Cost-benefit Research Articles

Critical re-evaluation of the identification of iron deficiency states and effective iron repletion strategies in patients with chronic heart failure.

According to current guidelines, iron deficiency is defined by a serum ferritin level <100 ng/ml or a transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20% if the serum ferritin level is 100-299 μg/L. These criteria were developed to encourage the use of intravenous iron as an adjunct to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the treatment of renal anaemia. However, in patients with heart failure, these criteria are not supported by any pathophysiological or clinical evidence that they identify an absolute or functional iron deficiency state. A low baseline TSAT-but not serum ferritin level-appears to be a reliable indicator of the effect of intravenous iron to reduce major heart failure events. In randomized controlled trials, intravenous iron decreased the risk of cardiovascular death or total heart failure hospitalization in patients with a TSAT <20% (risk ratio 0.67 [0.49-0.92]) but not in patients with a TSAT ≥20% (risk ratio 0.99 [0.74-1.30]), with the magnitude of the risk reduction being proportional to the severity of hypoferraemia. Patients who were enrolled in clinical trials solely because they had a serum ferritin level <100 μg/L showed no significant benefit on heart failure outcomes, and it is noteworthy that serum ferritin levels of 20-300 μg/L lie entirely within the range of normal values for healthy adults. Current guidelines reflect the eligibility criteria of clinical trials, which inadvertently adopted unvalidated criteria to define iron deficiency. Reliance on these guidelines would lead to the treatment of many patients who are not iron deficient (serum ferritin level <100 μg/L but normal TSAT) and ignores the possibility of iron deficiency in patients with a low TSAT but with serum ferritin level of >300 μg/L. Importantly, analyses of benefit based on trial eligibility-driven guidelines substantially underestimate the magnitude of heart-failure-event risk reduction with intravenous iron in patients who are truly iron deficient. Based on all available data, we recommend a new mechanism-based and trial-tested approach that reflects the totality of evidence more faithfully than the historical process adopted by clinical investigators and by the guidelines. Until additional evidence is forthcoming, an iron deficiency state in patients with heart failure should be defined by a TSAT <20% (as long as the serum ferritin level is <400 μg/L), and furthermore, the use of a serum ferritin level <100 μg/L alone as a diagnostic criterion should be discarded.

Retrospective study of qualitative assessment in detecting synchronous and metachronous malignancies in adult cancer patients by 18F-FDG PET/CT.

The study aimed to evaluate the frequency of incidental suspicious lesions detected by flourine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scans done for staging or restaging in adult cancer patients. We further determined the detection rate of synchronous and metachronous malignancies in these suspicious lesions after further investigations. This retrospective analysis evaluated the consecutive patients with 18F-FDG PET/CT scans done in Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Hong Kong between July 2021 and June 2022. The adult cancer patients who underwent staging or restaging 8F-FDG PET/CT were included while the remaining were excluded. Patients' demographics, primary cancer type, tumor markers, and pathological analyses for the incidental suspicious lesions were reviewed to establish the detection rate of synchronous and metachronous malignancies. A total of 2054 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria with age ranging from 18 to 93 years old. Out of the 2054 patients, 304 (14.8%) were found to have incidental suspicious lesions. Of these, 206 patients (67.8%) underwent further investigations including pathological analyses. Subsequently, 84 of these 206 patients (40.8%) had pathologically proven synchronous or metachronous malignancies. The detection rate of incidental suspicious lesions in adult cancer patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scans for staging or restaging was 14.8% and the rate of synchronous and metachronous malignancies in these suspicious lesions was 40.8%. The treatment plan of these patients may potentially be altered, which should be included in the cost-benefit analysis of using this imaging modality.

A GAME-CHANGER

Titanium Elastic Nails have been around for the last 40 years, but it has never been introduced properly in the Pacific especially in Samoa in the management of femoral &amp; in severely displaced forearm fractures in the paediatric age group &amp; also Adult upper limb Trauma.This paper looks at the cases treated in TTM Hospital (Apia, Samoa) from June 2019- June 2023, looking at common injury patterns, indications for fixation and the cost benefit to the family and hospital, in terms of early rehabilitation and improving the length of stay in hospital pre-Tens nail era from 6–8 weeks to 1–2 weeks in hospital. 29 cases were treated with TENs concept during this period, 17 femoral fractures, 10 forearm fractures &amp; 1 humerus fracture.Lastly this is very useful skill and tool to have in every hospital in the Pacific Islands, through proper training to prevent long term complications.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet

