Economic Consequences Research Articles

Reassessing Chronic Strain: A Research Note on Women's Income Dynamics After Divorce and Separation.

The economic consequences of divorce and separation for women are commonly associated with the chronic strain model, according to which women's losses are large and persistent. This research note shifts the focus to a crisis model highlighting women's potential of, and routes to, recovery from initial losses. Drawing on German Socio-Economic Panel data (1984-2021) on women in marital and cohabiting unions (N ∼ 27,000 women, N ∼ 3,400 divorces and separations), we use fixed-effects regression models and event-history models to analyze changes in equivalized monthly household income and poverty risk across the process of divorce and separation. Results show that most women recovered from their initial economic declines. Although initial losses were common and often sizable, large fractions of women eventually returned to or exceeded the household income expected in the absence of divorce and separation. Recovery was facilitated by the "traditional" route of repartnering and the "modern" route of women mobilizing their productive skills. Both routes appeared more important than the absence of barriers, such as children in the household. We conclude that for the majority of women, the economic consequences of divorce and separation are better described as a temporary crisis than as a chronic strain.

Directed conservation of the world's reef sharks and rays.

Many shark populations are in decline around the world, with severe ecological and economic consequences. Fisheries management and marine protected areas (MPAs) have both been heralded as solutions. However, the effectiveness of MPAs alone is questionable, particularly for globally threatened sharks and rays ('elasmobranchs'), with little known about how fisheries management and MPAs interact to conserve these species. Here we use a dedicated global survey of coral reef elasmobranchs to assess 66 fully protected areas embedded within a range of fisheries management regimes across 36 countries. We show that conservation benefits were primarily for reef-associated sharks, which were twice as abundant in fully protected areas compared with areas open to fishing. Conservation benefits were greatest in large protected areas that incorporate distinct reefs. However, the same benefits were not evident for rays or wide-ranging sharks that are both economically and ecologically important while also threatened with extinction. We show that conservation benefits from fully protected areas are close to doubled when embedded within areas of effective fisheries management, highlighting the importance of a mixed management approach of both effective fisheries management and well-designed fully protected areas to conserve tropical elasmobranch assemblages globally.

Impact of COVID‐19 infection on the in‐hospital outcome of patients hospitalized for heart failure with comorbid atrial fibrillation: Insight from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database 2020

AbstractIntroductionAtrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) commonly coexist, resulting in adverse health and economic consequences such as declining ventricular function, heightened mortality, and reduced quality of life. However, limited information exists on the impact of COVID‐19 on AF patients that hospitalized for HF.MethodsWe analyzed the 2020 U.S. National Inpatient Sample to investigate the effects of COVID‐19 on AF patients that primarily hospitalized for HF. Participants aged 18 and above were identified using relevant ICD‐10 CM codes. Adjusted odds ratios for outcomes were calculated through multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, with secondary outcomes including system‐based complications.ResultsWe identified 322,090 patients with primary discharge diagnosis of HF with comorbid AF. Among them, 0.73% (2355/322,090) also had a concurrent diagnosis of COVID‐19. In a survey multivariable logistic and linear regression model adjusting for patient and hospital factors, COVID‐19 infection was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (aOR 3.17; 95% CI 2.25, 4.47, p < 0.001), prolonged length of stay (βLOS 2.82; 95% CI 1.71, 3.93, p < 0.001), acute myocarditis (aOR 6.64; 95% CI 1.45, 30.45, p 0.015), acute kidney injury (AKI) (aOR 1.48; 95% CI 1.21, 1.82, p < 0.001), acute respiratory failure (aOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.01, 1.52, p 0.045), and mechanical ventilation (aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.28, 3.13, p 0.002).ConclusionOur study revealed that COVID‐19 is linked to higher in‐hospital mortality and increased adverse outcomes in AF patients hospitalized for HF.

