Evaluation Of Benefits Research Articles

Cost–Benefit Evaluation of Walnut and Jujube Orchards under Fruit Tree–Crop Intercropping Conditions in Southern Xinjiang

Fruit planting plays an essential role in achieving zero hunger, ensuring food security, and increasing the income of local people. As one of China’s principal fruit-planting areas, southern Xinjiang possesses more than 80% of the total fruit-planting areas of Xinjiang. However, the spatial distribution, extent, and types of fruit trees remain unknown, generating uncertainty in calculating the economic benefits of orchards in this area. In this paper, we used walnut and jujube orchards under fruit tree–crop intercropping conditions in the Hotan Oasis in southern Xinjiang as the research object. Walnut and jujube orchards were precisely characterized using object-oriented and decision tree classification methods. Then, the economic benefits for farmers were estimated based on field surveys and statistical data. From 2003 to 2020, the area of jujube orchards rapidly increased from 1.91 × 103 ha to 33.59 × 103 ha, while that of walnut orchards steadily increased from 18.05 × 103 ha to 40.24 × 103 ha. The expansion areas of walnut orchards were mainly transformed from other orchards in the oasis, while the expansion areas of jujube orchards mainly originated from newly cultivated land in the desert. The increases in areas and yields largely offset the increase in planting costs and the decrease in purchase prices, resulting in an increasing trend in the total net income of the orchards. From 2003 to 2020, the total net income of walnut orchards increased by 68.96%, and the total net income of jujube orchards significantly increased by 23.37 times. However, the output/input ratios of walnut orchards under intercropping conditions were approximately two times higher than those of jujube orchards under monocropping conditions. The increase in investment slightly offset the decreases in yields and purchase prices, resulting in increases of 5.24% and 18.64% in the output/input ratios of walnuts and jujubes, respectively, in orchards exhibiting standardized cultivation. In the future, it is necessary to significantly expand the area of orchards involving standardized cultivation and improve the yield and quality of fruits, thereby increasing the yields and income levels of local farmers.

Rapid implementation of home oxygen treatment and remote monitoring for COVID-19 patients at the verge of the Omicron wave in Turku, Finland

BackgroundIn Turku, Finland, we introduced a home oxygen treatment and app-based monitoring program for hospitalized COVID-19 patients to facilitate an early discharge during the Omicron wave. In this case series we explore the clinical parameters of patients enrolled in the program and evaluate the cost–benefit and safety issues of the program.MethodsHospitalized COVID-19 patients with marked hypoxemia but otherwise in stable condition were screened from Turku City Hospital and Turku University Hospital by treating doctors for eligibility in the program. Peripheral oxygen saturation of > 92% and breathing frequency < 30/min in rest with oxygen supplementation were among the criteria. All patients actively participating in the program between 10th of January 2022 and 30th of September 2022 were included in this case series. Clinical data of hospitalization and monitoring were analysed, and cost–benefit evaluation was based on the number of saved hospitalization days.ResultsNineteen COVID-19 patients were included in this case series and recruited from three different hospital departments in the Turku city region, South-West Finland. All patients were male, the median age was 59 years and the median duration of hospitalization before enrolment in the program was 6 days (range 3—20 days). The median duration of home oxygen treatment was 13 days (range 3—72 days) and the median duration of home monitoring was 18 days (range 7—41 days). A total of 210,5 hospital days were prevented, resulting in savings of €144,490 of healthcare expenditure (on average 9 days and €7,605 per patient). No major safety issues were reported during the program.ConclusionsIn our case series, home oxygen treatment combined with home monitoring was safe and economically beneficial. Application based monitoring could be considered in other post-acute pulmonary conditions to reduce hospitalization and healthcare costs.

