Reduce Management Costs Research Articles

Water Hyacinth Invasion: Ecological Impacts, Control Strategies, and Future Management Approaches

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), native to Brazil, was introduced to China in the early 20th century and has since become an invasive species, posing significant threats to local aquatic ecosystems and economic activities. This study comprehensively assesses the ecological impacts of water hyacinth on biodiversity, water quality, and methane emissions, with a focus on its rapid growth in nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich environments, which exacerbates eutrophication and pollution. Through a literature review and field data analysis, the effectiveness of existing physical, chemical, and biological control methods is evaluated, particularly highlighting the benefits and ecological risks of biological control using natural enemies. Experimental results show that combining biological control with mechanical removal can significantly reduce management costs and minimize ecological risks. The study also examines the role of water hyacinth in methane emissions from wetland ecosystems and its potential contribution to global warming. Based on these findings, an integrated management strategy is proposed, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and the potential of emerging technologies, such as gene editing, in future invasive species management

Pathways to Resilient and Sustainable Online Education in the New Normal: Interpreting University Teachers’ Willingness to Use Online Teaching Platforms Consistently

In the new normal, online education has become a norm and is considered equally important as traditional face-to-face education. Although online teaching has improved accessibility, reduced management costs, and expanded educational opportunities, there are also some issues, such as whether technology and internet access are widespread and whether the quality of online education is better or worse compared to previous modes. With the rapid development of online education, it is crucial to investigate the key factors influencing university teachers’ continuous usage of online teaching platforms and their working mechanisms, which is of great significance for improving the level of educational informatization and promoting educational modernization. This study mainly explores the continuous usage intention of online teaching platforms by Chinese university teachers under the new normal and its influencing factors, aiming to provide theoretical support and practical insights for improving educational informatization, promoting educational modernization, and designing and optimizing online teaching platforms. This study builds a new theoretical framework based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), UTAUT model, and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). From April to November 2024, 343 questionnaires were collected from Chinese university teachers. Combining structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the key factors influencing teachers’ continuous usage of online platforms and their configuration relationships are systematically discussed. Not only are the key factors verified, but the configuration relationships are also revealed, providing deeper insights for universities to design, promote, and optimize online teaching platforms and offering theoretical support and practical guidance for promoting sustainable educational development.

Identification of Phenolic Compounds in the Invasive Plants Staghorn Sumac and Himalayan Balsam: Impact of Time and Solvent on the Extraction of Phenolics and Extract Evaluation on Germination Inhibition.

An HPLC-MS-DAD analysis of phenolic compounds was carried out on the extracts of staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina L.) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera Royle). This study focuses on the influence of solvent type and extraction time on the phenolic extraction efficiency from both invasive plants. Methanol extraction resulted in a 4.2 times higher content of hydroxybenzoic acids, a 3.7 times higher content of hydroxycinnamic acids, a 3.2 times higher content of flavanols, a 9.6 times higher content of flavanones, and an 8.7 times higher content of flavonols in the Himalayan balsam extract compared to aqueous extraction. Anthocyanins were only detected in the alcohol-based extraction. In comparison, the aqueous extraction from staghorn sumac resulted in a higher yield of total hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols, while the methanol extraction resulted in a 1.4-fold lower total polyphenolic content compared to the aqueous extraction. The type of solvent had no significant effect on the total content of flavanols in staghorn sumac. Extraction time considerably affected the total phenolic content in both plant extracts. After 84 h of extraction, the staghorn sumac extract showed a 3.5-fold increase in the total phenolic content compared to the initial measurement. In contrast, the Himalayan balsam extract showed a 40% decrease in the total phenolic content after 84 h. The Himalayan balsam extract reduced the germination of perennial ryegrass seeds by 55%, while the staghorn sumac extract reduced it by 80%. Both extracts also inhibited shoot and root growth of perennial ryegrass, although the Himalayan balsam extract at a concentration of 0.125 g/mL stimulated root growth of perennial ryegrass. The strategic use of invasive alien plants could be an effective approach to control their spread in the environment, potentially reducing management costs. The effectiveness of this approach depends largely on the type and content of allelochemicals present in the invasive plants.