Sustainable gains from inland waterway investments at port-city interface

The objective of this research is to identify and quantify the sustainable impacts resulting from transportation investments at the port-city interface. These investments encompass two main components: 1) restoring the local inland waterway fairway for navigation, and 2) constructing a new railway bridge that traverses the primary waterway at the entrance of the seaport. The study is centered on the local transportation system in the northwestern region of Poland. Sustainability is assessed using an analytical tool derived from societal cost-benefit analysis and simulation in the relevant market transport performance in options with and without investment. Economic effects are evaluated in terms of savings in generalized transportation costs, which include transport operating expenses and travel durations. Environmental considerations encompass transport-related air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and well-to-tank emissions. Social aspects focus on issues like transport congestion, traffic noise, and transport-related accidents. Each type of investment yields distinct sustainable gains and distributes them among stakeholders differently. Additionally, the enhanced capacity of the rail bridge reveals the potential for a modal shift in the local passenger transport system, wherein passengers may transition from buses/cars to a fast railway. Tangible gains expressed in monetary terms allow for a sustainable assessment of transport investments. The elaborated research scheme can be employed to assess the sustainable ramifications arising from investments in intermodal transport at any port-city interface. It provides decision-makers with comprehensive insights into the economic, environmental, and social implications of various transport policies and interventions.

Old Foe, New Host: Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Pathogenic Characterization of Maize Streak Virus in Rice Fields from Burkina Faso

Rice is of critical significance regarding food security worldwide, including in Africa. Only two viruses impacting rice production in Africa have been deeply investigated for decades: the rice yellow mottle virus ( Solemoviridae) and the rice stripe necrosis virus ( Benyviridae). Using viral metagenomics, we aimed at broadening knowledge on interacting communities associated with plants in rice landscapes and exploring the diversity and epidemiological status of viruses circulating in rice fields from Burkina Faso. We performed an epidemiological survey in this country between 2016 and 2019 involving 57 small farmers’ rice fields under two production systems: rainfed lowlands and irrigated areas. More than 2,700 rice samples were collected without regard to disease symptoms following a regular scheme. Wild and cultivated Poaceae (maize and sugarcane) growing in nearby rice fields were also collected. Unexpectedly, metagenomics detected maize streak virus (MSV) ( Geminiviridae) in analyzed rice samples. Further molecular analyses using rolling circle amplification-polymerase chain reaction showed that MSV was widely distributed and highly prevalent in both rainfed lowlands and irrigated rice areas. MSV-A and MSV-G strains were identified. MSV-G, exclusively identified thus far in wild grasses, was the most prevalent strain, whereas MSV-A, known to cause severe symptoms in maize, was sporadically identified. Using infectious clones in experimental conditions, we confirmed the pathogenicity of both MSV strains in rice. Thus, in addition to contributing to the epidemiological surveillance of rice production in Africa, our results illuminate new epidemiological and pathogenic aspects of one of the most studied plant viruses with significant economic consequences in Africa. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Impact of Gender-based Violence on Local Economy: A Case Study of Gasabo District

Aim: Gender-based violence (GBV) poses a significant challenge to economic development, particularly in regions such as Gasabo District in Rwanda, which has seen remarkable post-genocide recovery and growth. Despite progress, the intricate relationship between GBV and economic outcomes remains understudied, necessitating further investigation. This study addresses the gap in understanding the economic implications such as workforce productivity, healthcare expenditures, and educational attainment of GBV in Gasabo District. Methods: Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research combines quantitative and qualitative research methodology to comprehensively assess the prevalence and consequences of GBV in Gasabo District. A sample size of 400 participants was selected using stratified sampling techniques, with data collected through self-administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews with survivors and stakeholders. Results: findings reveal alarming statistics on the prevalence and economic toll of GBV in Gasabo District. Among the respondents, 58.5% reported no experience with GBV during their lifetime, with physical violence (35.5%) most frequent type. Economic consequences were substantial, with 28.8% reporting reduced productivity due to GBV. A significant association between GBV and economic consequences, with chi-square test results revealing a strong correlation (chi-square = 46.949, p < 0.001) between experiencing GBV and reported economic impacts. Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for evidence-based interventions to address GBV and its economic repercussions in Gasabo District by implementing comprehensive awareness and education programs to increase understanding of gender-based violence (GBV) and promote zero tolerance for violence

Assessment of the Trends and Factors Associated With Unintended Pregnancy Among Women of Reproductive Age: An Analysis of the Nigerian Demographic Health Survey Between 2008 to 2018

