Related Economic Losses Research Articles

Impact of Seasonal Conditions on Quality and Pathogens Content of Milk in Friesian Cows.

Heat stress negatively affects milk quality altering its nutritive value and cheese making properties. This study aimed at assessing the impact of seasonal microclimatic conditions on milk quality of Friesian cows. The study was carried out in a dairy farm from June 2013 to May 2014 at Beni-Suef province, Egypt. Inside the barn daily ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded and used to calculate the daily maximum temperature-humidity index (mxTHI), which was used as indicator of the degree of heat stress. The study was carried out in three periods according to the temperature-humidity index (THI) recorded: from June 2013 to September 2013 (mxTHI>78), from October 2013 to November 2013 (mxTHI 72–78) and from December 2013 to April 2014 (mxTHI<72). Eighty Friesian lactating dairy cows were monitored in each period. The three groups of cows were balanced for days in milk and parity. Milk quality data referred to somatic cell count, total coliform count (TCC), faecal coliform count (FCC), Escherichia coli count, percentage of E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, percentage of fat, protein, lactose, total solid and solid non-fat. Increasing THI was associated with a significant decrease in all milk main components. An increase of TCC, FCC, and E. coli count from mxTHI<72 to mxTHI>78 was observed. In addition, the isolation rate of both S. aureus and E. coli increased when the mxTHI increased. The results of this study show the seriousness of the negative effects of hot conditions on milk composition and mammary gland pathogens. These facts warrant the importance of adopting mitigation strategies to alleviate negative consequences of heat stress in dairy cows and for limiting related economic losses.

An empirical equation of effective shaking duration for moderate to large earthquakes

The duration of strong shaking is particularly important for assessing building performance, potential landslides and liquefaction hazards. The results of this investigation can potentially help reduce related fatalities and economic losses. In this study, we ana- lyzed the acceleration seismograms of the Taiwan strong motion network to characterize the strong shaking duration associated with earthquake sources, propagation paths and site effects. This study proposes a new definition for the strong shaking duration called ''effective shaking duration'' (ESD), which considers the amplitude and radiation energy decays. We first consider the window of a time series during which the amplitude is C0.01 g, and we then defined the ESD as the length of the interval of the dissipated energy within 5-95 % of the total energy during this time frame. We calculated the strong shaking duration for 495 inter-plate events with magnitudes of ML ( 5.0 and focal depths\50 km in the Taiwan region from 1994 to 2012. Using a nonlinear regression procedure, we thus obtained an empirical equation for strong shaking durations. The equation is a function of earthquake magnitude, distance and site conditions, which are defined by the Vs30 value (the S-wave velocity structure of the top 30 m of the site). The results indicate that the shaking durations significantly increase with magnitude and also decrease with distance and Vs30. Compared with empirical equations from global datasets, our empirical equation is applicable to earthquakes in other regions and will produce smaller but more applicable duration values for smaller earthquakes. However, for larger events, our ESD values are comparable with those derived from other definitions (e.g., significant duration). Although the empirical relationship is mainly based on Taiwanese events, in view of the massive dataset, this empirical equation could provide important information to the global com- munity regarding the ground shaking duration estimation in the ground motion prediction of future earthquakes.

A historical typhoon database for the southern and eastern Chinese coastal regions, 1951 to 2012

Historically, typhoons have inflicted significant damage and loss of life to coastal communities in Asia. Regional governments, private enterprise (including the insurance and re-insurance industries), town planners and coastal developers are grappling to find sustainable solutions to coastal development while maintaining high rates of development and economic growth. Several nations and organisations have developed typhoon databases to collate the impacts of typhoons in various regions. However, these databases are not comparable or consistent in terms of the depth of information provided. This paper presents a new typhoon database for southern and eastern Chinese coastal regions (SECCR) spanning the period from 1951 to 2012. The database comprises comprehensive details of typhoons impacting Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the mainland Chinese provinces of Hainan, Fujian, Guangdong and Zhejiang. This new database provides an insight into the impacts of typhoons upon the economies and casualties suffered in each of the SECCR. There were 853 typhoons between 1951 and 2012, 286 typhoons caused human casualties, and 228 inflicted economic loss. The data shows an overall decrease of fatalities and economic loss. The database also shows a downward trend in the percentage of normalized economic loss in relation to the regional annual gross domestic product (GDP) for each province. The decline in both fatalities and relative economic losses in the SECCR may reflect improved adaptation and mitigation strategies to the impacts of typhoons in the Chinese coastal region. Further examination into the spatial and temporal features of typhoons that bring catastrophic damage to the SECCR can be managed with this newly developed database. This database can also act as a guide for future direction in improving mitigation strategies of the region.