The field experiment was conducted during ZAID season 2023 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the present study, the treatments consisting three levels of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) viz., 100% RDF (60-30-30 Kg/ha), 75% RDF (45-22.5-22.5 Kg/ha) and 50% RDF (30-15-15 kg/ha) along with three different micro nutrients viz., Zinc - 0.5 kg/ha, Boron - 0.5 kg/ha and Iron - 0.5 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.3), low available nitrogen (278.93 kg/ha), medium available phosphorus (15.4 kg/ha) and medium available potassium (173.7 kg/ha). Results revealed that higher plant height (84.20 cm), plant dry weight (10.61 g), number of tillers/ hill (4.53), length of ears (9.20 cm), number of ears/plant (4.47), test weight (3.47 g), grain yield (1.22 t/ha), straw yield (2.80 t/ha) were recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF+ Boron 0.5 kg/ha). Maximum gross return (INR 48,408.33), net return (INR 30,913.33) and B:C ratio (1.77) were also recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF + Boron 0.5 kg/ha). It can be concluded that the application of NPK 100% RDF +Boron 0.5kg/ha (Treatment 8) recorded higher yield and benefit cost ratio in Foxtail millet.

Comparative Efficacy of Insecticides and their Combinations against Okra Shoot and Fruit Borer, Earias vitella (Fabricius)

The research was conducted on okra crop to check the efficacy of some insecticides and their combinations against okra shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella (Fab.). The study was carried out during kharif 2023 at Central Research Farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) with eight treatments including untreated check which were replicated thrice. All the treatments were found to be superior over untreated control, neem oil 3%, spinosad 45 SC, cypermethrin 25 EC, profenophos 50 EC, spinosad 45SC + neem oil 3%, cypermethrin 25EC + neem oil 3%, profenofos 50 EC + cypermethrin 25 EC were tested to compare the efficacy against Earias vitella and their influences on yield of okra. Here the best and the most economic treatment was profenofos 50 EC + cypermethrin 25 EC followed by cypermethrin 25EC + neem oil 3%, spinosad 45SC + neem oil 3%, spinosad 45 SC, cypermethrin 25 EC, profenophos 50 EC and the least effective treatment was neem oil 3%. The highest yield among the treatments was noticed in profenofos 50 EC + cypermethrin 25 EC (140quintal/hac.) and the lowest in neem oil 3% (75quintal/hac.) with cost benefit ratio 1:4.7 and 1:2.0, respectively.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Varieties

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, low in organic carbon (0.452%), nearly neutral in soil pH (7.1), high nitrogen (178.48 kg/ha), medium phosphorous (23.6 kg/ha), medium potassium (231.4 kg/ha). The experiment laid out in a randomized block design consists of three replications along with three cowpea varieties (viz., Kashi Nidhi, Kashi Unnati, Kashi Kanchan) and three solid organic manures (i.e. Poultry manure 2 t/ha, Goat manure 10.5 t/ha, Pig manure 15 t/ha) which were replicated thrice. The results revealed that maximum plant height (52.73 cm), dry weight (15.03 g/plant), crop growth rate (12.57 g/m2/day), number of pods/plant (11.80), number of seeds/plant (11.50), test weight (81.00g), seed yield (2.40 t/ha), stover yield (4.10 t/ha). Maximum net returns (INR 79,515.00/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.30) which was significantly superior over other treatment T3 (Kashi Kanchan + Poultry manure 2 t/ha). It can be concluded that Kashi Kanchan variety with application of poultry manure 2 t/ha brought about significant improvement in the production and also proven economically viable in cowpea crop.

Cost-effectiveness and cost–benefit analyses of fluoride varnish for caries prevention in Guangxi, China

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of fluoride varnish (FV) interventions for preventing caries in the first permanent molars (FPMs) among children in rural areas in Guangxi, China.MethodsThis study constituted a secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled trial, analysed from a social perspective. A total of 1,335 children aged 6–8 years in remote rural areas of Guangxi were enrolled in this three-year follow-up controlled study. Children in the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG) received oral health education and were provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste once every six months. Additionally, FV was applied in the EG. A decision tree model was developed, and single-factor and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted.ResultsAfter three years of intervention, the prevalence of caries in the EG was 50.85%, with an average decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index score of 1.12, and that in the CG was 59.04%, with a DMFT index score of 1.36. The total cost of caries intervention and postcaries treatment was 42,719.55 USD for the EG and 46,622.13 USD for the CG. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the EG was 25.36 USD per caries prevented, and the cost–benefit ratio (CBR) was 1.74 USD benefits per 1 USD cost. The results of the sensitivity analyses showed that the increase in the average DMFT index score was the largest variable affecting the ICER and CBR.ConclusionsCompared to oral health education alone, a comprehensive intervention combining FV application with oral health education is more cost-effective and beneficial for preventing caries in the FPMs of children living in economically disadvantaged rural areas. These findings could provide a basis for policy-making and clinical choices to improve children’s oral health.