Background Unintended pregnancy is a global public health issue with significant adverse effects which include health and economic consequences. Globally, there were 121 million unintended pregnancies annually between 2015 and 2019 among women of reproductive age between 15 and 49 mainly due to the non-uptake of modern contraceptives, harmful norms, stigma and lack of sexual and reproductive health care and information. Methods We extracted information from the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey conducted in 2008, 2013, and 2018 to assess the trends and factors associated with unintended pregnancies among women of reproductive-aged 15–49. The descriptive summaries were presented using percentages and binomial logistic regressions for the inferential analysis. All analyses were computed using Stata 15.0 at a 5% level of significance and accounted for the complex survey nature as well as the population size. Results The study included a total of 63,040 women of reproductive age. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was highest among adolescents aged 15–19 years (15.1%, 95% CI: 13.9–16.5) and decreased with increasing age. The pooled adjusted model revealed that women had 11% lower odds of reporting unintended pregnancies in 2013 compared to 2008. Adolescent girls (aOR 2.48; 95%CI: 2.14–2.89) and young adults (aOR 1.86; 95%CI: 1.69–2.04) have higher odds of reporting unintended pregnancies compared to older women. Also, unmarried women had 9.8 times higher odds of reporting unintended pregnancies compared to ever-married women. Conclusions The findings from this study highlight the need for further family planning educational programs and initiatives that support the uptake of effective contraceptive methods to reduce the likelihood of unintended pregnancy and improve women’s sexual and reproductive health while considering regional variations within the country to ensure tailored interventions that address specific needs within each region.

Russian regions in wartime: fiscal and economic effects of the Russo-Ukrainian war

ABSTRACT This article addresses the economic and fiscal consequences of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine for subnational governments in Russia. Using annual fiscal and economic data, we study how different groups of regions have been affected by the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Despite the Russian economy being more resilient to a sanctions shock than initially predicted, we document several important negative tendencies at the regional level, sometimes overlooked in policy discussions and the literature on economic sanctions. In this article, we present new regional data and focus on the effects of the war on overall regional tax collections in 2022–2023, as well as the dynamics of different types of regional and federal taxes. We identify several groups of “winners” (oil- and gas-extracting regions, weapons-producing regions, and the largest city-regions) and “losers” (regions that share a border with Ukraine and regions with sanctions-prone industrial specializations) and discuss the prospects of their resilience.

Some Environmental Factors Causing First Calving Difficulties in Holstein Friesian Cattle

Calving efficiency, an important target in cattle breeding, has been negatively affected by some environmental factors. Therefore, calving difficulty creates negative economic consequences. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between the first calving difficulty in Holstein Friesian (HF) cows in terms of management and origin factors. The material of the research consists of 1475 calving difficulty records from 5 different enterprises engaged in HF breeding, located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey, covering the years from 2013 to 2019. The scoring system used to determine calving difficulty: normal without intervention (ND), normal with intervention (MND), difficult/intervention with equipment (ZD), and abnormal birth (AD). Chi-square tests were performed. In the calving difficulty analysis, the management factor is classified as 1-2-3-4-5 and the origin of the cow is classified as 1 (foreign origin) and 2 (native origin). No findings were observed for MND scores. Total ND, ZD, and AD scores were 1250 (84.74%), 192 (13.01), and 33 (2.25%), respectively. Chi-square test was performed to test the differences among farms. Among the enterprises, the highest ND rate was observed in the 5th enterprise with 90.07%, the minimum ZD rate was observed in the 5th enterprise with 8.45%, and the AD rate was at least 0.66% in the 1st enterprise. The difference between farms was significant for calving difficulty (P

The inhibitor activity of some azo compound derivatives using density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations

Corrosion poses a significant challenge for metals and alloys, carrying considerable economic and safety consequences. Various manufacturing processes, including surface preparation techniques, further exacerbate it. While corrosion inhibitors are employed to safeguard these materials from corrosion, they can also induce oxidative damage. This study aims to determine the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the specified materials. Density Functional Theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were used to investigate the electronic characteristics of diverse compounds. The study included key parameters including highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (ELUMO), energy gap (Eg) between ELUMO and EHOMO, dipole moment, global hardness, softness (σ), ionization energy (I), electron affinity (A), electronegativity (χ), back-donation energy Eb-d, global electrophilicity (ω), electron transfer, global nucleophilicity (ε), and total energy (sum of electronic and zero-point energies). The calculations were executed utilizing the DFT method, employing a 6-311G++(d,p) basis set at the B3LYP level. Our research aimed to rank materials based on their effectiveness in inhibiting corrosion by considering EHOMO, ELUMO, and Eg. The order of effectiveness was found to be as follows: S4 > S3 > S1 > Mad1 > Mad3 > Mad4 > P-azo > Bad4. Additionally, our Investigation delved into alterations in electron affinity (A) and ionization potential (I) within different solvent phases, highlighting their importance in determining the chemical reactivity and stability of the studied compounds. The reactive sites were selected using Fukui indices, and the molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) surface was characterized—a Monte Carlo simulation to further understand these chemicals' adsorption behavior on Fe (110) surfaces. Our findings revealed that these compounds exhibit corrosion inhibition potential due to their high EHOMO, A, σ, ΔN, ΔE-back-donation, and low Eg, ELUMO, I, and η. Moreover, our MESP surface analysis demonstrated their ability to donate electrons to the metal's d-orbitals and receive electrons through back-donation. The compounds investigated in this study exhibit the potential to be employed as corrosion inhibitors in various industrial sectors. As a result, through the use and determination of quantum computational chemistry parameters, the level of corrosion resistance was as follows S3 > S1 > Bad4 > Mad4 > Mad3 > S4 > Mad1 > P-azo.