Benefit evaluation of in-situ Cd immobilization with naturally occurring minerals using an analytical hierarchy process

Immobilization has a wide range of applications in heavy metal-contaminated soil remediation, and immobilization agents serve as the key to the successful application of this technology. In this study, we designed a comprehensive and efficient scoring system based on an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of three immobilization agents (wollastonite, dolomite, and calcite) in remediating Cd-polluted soil. The scoring system comprised four criteria and 11 indicators, and the results showed that all three immobilization agents significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd in rice. The Cd reduction rates of early rice with a single application of wollastonite, dolomite, and calcite were 67.6%, 46.9%, and 83.8%, respectively. Single or combined application of dolomite and calcite decreased the available Cd concentration in early rice soil, and the application of calcite resulted in an excellent rating of both early and late rice, demonstrating its highest immobilization and stability performance. Therefore, the immobilization efficiency of the three materials in descending order followed calcite > dolomite + thioglycols > wollastonite. In summary, this comprehensive evaluation system offers new insight into assessing the efficiency of soil remediation, serving as a valuable reference for selecting immobilization agents and making decisions regarding remediation plans for heavy metal-contaminated soil.

Prospective Evaluation of the Clinical Benefits of a Novel Tattoo-less Workflow for Nonspine Bone Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Integrating Surface-Guidance With Triggered Imaging Reduces Treatment Time and Eliminates the Need for Tattoos

ObjectiveOligometastatic disease has expanded the indications for non-spine bone stereotactic body radiation therapy (NSB SBRT). We investigated whether optical surface monitoring systems (OSMS) could enable tattoo-less set up and substitute for 2D-3D or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based mid-imaging in NSB SBRT. Materials/MethodsOSMS was incorporated in parallel with an existing workflow using pre-treatment CBCT and mid 2D-3D kV/kV imaging beginning 11/2019. The ability of OSMS to detect out-of-tolerance (>2mm/>2°) and commanded couch shifts was analyzed. A workflow incorporating OSMS reference captures, CBCT for pre-treatment verification and OSMS/triggered imaging (TI) for intrafraction monitoring was developed for rib/sternum SBRT beginning 11/2021 and all NSB SBRT beginning 2/2022. Treatment time and CBCT-related radiation dose between the OSMS and the non-OSMS intrafraction monitoring group was analyzed pre and post-OSMS/TI workflow adoption. All fractions were analyzed through statistical process control (SPC) with use of an XmR chart of treatment time per quarter from 2/2019 to 2/2023. Special cause rules were based on Institute for Healthcare Improvement criteria. ResultsFrom 2/2019 to 2/2023, 1993 NSB SBRT fractions were delivered, including 234 rib, 109 sternum, 214 ilium, and 682 multi-site. Over 20 commanded shifts, OSMS could detect 2mm shifts to within 0.4mm 67% of the time and 0.8mm 95% of time. All NSB SBRT sites showed significant reductions in treatment time, including the greatest improvement in rib total treatment (21.6 to 13.4 minutes, p=1.16*10−17) and beam time (7.9 to 3.2 minutes, p= 7.32*10−27). Significant reductions in CBCT-related radiation were also observed for several NSB sites. These process improvements were associated with OSMS adoption. ConclusionAdoption of a novel NSB SBRT workflow incorporating OSMS/TI for bone intrafraction motion monitoring reduced treatment time and CBCT-related radiation exposure while also allowing for more continuous intrafraction motion monitoring for NSB SBRT. OSMS/TI enabled the transition to a tattoo-less workflow.

Comparable Evaluation of Nutritional Benefits of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus toyonensis Probiotic Supplementation on Growth, Feed Utilization, Health, and Fecal Microbiota in Pre-Weaning Male Calves.

This study was conducted to investigate the impact of probiotic supplementation using Lactobacillus plantarum DSA 20174 and/or Bacillus toyonensis ATCC 55050 on growth performance, blood parameters, hematological measures, and fecal microbiota in pre-weaning Holstein calves. Thirty-two four-day-old male calves with a similar genetic background, weighing an average of 38.27 ± 0.12 kg, were randomly assigned to four groups. The groups consisted of a control group (CON) without supplementation, a group receiving B. toyonensis (BT) at 3 × 109 cfu/calf/day, a group receiving L. plantarum (LP) at 1 × 1010 cfu/calf/day, and a group receiving a combination of LP and BT (LP + BT) at half the dosage for each. The study found that calves supplemented with LP and LP + BT experienced significant improvements in average daily gain and final body weight compared to the control group. The LP + BT group showed the most positive effects on TDMI, starter intake, and CP intake. RBC counts tended to be higher in the probiotic groups, with the LP + BT group having the highest values. The LP + BT group also had higher total protein, albumin, globulin, and hematocrit concentrations. All probiotic groups showed higher serum IgG concentrations. Probiotic supplementation led to increased total bacterial count and decreased levels of E. coli, salmonella, and clostridium. The LP + BT group had a significant decrease in coliform count, while both LP and LP + BT groups had increased Lactobacillus populations. In conclusion, LP + BT probiotic supplement showed the most beneficial effects on growth, feed efficiency, blood constituents, and modulation of fecal microbiota composition.

