Cost-benefit Ratio Research Articles

Assessing the Techno-enviro-economic viability of wind farms to address electricity shortages and Foster sustainability in Palestine

This study critically examines the feasibility of wind turbines in addressing electricity shortages in the coastal region of Palestine. Assessing technical, economic, and environmental aspects offers vital insights for sustainable energy solutions. Hence, 10 turbines with different rated powers were selected to determine the optimal and economically viable solution. Wind velocities were assessed at altitudes of 10, 65, and 80 m. Various performance indicators such as wind power density, capacity factor (Cf), anticipated energy yield, cost of wind-generated electricity, benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and simple payback period were examined. The findings indicate that the Siemens SWT-2.3-93 turbine yields an annual energy production of 3910.3 MWh. The Lagerwey-LW58/750 turbine boasts the highest capacity factor at 20.5 % making it the most cost-effective option with generation costs of $0.0604/kWh to $0.0825/kWh. It exhibited the highest benefit-cost ratio, ranging from 1.287 to 1.758, and payback period of 6.33 years. Consequently, the Lagerwey-LW58/750 turbine emerges as the optimal choice for implementing the wind power plant project in Palestine's coastal region. The use of wind turbines to generate electricity leads to 3323.75 ton/year of emissions reduction. This research provides crucial insights for decision-makers aiming to tackle electricity shortages and enhance environmental sustainability in Palestine's energy sector.

Financial Feasibility of Cucumber Cultivation in Polyhouse: A Case Study from Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the popular vegetable crops grown broadly throughout the world. Cucumber crop grows successfully under conditions of high light, high humidity, high soil moisture, temperature, and fertilizers in the greenhouse. Aim of the Study: The present study was carried out to evaluate financial matrix such as payback period or net present value benefit cost ratio and internal rate of return of polyhouse by cucumber cultivation financial metrics evaluated, for 2023-24. Sampling Design: A multistage sampling design were used for the study of Cucumber cultivation in a polyhouse in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan for the 2023-24. Two tehsils were selected purposively based on the highest number of polyhouse from Jaipur district, namely Jhotwara and Jobner. A sample of 60 farmers were selected for the study from these two tehsils. Results: The finding of the study revealed that the payback period of polyhouse by cucumber cultivation, for small farmers was favorable after covering the subsidy i.e. 0.75 years. The net present worth of polyhouse for small farmers was ₹ 14222249.12, for 20-year expected life at a 7.5 percent discount rate. It was ₹ 13406743.12 for large farmers and ₹ 11164102.12 for assumed non-subsidized farmers. The benefit-cost ratio for the subsidized small farmer was 10.41 and it was 6.76 for the subsidized large farmer. The benefit-cost ratio for the assumed non-subsidized farmer was 3.44 for the cucumber cultivation in polyhouse. The Internal Rate of Return was 133 percent, 84 percent, and 36 percent for the small, large, and non-subsidized cucumber-cultivating polyhouse farmers. Thus, result of the study in all three condition shows profitability of polyhouse by cucumber cultivation.

Assessing the economic viability and factors affecting farmer adoption of black soldier fly larvae as broiler feed in Bangladesh: a comparative analysis

Despite its impressive economic growth, Bangladesh faces a persistent malnutrition challenge, costing over US$1 billion annually. The broiler industry plays a vital role in addressing nutritional needs by providing essential protein through meat and eggs. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this sector struggle with high feed prices, impacting their profitability and growth. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional poultry feed, addressing both rising costs and environmental impacts. This study examined different aspects of BSFL, such as broiler feed, and farmers' perceptions of them in some selected areas of the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. A total of 60 respondents from three subdistricts in Sylhet district were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, discriminative power value, binary logistic regression model, and profitability equation. Among the respondents, 70% (42) had a favorable attitude toward BSFL, and 30% (18) had a highly favorable attitude towards BSFL. Among eight socioeconomic attributes examined for the likeliness of adopting BSFL as broiler feed, the respondents' average income (p < 0.01), years of schooling (p < 0.05), and years of broiler farming experience (p < 0.01) were found to be significant. Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a net return of BDT (Bangladeshi Taka) 35,045.67 (USD 419.71), higher than those using traditional feed, which had a net return of BDT 29670.67 (USD 355.38). Further, farms using 50% BSFL and 50% traditional feed had a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 1.16, compared to other farms with a BCR of 1.11. The study also found some problems causing slow growth in the adoption rate of BSFL in the study region, such as lack of training programs, extension campaigns, the uncertainty of input supply, and financial assistance. The study suggests making adequate measures to raise awareness about the profitability of BSFL as broiler feed, conducting training at the root level, and making inputs easily available to farmers.