Evaluating Strategies for Cost Reduction in Supply Chain Management Relating to Exports and Imports

This study explores different approaches to supply chain management cost reduction, with an emphasis on imports and exports. As the economy becomes more globalized, controlling supply chain expenses is essential to preserving profitability and competitive advantage. According to the study, procurement, transportation, inventory control, and technology integration are important areas where cost reductions can be made. Highlighting the main cost drivers in international trade, the paper starts with a review of the body of research on supply chain cost management. After that, it looks at particular tactics like utilizing economies of scale, transport route optimization, and shipment consolidation. The potential of technology to simplify processes and cut expenses is examined, including the use of automation, supply chain management software, and block chain technology for transparency. For an organization to keep a competitive edge in a globalized economy, effective supply chain management is essential. Exports and imports are the main focus of the current research paper, which provides a thorough assessment of various cost-cutting strategies in supply chain management. Transportation optimization, inventory management, supplier collaboration, technology integration, process improvement, regulatory compliance, sustainability, risk management, and continuous improvement are all topics covered in this study in an effort to give a comprehensive overview of effective cost-reduction strategies.

Sustainability of collective irrigation under water competition between agriculture and civil uses: The case study of Alanya Water Users Association (Türkiye)

This study explores the patterns of sustainable use and management of competing water sectors in the Alanya Water Users Association (WUA) in Southern Türkiye, over eight years (2013–2020) before the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic, focusing on the impacts of the recorded huge growth of tourism. Performance indicators of collective irrigation services are used to identify performance patterns and trends over time. The analysis has revealed a notable increase in water consumption for agricultural activities (+30 %), driven by the cultivation of tropical fruits, without a proportional rise in crop production. Concurrently, effective financial management is observed in the WUA, with a consistent reduction in unit Management, Operation and Maintenance costs (-40–70 %). Additionally, the total water demand has surged (+100 %) due to population growth and tourist flux. However, this increase has tensioned water delivery to crops, indicating higher pressures over water availability for all uses. The study has identified three distinct patterns in the technical, financial, and socio-economic performance of the WUA, particularly highlighting the last four years of increased water usage and the disruption caused by the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite the current adequacy of water resources, optimized strategies for water management are advocated to address anticipated demographic growth, the introduction of tropical crops and the environmental impacts of climate change.

Optimizing Solar Power Generation and Integration in Automotive Systems Through IoT

Objective: This study presents an Internet of Things (IoT)- based system with edge intelligence that predicts power production with over 98% accuracy and monitors substations and smart solar installations, ensuring reliable power distribution in industrial IoT environments. This system enhances sustainability, safety, and energy management in smart buildings by reducing power fluctuations by 30% and improving decision-making, leading to a 95% reduction in energy management costs. Method: An IoT-enabled power monitoring system was implemented for smart solar panels and substations, incorporating edge intelligence for instantaneous prediction and decision-making. An IoT-enabled solar charging station was deployed for smart homes and Industry 4.0 applications. The cloud was used for analyzing sensor data, with a response time of less than 1 second. Findings: The proposed framework increased the efficiency and reliability of power production and distribution by 25% across commercial, residential, and industrial contexts. It significantly mitigated power fluctuations, reducing downtime by 40% and achieving a 95% cost reduction in energy management compared to traditional systems. IoT integration improved safety and sustainability metrics by 20% in smart buildings. Novelty: The framework integrates edge intelligence with IoT in smart solar systems and substations, providing a sophisticated control system that enhances power distribution decision-making. It facilitates real-time monitoring and prediction of power production with over 98% accuracy, emphasizing sustainability, safety, and energy management improvements of up to 30% in smart buildings. Keywords: IoT-based control system, Smart solar systems, Edge intelligence, Power substations, Load management, Energy sustainability