The Pattern of Red Cell Antibodies in a Large Population of People with Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia

Background There is interest in strategies to match recipients to red blood cell (RBC) units for transfusion using antigens beyond ABO/Rh/K with the aim of reducing rates of alloantibody formation in heavily transfused people, for example sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia (THAL). However, the efficacy of different strategies, often defined in national guidelines, is unknown. People with SCD/THAL in England are now offered free universal blood group typing using high-throughput, low-cost genotyping arrays, which will also be applied to 92,000 blood donors, extending the antigens available for matching. Key to an evaluation of the potential benefits of improved matching is an understanding of the patterns of alloimmunization, which have been reported to vary widely in SCD and THAL. We describe the distribution of alloantibodies in people with SCD/THAL, and evaluate the effect of transfusion exposure on the incidence of antibody formation alongside national guidelines. Methods In 2019 we performed a cross-sectional service evaluation of transfusion treatment for recipients with SCD and THAL at three comprehensive care centres in London, comparing practices against current British Society Haematology (BSH) guidelines, which require matching for compatibility with ABO/Rh/K antigens. We collated and curated data on red cell antigens and antibodies and transfusion treatment regimens from hospital records. Subsequently, at the largest centre, we collated additional longitudinal data on antigens, antibodies and treatment from hospital records retrospectively for the 5 years ending on 31st December 2022. The longitudinal cohort overlapped substantially with the recipients contributing to the cross-sectional service evaluation. Appropriate local and national (22/EM/0006) governance approvals were obtained. Results For the service evaluation, we collated data on 2,025 people: 1,331 SCD (of whom 199 regularly transfused); 453 THAL (of whom 257 regularly transfused). The prevalence of at least one antibody was 14% and 20% in SCD and THAL recipients respectively, and 26% and 24% in regularly transfused SCD and THAL recipients respectively. The commonest antibodies in SCD were anti-S (3.2% prevalence), anti-E (2.9% prevalence), anti-Kp(a) (2.3% prevalence) and anti-K (2.1% prevalence); and in THAL were anti-K (7.1% prevalence), anti-E (6.8% prevalence), anti-Kp(a) (6.6% prevalence) and anti-C (2.2% prevalence). We collated longitudinal data on 676 people treated at the largest centre, of whom 443 had a complete five-year transfusion history. Over five years, 317 SCD recipients received 45,707 RBC units of whom 46 developed new antibodies (Table 1); 126 THAL recipients received 15,251 RBC units and two developed new antibodies. In total, there were 57 alloimmunization events in SCD recipients and 3 in THAL recipients. The antibodies with the greatest frequency of incident formation were anti-Kp(a) (14 events) and anti-C (12 events), all in SCD. For each antibody, we calculated the number of antigen negative units required to eliminate the possibility of incident alloimmunization in the cohort, assuming transfusion was equally distributed across antigen types e.g. 93% of the 676 recipients are Fy(a) neg, so 0.93 x 45,707 units = 42,508 Fy(a) negative units would need to be supplied over 5 years to ensure that no Fy(a) negative recipients are exposed to Fy(a) positive blood. Conclusions The risk of new alloimmunization differs between THAL and SCD. In SCD, anti-Kp(a) and anti-C account for almost 50% of new alloimmunization. Most of the antibodies (anti C/E/K) prevalent in our longitudinal cohort are likely to have been formed before the introduction of the current matching strategies defined in national guidelines. Many people who are antigen negative never form cognate antibodies to the corresponding antigen, despite extensive transfusion exposure. Guidance around extended matching beyond ABO/Rh/K may not match the antibodies that are most commonly newly formed in SCD, but may not be indicated in THAL. Further studies are required to determine who will benefit from more precise RBC matching, given the relative paucity of antigen negative blood in donor populations, such as planned by novel algorithmic real-time approaches in the Haem-Match programme (www.haemmatch.org).