Estimating and Rewarding the Value of Healthcare Interventions Beyond the Healthcare Sector: A Conceptual Framework.

Evaluating healthcare interventions for their impacts beyond health outcomes may result in recognition of changes in human capital, income level, tax revenue, and government spending, which could affect economic growth and population health. In this paper, we document instances where current health technology assessment (HTA) practices fail to account for the impacts of healthcare interventions on broader society beyond the healthcare sector. We propose a novel conceptual framework, highlighting its three components (distributional cost-effectiveness analysis [DCEA], input-output model, and voting scheme) and their contributions to capturing the economic and societal ripple effects of healthcare interventions. This manuscript also outlines a case study in which the framework is applied to the reassessment of a previously evaluated digital health therapeutic for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) compared with standard of care, demonstrating its practical application. The DCEA health value metric indicates that digital therapeutic is more equitable, favoring socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, while standard of care exacerbates health inequality by benefiting the already advantaged. Additionally, digital therapeutic shows potential for boosting productivity, raising income, and creating jobs, supporting its consideration by employer-sponsored health plans to optimize resource allocation for treating OUD. The conceptual framework provides insights for enhancing HTAs to incorporate the broader economic and societal impacts of healthcare interventions. By integrating DCEA, extended HTA analysis with input-output modeling, and a voting scheme, decision makers can make informed choices aligned with societal priorities, although further research and validation are necessary for practical implementation across diverse healthcare contexts.

Origin matters: Privatization of state‐owned enterprises and family business internationalization

AbstractThe impact of a firm's origins on its strategic decision‐making has attracted scholarly attention in recent years. Focusing on firms' origins, this paper explores the relationship between the privatization of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) and family business internationalization. Based on data from listed family businesses in China from 2003 to 2022, we find that compared to entrepreneurial family businesses, restructured family businesses have a lower internationalization degree. Moreover, high trade policy uncertainty strengthens the negative relationship between the privatization of SOEs and family business internationalization, while high family involvement plays a weakening role. Several robustness tests later, the findings remain valid. This study introduces the firm's origin as a vital determinant, which may contribute to the prior studies on family business internationalization. Besides, this paper complements research on the economic consequences of the privatization of SOEs in China. Finally, this paper may help Chinese family businesses actively participate in the international cycle to achieve competitive advantage and high‐quality development.

Analyzing the Economic Impact of Airport Expansion Projects on Local Communities

Airport expansion projects have significant economic implications for local communities, ranging from job creation and increased tourism to enhanced infrastructure and property development. However, the economic impact of such projects is complex and multifaceted, influenced by factors such as location, scale, and community characteristics. This research paper examines the economic effects of airport expansion on local communities, drawing on empirical evidence and case studies to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with these projects. By analyzing various dimensions of economic impact, including employment, tourism, and infrastructure development, this paper aims to provide insights for policymakers, urban planners, and community stakeholders engaged in airport expansion initiatives.