Echoes of Speculation Underway in Relations Between the Occident and China

In a previous article I talked about speculative waves in sequence that have hit the global economy since the 2000s in a world struggling with deflation. Well, this wave of speculation has not stopped but today it seems to concern the transfer of industrial plants from the West to China. A process that was born with the good intentions of transferring industrial activities to developing countries with the dual objective. Give a boost to the economy in developing areas and at the same time reduce the management costs of large multinationals' plants. A process therefore that was born with a positive sign in the intent to help a coordinated development of the territories and a reduction in the costs of industrial products. Meanwhile, the objective of coordinating the development of the territories and continents has not been achieved and on the contrary the process has led to an almost exclusive delocalization of industrial production from the West to China. The excess of industrial localization has exacerbated the concentration of unassimilable waste with a worsening of the disease of the planet struggling with atmospheric overheating. The process, therefore, has been slowed down but not stopped for natural reasons. On the other hand, the acceleration of the development of the Chinese economy has also marked a halt coinciding with the spread of the global epidemic. After about fifty years of accelerated economic growth, the Chinese community has sensed the change in the country's economic prospects and has pulled the brakes on both consumption and investments, marking the end of the accelerated race on the road to development. The picture of the speculative evolution of industrial delocalization processes sees together the interest of mega companies in reducing management costs which is congenial to the increase in the financial values of companies that increase on the Western stock exchanges. In other words, delocalization helps reduce management costs and at the same time seems to support ultra increasing financial values. In short, it plays into the hands of speculation which is certainly not the interest of global social and economic development which instead requires coordination of the territories on the road to development. With the further dilemma that the fate of the global economy may be in the hands of the Boards of Directors of mega companies and not of states and communities.​

Threshold incentive mechanisms for the sustainable management of public resources.

Maintaining global ecological balance is inextricably linked to the effective governance of public resources. Previous studies have proposed the introduction of incentive mechanisms to mitigate the defection behavior within the scope of public resource management to facilitate sustainable utilization. However, these incentive strategies often present a considerable financial burden. Here, we first propose a two-threshold incentive scheme based on group state objectives, where the reward mechanism is triggered when the number of cooperators is below the threshold M, and the punishment mechanism is triggered when the number of cooperators is above the threshold Q. We further introduce an incentive mechanism by considering both resource and group thresholds, where incentives are implemented separately when the number of cooperators and the current quantity of resources meet thresholds. Our theoretical results reveal that introducing these two new mechanisms can effectively maintain cooperative behavior and sustainable resources while reducing management costs. However, if the initial resource level is low, the tragedy of the commons will still occur. It is recommended that the number of developers be reduced, the allocation be lowered, or the development simply suspended and the natural regeneration of resources be waited for.

Source-specific probabilistic health risk assessment of dust PAHs in urban parks based on positive matrix factorization and Monte Carlo simulation.

Understanding the health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dust from city parks and prioritizing sources for control are essential for public health and pollution management. The combination of Source-specific and Monte Carlo not only reduces management costs, but also improves the accuracy of assessments. To evaluate the sources of PAHs in urban park dust and the possible health risks caused by different sources, dust samples from 13 popular parks in Kaifeng City were analyzed for PAHs using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results showed that the surface dust PAH content in the study area ranged from 332.34µg·kg-1 to 7823.03µg·kg-1, with a mean value of 1756.59µg·kg-1. Nemerow Composite Pollution Index in the study area ranged from 0.32 to 14.41, with a mean of 2.24, indicating that the overall pollution warrants attention. Four pollution sources were identified using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model: transportation source, transportation-coal and biomass combustion source, coke oven emission source, and petroleum source, with contributions of 33.74%, 25.59%, 22.14%, and 18.54%, respectively. The Monte Carlo cancer risk simulation results indicated that park dust PAHs pose a potential cancer risk to all three populations (children, adult male and adult female). Additionally, the cancer risk for children was generally higher than that for adult males and females, with transportation sources being the main contributor to the carcinogenic risk. Lastly, sensitivity analyses results showed that the toxic equivalent concentration (CS) is the parameter contributing the most to carcinogenic risk, followed by Exposure duration (ED).