Does it reasonable to include grid-side energy storage costs in transmission and distribution tariffs? Benefit evaluation based on economic externality

Grid-side energy storage has become a crucial part of contemporary power systems as a result of the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources and the rising demand for grid stability. This study aims to investigate the rationality of incorporating grid-side energy storage costs into transmission and distribution (T&D) tariffs, evaluating this approach using economic externality theory. We first develop a comprehensive benefit evaluation framework based on economic externality theory considering system stability, renewable energy integration, end-user, and environmental impacts. Then, using the CPLEX solver, an operating model of grid-side energy storage is constructed with the goal of reducing substation load variations. Through a case study, it is found that grid-side energy storage has significant positive externality benefits, validating the rationale for including grid-side energy storage costs in T&D tariffs. Sensitivity analysis suggests that with cost reduction and market development, the proportion of grid-side energy storage included in the T&D tariff should gradually recede. As a result, this study offers important information about whether it is reasonable to include grid-side energy storage costs in T&D tariffs in China.

Cost-benefit assessment of health benefits of local climate action: scoping review

Abstract Background Local climate strategies are often linked to current priorities for transport, housing and planning but the health benefits of these strategies are often neglected in decision making. Economic information on the health benefits of climate action, including return on investment (RoI), would help support adaptation in Local Government. Aim To review methods for economic evaluation of the health benefits of local climate action (adaptation and mitigation) in high income countries. Methods We undertook a scoping review of full economic assessments that considered the health impacts of local climate action. We first reviewed climate actions and strategy documents to identify climate policies, practices and measures. We searched four electronic databases (Global Health, Web of Science, ECONLIT, and MEDLINE via OVID) for studies published from 2000 to 2022. Results 26 studies were identified. The economic assessments covered a range of interventions, mostly for mitigation objectives: active travel (n = 10); housing (n = 6), green infrastructure (n = 4), heatwave warning systems (n = 3), transport (n = 1), and food waste (n = 1). A limited range of economic methods were used, with most using benefit-cost ratios (BCR) as a measure of cost effectiveness (n = 14). The range of health outcomes that were monetised was even more limited, either benefits from reduction in indoor or ambient heat and/or air pollutants (PM) on mortality or increased physical activity. Conclusions Currently there is limited economic evidence to support decision-making for local climate action that takes health into consideration. Climate actions may also incorporate nature-based solutions but these have specific challenges for evaluation and valuation. There is a need to develop standard methods to allow decision makers to evaluate the most appropriate strategies.

Combining MUSHRA Test and Fuzzy Logic in the Evaluation of Benefits of Using Hearing Prostheses

Assessing the effectiveness of hearing aid fittings based on the benefits they provide is crucial but intricate. While objective metrics of hearing aids like gain, frequency response, and distortion are measurable, they do not directly indicate user benefits. Hearing aid performance assessment encompasses various aspects, such as compensating for hearing loss and user satisfaction. The authors suggest enhancing the widely used APHAB (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit) questionnaire by integrating it with the MUSHRA test. APHAB, a self-completed questionnaire for users, evaluates specific sound scenarios on a seven-point scale, with each point described by a letter, percentage, and description. Given the complexities, especially for older users, we propose converting the seven-point APHAB scale to a clearer 100-point MUSHRA scale using fuzzy logic rules. The paper starts with presenting the goals of the study, focused on the assessment of the benefits of hearing aid use, especially in the case of the elderly population. The introductory part includes an overview of methods for evaluating the effectiveness of hearing aid use. Then, the methodology for the data collection is presented. This is followed by a method modification that combines the MUSHRA (MUltiple Stimuli with Hidden Reference and Anchor) test and fuzzy logic processing and the commonly used hearing aid benefit assessment questionnaire, APHAB (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit). The results of such a process are examined. A summary of the findings is given in the form of fuzzy logic-based rules, followed by a short discussion. Finally, the overall conclusion and possible future directions for the method development are presented.