Seasonal variations in the composition of Holstein cow’s milk and temperature–humidity index relationship

A retrospective study on seasonal variations in the characteristics of cow’s milk and temperature–humidity index (THI) relationship was conducted on bulk milk data collected from 2003 to 2009. The THI relationship study was carried out on 508 613 bulk milk data items recorded in 3328 dairy farms form the Lombardy region, Italy. Temperature and relative humidity data from 40 weather stations were used to calculate THI. Milk characteristics data referred to somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (TBC), fat percentage (FA%) and protein percentage (PR%). Annual, seasonal and monthly variations in milk composition were evaluated on 656 064 data items recorded in 3727 dairy farms. The model highlighted a significant association between the year, season and month, and the parameters analysed (SCC, TBC, FA%, PR%). The summer season emerged as the most critical season. Of the summer months, July presented the most critical conditions for TBC, FA% and PR%, (52 054±183 655, 3.73%±0.35% and 3.30%±0.15%, respectively), and August presented higher values of SCC (369 503±228 377). Each milk record was linked to THI data calculated at the nearest weather station. The analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between THI and SCC and TBC, and indicated a significant change in the slope at 57.3 and 72.8 maximum THI, respectively. The model demonstrated a negative correlation between THI and FA% and PR% and provided breakpoints in the pattern at 50.2 and 65.2 maximum THI, respectively. The results of this study indicate the presence of critical climatic thresholds for bulk tank milk composition in dairy cows. Such indications could facilitate the adoption of heat management strategies, which may ensure the health and production of dairy cows and limit related economic losses.

Financial Effects of HPAI H5N1 Cases on Backyard Poultry in the Kızılırmak Delta

This study was carried out to investigate the risk factors relating Highly Pathogen Avian Influenza H5N1 and to evaluate consumer demand and related economic losses for poultry raised in the Kizilirmak Delta. Data were obtained from 361 householders in the Kizilirmak Delta and surrounding rural areas of the delta where a Highly Pathogen Avian Influenza outbreak occurred in 2008. The total cost of the disease outbreak in the area was estimated as 501.768 TL for the 3.116 enterprises. Based on market prices for 2011, the compensation cost for the disease was estimated at 276 TL per enterprise. The time of the Highly Pathogen Avian Influenza outbreaks had happenned, correlation between the consumption of eggs and poultry families were significant at 0.05 level. In conclusion, the present study contributed to the determination of production losses due to the disease Highly Pathogen Avian Influenza, disease-related control and protection measures, estimated payments and direct economic effects.

Economic losses due to cystic echinococcosis in India: Need for urgent action to control the disease