The Mediating Effect of Charismatic Leadership on Teachers’ Engagement and Performance, Basis for Strategic Professional Program

The construction and development of first-class disciplines in universities not only require academic leaders with profound academic achievements, but also require school administrators to have excellent leadership abilities and play a crucial leadership role in university construction and teacher growth. This article is based on the concept of charismatic authoritative leadership proposed by German sociologist Max Weber, combined with numerous research results on the impact of charismatic leadership on organizational performance in Eastern and Western cultures. Using Chengdu University of Information Technology as the sampling institution, a sample survey was conducted on in-service teachers and staff. The exploration of "charismatic leadership" in universities can help guide organizations towards the right direction, lead scientific research and innovation in disciplines, and guide teachers to form a good team spirit. Through empirical research, we can find that charismatic leadership has a positive impact on job performance. The above research has certain guiding significance for improving employee job performance, reducing management costs, and enhancing employee happiness and satisfaction in the context of Chinese university management.

OPTIMIZATION OF SEX PHEROMONE DOSE AND TRAP DENSITY FOR MATING DISRUPTION OF CHILO SUPPRESSALIS (LEPIDOPTERA; PYRILADAE)

The rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker) is an oligophagous pest that mainly feeds on rice and currently is largely controlled through chemicals, leading to several ecological problems and often low control efficiency due to the larval feeding habits. Therefore, the alternative and eco-friendly control strategies is needed to manage this noxious insect pests, applications of trapping devices specifically sex pheromone traps are one of the most substitute control methods to monitoring and control moths by killing or mating disruption on large scale. The aim of the current study was to optimize the appropriate pheromone dose, trap density and trap placement height for mating disruption of C. suppressalis. During first year (2021), a mixture of two pheromones (Z11-16: Ald and Z9-16: Ald) in equal ratio (50:50) were applied at different doses (50, 100, 200, 300 and 500µg/20µL), with various trap heights (3, 4.5 and 6 feet) and compared with insecticide (fipronil G 0.2% 15 kg/ha). Results revealed that, 200 and 300µg/20µL caught significantly maximum (119.63±15.86) moths of C. suppressalis and resulted in lowest (4.96%) damage (white ear and dead hearts) as compared to other doses and treatments. The second year´s trial was designed to optimize the trap density in which 8, 12, 18 and 25 traps/ha were tested with a median dosage 250µg/20µl, based on first year’s results. It exhibited that 18 traps/ha captured maximum number (121.95±19.77) moths and reduced the damage symptoms significantly followed by other 25, 12 and 8 traps/ha with significant difference (P ≤0.001). Moreover, results of best treatment (appropriate sex pheromone dosage, trap placement height and trap density/ha) revealed highest (3:52) cost benefit ratio with minimum (7.90 $) expenditure also highest yield 7400 kg/ha was recorded as compared to other treatments. Therefore, installation of 18 traps/ha at 4.5 feet height with a dose of 250µg/20µL can manage C. suppressalis in rice-growing areas and consequently reduce management cost as compared to the insecticides. Thus, it is recommended as an important component for the eco-friendly management of rice stem borer to ensure food security. Key words: Chilo suppressalis, Pheromone dosage, Trap density,Trap height and mating disruption.

Supply Chain Management Optimization and Cost Reduction Based on Data Mining Algorithm

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is an evolving industry that constantly evolves, but one constant is the significance of effective inventory control in optimizing profits and customer satisfaction. The primary objective of the research is to identify the most effective method for a business to supply several products while maintaining customer service and keeping inventory costs low. The main aim of this paper's Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD)-enhanced Support Vector Machine (SVM) approach is to predict ideal order and lack quantities, considering into account historical demand, level of inventory, vendor performance, and cost data. The key goal is to reduce the total cost of inventory (which includes holding, placing orders, and supply-chain costs) while maintaining excellent customer service. In order to accomplish this, the proposed system combines SGD's efficiency to enhance predictions and SVM's predictability. A consumer products business chain's real-world dataset was employed to train and test the algorithm. The dataset provides three years' worth of revenue, stock levels, vendors, and costs. Parameters like Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Inventory Turnover Ratio (ITR), and Service Level Achievement (SLA) have been employed to test the methodology, and parameters were optimized using a 5-fold cross-validation. Based on the study findings, the simulation model obtains an average MAE of 1.81 following 100 training epochs, substantially boosting ITR and SLA. As it effectively and accurately balances inventory levels with customer needs, the findings demonstrate that the SVM model with SGD is an excellent match for IMO.