Cost Benefit Analysis of Re-Developing the Defunct Panguna Copper Deposit in Autonomous Region of Bougainville

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has been obliged to devise socially inclusive mining legislation and policies that were realised through enactment of Mining Act (2015). It recognises community ownership of minerals found in predominantly maternal system of land ownership. The enactment of a separate mining legislation from that of Papua New Guinea (PNG) was a response to socio-political and environmental legacies associated with former Panguna mine. The cost benefit analysis (CBA) study was conducted using historical data from former Panguna mine and conceptual model of redeveloping the defunct Panguna resource. The results show redevelopment of the remaining copper resource could exceed the net benefits of the former mine. The historical and conceptual efficiency ratios (CBR) being greater than 1 depicted that monetary benefits could exceed production and opportunity costs of mining. Despite excluding social and environmental costs of mining, the positive NPV and IRR create opportunities to forge workable partnerships to enhance low-risk options to reduce net costs and maximize the benefits of mining. A major finding of the CBA study was that despite the local ownership of minerals, the mining lease permits and land access are competitive, similar to regalian ownership system. Also, the benefit redistribution structure was found to be similar to PNG’s regalian system where local ownership of minerals may not be a direct form of nationalisation.

Quality of Arabica coffee grown in Brazilian Savannah and impact of potassium sources

Located in Brazil’s Central Plateau, the Cerrado Savannah is an emerging coffee-growing region with significant potential for the national coffee market. This study investigated the impact of potassium fertilization on Arabica coffee quality in the Cerrado, using three potassium sources (K2SO4, KCl, and KNO3) and five cultivars (Arara, Aranãs, IPR103, Catiguá and Topázio) across two consecutive harvests. We focused on productivity, granulometry, chemical composition, and sensory characteristics. No significant difference in productivity across the cultivars studied or potassium sources as isolated factors were observed. Regarding chemical parameters, potassium sources only affected NO3− and SO42− levels in the grains. Cultivar-specific differences were noted in caffeine (CAF), citric acid (CA), and sucrose (SUC), highlighting a strong genetic influence. K2SO4 improved productivity in Arara (15 %) and IPR103 (11 %), while KNO3 reduced flat grain percentage to 70 % in Catiguá. Sensory evaluation showed that all potassium sources and cultivars produced specialty coffees, with the Arara cultivar treated with K2SO4 achieving the highest SCA score (83.3) while IPR 103 treated with KCl scored the lowest at 78. Only three treatments were below but very close to the threshold (80). Multivariate analysis indicated a trend where specific treatments correlated with higher productivity and quality. Despite the subtle differences in productivity and quality among potassium sources, a cost-benefit analysis may favor KCl due to its affordability, suggesting its viability as a potassium fertilization option in coffee cultivation. Future research is needed to confirm these trends and optimize potassium source selection to enhance coffee quality in the Cerrado.

Livelihood Alternatives in Restored Peatland Areas in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Livelihood loss and lower income because of peatland mismanagement are crucial issues that must be resolved in peatland areas. Although many studies have assessed farmers’ livelihoods and income enhancement, progress in addressing these problems remains inadequate. To address this issue, this study aimed to analyze various existing alternative livelihoods in the peatland community in Ogan Komering Ilir District, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia, and analyze scenarios for creating livelihoods and increasing people’s incomes through changes in peat ecosystem management and peatland restoration programs. This study used a survey method conducted in South Sumatra Province’s OKI District, one of the four priority peat-restoration districts in the province. We used three sampling stages, while descriptive, tabulated, and mathematical methods were used for analysis. We analyzed the feasibility of livelihoods that used benefit-cost analysis. The results showed that Sonor cultivation of paddies and catching fish in Rawang (swamp) were the livelihoods of farmers in peatlands. The community has also been processing peatland commodities into other products, such as Purun woven, and Gula Puan (buffalo milk processing). Several alternative livelihood scenarios that are financially profitable and can be developed include salted and smoked fish, Purun woven handicrafts, paludiculture, and agrosilvofishery, which can provide farmers with short-, medium-, and long-term income opportunities. This study can contribute to policymaking by fully considering the role of peat resources in rural livelihoods.