Optimizing the Flood Limit Water Level of Reservoirs in Sediment-Laden Rivers under Changing Water and Sediment Conditions: A Case Study of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir

Optimizing the flood limit water level (FLWL) of reservoirs in sediment-laden rivers under changing water and sediment conditions is an important research topic that could improve comprehensive utilization benefits. Because reservoir operation has multiple objectives in sediment-laden rivers, this study established a water–sediment mathematical model, a comprehensive benefit evaluation model, and an evaluation index system. Taking the Xiaolangdi Reservoir of the Yellow River as an example, the operation mode of the FLWL under changing water and sediment conditions was studied. Under the scenarios of incoming sediment amounts of 300–800 million tons, when using the operation mode of gradually raising the FLWL, the sediment retention period was 4–13 years longer; the lower average annual siltation of the downstream channel and minimum bank-full discharge of the downstream channel after 50 years was larger by 150–260 m3/s than the operation mode of raising the FLWL at one time. However, with enhanced benefits of sediment blocking and siltation reduction, other benefits such as water resources supply, hydropower generation, and ecological improvement are reduced. The average annual number of days that do not meet the downstream water resources supply requirements, irrigation, and ecological improvement was increased by 0.64–2.16 days, and 91–197 million kW·h reduced average annual hydropower generation. The critical amount of incoming sediment was 350 million for conversion between the two FLWL operation modes, and it will increase to 450 million tons if the incoming runoff of the Yellow River increases by 20%. After constructing the Guxian Reservoir in the middle of the Yellow River, the critical amount of incoming sediment will increase to 600 million tons. This study is of great significance for improving the utilization efficiency of water resources and promoting the socio-economic development of river basins.

Dynamic economic evaluation of hundred megawatt-scale electrochemical energy storage for auxiliary peak shaving

With the rapid development of wind power, the pressure on peak regulation of the power grid is increased. Electrochemical energy storage is used on a large scale because of its high efficiency and good peak shaving and valley filling ability. The economic benefit evaluation of participating in power system auxiliary services has become the focus of attention since the development of grid-connected hundred megawatt-scale electrochemical energy storage systems (ESS). Based on the relationship between power and capacity in the process of peak shaving and valley filling, a dynamic economic benefit evaluation model of peak shaving assisted by hundred megawatt-scale electrochemical ESS considering the equivalent life of the battery is proposed. The model considers the investment cost of energy storage, power efficiency, and operation and maintenance costs, and analyzes the dynamic economic benefits of different energy storage technologies participating in the whole life cycle of the power grid. Then, according to the current ESS market environment, the auxiliary service compensation price, peak-valley price difference and energy storage cost unit price required to make the energy storage technology achieve the balance of payments are calculated, and the economic balance points of different energy storage types are clarified. Finally, based on the measured data of different provincial power grids, the economies of six energy storage types applied to three provincial power grids are compared and analyzed, and the rationality and effectiveness of the relevant models proposed are verified. The work has theoretical guiding significance for the economic benefit evaluation of hundred megawatt-scale electrochemical energy storage.

Roadside vegetated filter strips to simultaneously lower stormwater pollution loadings and improve economics of biorefinery feedstocks

