The Dollar Value of Human Life Losses Associated With COVID-19 in Canada

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to cause morbidity and premature mortality and ravage the socio-economic sectors in Canada.Objectives: The study aimed to appraise the Total Dollar Value of Human Life Losses (TDVHL) associated with COVID-19 in Canada. Methods: The net output approach was applied in the dollar valuation of the 8810 human life losses associated with COVID-19 in Canada as of July 16, 2020. The economic model wasrerun assuming 3%, 5%, and 10% discount rates with Canada’s life expectancy of 83 years, the world’s average life expectancy of 73 years, the world’s highest average life expectancy of88 years, and a 3% discount rate. Results: The human lives lost to COVID-19 had an estimated value of the international dollar (Int$) 2037021173 and an average of Int$ 231217 per human life lost. Quebec and Ontarioprovinces alone accounted for 94.99% of the TDVHL. Reanalysis of the economic model with discount rates of 5% and 10% resulted in declines in TDVHL of Int$ 192721390 (9%)and Int$ 530132423 (26%), respectively. Substitution of the nation with the word’s average life expectancy shrank the TDVHL by Int$ 1754972473 (86%) while applying the world’shighest life expectancy triggered a growth in the TDVHL of Int$ 498674987 (24%).

JUUL use and reasons for initiation among adult tobacco users

BackgroundThe electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) JUUL has quickly captured the ENDS market, representing 74.6% of the total dollar share for this category as of November 2018. Although JUUL is marketed as an alternative to cigarettes intended for current adult smokers, evidence suggests that a majority of ENDS users are concurrently current cigarette smokers. Little is known about the dual use of JUUL and cigarettes, as well as the reasons for trying JUUL among adult tobacco users.MethodsA survey fielded via web and phone of 1332 current cigarette, cigar, little cigar or cigarillo (CLCC), and ENDS users aged 18–54 years was conducted from March to May 2018. Weighted descriptive and bivariate analyses examined JUUL use and reasons for trying JUUL by demographics, combustible tobacco use, ENDS use and intention to quit.ResultsApproximately 81% of our sample reported current use of two or more tobacco products, including cigarettes, CLCCs or ENDS. Among current tobacco users, 15% ever used JUUL and 12% used JUUL in the past 30 days. Most individuals (74%) reporting ever JUUL use indicated using it for 5 days or fewer in the past 30 days. The most common reason for trying JUUL was trying to quit smoking cigarettes (37%), followed by family, friends or colleagues using the product (32%).ConclusionAlthough some tobacco users may be initiating JUUL to decrease combustible use, most were using the product infrequently and concurrently with other products. Findings have significant implications for cessation intervention efforts and policy development to help smokers quit.

Optimizing engagement: brand identification and alumni donation behaviors

Purpose – As colleges and universities face the shifts of decreasing government funds, increased operating costs, and waning alumni financial support, institutions are now plunging themselves into practices traditionally associated with the business sector. Practices like branding are now being used as a mechanism to increase engagement of alumni and potential donors. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of brand identification, or the defining of the self through association with an organization, on alumni supportive behaviors. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers surveyed alumni of a mid-sized state-run university in the mid-Atlantic region of the USA to see if identification affected donation behaviors such as choice to donate, total dollar amount donated, and the number of times donated. Findings – The survey findings showed that brand identification correlated with choice to donate, increased donation dollar amount, and the number of donations. Findings also suggested that interpretation of brand, prestige, satisfaction with student affairs, and participation were positively associated with identification. Research limitations/implications – The results of this study are specific to one institution. This research offers support for the importance and value of brand management in higher education. The study also highlights those determinants of brand identification which suggests the use of integrative fundraising techniques. Originality/value – The study highlighted that university brand identification increases the explanatory power for alumni donor behaviors over those variables typically explored in traditional donor models.

An Economic Feasibility Analysis for Concessionaire Management of Campgrounds on the Siuslaw National Forest

The USDA Forest Service has recently begun to encourage concessionaire operation of public campgrounds that it administers. This is a relatively new type of special use permit arrangement for the Forest Service. This paper analyzes 19 fee campgrounds on the Siuslaw National Forest for potential concessionaire operation, Analysis against developed criteria identified only one campground suitable for successful concessionaire operation. The analysis also revealed that if that campground was operated under a special use permit, total dollar returns to the U.S. Treasury would be substantially reduced. However, this loss could be offset by savings in campground operation costs, and developed recreation would benefit if those dollars were reinvested in other programs on the forest. West. J. Appl. For. 2:91-94, July 1987.

Earthquake insurance in the United States—A reappraisal

The basic objective of this paper is to inform seismologists of some of the major problems which confront the earthquake insurance underwriter and to point out certain areas which are in need of further research and study. The basic factors which are generally considered in making fire and other property insurance rates are discussed with special emphasis on their application in the earthquake insurance field. The most important factor from the standpoint of earthquake insurance is the element of time or frequency of loss occurrence. In this connection a comparison is made of the fire and earthquake loss ratios for the period 1916-1957. The earthquake experience by geographic zone in the United States is discussed and a table is presented showing the frequency of United States earthquakes for the period 1638 through 1956. The author points out that based on this information, it would appear that earthquake rates in the Northeastern United States should be about 110 of the rates charged in California. A comparison is also made of the average damage in dollars for earthquakes of various intensities and a table is provided showing the results for earthquakes of intensity 7 and over on the Modified Mercali Scale. The author concludes that the underwriter would be aided by more detailed information on individual earthquakes including specific information on the type of construction damaged, the type of ground upon which the building has been built, the total dollar damage and the estimate of property values in the high damage areas. Also needed is a further evaluation of the relation of intensity and frequency and better analysis of damage caused by earthquakes of various intensities.