Comparative Analysis of Financial Optimization Scenarios for PV and Battery Storage Integration at Heraklion Port

The rapid expansion of renewable energy, driven by reduced installation costs, technological advancements, and political support, necessitates efficient integration strategies. This study presents a comparative analysis of financial optimization scenarios for the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage at Heraklion Port. By evaluating multiple strategies, the research addresses the economic viability, cost-benefit ratios, and payback periods of different configurations. This analysis considers the broader context of increasing pressure on electricity grids and the need for sustainable solutions to manage dispersed renewable production and energy offsetting. The findings aim to provide insights into optimal investment strategies that balance financial performance with energy efficiency, thereby mitigating costs passed on to consumers and supporting the goals of energy transition and sustainability in port infrastructure.

Efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Organic Amendments Against Black Root Rot Disease Caused by Rhizoctonia solani in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

Black root rot of strawberry caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the devastating soil borne disease. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of organic amendments, PGPR (Pseudomonas Fluorescens) and botanical treatment for the management of R. solani on strawberry. The study was laid out in Randomized Block design (RBD) including 4 r eplications with 8 treatments in pot condition at the greenhouse of Department of Plant Pathology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during Rabi season 20232024. The treatments consisted of combination of FYM, vermicompost, biomix compost, neem cake, cocopeat and botanical neem leaf extract were used as soil amendments and P. fluorescens as root treatment for evaluation on the plant growth, yield, physicochemical parameters (TSS and total ascorbic acid), disease intensity (%) and benefit cost ratio of strawb erry. The present investigation results revealed that T7 – P. fluorescens (0.3%) + FYM @ 100g + biomix compost @ 15g + vermicompost @ 15g + neem leaf extract @10% had the most promising results in term of maximum plant height (14.9 cm), maximum leaf number(15.75), days taken to first flowering (86 days), berry length (4.08 cm), berry diameter (2.84 cm), yield (38.87 qha-1), TSS (8.80 °Brix), total ascorbic acid (51.60mg/100g) and B:C ratio (1:2.24). It was also observed that T7 superior over other treatments giving least per cent disease intensity (30.75 %) followed by T6 – FYM @1 00g + P. fluorescens (0.3%) + biomix compost @15g + neem cake @15g + neem leaf extract @10% (35.50%). These findings highlight the potential of organic amendments, PGPR (P. fluorescens) and botanical treatments, as effective alternatives for managing black root rot disease caused by R. solani in strawberry cultivation.

Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio (ICBR) of Poly House and Open Field Conditions in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) after Chemical Intervention

This study evaluates the Incremental Cost Benefit Ratio (ICBR) between Poly house and Open field conditions in cabbage cultivation chemical intervention. The research aimed to compare the economic feasibility of adopting poly house technology over traditional open field methods, considering costs and benefits associated with chemical inputs. A comparative cost analysis was conducted to assess production expenses like costs for insecticidal treatments and labor charges. Yield data from both environments were collected to determine output differences and subsequent economic returns. Results indicate that Incremental cost benefit ratio of cabbage heads yields to the cost of treatments in poly house and open field presented as there was a significant superior difference in ICBR ratio of poly house with 1: 0.946 as compared to open field with 1: 0.639 of cabbage heads. The economic analysis revealed that the higher yields and quality achieved in poly house conditions due to less dissipation and undisturbed environmental factors on insecticide applied. Resulting in a favorable incremental Cost benefit ratio compared to open field cultivation.