One-day surgery: treatment of grade 3–4 hemorrhoids in a day patient department

Introduction. “One-day surgery” expands the possibilities of providing surgical care in a polyclinic with hospitalization for just one day. This area of medicine allows you to use the most effective method of treating hemorrhoids in a polyclinic – the operation hemorrhoidectomy.Aim. To substantiate the effectiveness of performing hemorrhoidectomy surgery in patients with stage 3–4 hemorrhoids in a day hospital of a polyclinic under the program “One-day surgery” with accelerated recovery of patients.Materials and methods. The main principle for performing hemorrhoidectomy surgery in a day hospital is a careful selection of patients. Closed hemorrhoidectomy with restoration of the anal canal mucosa (by Parks – Milligan – Morgan’s in the second modification of the State Research Center of Coloproctology) under spinal or general anesthesia is the surgery of choice for hemorrhoids treatment in the day patient department of a clinic. 138 surgeries were performed in the day patient department during 2 years and 10 months. After surgery, patients were placed in the surgical day-patient department wards for 3–5 hours until full activation. Then they were allowed to go home without being accompanied by a medical worker. The satisfaction of patients with the program was analyzed by a survey with a 5-point scale.Results. The timing of scheduled operations for patients has been shortened. The number of complications after hemorrhoidectomy in the early postoperative period was decreased, without long-term postoperative complications. The treatment of such patients in the surgical day-patient department demonstrated a good economic effect. The overall satisfaction with the one-day surgery program was very high (4.82). The results confirmed the effectiveness of this area of medicine.Discussion. Our experience of performing hemorrhoidectomy operations in a day surgical hospital for 3 years confirms the existence of a number of advantages over treating patients in a 24-hour hospital.Conclusions. The “One-day Surgery” and accelerated patient recovery programs expand the possibilities for treating patients with stage 4 hemorrhoids directly in the polyclinic, and thus reduce the burden on the surgical hospital.

THE IMPACT OF HEAT-EXCHANGERS SURFACE FOULING AND THE POSSIBILITIES OF THEIR CLEANING

Introduction: This study investigates the real-world effects of pollutants on ship heat exchangers in the marine sector, focusing on the complex issues influencing maintenance expenses, environmental sustainability, and operational effectiveness. The core of the issue is figuring out a long-term, practical way to lessen the damage that heat-exchangers surface heat-exchangers surface fouling causes to ship heat exchangers. Purpose. The article aims to investigate and evaluate how pollutants affect ship heat exchangers in the marine sector from a practical standpoint. It seeks to shed light on how pollutants, such as chemicals, debris, and oil residues, impact a vessel’s environmental sustainability, maintenance costs, and operational effectiveness. The essay analyzes the complex issues caused by surface fouling-induced damage, highlighting the dangers of decreased thermal conductivity, greater overheating, higher maintenance costs, longer downtime, and possible environmental effects. Result. One practical consequence of pollutant-induced damage is that it calls for substantial and frequent cleaning, repairs, and maybe replacements of the heat exchanger components, which raises maintenance costs. Traditional cleaning procedures involve prolonged downtime for manual intervention, which worsens the economic effects on shipping businesses and trade routes. Furthermore, the study highlights the negative effects uncontrolled pollutants have on the environment, highlighting how crucial regulatory compliance is to avoiding legal ramifications and preserving the good name of the sector. Conclusion. In conclusion, preserving marine operational effectiveness and environmental sustainability requires reducing the impact of pollutants on ship heat exchangers. The selection of particular heat exchanger types requires customized cleaning techniques. Advanced solutions are provided by ecologically safe chemical agents, high-pressure water jets, and automated robotic systems. To avoid losing efficiency, regular cleaning must be done under the direction of real-time monitoring. Maintaining heat exchanger performance and guaranteeing the lifespan of ship power plants in the face of changing surface fouling concerns requires striking a compromise between operational needs, environmental responsibility, and proactive maintenance.

ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЯ МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ БУДІВЕЛЬНИХ ПРОЄКТІВ В УМОВАХ ГЛОБАЛЬНОЇ ЦИФРОВІЗАЦІЯ

Introduction. The article discusses the need for systemic qualitative changes in the management structure and requirements for the construction project management process in the context of digital transformation, characterized by a combination of advanced technologies and the integration of physical and digital systems. The importance of considering the problems and aspects of digital transformation in the context of new generations (a qualitatively new cluster of human capital), digital talent, changing the mindset of project managers, as well as key changes in construction project management systems in the digital environment is highlighted. Problem statement. The construction industry is a fundamental sector of the economy of any country. A construction project is a structural element of the “construction” system, which allows to form the economic effect of the industry's development as a whole. Modern construction project management includes a set of interconnected but heterogeneous subsystems that together should increase the level of economic profitability. The defining subsystems are: 1. Strategic risk management: Given the volatility of raw material markets and the high value of some materials, the introduction of circular approaches in construction management can help reduce the vulnerability of projects to risks associated with fluctuations in material prices. 2. Efficient use of resources: A central goal of construction management is to optimize the use of resources to achieve project goals. The use of circular economy principles will allow to use resources more efficiently and reduce the cost of purchasing new materials.