Roadside vegetated filters strips (VFSs) reduce roadway runoff pollution by intercepting stormwater and reducing pollutant loads. VFS maintenance and operating costs can be reduced by designing the VFSs to serve as sites for production of marketable biomass. This biomass can provide feedstock for the emerging bioeconomy producing renewable fuels and biobased chemicals and products. Economic evaluation is needed to quantify the benefit of combining VFS with bioenergy biomass production. This evaluation requires a place-based approach to quantify availability of land, transportation costs, and benefits to sensitive habitats. We evaluated roadside land, within the state right-of-way, in Western Washington, to determine the total area available for implementing VFSs. These data were then used to estimate the volume and cost, of biomass produced on the filter strips, and the resultant reduction in pollutants emitted through highway runoff. The analysis showed that up to 5600 ha were available for roadside VFSs that would be within transportation distance of the theoretical biorefinery location. This space could produce up to 97 dry Gg per year of poplar biomass. The resulting reduction in biorefinery feedstock cost was up to $24 per dry Mg compared to biomass from dedicated tree farms. The results showed that combining roadside poplar with traditional dedicated poplar feedstocks can reduce the feedstock cost of the biorefinery from $76 to $67 per Mg for a biorefinery processing 150 Gg biomass per year. Environmental impact analysis showed that within the study area half of urban roadways and one-third of rural roadways in highly sensitive aquatic areas were amenable to VFS. Construction of VFS in these amenable areas would reduce total loadings to sensitive aquatic areas in urban areas by 26% for TSS, copper, and zinc, and by 10% for phosphorus, and nitrogen and by 21% for lead. The impact for rural sensitive areas was even greater where the VFS had potential to reduce total loadings to sensitive aquatic areas by 38% for TSS, copper, and zinc, by 15% for phosphorus and nitrogen, and by 31% for lead. This research showed an approach combining geographic information system (GIS) mapping and economic analysis to document simultaneous evaluation of cost and environmental benefits when considering use of non-traditional land for bioenergy crop production.

Utilization of innovative medical technologies in German inpatient care: does evidence matter?

BackgroundThe reimbursement of new technologies in inpatient care is not always linked to a requirement for evidence-based evaluation of patient benefit. In Germany, every new technology approved for market was until recently eligible for reimbursement in inpatient care unless explicitly excluded. The aim of this work was (1) to investigate the type of evidence that was available at the time of introduction of 25 innovative technologies and how this evidence evolved over time, and (2) to explore the relationship between clinical evidence and utilization for these technologies in German inpatient care.MethodsThis study combined different methods. A systematic search for evidence published between 2003 and 2017 was conducted in four bibliographic databases, clinical trial registries, resources for clinical guidelines, and health technology assessment—databases. Information was also collected on funding mechanisms and safety notices. Utilization was measured by hospital procedures captured in claims data. The body of evidence, funding and safety notices per technology were analyzed descriptively. The relationship between utilization and evidence was explored empirically using a multilevel regression analysis.ResultsThe number of included publications per technology ranges from two to 498. For all technologies, non-comparative studies form the bulk of the evidence. The number of randomized controlled clinical trials per technology ranges from zero to 19. Some technologies were utilized for several years without an adequate evidence base. A relationship between evidence and utilization could be shown for several but not all technologies.ConclusionsThis study reveals a mixed picture regarding the evidence available for new technologies, and the relationship between the development of evidence and the use of technologies over time. Although the influence of funding and safety notices requires further investigation, these results re-emphasize the need for strengthening market approval standards and HTA pathways as well as approaches such as coverage with evidence development.

An evaluation model for smart grids in support of smart cities based on the Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Smart cities depend highly on an intelligent electrical networks to provide a reliable, safe, and clean power supplies. A smart grid achieves such aforementioned power supply by ensuring resilient energy delivery, which presents opportunities to improve the cost-effectiveness of power supply and minimize environmental impacts. A systematic evaluation of the comprehensive benefits brought by smart grid to smart cities can provide necessary theoretical fundamentals for urban planning and construction towards a sustainable energy future. However, most of the present methods of assessing smart cities do not fully take into account the benefits expected from the smart grid. To comprehensively evaluate the development levels of smart cities while revealing the supporting roles of smart grids, this article proposes a model of smart city development needs from the perspective of residents’ needs based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory, which serves the primary purpose of building a smart city. By classifying and reintegrating the needs, an evaluation index system of smart grids supporting smart cities was further constructed. A case analysis concluded that smart grids, as an essential foundation and objective requirement for smart cities, are important in promoting scientific urban management, intelligent infrastructure, refined public services, efficient energy utilization, and industrial development and modernization. Further optimization suggestions were given to the city analyzed in the case include strengthening urban management and infrastructure constructions, such as electric vehicle charging facilities and wireless coverage.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Wuxikou Integrated Flood Management Project Considering the Effects of Flood Risk Reduction and Resettlement

