Cost-benefit Research Articles

Development and Quality Analysis of Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) Sweetmeat Blend with Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

The present investigation was carried out at Post Harvest Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the year 2022-2024. The experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Under this experiment, overall, 8 treatments were taken and 3 replications of each to evaluate physio-chemical analysis, organoleptic properties and cost of formulation of Pineapple Sweetmeat at different storage days. The sweetmeat samples were stored at ambient temperature (28 ± 5 °C) for 45 days and results were noted after every 15 days intervals. On the basis of results obtained during the present investigation T6 (Pineapple 250gm/kg + Bottle gourd 750gm/kg + Jaggery was found superior in terms of Pineapple Sweetmeat on physio-chemical properties viz TSS, Acidity, Moisture and Ascorbic acid followed by T3 (Pineapple 500gm/kg + Bottle gourd 500gm/kg + Sugar) that was found to be superior in terms of Pineapple sweetmeat on all organoleptic tests viz. Colour and Appearance, Taste and Flavour, Body and Texture and Overall acceptability hence it was found that T6 and T3 were found to be superior in terms of physico-chemical properties and the maximum Benefit cost ratio (1.33) was found for T3 (Pineapple 500gm/kg + Bottle gourd (500gm/kg + Sugar). Hence T3 was found to be more superior followed by T6.

Evaluation of a service introduced to support young people at risk of suicide using a cohort design, a mixed methods analysis and cost-benefit analysis

This evaluation sought to determine to what extent a suicide prevention service, designed for young people at severe risk of suicide, was successful in reducing suicide risk and distress and improving well-being outcomes. The 3-month service was co-designed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, Australia, with young people and carers who had lived experience of youth suicide. The evaluation involved a mixed methods analysis of data collected during the first 20 months of operation, from February 2022 to September 2023. Ninety one young people were admitted to the service during this period, of whom 28 agreed to participate in the evaluation. Primary data were collected by telephone or online, and secondary data for hospital service use were collected for 70 of the young people. Analysis found that there were significant reductions in suicide risk and psychological distress at discharge, associated with significant improvements in quality of life and reductions in the use of hospital services. Qualitative analysis supported these survey results, highlighting the peer and psycho-social support as particularly beneficial aspects of the service. However, the qualitative analysis also indicated that some individuals felt the service was too short and abruptly ended, with insufficient attention paid to the creation and maintenance of support services that could continue after discharge. A small sample size was a limitation of this study, particularly for the three and six month follow-up surveys. Also, the cost-benefit analysis included secondary routine hospital admission data covering only 12 months. Nevertheless, the overall findings are positive, suggesting that services of this nature can have real benefits for young people at serious risk of suicide. It is likely that an extension of the cost-benefit analysis, to allow for benefits beyond a one year period, would have suggested that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Comprehensive evaluation method based on objective and subjective factors: A case of printed circuit board resin waste treatment technologies in China

Given the significant diversity in printed circuit board (PCB) resin waste compositions, selecting the most suitable treatment technology is urgent. This study proposes a comprehensive evaluation index system integrating resource and energy use, environmental impact, and cost-benefit analysis. The method enhances the accuracy of subjective weight determination and matrix calculation while reducing the impact of subjective bias. Three treatment technologies are examined: incineration, composite manufacturing, and pyrolysis. Pyrolysis consumes fewer resources and less energy, with minimal environmental impact, scoring above 0.2156 for resource and energy use and above 0.2588 for environmental impact. Composite manufacturing yields superior economic benefits, the score is above 0.3219. Incineration's comprehensive evaluation results are notably lower across various copper content levels. Manufacturing composites is optimal below 16 % copper content, while pyrolysis is preferred above. The case study fully demonstrates the method's reliability and advantages, contributing to recommended technological choices for waste management.

Precision Nitrogen Management in Spring Rice (Oryza sativa L.) using Decision Support Tools in Chitwan, Nepal