Standardization of vacuum frying techniques for the development of low-fat beetroot finger chips

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. ssp), is a popular root crop grown for its fleshy roots and is a nutritious and mostly consumed fresh vegetable. It is a perishable product of just two to three days after the mature stage. The beetroot can be used for the preparation of value-added products like juice, dehydrated powder, soup mix, chips, etc. The chips out-turn of beetroot finger chips under vacuum frying was about 20 %. The vacuum-fried beetroot finger chips with corn powder coating absorbed relatively less frying oil (16.79 %) when compared to those without corn powder coating chips (18.25 %). The tristimulus color of vacuum-fried beetroot finger chips with corn powder coating chips were improved. Among the vacuum-fried chips prepared under various combinations of vacuum (constant 640 mm Hg), frying temperature (3 levels), and frying duration (3 levels), it was found that the beetroot finger chips prepared with corn coating at 110 °C frying temperature for 15 minutes frying time were the best in terms of all quality parameters. The beetroot finger chip manufacturing cost was determined to be Rs. 235 per kg, and the benefit-cost ratio of production was found to be 1:1.70.

Modelling and optimization of combined supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle and organic Rankine cycle for electricity and hydrogen production

Hydrogen as a clean fuel, is key energy carrier for sustainable development, and its production via water electrolysis is most desirable for its carbon free nature. Nuclear power provides good opportunity to satisfy the huge energy demand associated with the process, in addition to electrical power generation. Modelling an efficient and cost effective nuclear based power and Hydrogen cogeneration system and optimizing it to enhance its performance is the core academic problem addressed in the present study. It proposes a power plant cycle aided by a nuclear reactor, providing 300 MW thermal power input. Supercritical CO2 Brayton cycle is used as the main cycle, instead of traditional Helium Brayton cycle or steam Rankine cycle. To increase the cycle efficiency, by reducing the compression work and by reducing the cold source loss, main compression intercooling and waste heat recovery by an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is introduced together with recompression Brayton cycle arrangement. The power coming from recovered waste heat goes to a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer (PEME), which facilitates the production of Hydrogen by splitting water via electrolysis. Additional attention is given to ORC fluid selection by employing and comparing the performance of widely acknowledged R245fa together with its more eco friendly replacements, R1233Zd(E) and R1234Ze(Z). The evaluation of the system performance is conducted through the lenses of Energy, Exergy, and Economics. Essential parameters are scrutinized to gauge their impact on two pivotal objectives. Overall Exergy Efficiency(ηex) takes care of the thermodynamic performance and the economic aspect is scrutinized by Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOEn). Notably, by employing R245fa as the ORC working fluid, the system attains peak Energy efficiency of 42.13% and Exergy efficiency of 58.32%, and a minimum LCOEn of 0.063 USD/kWh. Of all the components associated with the system nuclear reactor tops the chart for maximum exergy destroyed(40.8% of total) as well as maximum investment cost(65.7% of total). Pump contributes least to exergy destruction(0.03% of the total) and heat exchangers hold least share(1.1% of total) for investment cost. Furthermore, a multiobjective optimization exercise is executed to fine-tune the system’s operational parameters. This optimization results in a 3.12% increase in Overall Exergy Efficiency and a 9.79% decrease in LCOEn compared to the base operating condition with R245fa used as the ORC fluid. The ηex & LCOEn in best possible operating condition are 58.25% & 0.0645 USD/kWh using R245fa as ORC fluid, 58.23% & 0.0645 USD/kWh using R1233Zd(E) as ORC fluid and 58.22% & 0.0644 USD/kWh using R1234Ze(Z) as ORC fluid. If same amount of electrical Power is supplied to PEME for both with and without ORC configuration, having an ORC is advantageous both in terms of superior Exergy Efficiency and lower LCOEn. The proposed configuration is also economically more lucrative with higher Net Present Value(NPV) and Benefit to Cost Ratio(BCR). For example, when PEME power input for both the cases is 10 MW, proposed system has NPV = 201.79 Million USD & BCR = 1.70 compared to NPV = 164.03 Million USD & BCR = 1.58 for without ORC configuration. Even if in without ORC configuration, no electrical power is supplied to the electrolyzer, adding an ORC to produce Hydrogen will still achieve maximum 1.57% Exergy Efficiency increment, compared to only electrical power production by sCO2 Brayton cycle. It is seen that in base condition, the NPV is still superior for the proposed configuration (203.03 to 189.32 Million USD), and the BCR dips only slightly from 1.72 to 1.71.