AbstractEvaluation of the economic costs and benefits of flood disaster risk management projects is crucial. However, current cost-benefit analyses (CBA) often lack reliable estimates of the expected loss reduction from flood control measures and ignore quantitative assessments of resettlement. To address these limitations, this study incorporated a probabilistic risk analysis method and quantitative resettlement benefits assessment into the CBA framework, using the Wuxikou Integrated Flood Management Project (WIFMP) in Jiangxi Province, China, as a case study. The direct economic benefits of flood control were estimated by integrating hydrological statistics, numerical flood inundation simulation, and quantitative damage analysis with exposure and vulnerability data. Furthermore, the resettlement benefits were quantified by measuring the annual income growth of migrants based on assumptions about household employment. Our analysis shows that the total WIFMP investment is RMB 3546.1 million yuan (USD 1 = RMB 6.976 yuan), including loan principal and interest of 244.4 million yuan, and operations and maintenance of 605.5 million yuan at 2020 prices. Annual project benefits are estimated at 351.3 million yuan in flood risk reduction, 155.7–191.9 million yuan from increased resettlement income, and 42.7 million yuan in power and water revenues. Considering the costs and benefits across the entire project lifecycle, the internal rate of return ranges from 13.7 to 14.2%, and the net present value ranges from 31.8 to 352.6 billion yuan. Through improved benefit estimation methodology, this research enables a more reliable and holistic evaluation of costs and benefits for flood risk management projects. It provides insights for policymakers and practitioners involved in similar projects, contributing to more informed decision making and better allocation of resources in flood disaster risk management.

An Improved Method for Optimizing the Timing of Preventive Maintenance of Pavement: Integrating LCA and LCCA

The optimal preventive maintenance timing of traditional asphalt pavement is based on the maximum benefit-cost ratio. For cost evaluation indicators, mainly agency cost and user cost, use life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) to determine. The environmental impact of pavement preventive maintenance activities is often overlooked. For the benefit evaluation index, only the new area under the performance curve is used to express the maintenance benefit, and the benefit evaluation index is single. This study proposes an integrated approach combining life cycle assessment (LCA) and LCCA to model preventive maintenance timing decisions considering economic, social, and environmental factors. In this paper, LCA is used to quantitatively analyze the energy consumption and emissions in the pavement operation and maintenance process, and the environmental costs are also included in the accounting scope of the costs. The costs that constitute pavement use are analyzed from three aspects: the agency cost, the user cost, and the environmental cost. At the same time, in the process of constructing the cost model, the costs caused by the maintenance construction process to users and the environment are also taken into consideration. Aiming at the benefit index and comprehensively considering the economic benefits, social benefits, and environmental benefits brought by maintenance, a comprehensive evaluation model of maintenance benefits was constructed based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). On the basis of accurately calculating the cost and benefit of maintenance in the life cycle, the model of the optimal preventive maintenance timing of asphalt pavement is constructed so as to calculate the optimal timing of preventive maintenance and provide certain information for the formulation of expressway pavement preventive maintenance programs. For reference. Taking a highway project in China as an example to verify the applicability of the model

Evaluation of technical and financial benefits of battery energy storage system control strategies

The recent increase in renewable energy generation can balance consumption and reduce carbon emissions. With battery energy storage optimizing supply and demand, it is more important than ever to manage charge control to the benefit of all stakeholders. In this paper, the developed and proposed energy management control methods based on the technical operating criteria of battery energy storage (BESS) and considering self-consumption rate (SCR), self-supply rate (SSR) and curtailment rate are compared in terms of environmental index and economics for daily and annual demand profiles for various household prosumer demand profiles in Istanbul and Antalya. Considering the supply-demand matching based on demand profile, feed-in damping, fixed feed-in, schedule mode, schedule mode with constant charging power and self-consumption control methods are proposed for optimum operation for each prosumer profile. The results show that feed-in damping and fixed feed-in methods can reduce household prosumer costs by up to 22.3% in the daily analysis. Moreover, similar control methods can increase SCR by up to 29.5% and reduce costs by up to 10.62% for higher irradiances in the annual analysis. Proper management of BESS charge control can facilitate sustainable development goals by assisting plans of many stakeholders.