The blanket prescription of nitrogen (N) fertilizer often results in irrational fertilization. To address this issue and align the application of nitrogen fertilizers with the crop-specific demand, it is imperative to save nitrogen resources, maximize the uptake and net income, and subside environmental pollution. In this context, a field experiment was carried out in Kumroj, Chitwan, Nepal during 2022 to assess the growth, yield, and profitability of rice production by comparing different precision nitrogen management practices. The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments included decision support tools for nitrogen management such as the Green Seeker (GS), the Soil plant analysis development Development (SPAD) meter, and the Leaf Color Chart (LCC) combined with basal application of nitrogen at 30 kg ha–1 and the Urea briquette Deep Placement (UDP), the Polymer Coated Urea (PCU), and the Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF, 120 kg N ha–1). The growth, yield, yield attributes, and financial data were taken. Precision nitrogen management techniques significantly enhanced rice growth and yield parameters. GS–guided application required the highest nitrogen demand (155 kg ha–1), while SPAD (80 kg ha–1) and UDP (78 kg ha–1) resulted in lower usage. PCU and UDP enhanced plant height, leaf area index, and above–ground dry matter. Higher grain yield (6.64 t ha–1) was attained with LCC, SPAD (6.44 t ha–1), and UDP (6.41 t ha–1) treatments. GS application exhibited the highest straw yield (11.17 t ha–1), while LCC demonstrated the highest benefit–cost ratio (1.96). This study concluded that SPAD and UDP demonstrated the potential to save nitrogen resources, while LCC and UDP were found profitable.

Efficacy of Selected Biopesticides with Chlorantraniliprole against Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Chickpea

The present investigation was conducted at the research plot of Department of Entomology at CRF, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during the Rabi season of 2023-2024. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) using eight treatments each replicated thrice viz., Neem oil 2 % @20ml/lit, Spinosad 45 % SC @0.3ml/lit, NSKE 5% @5ml/lit., Bacillus thurngiensis @2.5 gm/lit, Beauveria bassiana @2.5gm/lit, Emamectin benzoate 5%SG @2ml/lit, Chlorantraniliprole18.5 S @1.5ml/lit and untreated control. Among the biopesticides and insecticides evaluated, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC recorded lowest mean population of pod borer population i.e. (1.79) which was significantly superior over control followed by Spinosad 45 % SC (2.02%), Emamectin benzoate 5%SG (2.23%), Neem oil 2% (2.41%), NSKE 5% SC (2.61%), Bacillus thurngiensis (1.83%) and Beauveria bassiana (2.99%) was least effective among all the treatments. Among the treatment studied the best and most economical treatment was Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC with highest and cost benefit ratio of 28.3 q/h and 1:3.1 followed by Spinosad 45 % SC %SC 26.7 q/h, 1:3.0, Emamectin benzoate 5%SG 25.8q/h and 1:2.9, Neem oil 2 % 22.5 q/h, 1:2.4, NSKE 5% 21.2 q/h , 1:2.2, Bacillus thurngiensis 17.0 q/h, and 1:1.9, Beauveria bassiana 11.7 q/h, and1:1.2 as compared to control 9.3 q/h and 1:1.1.

Benefits of early highly effective versus escalation treatment strategies in relapsing multiple sclerosis estimated using a treatment-sequence model

Background: Uncertainty about disproportionate impact on health care budgets limits implementation of early highly effective treatment (EHT) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To estimate cost-effectiveness of escalation versus EHT disease-modifying treatment (DMT) sequences. Methods: Using a health-economic approach, we analysed health benefits (relapse rate reduction, disability prevention), direct/indirect DMT and societal costs of escalation versus EHT DMT sequences. In scenario analyses, we allowed (1) earlier use of alemtuzumab (ALE) and (2) a single retreatment with cladribine (CLA). Results: In our model, we showed that the ratio between costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for the most cost-effective EHT and escalation sequence results into a similar net health benefit with higher costs and also higher QALYs associated with an EHT versus escalation strategy. Earlier use of ALE is more cost-effective than in later lines, even when aggravating the impact of its side-effects tenfold. Retreatment with CLA was more cost-effective in both escalation and EHT sequences. Conclusions: Certain EHT sequences are equally cost-effective to escalation sequences and are likely to result in more health at uncertain additional costs. The favourable cost–benefit ratio of CLA and ALE suggests that a wider application of affordable highly effective therapies could promote the cost-effectiveness both EHT and escalation approaches.

Review on Illegal Wildlife Trade Provisions in Indonesia: Cost-Benefit Analysis and Law Enforcement

Review on Illegal Wildlife Trade Provisions in Indonesia: Cost-Benefit Analysis and Law Enforcement

Analysis of Synergistic Benefits between Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution Based on Remote Sensing Observations: A Case Study of the Central Henan Urban Agglomeration

Analysis of Synergistic Benefits between Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution Based on Remote Sensing Observations: A Case Study of the Central Henan Urban Agglomeration

Economic benefit analysis of lithium battery recycling based on machine learning algorithm

Economic benefit analysis of lithium battery recycling based on machine learning algorithm

Silicon–calcium fertilizer increased rice yield and quality by improving soil health