Intelligent smelting process, management system: Efficient and intelligent management strategy by incorporating large language model

In the steelmaking industry, enhancing production cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency requires the integration of intelligent systems to support production activities. Thus, effectively integrating various production modules is crucial to enable collaborative operations throughout the entire production chain, reducing management costs and complexities. This paper proposes, for the first time, the integration of Vision-Language Model (VLM) and Large Language Model (LLM) technologies in the steel manufacturing domain, creating a novel steelmaking process management system. The system facilitates data collection, analysis, visualization, and intelligent dialogue for the steelmaking process. The VLM module provides textual descriptions for slab defect detection, while LLM technology supports the analysis of production data and intelligent question-answering. The feasibility, superiority, and effectiveness of the system are demonstrated through production data and comparative experiments. The system has significantly lowered costs and enhanced operational understanding, marking a critical step toward intelligent and cost-effective management in the steelmaking domain.

Management of industrial wine residues: physicochemical, bacterial and fungal dynamics during composting processes

To foster a circular bioeconomy throughout the management of industrial solid wine residues in the wine industry, this work presents the physicochemical and microbiological dynamics of the composting process with white grape pomace, stalks and wastewater treatment plant sludge from the same winery. Three composting windrows of 41 m3 were constructed with 0, 10 and 20% sludge addition. Physicochemical parameters were assessed following the Test Method for the Examination of Composting and Compost (TMECC), and the diversity and dynamics of the bacterial and fungal communities involved in the composting process were assessed via a high-throughput sequencing metabarcoding approach. The addition of sludge increased the moisture content, bulk density, and pH after six months of turned windrow composting. No effect of sludge addition on the macronutrient composition of the compost was observed. The Shannon‒Wiener index differed among stages and treatments. Bacterial diversity increased over time, while the fungal community appeared to be highly affected by the thermophilic stage, which led to a reduction in diversity that slightly recovered by the end of the process. Furthermore, the sludge exhibited high bacterial diversity but very low fungal diversity. Consequently, the design of on-site biologically based strategies to better manage wine residues can produce soil amendments, improve fertilization, reclaim damaged soils, and ultimately reduce management costs, making composting an economically attractive and sustainable alternative for waste management in the wine industry.Graphical

Driving mechanism for farmers to adopt agroecology for biodiversity conservation: Inspiration from tea management in a China National Park

Abstract Conflicts arising from human activities and biodiversity value affect the conservation efficacy of protected areas. Resolving these conflicts requires conservation‐compatible livelihoods, such as through agroecology. Here, we built a comprehensive social–psychological framework to explore and understand farmers' intentions to adopt agroecological approaches in tea management in Wuyishan National Park, China. We extended the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by integrating household livelihood assets (LAs) as a material precondition for the social–psychological decision‐making process. We proposed geographical location (GL) and livelihood strategy (LS) as moderating factors for this agroecology intention. We collected 369 valid household samples through structured interviews. We then used partial least square‐structural equation (PLS‐SEM) modelling to explore the determinants that affect tea farmers' agroecological intentions. Livelihood assets were a material foundation influencing the intention to adopt agroecology and were also mediated by three psychological constructs to take effect. Perceived behavioural control explained the largest proportion of the variance for intention and exerted the most significant mediation effects. Subjective norm was another vital independent predictor and exerted a positive influence on both perceived behavioural control and attitude. The direct and mediating impacts of attitude on the intention were weaker but showed that farmers' ecological rationality outweighed value rationality. Livelihood strategies measured by operational scale and livelihood diversity were able to moderate farmers' psychology. Subjective norm had positively significant influence on perceived behavioural control and attitude, indicating that social support to farmers enhanced their feeling of control over adopting agroecology and that important referent groups as sources of information helped farmers' attitude formation. Perceived behavioural control positively and significantly influences farmers' attitudes as well. Synthesis and applications. Our findings provide evidence of the necessity to optimise rural farmers' livelihood assets to enhance their confidence and control over agroecology. Resolving the conservation‐development dilemma in protected areas through agroecology should aim at comprehensive support that respects bioculture and improves farmers' ability. We suggest knowledge co‐production of traditional wisdom and modern technologies, reducing management costs and risks, strengthening park‐people communication and diversifying incentives to farmers with different livelihood strategies.

