and suicide among New South Wales (NSW) construction industry (CI) workers and to examine the potential economic impact of implementing Mates in Construction (MIC). Method: Direct and indirect costs were estimated. Effectiveness was measured using the relative risk ratio (RRR). In Queensland (QLD), relative suicide risks were estimated for 5-year periods before and after the commencement of MIC. For NSW, the difference between the expected (i.e., using NSW pre-MIC [2008–2012] suicide risk) and counterfactual suicide cases (i.e., applying QLD RRR) provided an estimate of potential suicide cases averted in the post-MIC period (2013–2017). Results were adjusted using the average uptake (i.e., 9.4%) of MIC activities in QLD. Economic savings from averted cases were compared with the cost of implementing MIC. Results: The cost of self-harm and suicide in the NSW CI was AU $527 million in 2010. MIC could potentially avert 0.4 suicides, 1.01 full incapacity cases, and 4.92 short absences, generating annual savings of AU $3.66 million. For every AU $1 invested, the economic return is approximately AU $4.6. Conclusion: MIC represents a positive economic investment in workplace safety.

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document