Sweet Bread Teaching Factory's Feasibility Projection at Banyuwangi State Polytechnic

This study aims to provide an overview of sweet bread production as an alternative in planning and developing teaching factories based on business feasibility projection analysis. A quantitative technique was applied in this research. Survey techniques and statistical tests were used to examine the hypotheses. To demonstrate that an institution can and should continue its sweet bread business, several variables were measured, including the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV), Return on Investment (ROI), Benefit–Cost Ratio (B/C ratio), Payback Period (PBP), and Break Event Point (BEP), providing further information for Business Model Canvas analysis of a business model. Based on the BMC, the value propositions are a variety of sweet bread, ease of access, affordable prices, quality, and taste. Key activities include sweetbread production, stock management, marketing and promotion, and customer service. Customer segmentation involves students, lecturers, staff, and institutional visitors. An analysis of financial projections reveals that business is feasible. This can be seen from IRR = 53,19%; the NPV &gt; 0 is equal to IDR 85,222,327; ROI = 216.69%; B/C ratio =1.07; BCR &gt; 1; PBP = 41 months; and BEP = IDR 5,528,669.25. Keywords: teaching factory, sweet bread production, business feasibility, financial projection

Public health impact and return on investment of the pediatric National Immunization Program in Italy

ABSTRACT Objectives We conducted a cost–benefit analysis of the pediatric National Immunization Program (NIP) in Italy. Methods An economic model evaluated the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of the Italian pediatric NIP, including 10 pathogens for mandatory vaccines and 4 pathogens for recommended vaccines for children aged 0–10 years from the healthcare-sector and societal perspectives. Separate decision trees were used to model each vaccine-preventable disease (VPD). The 2020 birth cohort (n = 420,084) was followed over their lifetime; the model projected and compared discounted disease cases, life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and costs (2021 euros) with and without immunization (based on current and pre – vaccine era disease incidence estimates, respectively). Results The pediatric NIP was estimated to prevent 1.8 million cases of VPDs and 3,330 deaths, resulting in 45,900 fewer life-years lost and 57,000 fewer QALYs lost. Vaccination costs of €285 million were offset by disease cost savings of €1.6 billion, resulting in a BCR of 5.6 from a societal perspective (BCR = 1.7 from a healthcare-sector perspective). When QALYs gained were valued, the BCR increased to 15.6. Conclusions The benefits of the Italian pediatric NIP, including averted disease-related morbidity, mortality, and associated costs, highlight the value of continued investment in pediatric immunization.

Effect of Wastewater Irrigation on Yield, Water Productivity and Economics of Sunflower and Toria Crop

Water scarcity is one of the most important issue affecting the global economy and human livelihoods. Climate change, rapid population growth, freshwater pollution and depletion are among the factors exacerbating the situation. Although not yet fully exploited, wastewater reclamation and reuse are considered potential mechanisms to mitigate the challenge. To evaluate the impact of wastewater on yield, economics, soil nutrient status, seed oil content and water productivity, a two-year experiment at farmers field in Angul, Odisha was taken up. The sunflower yield was found significantly higher with wastewater irrigation (10%) which was mainly contributed by higher head diameter (15.3 cm), no. of achenes per head (467) and 100 achene weight (69g). Similarly, toria crop irrigated with wastewater had higher yield by 11% resulting from higher siliquae per plant (179), no of seeds per siliqua (12.1) and test weight (4.6) compared to freshwater irrigation. Besides this soil nutrients and oil content was higher in wastewater irrigated toria and sunflower crop than freshwater crops. Benefit cost ratio was higher in wastewater irrigated sunflower (3.9) and toria (2.0) crop compared to freshwater irrigated crops (3.0 and 1.4 respectively for sunflower and toria). Water productivity under wastewater irrigation in sunflower (0.38 kg/m3) and toria (0.21 kg/m3) was higher than freshwater irrigated crops by 10-12%. The findings of the present study suggest that wastewater can be used as a source of irrigation for oilseed crop in Angul Odisha where water scarcity is acute during rabi season.