Eco-friendly, high-toughness gypsum prepared using hemihydrate phosphogypsum, fly ash, and glass fibers: Characterization and environmental impacts

Hemihydrate phosphogypsum (HPG), obtained as a cementitious material from the dewatering of phosphogypsum, can be widely used in the preparation of construction materials owing to its low cost and environmental friendliness. However, current reports on HPG mainly focus on hydration behavior, mechanical properties, and durability, and there are few studies focusing on the enhancement of HPG toughness. In this work, glass fibers (GF) and fly ash (FA), as composite reinforcement, were mixed with HPG during its preparation to obtain eco-friendly, high-toughness gypsum. The workability, mechanical, microstructural, financial and environmental properties of the HPG-based composites with different GF volume dosages (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 vol%) and FA weight percentages (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) were comparatively investigated. The results show that the addition of an appropriate amount of FA can improve the interface transition zone between GF and the matrix and effectively increase the flexural strength and toughness of the composites. For the optimal mixture containing 1.5 vol% GF and 20 wt% FA, the flexural strength and toughness were 50.7% and 82.2% higher, respectively, than those of the mixture without FA and 99.2% and 675.3% higher, respectively, than those of the control sample (without GF and FA). Cost-benefit and environmental impact analyses also indicated that this composite was the most economical and environmentally friendly. Thus, this work provides an effective approach to achieve the high-value utilization of two major industrial by-products.

Operando Building of a Superior Interface Hybrid Film Enables Chemomechanically Durable Co-Free Ni-Rich Cathodes.

The Co-free Ni-rich layered cathodes become pivotal to reduce cost and increase benefit toward next-generation Li-ion batteries yet raise a major challenge for their extremely fragile cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) film. Herein, we report the in situ construction of the Si/B-enriched organic-inorganic hybrid CEI films on LiNi0.9Mn0.1O2 (NM91) with the assistance of tris(trimethylsilyl) borate (TMSB) additive. The hybrid film exhibits superior Young's modulus, mechanical strength, and ductility, which greatly dissipate the microstrain of Co-free Ni-rich cathodes under various states of charge with high structural integrity. Furthermore, the surface oxygen anions have been significantly stabilized by bonding with the Si and B ions of TMSB with high safety. These merits enable a durable Co-free Ni-rich layered cathode with 96.9% and 87.7% capacity retentions (versus 72.7% and 70.2% of NM91) at a high rate of 5C and a high-temperature of 55 °C after 100 cycles. In a pouch-type full cell, 88.8% of initial capacity is still maintained after cycling at 1C for 500 times, greatly expediting the development and application of Co-free Ni-rich layered cathodes.

Deep energy efficiency renovation of Germany’s residential buildings: is this as economically viable as Germany’s policymakers and popular promoters often claim?

Germany needs to steeply increase the rate of deep energy-efficiency renovation of its old buildings, to meet climate goals. The government has long maintained that deep renovation to a specified “minimum” energy efficiency standard is economically viable: that the costs are paid back, through energy savings, over the technical lifetime of the energy-efficiency measures. Many private and public organisations support and promulgate this view. It accords with a stream of academic literature which suggests that the under-adoption of energy efficiency measures is a paradox indicating market failures and economically irrational behaviour by property owners. This paper offers cost–benefit analyses of 44 case study scenarios to test whether deep renovation in Germany pays back in monetary terms. These include both specific buildings and Germany-wide averages of classes of buildings. It uses current construction, finance and energy costs, and takes account of inflation, discount rates and opportunity costs. None of the scenarios are economically viable in monetary terms, and the average payback after 25 years is around 22.5%. Sensitivity analyses suggest payback would only be achieved using improbable parameter values. Energy-efficiency renovation is necessary but promoting it needs to take account of these realities.

Optimal hybrid layout of point and open‐path gas detectors in process facilities of natural gas stations

AbstractBecause open‐path gas detectors offer superior technical performance, leakage monitoring systems tend to use a hybrid layout of point and open‐path gas detectors. However, most research on the optimized layout of leakage monitoring has focused only on point gas detectors. In this paper, an optimization model for a hybrid layout of point and open‐path gas detectors was proposed considering the cost–benefit ratio and detection time. As the measured value of an open‐path gas detector is an integral concentration, a monitor line in the simulation was calculated via the approximate rectangle method. The results showed that the use of a multiobjective gas detector layout considering the cost–benefit ratio and an improved non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II) could optimize the layout of hybrid detectors. The hybrid layout was analyzed in a case study of process facilities at a natural gas station. As the number of detectors increased (safety investment), the proportion of open‐path gas detectors increased, improving both leakage monitoring performance and the cost–benefit ratio. Additionally, the layout of the point gas detectors was analyzed. A comparison of objective function values for detection time showed the superiority of the hybrid layout in our research.