It is important to ensure the nutritional quality and safe production of rice. Here, plot experiments were used to analyze the effects of three soil amendments—10 t ha−1 of biochar (BC), 1.5 t ha−1 of lime (LM), and 2.25 t ha−1 of silicon–calcium fertilizer (SC)—on the soil characteristics, rice yield and quality of double-cropping rice grown in mildly cadmium-polluted paddy fields. Compared with the control treatment (CK), the BC and SC treatments significantly improved rice processing, appearance and nutritional quality, but reduced cooking quality. All three soil amendments significantly reduced cadmium (Cd) content in brown rice. Soil amendments could significantly increase soil pH and reduce soil available Cd content. The application of the BC and SC treatments increased the content of each nutrient index in the soil (SOM, NN, AP, AK). Correlation analysis showed that the improvement in rice processing, appearance, and nutritional quality was mainly affected by the comprehensive effects of soil SOM, NN, AP and AK; the hygiene quality was mainly affected by soil pH and available Cd. In terms of benefit analysis combined with cost, the SC treatment had the highest benefit effect. Taken together, in mildly cadmium-polluted paddy fields, the application of silicon–calcium fertilizer improved the soil quality, thereby increased the yield and quality of rice, and had the best effect on increasing income.

Examining the cost-effectiveness of fire service prevention and youth engagement activities

Many fire services have expanded their fire prevention focus to include other community-based risks, such as water safety, road safety, and youth engagement. However, to date, little research focus has been directed to examining the economic and social value of these wider prevention activities and whether they represent a wise resource investment. Further work is also needed to establish the reliability of existing fire prevention economic models. The following study adopts a cost-benefit analysis approach to economically evaluate the range of prevention activities delivered by one fire service in England (Merseyside), which focus on accidental dwelling fires, road, water, and arson-related incidents, and promoting youth engagement. Data was accessed from open sources and a systematic search of existing economic models and fire service records. Cost-benefit ratios demonstrated that the economic value provided by prevention investment was five and 21 times the investment for accidental and deliberate fires. Social value provided by youth engagement activities ranged from two to 13 times the investment for the Beacon Project and Fire Cadets. Findings pose important implications for informing fire sector discussions regarding the resourcing of prevention to address community risks, and for improving data collection to robustly model the economic and social value of activities.

Economic evaluation of barriers to minimize reservoir sport fish escapement

AbstractObjectiveBarriers can be an effective method for reducing escapement of reservoir sport fish; however, whether the financial benefits of a barrier outweigh the costs of a barrier is unknown. We sought to quantify the costs and benefits associated with constructing barriers to reduce fish escapement while explicitly accounting for variability and uncertainty.MethodsWe developed a framework using simulation modeling and discounted cash flow techniques to quantify the costs and benefits of barrier construction on Brushy Creek Lake, Iowa, where a barrier was constructed in 2020 to reduce escapement of stocked Walleye Sander vitreus and Muskellunge Esox masquinongy. We then incorporated this framework into an interactive Shiny application to enable cost–benefit evaluations across a wide range of barrier types, system types, species, and escapement rates.ResultThe present value of the parallel‐bar barrier on Brushy Creek Lake, Iowa, over 10 years was US$69,576 (range = $64,484–$73,976), whereas the present value of escaped fish was $316,416 ($253,459–$378,823), indicating a net benefit of $246,840 ($188,975–$304,847) associated with barrier construction. The benefit–cost ratio of barrier construction was 4.55 after 10 years, indicating that for every $1 in present value spent on barrier construction, we saved $4.55 by preventing fish escapement. There was a 99% probability of a positive mean net benefit of the barrier after 3 years.ConclusionOur results indicate that barriers can be a cost‐effective option to minimize fish escapement, and barrier costs are more predictable compared with the cost of escapement. Quantifying the value of escaped fish and barrier construction on an economic scale enables the use of formal decision‐making tools to address complicated and multifaceted issues associated with reservoir fisheries management.

Performance of Different Hybrids of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Terms of Growth, Yield and Quality

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the Rabi season 2023, with a view to check the performance of different cucumber hybrids under agro-climatic conditions. The experiment was laid in a randomized block design with eight hybrids and three replicats. The hybrids comprised V1, V2, V3 (LHC 1395); V4, V5, V6 and V7 (CCH-1). From the above experimental finding it was concluded that the hybrid Niyamat performed best in terms of growth parameters like vine length at harvest (182.62 cm), maximum number of leaves (15.93) in earliness in maturity (61.00 days for first fruit harvest). Hybrid CCH-1 performed the best for yield parameters, such as the highest number of fruits per plant (14.59 fruits), maximum fruit length (16.72 cm), fruit diameter (3.60 cm), and fruit yield per vine (2.60 kg/vine). It showed best performance for TSS (3.15 °Brix). The maximum Benefit cost ratio was recorded for Hybrid CCH-1 at 2.13.