Economic Assessment of Tuta Absoluta Effect on Tomato Production in East Nawalparasi

Tuta absoluta is an invasive and highly destructive pest of tomato plants, originated in South America, specifically Peru. It has the capability to infest and cause extensive damage to large areas of cultivated tomato fields, as well as other plants in the solanaceous family. This study aims to assess the economic analysis of effect of Tuta absoluta on tomato production. The study was carried out in Kawasoti municipality, Madhyabindu municipality, and Hupsekot rural municipality of East Nawalparasi district of Nepal. They were selected purposively as research sites as the problem of Tuta was more prominent in these localities. Ninety households that were involved in tomato cultivation were selected through the simple random sampling method for the survey. The primary data were collected through individual respondents through pre-tested questionnaires, face-to-face questionnaire surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, scaling &amp; indexing were used to analyze the data. Most of the farmers cultivated tomatoes in open fields (68.8%) only whereas 26.6% of farmers cultivated in plastic tunnels. The insect pest problem was ranked as the first major problem of farmers. The study revealed that all of the farmers had problems with Tuta in their tomato fields. The minimum yield loss due to Tuta absoluta was 10% and the maximum loss was 80%. The total variable cost (T.V.C) for tomato production in one kathha is NRs. 11210. Average production of tomato per kathha was 550 kg. Gross return and gross margin from tomato cultivation in 1 kathhaare NRs. 16500 with Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.64. The average loss of tomatoes per kathha was 72 kg. Only 20 % of the farmers had knowledge regarding the life cycle Tuta absoluta. The most affected stage by Tuta was the flowering stage. This study suggests that effective management of Tuta absoluta can substantially improve tomato production.

Performance Evaluation and Release of High-Yielding Dual-Purpose Rabi Sorghum Culture Tandur Jonna 1' (SVT 68) for Cultivation in Telangana, India

Aims: To develop a high yielding dual purpose Rabi sorghum culture suitable for the state of Telangana. Study of Design: Randomized Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: The Present study was conducted at AgriculturalResearch Station, Tandur, Vikarabad from 2007 to 2013 to breed the culture SVT 68 and subsequently evaluated in different trials from 2014 to 2021. Methodology: A high yielding, dual purpose Rabi sorghum variety was derived from a cross between PV 15 x CSV 216R through Pedigree method of breeding and subsequently it was evaluated instation level from 2014 – 2016, AICRP trial in 2017-18 in, state MLT in 2018-19, Minikits in 2019-2021 for its grain and fodder yields, resistance to pests and diseases and showed superior performance over the Popular check M 35-1. Results: The high yielding dual purpose Rabi sorghum culture SVT 68 recorded an average grain yield of 2993 kg/ha and fodder yield of 9258 kg/ha with an increase of grain yield of 17.3 per cent and fodder yield of 20.4 per cent, over the popular check M 35-1. The culture is moderately resistant to charcoal rot, shoot fly, tolerant to leaf blight and rust and on par with M 35-1 with respect to stem borer and aphid damage. It has high crude fibre content (2.71) and rich in micro nutrients Iron (41.86 mg/kg), Zinc (26.67 mg/kg) and Calcium (177.60 mg/kg). Conclusion: Owing to its superiority in terms of grain, fodder yields, pest, disease tolerance, nutritional quality, agronomic performance, higher net returns depicted in the form of Benefit cost ratio, the culture SVT 68 was released during 2021 in the name of Tandur Jonna 1 and notified for general cultivation by farmers in Telangana state.