Commercial disputes resolution regarding non-fulfillment of obligations as a result of sanctions (restrictive measures)

The article examines the problematic aspects of the economic and legal consequences of the application of state sanctions, which lead to the need for actual termination of economic relations with the counterparty to which state restrictive measures (sanctions) have been applied and the need to resolve property issues and disputes that may arise as a result of such termination. It was established that the legislation on sanctions does not contain special legal rules regarding the procedure for termination of legal relations involving the sanctioned entity. In fact, interested parties are forced to act at their own discretion, using general commercial and civil law remedies, which are not adapted to the special sanctions conditions, and therefore are sometimes unable to resolve disputed situations. It was concluded that there are legal problems in determining the legal grounds for terminating economic relations in connection with the application of sanctions (restrictive measures) and its legal consequences. The solution to this problem should be based on a broad analysis of the practice of similar controversial situations that arise when sanctions are applied. At the same time, the conducted research provides grounds for a conclusion regarding the direction of improving the legal regulation of the application of state sanctions. We believe that economic, civil legislation and legislation on sanctions (restrictive measures) should be systematically supplemented with a complex of legal provisions aimed at regulating the economic and civil legal consequences of the application of sanctions (restrictive measures) to subjects who, at the time of such application, were in contractual relations according to the legislation of Ukraine. In particular, it would be expedient to determine special legal grounds, forms and procedures for termination of contractual obligations in connection with the application of sanctions (restrictive measures) to their party(ies), as well as special rules for the settlement of property and non-property interests of the parties as a result of such termination, since the general commercial and civil law remedies are not adapted to special sanction conditions, and therefore are sometimes unable to resolve disputed economic situations.

Mandatory versus voluntary non-financial reporting: reporting practices and economic consequences

Mandatory versus voluntary non-financial reporting: reporting practices and economic consequences

Methodology for Selecting a Location for a Photovoltaic Farm on the Example of Poland

As the LCOE for photovoltaics has decreased several times, it is once again gaining popularity. The intensification of the development of PV installations is contributing to the duck curve phenomenon in an increasing number of countries and, consequently, affecting current electricity prices. Decisions on new investments in large-scale PV sources are driven by potential economic and environmental effects, and these, in turn, are subject to locational considerations, both as to the country and its region. In calculating the economic impact of locating a 1 MWp PV farm, it was assumed that the electricity generated by the farm would be fed into the national grid, and that the life of the PV farm would be 20 years. Poland was considered as an example country for the placement of a photovoltaic farm. The authors of this paper proposed that the main verification parameter is the availability of connection capacities to feed the produced electricity into the country’s electricity grid. The methodology proposed by the authors for the selection of the location of a PV farm consists of four steps: step (i) identification and selection of the administrative division of a given country; step (ii) verification of available connection capacities; step (iii) (two stages) verification of other factors related to the location of the PV farm (e.g., information on land availability and the distance of the land from the substation), and analysis of productivity at each potential location and electricity prices achieved on the power exchange; step (iv) economic analysis of the investment—analyses of PV farm energy productivity in monetary terms on an annual basis, cost analysis (CAPEX, OPEX) and evaluation of economic efficiency (DPP, NPV, IRR). The greatest impact on the economic efficiency of a PV project is shown by the value of land (as part of CAPEX), which is specific to a given location, and revenues from energy sales, which are pretty similar for all locations.

Climate Change Risks for the Mediterranean Agri-Food Sector: The Case of Greece

The study assesses the direct effects of climate change by 2060, including extreme events, on the productivity of regional crop farming and livestock in Greece, and the broader socio-economic effects on the agri-food and other sectors. Different approaches (i.e., agronomic models, statistical regression models, and equations linking thermal stress to livestock output) were combined to estimate the effects on productivity from changes in the average values of climatic parameters, and subsequently the direct economic effects from this long-term climate change. Recorded damages from extreme events together with climatic thresholds per event and crop were combined to estimate the direct economic effects of these extremes. The broader socio-economic effects were then estimated through input–output analysis. Under average levels of future extreme events, the total direct economic losses for Greek agriculture due to climate change will be significant, from EUR 437 million/year to EUR 1 billion/year. These losses approximately double when indirect effects on other sectors using agricultural products as inputs (e.g., food and beverage, hotels, and restaurants) are considered, and escalate further under a tenfold impact of extreme events. Losses in the GDP and employment are moderate at the national level, but significant in regions where the contribution of agriculture is high.