Comparative Study of Synthetic Insecticides with Biopesticides against Spotted Stem Borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) on Maize (Zea mays L.)

Spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) regarded as one of the most significant and prevalent insect pests of maize and its mystic aspect of feeding makes it challenging to control. Hence current study aims to evaluate comparative study of synthetic insecticides with biopesticides against Chilo partellus. Eight treatments viz., azadirachtin 10,000ppm, neem oil 3%, karanj oil 3%, neem oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL, karanj oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL, imidacloprid 17.5%SL, spinosad 45%SC and untreated control were tested under field condition in randomized block design with three replications. Among the treatments, lowest larval population of Chilo partellus per plant were recorded in karanj oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL (1.99) followed by neem oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL (2.42), imidacloprid 17.5%SL (2.71), spinosad 45%SC (3.17), neem oil 3% (3.73), karanj oil 3% (3.95) and azadirachtin 10,000ppm (4.44) were found superior over the untreated control (7.24). The highest yield was recorded in karanj oil 3% + imidacloprid 17.5%SL with 39.20 q/hectare and most economic treatment was imidacloprid 17.5%SL with highest cost benefit ratio (1:2.2). The lowest cost benefit ratio was recorded in untreated control (1:1.4).

Beyond "Blind Spots": Illuminating Financial Pathways for Thriving Agrotourism as a Family Business

Purpose: This scientific research study aims to highlight the management of blind spots in agrotourism with the clear goal of helping farmers by offering them useful financial ratio analysis. Design/Methodology/Approach: Conducted in-depth interviews with agrotourism owners and conducted a comprehensive review of existing academic literature, industry reports, and government publications on financial management in family-run businesses and agrotourism. Findings: By acknowledging and addressing core "blind spots," family-run agrotourism businesses can cultivate a culture of financial awareness and proactive planning. The project appears to have a benefit-cost ratio (1.478) that is positive, meaning that benefits exceed expenses. Given the high internal rate of return (45.56%), the investment may out to be quite beneficial. The project's financial viability is further supported by the profitability index (1.37), which is higher than 1. Practical Implication: We have analyzed financial ratios, such as profitability index, benefit cost ratio, payback period ratio, current ratio, net profit margin, fixed turnover assets ratio, Internal rate of return, working capital turnover ratio, return on investment, gross margin etc. to assess the profitability and performance of the agrotourism. In order to maximize revenue from agrotourism, we monitored a number of factors before calculating break-even analysis. These included financial risks, profitable revenue streams, and seasonal variations in demand and income during off-peak seasons, off-farm income, and operating costs. This type of all analysis useful for avoid blind spots in agrotourism. Originality/Value: Offering concrete strategies and frameworks tailored to family agrotourism business can directly benefit practitioners, enhancing their financial resilience and contributing to business success.

Assessment of Safe Vegetable Cultivation at Jashore in Bangladesh: Evidence from Country Bean, Cucumber and Pointed Gourd Cultivation

The study was designed to assess the present status and methods of safe vegetable production at farm level in selected areas of Jashore during January-May, 2023. For the study ninety sample farmer were selected by stratified sampling from three sub-district of Jashore. Average farm size was 0.79 ha in study area. Farmer doing different agronomic management such as weeding, irrigation, spraying, de-topping, stalking, earthing up etc. Farmer used different methods simultaneously such as insecticide spray, bio-pesticide, sex pheromone, yellow trap, white trap, hand picking etc. for controlling insect pest. About sixty-four percent farmer sprayed synthetic pesticide and rest of them used bio control method such as bio-pesticide (bio-chamak, eco-mac, bio-envir, bio-cin), sex pheromone trap, yellow trap and hand picking for control insect pest in their fields. About fifty-eight percent farmer used bio-fertilizer along with organic fertilizer (manure, vermin compost) and seventy-eight percent farmer used chemical fertilizer for vegetable cultivation. Total production cost of country bean was Tk.3,36,579 ha-1, cucumber was Tk.3,25,915 ha-1 and pointed gourd was Tk.4,40,106 ha-1. Among the cost item labor cost was highest. Average yield of country bean was 30.60 tha-1, cucumber was 30.08 tha-1 and pointed gourd was 41.60 tha-1. Highest benefit cost ratio was cucumber (2.13) followed by pointed gourd (2.07) and country bean (1.50), that means safe vegetable cultivation also profitable. Farmer awareness, havoc attack of pest and insect were the main problem for safe vegetable cultivation. Market facilities, demand, value chain, proper price for organic vegetable, and farmer motivation can promote and enhance safe vegetable cultivation.