High dissolved oxygen regulation by side-stream supersaturated oxygenation impedes black-odor removal from rivers affected by combined sewer overflows

In rivers affected by combined sewer overflows (CSOs), achieving fine-grained management of dissolved oxygen (DO) regulation is critical for effective suppression of black odor after rainfall and reduction of river management costs. However, systematic investigations of the DO regulation mechanisms underlying the removal of key pollutants that cause black, odorous waters after CSOs are lacking. In this study, we investigated the effects of different DO regulation levels associated with short- and long-term side-stream supersaturated (SSS) oxygenation on the formation of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and other black odorous pollutants after CSOs. In addition, the effects of different DO levels regulated by SSS oxygenation were determined using the modified entropy weight method. The results showed that the number of CSOs, the rate of the black-odor phenomenon (12 h), and its extent increased. After different SSS oxygenation steps, the odorous degree of CSOs was reduced to varying extents. Additionally, for SSS oxygenation-mediated DO regulation to yield a DO ≥ 3.0 mg L−1, the oxygen-deficient reduction state of the interface between the overlying water and CSO-induced turbid water was effectively reversed. The removal rates of sulfide, Fe2+, and other black odorous substances varied; high levels of SSS oxygenation-mediated DO regulation were more conducive to the emergency improvement of redox conditions (182.67%) and removal of NH3–N (0.616–0.638 mg L−1·d−1). However, regulation of such high DO levels was not as effective for the long-term removal of black malodorous substances, leading to a rapid decline in pH (lowest decrease to 5.68) and denitrification efficiency in later stages. Additionally, evaluating the effectiveness of different SSS oxygenations provided further evidence that medium to high DO levels (4.5 mg L−1) achieved the highest comprehensive scores of 23.81 and had the optimal cost-effectiveness for long-term regulation. These results provide a scientific basis for improving the management of black odorous water in rivers after CSOs.

Banana Bunch Weight Estimation and Stalk Central Point Localization in Banana Orchards Based on RGB-D Images

Precise detection and localization are prerequisites for intelligent harvesting, while fruit size and weight estimation are key to intelligent orchard management. In commercial banana orchards, it is necessary to manage the growth and weight of banana bunches so that they can be harvested in time and prepared for transportation according to their different maturity levels. In this study, in order to reduce management costs and labor dependence, and obtain non-destructive weight estimation, we propose a method for localizing and estimating banana bunches using RGB-D images. First, the color image is detected through the YOLO-Banana neural network to obtain two-dimensional information about the banana bunches and stalks. Then, the three-dimensional coordinates of the central point of the banana stalk are calculated according to the depth information, and the banana bunch size is obtained based on the depth information of the central point. Finally, the effective pixel ratio of the banana bunch is presented, and the banana bunch weight estimation model is statistically analyzed. Thus, the weight estimation of the banana bunch is obtained through the bunch size and the effective pixel ratio. The R2 value between the estimated weight and the actual measured value is 0.8947, the RMSE is 1.4102 kg, and the average localization error of the central point of the banana stalk is 22.875 mm. The results show that the proposed method can provide bunch size and weight estimation for the intelligent management of banana orchards, along with localization information for banana-harvesting robots.

Repurposing Waste from Aggressive Acacia Invaders to Promote Its Management in Large Invaded Areas in Southwestern Europe.

Several Acacia species are aggressive invaders outside their native range, often occupying extensive areas. Traditional management approaches have proven to be ineffective and economically unfeasible, especially when dealing with large infestations. Here, we explain a different approach to complement traditional management by using the waste from Acacia management activities. This approach can provide stakeholders with tools to potentially reduce management costs and encourage proactive management actions. It also prioritizes potential applications of Acacia waste biomass for agriculture and forestry as a way of sequestering the carbon released during control actions. We advocate the use of compost/vermicompost, green manure and charcoal produced from Acacia waste, as several studies have shown their effectiveness in improving soil fertility and supporting crop growth. The use of waste and derivatives as bioherbicides or biostimulants is pending validation under field conditions. Although invasive Acacia spp. are banned from commercialization and cultivation, the use of their waste remains permissible. In this respect, we recommend the collection of Acacia waste during the vegetative stage and its subsequent use after being dried or when dead, to prevent further propagation. Moreover, it is crucial to establish a legal framework to mitigate potential risks associated with the handling and disposal of Acacia waste.