The Scenario of Groundwater Pollution after Implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge: An Agricultural Economic Perspective

Groundwater pollution is hard to remediate in the Noyyal river region even after the implementation of Zero Liquid Discharge process. Hence, to study the status and extent of groundwater pollution in the Noyyal river region, Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu was purposively selected and classified into 3 regions based on the distance from the river and 120 farms were selected. Tools of analysis viz., Cost benefit analysis, Resource use efficiency and decomposition analysis were undertaken to study the status of groundwater pollution and its effect on agriculture. The results showed that intensity and severity of pollution is high in the region closer to Noyyal river (less than 1 km). Income from agriculture is also low in that region due to the use of polluted groundwater for irrigation. The study revealed that Zero Liquid Discharge ensures stoppage of industrial effluents into the river and hence, river pollution is stopped. Similarly, a suitable policy is required to revamp groundwater. Hence, the suggested policy includes water storage structures like tanks, lakes, ponds etc are to be used for groundwater recharge purpose alone.

Expanding the ethical debate on human artificial placenta trials

Artificial placentas (APs) are technologies that mimic the human placenta to treat extremely preterm infants. Being an invasive and risky technology, it will raise important ethical questions for human trials. Hence, in this Topic Piece we provide a blueprint of further issues to investigate. First, counselling will have the double role of providing trial information as well as (non) treatment counselling. This requires extra training and the development of ad hoc decision aids to support counselling and parents’ decision-making. Second, more stakeholder involvement is needed. Direct stakeholders, such as parents, clinicians, and researchers, can help develop the decision aids and provide insight on potentially overlooked issues. Society should also be involved to determine whether AP trials and implementation should be subsidized, and the ethical implications of not subsidizing. Third, a proper cost-benefit analysis should be conducted to determine the exact cost of the technology.

Efficacy of Chemicals and Bio-pesticides against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on Mustard

The present investigation was conducted during rabi season of 2023-2024 at Crop Research farm, NAI, SHUATS, Prayagraj using Randomized Block Design (RBD) method and eight treatments are replicated thrice. Results revealed that, among all the treatments Imidacloprid 17.8 SL recorded lowest population of aphid (55.67), followed by Spinosad 45% SC (66.51), Cypermethrin 10% EC (78.55), Sixer plus (94.49), Nisco MECH 333 (96.17), Neem oil 5% (99.44), and Beauveria bassiana (109.90) was less effective among all the treatments. While, the highest yield and cost benefit ratio was obtained with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (18.15 q/ha.), (1:5.20) Followed by Spinosad 45% SC (17.85 q/ha.), (1:4.78), Cypermethrin 10% EC (16.35 q/ha.), (1:4.54), Sixer plus (14.98 q/ha.), (1:4.18), Nisco MECH 333 (14.58 q/ha.), (1:4.08), Neem oil 5% (13.03 q/ha.), (1:3.61), Beauveria bassiana (12.55 q/ha.), (1:3.48) Least monetary return was obtained with control(9.17 q/ha.), (1:2.74).

Comparative Efficacy and Economics of Selected Chemicals with Neem Oil against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbench)

The research was carried out at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Central Research Field, during Rabi season from november 2023- march 2024. The insecticide management experiment was conducted under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with the eight treatments and three replications by undertaking two spraying with fifteen-day intervals. The insecticides tested significantly reduced the pest population compared to control. Among the eight treatments evaluated for their efficacy in field condition against mustard aphids was recorded in treatment Neem oil 5% + Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (6.95) which was the minimum aphid population, followed by Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (8.46), Neem oil 5% + Acetamiprid 20% SP (9.78), Acetamiprid 20% SP (10.45), Neem oil 5% + Cypermethrin 10% EC (11.27), Cypermethrin 10% EC (11.55) and Neem oil 5% (12.01). The maximum aphid population was recorded in control plot (23.33 per 5 plant). Based on the results obtained in the investigation it is concluded that Imidacloprid 17.8SL with Neem oil and chemicals combined with neem oil could be utilized as a component in Integrated Pest Management of Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on mustard. Similarly, the result revealed that the maximum C:B was recorded by treatment Neem oil 5%+ Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (1:2.77) followed by Imidacloprid 17.8% SL (1:2.67) and the minimum Cost Benefit Ratio was recorded in the control plot (1:1.27). The combination of Neem oil 5% and Imidacloprid 17.8 SL has offered cost-effective solutions that they effectively control aphid populations at lower costs. Thus, integrated pest management (IPM) approaches combining chemical treatments with cultural, biological, and mechanical controls may provide sustainable and cost-effective solutions in the long term.