Cystic ehinococcosis (CE) caused by Echinococcus granulosus remains a neglected zoonotic disease despite its considerable human and animal health concerns. This is the first systematic analysis of the livestock and human related economic losses due to cystic echinococcosis in India.Data about human cases were obtained from a tertiary hospital. Human hydatidosis cases with and without surgical interventions were extrapolated to be 5647 and 17075 per year assuming a total human population of 1210193422 in India. Data about prevalence of hydatid cysts in important food producing animals were obtained from previously published abattoir based epidemiological surveys that reported a prevalence of 5.39% in cattle, 4.36% in buffaloes, 3.09% in pigs, 2.23% in sheep and 0.41% in goats. Animal population data were sourced from the latest census conducted by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, India. Other input parameters were obtained from published scientific literature. Probability distributions were included for many input values to account for variability and uncertainty. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of important parameters on the estimated economic losses.The analysis revealed a total annual median loss of Rs. 11.47 billion (approx. US $ 212.35 million). Cattle and buffalo industry accounted for most of the losses: 93.05% and 88.88% of the animal and total losses, respectively. Human hydatidosis related losses were estimated to be Rs. 472.72 million (approx. US $ 8.75 million) but are likely to be an under-estimate due to under-reporting of the disease in the country. The human losses more than quadrupled to Rs. 1953 million i.e. approx. US $ 36.17 million, when the prevalence of human undiagnosed cases was increased to 0.2% in the sensitivity analyses. The social loss and psychological distress were not taken into account for calculating human loss. The results highlight an urgent need for a science based policy to control and manage the disease in the country.

Natural risks: mitigation and adaptation

Increase of human impact on the environment entailed increase of the numbers of natural disasters and related economic and human losses in last decades. Climate projections suggest further intensification of risks. At the same time, the growth of welfare in many countries, including Poland, increases loss potential. Although Poland is not particularly endangered, as compared to some other countries, such as Japan, natural risks occur. In several cases (for instance, the floods in 1997 and in 2010) losses reached the level of billions. Expected increase of risks calls for strengthening of the preparedness system. Two approaches are possible: mitigation (eliminating the sources of risks) and adaptation (accepting inevitability of losses and trying to reduce the loss). The knowledge on these two approaches is limited. Nevertheless, the traditional approach, relying on structural protection is clearly insufficient.

Modelling the incidence ofHeterobasidion annosumbutt rots and related economic losses in alpine mixed naturally regenerated forests of northern Italy

SummaryA total of 2257 recently felled stumps were sampled from 22 mixed naturally regenerated forest stands in the Aosta Valley, western Italian Alps, and examined forHeterobasidion annosumbutt rots. Disease incidence ranged from 6% to 71% depending on sites, andH. annosumaccounted for 92% of the total number of diseased stumps.H. annosumincidence was significantly higher (Chi‐squared multiple comparison tests, p &lt; 0.05) on Norway spruce (44%) than on the other tree species (silver fir = 18%, larch = 12% and Scots pine = 6%). Based on the information on the airborne inoculum composition of the fungus, all the three European species ofH. annosumwere present, with a variable frequency, depending on site. A partial least squares regression analysis showed that the relative abundance of Norway spruce and four variables describing the size of trees were the best predictors for the incidence ofH. annosumbutt rots. A model having these variables as predictors was developed (r2 = 0.75; p &lt; 0.001) and successfully validated on five additional forest stands. An estimate of the losses in yield and value of timber associated with the disease, i.e. direct losses, was also carried out in the forests included in the survey. The percentage of direct financial losses was either comparable or lower than the average level of disease incidence.

Hurricane Damage and Loss Estimation Using an Integrated Vulnerability Model

An integrated vulnerability model is presented to estimate structural damage and related economic losses in clusters of residential buildings resulting from hurricane winds. The model accounts for the occurrence of a possible “chain reaction” of events involving wind-pressure damage and wind-borne debris damage, amplifying overall losses. Different approximate damage and loss prediction methods are compared, and three numerical examples are provided.

Occupational fatalities, injuries, illnesses, and related economic loss in the wholesale and retail trade sector