FEASIBILITY AND MICRO–COSTING ANALYSIS OF A SAME–DAY DISCHARGE PROTOCOL FOR CATHETER ABLATION OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: A PILOT STUDY USING CRYOBALLOON ABLATION

Abstract Background Catheter ablation (CA) is a well–established treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Due to the ageing population, increasing prevalence of AF risk factors, improving detection methods for AF, and broadening indications for ablation, CA for AF is the most common resource–consuming ablation procedure, strongly impacting waiting list times and healthcare costs. The combination of these factors and limited bed availability led to development of a same–day discharge (SDD) protocol with acceptable efficacy and safety outcomes. Due to the COVID–19 outbreak, we started the SDD pilot project to reduce patient hospital stays and time spent on the waiting list. Objective We aimed to assess our day–case service‘s overall effectiveness and safety. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the health–economic impact of a routine adoption of day–case AF ablation. Methods Patients with symptomatic and drug–refractory PAF or early Pe–AF scheduled for de–novo ablation were included in the study protocol if they had the following clinical and non–clinical criteria for an SDD protocol: 1–Clinical factors: a) stable anticoagulation, b) No history of bleeding, c) No systolic heart failure, d) No history of pulmonary disease, e) No interventional procedure within 60 days, f) BMI <35, g) CHA DS –VASc ≤3, h) non–severely dilated left atrium, i) age <65 years old; 2–Non–clinical factors: a) home residence within 50 km, or if more, with an emergency department (ER) reachable within 30 minutes, b) home assistance to the patients the same day of the procedure. Results Fifty–two patients were included in the SDD protocol and underwent PVI with the Arctic Front Advance cryoballoon ablation catheter. Patients were admitted to a cardiac short–stay unit on the day of ablation at 7 am. SDD procedures were carried out in conscious sedation without the presence of an anesthesiologist. After ablation, the patient was admitted to the recovery area for at least 6 hours. Postprocedural echocardiography was performed to rule out pericardial effusion. The bed occupancy cost reduction was 493€/procedure with the SDD protocol (2415€ vs. 1921€). No minor or major complications were observed in the SDD protocol. Conclusion The adoption of an optimized path would lead to a reduction in the length of hospital stays, optimization of beds, a reduction in waiting lists, an accelerating patient access to care and a reduction in patient management costs by optimizing the consumption of resources.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Pruning in an Olive Orchard Using a Drone and a Multispectral Camera: A Three-Year Study

The uses of precision oliviculture have increased in recent years to improve the quality and quantity of extra virgin olive oil. In traditional and intensive systems, biennial pruning is often applied to balance and maintain plant vigour, aiming at reducing management costs. This study presents the results of a three-year experiment with the objective of quantifying the effects of biennial pruning on the vegetative vigour of olive trees, investigating the geometric and spectral characteristics of each canopy determined with multispectral images acquired by UAV. The experiment was carried out in an olive orchard located in western Sicily (Italy). Multispectral images were acquired using a UAV in automatic flight configuration at an altitude of 70 m a.g.l. The segmentation and classification of the images were performed using Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) based on the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and orthomosaic to extract the canopy area, height, volume and NDVI for each plant. This study showed that the technology and image analysis processing used were able to estimate vigour parameters at different canopy densities, compared to field measurements (R2 = 0.97 and 0.96 for canopy area and volume, respectively). Furthermore, it was possible to determine the amount of removed biomass for each plant and vigour level. Biennial pruning decreased the number of plants initially classified as LV (low-vigour) and maintained a vegetative balance for MV (medium-vigour) and HV (high-vigour) plants, reducing the spatial variability in the field.