From data to decision: integrated approach to pavement preservation in Iowa through treatment effectiveness analysis

ABSTRACT This investigation seeks to enhance ‘Iowa's Pavement Preservation Guide’ with a data-informed decision-making framework. Iowa DOT's databases were used as the data source for evaluating pavement performances under different preservation treatment regimens and determining the effectiveness of those strategies. Five preservation treatment methods for flexible and composite pavements, namely, crack sealing-and-filling, microsurfacing, slurry sealing, patching, and thin hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlays were evaluated using historic data from about 7000 road segments between 1998 and 2020. The data included various attributes describing pavement, road, and traffic characteristics required for analysing condition-based performance and treatment impacts. Two key indicators, service life extension (LE) and index benefit (IB), were defined and used to quantify treatment effectiveness in terms of pavement condition improvement and impact on deterioration rate. The treatment-effectiveness indicators were then factored into the cost analyses to assess the cost-effectiveness of preservation strategies. The results of the treatment effectiveness analysis were used to develop decision matrices that provide insights for selecting preservation treatments based on benefit–cost analysis considering both the overall condition and the dominant distress. This approach to treatment effectiveness highlighted the distinction between an optimum pavement preservation strategy and one that targets maximum service life extension.

Economic and Environmental Benefit Analysis between Crumb Rubber Concrete and Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete

Although manifold empirical studies have identified the mechanical properties of crumb rubber concrete (CRC), a comparative analysis of economic and environmental benefits between CRC and ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC) is not explored. In this paper, a quantitative meta-analysis between CRC and OPCC is conducted to explore optimized design strength, and a comparative analysis of the economic and environmental benefits of the two materials is undertaken. Considering cost price as the economic index and CO2 emissions per cubic meter of concrete as the environmental index in the materialization stage, CRC and OPCC were compared with different mix designs to achieve grades of similar strengths. Upon replacing less than 20% of natural fine aggregates in concrete with crumb rubber, while retaining the cement content, an increase of 6% in the cost price was achieved for CRC with 30–40 MPa strength grade. Apart from the aspect of mining and transportation of natural aggregates, the reduction of CO2 emissions by means of CRC adoption was verified in the treatment process of waste tire incineration. The results show that CO2 emissions from CRC decreased by 15–17% when compared with OPCC for 30~40 MPa grade concrete. The research conclusion can serve as a theoretical basis for the engineering application of CRC with the same strength, and make certain contributions to the industrial application of crumb rubber aggregates and the sustainable treatment of waste tires.

ANALISIS KELAYAKAN USAHA BROILER DI PETERNAKAN MAHMUDDIN DESA TATAKAN KECAMATAN TAPIN SELATAN KABUPATEN TAPIN

This research was conducted at Mr. Mahmuddin's broiler farm located in Tatakan Village, South Tapin District, Tapin Regency. The research began in January to May of 2024. This research aims to study the income level of broiler chicken business with a partnership pattern and to determine the feasibility of broiler chicken business with a partnership pattern on Mahmuddin Farm in Tatakan Village, South Tapin District, Tapin Regency. The components used in evaluating business feasibility include production costs, revenue, and business income obtained from broiler farming. Parameters measured are using cost benefit analysis indicators which include: R/C Ratio, B/C Ratio, BEP, and Performance Index (IP) parameters. The results showed that the feasibility analysis of a broiler livestock business with a business scale of 41,165 heads for four periods was profitable as an agribusiness-oriented business where the profit earned was Rp. 60,996,439 in four periods, and feasible to develop with a value of R / C ratio of 1,06 and B / C ratio of 0.06. BEP analysis shows that the amount of production is higher than the production BEP value (Production>BEP Production) which is 58,195.01 kg for 4 periods and the price BEP is still lower than the set at Rp. 23,408-/kg so that it has met the empirical standards in the break-even analysis calculation. As for the assessment using the Performance Index (IP) parameter in the first period is 547, second 269, third 550, and in the last period 888. This shows that Mr. Mahmuddin's broiler farm business located in Tatakan Village, South Tapin District, Tapin Regency is feasible to continue or develop.