The wholesale and retail trade (WRT) sector employs over 21 million workers, or nearly 19% of the annual average employment in private industry. The perception is that workers in this sector are generally at low risk of occupational injury and death. These workers, however, are engaged in a wide range of demanding job activities and are exposed to a variety of hazards. Prior to this report, a comprehensive appraisal of the occupational fatal and nonfatal burdens affecting the retail and wholesale sectors was lacking. The focus of this review is to assess the overall occupational safety and health burden in WRT and to identify various subsectors that have high rates of burden from occupational causes. Ultimately, these findings should be useful for targeted intervention efforts. We reviewed Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2006 fatality, injury, and illness data for the WRT sector and provide comparisons between the WRT sector, its' subsectors, and private industry, which serves as a baseline. The BLS data provide both counts and standardized incidence rates for various exposures, events, and injury types for fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. In an effort to estimate the economic burden of these fatalities, injuries, and illnesses, a focused review of the literature was conducted. In 2006, WRT workers experienced 820,500 injuries/illnesses and 581 fatalities. The total case injury/illness rate for the retail sector was 4.9/100 FTE and for the wholesale sector 4.1/100 FTE. The WRT sector represents 15.5% of the private sector work population in 2006, yet accounts for 20.1% of nonfatal injuries and illnesses of the private sector. In 2003, the disparity was only 2% but increased to 3% in 2004 and 2005. Three WRT subsectors had injury/illness rates well above the national average: beer/wine/liquor (8.4/100); building materials/supplies (7.6/100); and grocery-related products (7.0/100). Occupational deaths with the highest rates were found in gasoline stations (9.8/100,000), convenience stores (6.1/100,000), and used car dealers (5.5/100,000). In terms of actual numbers, the category of food and beverage stores had 82 fatalities in 2006. Based on 1993 data, costs, both direct and indirect, in the WRT sector for fatal injuries were estimated to exceed $8.6 billion. The full economic loss to society and the family has not been adequately measured. Overexertion and contact with objects/equipment represent the top two events or exposures leading to injury or illness. Together they account for 57% of the events or exposures for nonfatal WRT injuries and illnesses. This sector is important because it is large and pervasive as a result, even a relatively small increase in injury rates and accompanying days away from work will have significant impact on working families and society.

Evaluation of HAZUS-MH Flood Model with Local Data and Other Program

This paper presents an evaluation of the HAZUS-MH flood model conducted as part of the Harris County Risk Assessment Program completed in November, 2005. The county wide analysis proved the capability of the HAZUS-MH software for a large urban county application. For the pilot watershed study, the HAZUS-MH Level 1 analysis was quick and least costly. However, the loss estimates may be questionable. The Level 2 analysis produced much more reasonable loss estimates than the Level 1 analysis when compared with other detailed analyses. HAZUS-MH Level 2 estimated $179 million for 1% probability event and $286 million for 0.2% probability event building related economic loss for residential properties in White Oak Bayou watershed. This compares well with the results of the Section 211 Federal Flood Control Project: General Reevaluation Report study for the same area of $153 million for 1% and $292 million for 0.2% loss estimates. Both the building damage count and loss estimates from HAZUS-MH Level 2 showed a l...

An application of SCGE model to assess the labour and capital related economic loss in Nankai earthquake

This paper established a spatial computable general equilibrium model to simulate the Japanese economy. Four scenarios representing different possible labour and capital loss in the prospective Nankai earthquake were set up to assess the impacts of labour and capital on regional economy.

The inhibitory effect of biofilms produced by wild bacterial isolates to the larval settlement of the fouling ascidia Ciona intestinalis and Pyura praeputialis

Marine biofouling is a present and potentially increasing future problem at molluscan culture centres. The problem is highly variable, exists on different scales, and its negative impact on cultured organisms and related economic losses at these centres has not been significantly controlled. One approach to fouling control has been the incorporation of natural substances into anti-fouling paints which inhibit the settlement of common fouling organisms. The main objective of the present study was the isolation of naturally occurring substances from marine bacteria which were inhibitory to the settlement of Ciona intestinalis and Pyura praeputialis, two tunicate species causing serious fouling problems in scallop culture systems in Chile. Numerous bacterial strains were isolated from microfouling on natural and artificial substrates submerged in the sea; of 73 strains isolated, 20% demonstrated inhibitory effects on the settlement of the larvae of the above cited tunicates. The inhibitory substances produced by the active bacteria were extracellular, and could be incorporated in an inert matrix (Phytagel TM ) without losing their inhibitory properties. Some properties of the inhibitory substance isolated from bacterial strain Clon Nil-LEM ( Alteromonas sp) included thermostability, MW C. intestinalis ), and undiminished inhibitory activity when incorporated in the inert matrix.