Cost–benefit analysis of the COVID-19 vaccination model incorporating different infectivity reductions

The spread and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present a worldwide economic and medical burden to public health. It is imperative to probe the effect of vaccination and infectivity reductions in minimizing the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, we analyze a mathematical model incorporating different infectivity reductions. This work provides the most economical and effective control methods for reducing the impact of COVID-19. Using data from Ghana as a sample size, we study the sensitivity of the parameters to estimate the contributions of the transmission routes to the effective reproduction number Re. We also devise optimal interventions with cost–benefit analysis that aim to maximize outcomes while minimizing COVID-19 incidences by deploying cost-effectiveness and optimization techniques. The outcomes of this work contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 epidemiology and provide insights into implementing interventions needed to minimize the COVID-19 burden in similar settings worldwide.

Sandy beach erosion: impacts and adaptation strategies in Thailand

AbstractThis paper focuses on sandy beach erosion as a result of rising sea levels, including adaptation option analysis in Thailand. Twenty-seven beaches in the provinces of Rayong, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Trang were selected as study areas with high rates of erosion. The major scientific challenge entailed determining the relevance and contribution of rising sea levels (including storms) to beach erosion. The SimCLIM/CoastCLIM model was utilized to forecast changes in sea level and shoreline during the period of 1940–2100. A cost–benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted to evaluate adaptation options in terms of economics. The main outcome was a relevant contribution to knowledge on sea-level rise (including storm alteration) and its effects on sandy beach erosion, in terms of loss of sandy beach area and population migration. The results indicate that Mae Phim, Ban Ko Fai, and Pak Meng beaches are all threatened by erosion, and 8.02 and 23.26% of the erosion are attributed to storms and sea-level rise. Future scenarios (in 2100) showed 124.38 cm rise in 2100 sea level (compared to the 1995 baseline) leading to 507.90 m of eroded beaches, 2.15 km2 of sand loss and 873 people migrating. The results of CBA show that scenario 2 (beach nourishment) is not proper for application as an adaptation option on sandy beaches with high amounts of erosion (Ban Ko Fai and Pak Meng beach), while the option of beach nourishment alone is likely to be applied on Mae Phim beach due to its lower rate of erosion.

SOCIAL POLICY REGARDING VETERANS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND OTHER VULNERABLE POPULATION GROUPS

The article analyzes the issue of migration as a complex social phenomenon. International population migration in the conditions of growing globalization occupies an important place in the development of modern society and, accordingly, affects young people who, for various reasons, decided to study abroad (in Slovakia). The article reflects knowledge at the theoretical and empirical levels. One of the main tasks of modern higher education is the modernization and efficiency of the professional mobility of future specialists. Student migration is considered as educational migration. We point out that the Slovak Republic is one of the most economically successful countries in Central-Eastern Europe. Economic reforms and accession to the EU, combined with significant inflows of foreign direct investment, have led to sustained economic growth and job creation. Economic development and demographic changes have also created an additional need for skilled labor. At the same time, greater integration into the EU, open borders and a common educational space led to the migration of Slovak students to the neighboring Czech Republic and other EU countries. As a result, Slovakia gradually began to ease migration restrictions and allowed an increasing number of third-country nationals to enter the territory of the Slovak Republic. The integration policy of Slovakia is consistent with the migration policy, and among its priorities is the effective integration of foreigners in the labor market. The purpose of the article is to analyze Ukrainian student migration in Slovakia, focusing on the analysis of personal and social benefits. We analyze the issue of academic mobility as an integral component of the European educational space, which also undoubtedly has a positive effect on the national education system and the national economy. We highlight the issue of effective ethnic-national policy formation, development of theory and practice of social work with ethnic groups, find out directions and forms of social service work with migrants. In the empirical part, we present a quantitative study at all stages of the research process. The content of the study is to find out the reasons that motivate future Ukrainian students to migrate to Slovakia, as well as to find out how the initial decision about migration and arrival to Slovakia takes place. Part of the quantitative research is the analysis of the personal and social benefits of the migration of Ukrainian students to Slovakia.