Application of non-acid stripping solution in hydrophobic membrane process for high-purity ammonia recovery from high-strength ammonium wastewater

Recently, resource recovery from wastewater has been in the spotlight due to climate change and the energy crisis. Ammonia has significant value as a resource that serves as fertilizer or eco-friendly fuel, with a market value ranging from $0.4 to $1.0 per kg-N. In the membrane contactor (MC) process, an acid stripping solution such as H2SO4 is generally used for high ammonia recovery efficiency. However, the ammonia-recovered stripping solution often has limited applications as fertilizer due to the presence of anions, necessitating costly downstream processes like electrochemical treatments to separate ammonia from these contaminants. This study introduces a novel approach that dynamically compares various stripping solutions to reduce chemical consumption while achieving high-purity ammonia recovery. Notably, the recovered ammonia from the membrane contactor showed no detectable levels of nitrate, other ions, or organic carbon, all without the use of acidic solutions. Furthermore, the benefit-cost ratio of 1.42, derived from the dynamic comparison, highlights the cost-effectiveness and demonstrates the practicality of this method compared to traditional acidic stripping approaches.This innovative comparison underscores the membrane contactor system’s ability to recover high-purity ammonia, presenting a sustainable and economically viable solution for ammonia recovery in wastewater treatment. It achieves this without the need for additional chemical agents or expensive downstream processes, offering a more efficient alternative to conventional methods.

Enhancing Security and Traceability in Aerospace Supply Chains through Block Chain Technology

This study explores the impact of blockchain technology on aerospace supply chains, focusing on mitigating risks such as supply chain disruptions, counterfeit parts, and regulatory compliance challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis using data sourced from publicly available databases, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and reports from blockchain technology providers. Descriptive analysis identified supply chain disruptions (M = 3.74, SD = 1.17) as the most significant risk, followed by counterfeit parts (M = 3.34, SD = 1.20). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) demonstrated that part authentication and provenance tracking had the strongest impact on improving traceability (β = 0.40, p &lt; 0.001) and transparency (β = 0.38, p &lt; 0.001). A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) revealed a positive return on investment, with cost-benefit ratios up to 2.31. Blockchain adoption was also found to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 25%, while improving operational efficiency through shorter procurement lead times and lower administrative costs. However, regulatory misalignment and interoperability challenges remain barriers to full adoption. The study concludes that blockchain is a transformative tool for enhancing traceability, security, and sustainability in aerospace supply chains.

Credit Impact on Profitability and Marketing Efficiency of Sawn Wood Marketers

Aim of study: Credit impact on profitability and marketing efficiency of sawn wood marketers was examined. Area of study: Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State. Material and methods: 120 respondents were obtained using multistage sampling technique and interviewed with structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and profitability model. Main results: Respondents were male (70.0%) with 50 years average age. Sizes of sawn wood sold varied (4"x12", 1"x12", 2"x3", 2"x2"). The 2"x4" (16.8%) and 2"x2" (14.8%) sawn wood were most sold. Purchase price (₦1306.5) and selling price (₦1503.3k) of 4"x12" was higher than other sawn wood sizes. Total cost, revenue, net profit, benefit cost ratio and market efficiency of sawn wood business were ₦456604.20, ₦845843.30, ₦389239.20, 2.17 and 85.7% respectively. Credit had significant improvement on profitability (69.6%) with z-value of 0.00000127 (P

Economics of Intergenerational Volunteering: A Mixed-Methods Study of Snow-Buddies Program in Niagara Region, Canada

ABSTRACT This study examines the financial costs and savings of a community-based intergenerational volunteer program (i.e. Snow-buddies) that pairs youth with older adults for snow removal. From March 2020 to May 2023, Snow-buddies completed 106 volunteer-matches and 486 snow removal events. Using a sequential exploratory mixed-method design, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth volunteers and older adults. The majority of participants revealed minimal out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses and time/productivity losses for snow removal. Increased mobility, fall prevention, and social connections were perceived benefits of the program. A survey (n = 55, 52% of matched participants) reported an average CAD$123 OOP spending per snow removal event. Applying the rate of fall injuries among older adults due to snow, an estimated 1.12 fall injuries per 486 person-events were prevented translating into a total of $81,398 financial savings from averted hospitalization (i.e. a benefit–cost ratio of ~$662 for every dollar spent on snow removal).