Multi-criteria decision-making approach for energy-efficient renovation strategies in hospital wards: Balancing energy, economic, and thermal comfort

The evaluation of benefits derived from energy-saving renovation schemes plays a crucial role in the implementation of energy policies. Hospital buildings, due to their specific nature, require energy-saving renovations that place a greater emphasis on enhancing air quality and providing occupants with a comfortable environment. This requirement significantly sets them apart from other types of buildings, necessitating the consideration of investors' preferences when making decisions regarding renovation plans. This study proposes a multi-criteria decision-making method to aid investors in selecting the most optimal renovation strategy for hospital wards, taking into account factors such as energy efficiency, economic viability, and thermal comfort. To demonstrate the practicality of the proposed method, a case study was conducted in a hospital ward. The results indicate that green roofs yield the highest economic benefits, with an expected net present value of 47,359.38 yuan and an anticipated payback period of only 5.3 years. The replacement of high-performance windows is not financially feasible. However, upon simultaneous consideration of other renovation measures, the replacement of high-performance windows becomes a viable option due to investors' willingness to invest in energy-efficient and comfortable solutions, even if the economic benefits of such a scheme are not optimal. This study offers a comprehensive decision-making approach for energy-saving renovation strategies in hospital wards, providing valuable insights to investors in selecting the most suitable energy-saving renovation plan.

Trade-offs between ligninase and cellulase and their effects on soil organic carbon in abandoned Moso bamboo forests in southeast China

A vast expanse of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens J.Houz.) forests in subtropical areas was once intensively managed but has been abandoned in recent years. However, the response of soil organic carbon (SOC) to abandonment management remains unclear, partly because how carbon-degrading enzymes vary with abandonment management and the role of this change in the soil carbon cycle are still poorly understood, which restricts the scientific evaluation of carbon sink benefits of these abandoned Moso bamboo forests. The results of the survey, based on 40 Moso bamboo forests, showed that compared with intensive management, abandonment management for 7–10 and 11–14 years exhibited a significant decrease in ligninase activities (a reduction of 12.14 % and 44.41 %, respectively) and a significant increase in SOC content (an increase of 49.39 % and 52.64 %, respectively). However, abandonment management did not affect cellulase activities or easily oxidizable organic carbon content (p > 0.05), but significantl increased non-easily oxidizable organic carbon (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the total nitrogen (TN) content and pH value increased with prolonged abandonment, and these trade-offs between ligninase and cellulase were primarily driven by pH and TN. The ligninase-to-cellulase activities ratio is the most key factor affecting NEOC and SOC changes in abandoned Moso bamboo forests. Together, these findings demonstrate the response of carbon-degrading enzyme trade-offs to abandonment management and highlight the role of these trade-offs in controlling SOC accumulation. In addition, the different responses of different SOC fractions to abandonment management deserve attention in future studies.

Evaluation of carbon and economic benefits of producing recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste

Using construction and demolition waste (CDW) to produce recycled aggregate (RA) can limit the need for CDW landfills and reduce natural aggregate (NA) consumption; however, the RA production process generates carbon emissions and incurs economic costs. Therefore, it is necessary to study the environmental and economic feasibility of using CDW to produce RA. In this study, the environmental and economic benefits of RA production from CDW were evaluated based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost (LCC). To conduct a thorough evaluation, sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted on the key parameters affecting carbon and economic benefits. Accordingly, potential improvements in the current system were analyzed to optimize the RA production process. The results indicated that using CDW to produce RA was environmentally and economically feasible. Sensitivity and scenario analyses indicated that using selective demolition and mobile production mode, pre-screening of CDW, opting for electric transportation vehicles, and increasing the CDW landfill disposal fee could effectively increase the carbon and economic benefits of RA production from CDW. Moreover, the CDW transportation distance had a significant impact on these benefits; thus, appropriately planning the transportation route was crucial. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for assessing the feasibility of recycling CDW to produce RA and can also guide the optimization and improvement of the RA production process.