Effect of pruning and grasses on forage productivity, carbon storage, soil healthand economics of Anjan tree (Hardwickia binata) based silvopasture systems

A field experiment was conducted during 2018 to 2023 on ten years old Hardwickia binata Roxb. based silvopasture system at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi. The treatment consisted of three pruning intensities of H. binata, viz. 30%, 45% and 60% and establishment of three grasses, viz. Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon fulvus and Panicum maximum in association with H. binata. Pruning of branches of H. binata at 60% intensity recorded significantly higher top feed (TF 1.48, 1.77, 2.23, 2.68 and 3.27 t/ha) and fire wood yields (FW 2.74, 3.17, 3.49, 3.79 and 4.65 t/ha) as compared to 30% pruning intensity (TF 0.93, 1.01, 1.19, 1.55 and 2.08 t/ha and FW 1.76, 1.90, 1.98, 2.26 and 2.84 t/ha) and 45% pruning intensity (TF 1.21, 1.41, 1.75, 2.15 and 2.59 t/ha and FW 2.33, 2.59, 2.82, 3.08 and 3.63 t/ha) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years of study, respectively. Among grasses, establishment of C. fulvus in association with H. binata recorded significantly higher dry pasture yields (7.91, 8.33, 8.66, 8.93 and 9.18 t/ha) as compared to P. maximum (6.19, 6.37, 6.54, 7.08 and 7.41 t/ha) and it was found at par with C. ciliaris (7.62, 8.15, 8.44, 8.70 and 8.86 t/ha) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years of study. Estab- lishment of H. binata based silvopasture systems on poor shallow soil and degraded land recorded 9.11-15.50% improvement in available nutrients (N : 12.73%, P : 15.50% and K : 9.11%) and organic carbon (OC 9.47%) in 5th year of experiment than initial year (N 229.39, P 8.32 and K 214.73 kg/ha and OC 0.584%. Similarly, H. binata recorded 111.31% higher carbon stock in 5th year of study (23.04 t/ha) as compared to initial year (10.90 t/ha). In term of monetary return, maximum net return and benefit-cost ratio was obtained from 60% pruning intensity (` 63459/ha and 2.08) followed by 45% pruning intensity (` 50263/ha and 1.91) from H. binata based silvopasture system.

Improving Sunflower Yield through Liming and Phosphorus Fertilizer Application in the South-Central Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Along with salinity, low soil pH is the major constraint for growing winter crops in the south central coastal region of Bangladesh. Extensive research has been done to manage soil salinity, where managing low soil pH for crop production is scarce. The aim of the experiment was to improve sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv. Hybrid Unisun) yield through liming and phosphorus fertilizer application in the acidic saline soil of Amtali upazila of Barguna district, Bangladesh. During the winter season of 2024 a field experiment was carried out comprising two rates of lime 0 and 2 t ha-1 and four levels of phosphorus (P) having 0, 12, 24 and 36 kg P ha-1 using RCBD design. Lime application at 2 t ha-1 rate significantly increased stem girth, head diameter, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight, and seed, stover and root yields of sunflower. The application of P up to the highest level (36 kg P ha-1) significantly increased the growth and yield of sunflower. Lime application increased the soil pH by 0.72 unit compared to non-liming plot. The application of lime (2 t ha-1) along with 36 kg P ha-1 recorded the highest sunflower seed yield of 3.21 t ha-1 in the soil of Amtali upazila of Barguna district, Bangladesh. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) of different rates of P application without liming ranged from 5.28-10.09 but it decreased drastically while P was applied with lime having the BCR between 0.15-1.82. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3):352-359, 2024

ANALISIS KELAYAKAN HARGA JUAL DALAM PERSAINGAN PASAR PRODUK SYNTHETIC THICKENER

This study aims to analyze the feasibility of the selling price of synthetic thickener products in tight market competition based on financial aspects of Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), and Profitability Index (PI) with three price levels from the price range requested by customers. The research was conducted using a qualitative research method with five stages, namely 1) defining the problem, 2) identifying each alternative, 3) analyzing the feasibility of the selling price with a three-level price scenario, 4) conducting a comparative analysis and 5) recommending the decision given. The results of the research with the NPV, PI and BCR methods are not feasible for price as well as level 1 and feasible for selling prices 2 and 3.