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Bundled payment programs for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have become popular among both private and public payers. Because these programs provide surgeons with financial incentives to decrease costs through reconciliation payments, there is an advantage to identifying and emulating cost-efficient surgeons. The objective of this study was to utilize the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Payment Program (QPP) in combination with institutional data to identify cost-efficient surgeons within our region and, subsequently, identify cost-saving practice patterns. Data was obtained from the CMS QPP for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeons within a large metropolitan area from January 2019 to December 2021. A simple linear regression determined the relationship between surgical volume and cost-efficiency. Internal practice financial data determined whether patients of identified surgeons differed with respect to x-ray visits, physical therapy visits, out-of-pocket payments to the practice, and whether surgery was done in hospital or surgical center settings. There were 4 TKA and 3 THA surgeons who were cost-efficiency outliers within our area. Outliers and nonoutlier surgeons had patients who had similar body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Score, and age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index scores. Patients of these surgeons had fewer x-ray visits for both TKA and THA (1.06 versus 1.11, P <.001; 0.94 versus 1.15, P <.001) and lower out-of-pocket costs ($86.10 versus $135.46, P <.001; $116.10 versus $177.40, P <.001). If all surgeons performing > 30 CMS cases annually within our practice achieved similar cost-efficiency, the savings to CMS would be $17.2 million for TKA alone ($75,802,705 versus $93,028,477). The CMS QPP can be used to identify surgeons who perform cost-efficient surgeries. Practice patterns that result in cost savings can be emulated to decrease the cost curve, resulting in reconciliation payments to surgeons and institutions and cost savings to CMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The financial viability of Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) electricity sectors has become a central energy policy issue in recent years. This follows persistent under-recovery of costs which are amongst some of the highest in the world. Discussions, however, focus on tariff and utility reforms and inadequately on costs efficiency and the role of broader sector reforms in persistently high costs. Through a synthesis of reform theories and case studies and using small electricity systems as a surrogate for liberalized electricity sectors without competitive markets, this paper examines the connection between sector reforms and costs. It brings an economic perspective to the discussion on utility financial performance in SSA electricity systems and the need for a holistic policy approach for sustainable cost-recovery. In this, we recommend the promotion of mobile power plants to facilitate contestability in generation and need for non-island small systems to participate in regional power markets to neutralize the scale limitations of their autarkic demand. Utilities and regulatory agencies should form platforms to share information on cost opportunities and possibilities to inform procurement designs and regulatory benchmarks. Regional markets could partner with national governments to develop subsidy schemes such as Contracts for Differences to remove rigidities imposed by national power purchasing contracts to promote deeper participation of small systems in regional power markets. Yardstick competition in the distribution segment remains viable in many small electricity systems and should be pursued at the regional level in the short run to medium term and at the national levels in the long term following deconcentration and the introduction of private sector participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• No universal consensus to manage patients with a Pregnancy of Unknown Location. • Prediction models are available to guide management. • Prediction models can risk-stratify this group of patients. • This can have patient and socio-economic benefits. The time period while delineating the final diagnosis following presentation with a pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) can be an anxious time, as well as being time and resource intensive. Prediction models have been utilised in order to tailor counselling, frame expectations and plan care. We aimed to review diagnoses of PUL in our population and assess the value of two prediction models. We reviewed all 394 PUL diagnoses over a three year period in a tertiary level maternity hospital. We then retrospectively applied the M1 and M6NP models to assess their accuracy when compared to the final diagnosis. PUL comprises of 2.9% (394/13401) of attendances in our unit, requiring 752 scans and 1613 separate blood tests. Just under one in ten women (9.9%, n = 39) presenting with a PUL had a viable pregnancy at discharge, however of the remainder, only 18.0% (n = 83) required medical or surgical treatment for a PUL. The M1 model was more successful at predicting an ectopic pregnancy than the M6NP, with the latter over-predicting viable pregnancies (33.4%, n = 77). We demonstrate that the management of women with a PUL could be stratified through the application of outcome prediction models, having positive results for framing expectations and potentially reducing this resource-intensive diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) in the environment and food products is crucial for addressing global health and environmental safety concerns. This study presents the development of a cost-effective hybrid electrocatalyst comprising lignocellulosic carbon sheets, graphene oxide, and manganese oxide (LCSs/GO@MnO 2) for CAP detection using a simple electrochemical sensor fabricated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) substrate. The synergistic interaction between LCSs, GO, and MnO 2 enhance the electroactive surface area of GCE, facilitating effective dispersion and electrode modification. This composite material significantly improves electrical conductivity and provides numerous electroactive sites for electrochemical CAP detection via voltammetric techniques. The developed sensor demonstrates a rapid electron transfer rate, enhancing electrode sensitivity for CAP detection at a low overpotential (−0.5717 V) and an optimal pH (7.0). The sensor exhibits a wide linear range (0.017–477.247 μM), excellent sensitivity (105.22 μA μM−1 cm−2), and a low limit of detection (1.2 nM) with enhanced charge carrier efficiency. Additionally, the sensor shows good cycle stability, reproducibility, selectivity, and trace-level CAP sensing applicability in food samples at a low cost. These features make the sensor a promising platform for monitoring antibiotics in various applications. [Display omitted] • Developed LCSs/GO@MnO 2 hybrid presents the synergistic approach for CAP detection. • LCSs/GO@MnO 2 hybrid offers excellent charge carrier efficiency for CAP detection. • The sensor offers high sensitivity (105.22 μA μM−1 cm−2) and a low LOD (1.2 nM). • The developed sensor shows a trace-level CAP sensing applicability in food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brain successfully performs visual object recognition with a limited number of hierarchical networks that are much shallower than artificial deep neural networks (DNNs) that perform similar tasks. Here, we show that long-range horizontal connections (LRCs), often observed in the visual cortex of mammalian species, enable such a cost-efficient visual object recognition in shallow neural networks. Using simulations of a model hierarchical network with convergent feedforward connections and LRCs, we found that the addition of LRCs to the shallow feedforward network significantly enhances the performance of networks for image classification, to a degree that is comparable to much deeper networks. We found that a combination of sparse LRCs and dense local connections dramatically increases performance per wiring cost. From network pruning with gradient-based optimization, we also confirmed that LRCs could emerge spontaneously by minimizing the total connection length while maintaining performance. Ablation of emerged LRCs led to a significant reduction of classification performance, which implies these LRCs are crucial for performing image classification. Taken together, our findings suggest a brain-inspired strategy for constructing a cost-efficient network architecture to implement parsimonious object recognition under physical constraints such as shallow hierarchical depth. • Long-range connections (LRCs) enable recognition of various objects under constraints. • LRCs added to shallow networks enhance performance comparable to deeper networks. • LRCs can emerge spontaneously while balancing performance and wiring cost. • LRCs reveal a biological strategy for a cost-efficient neural network architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After more than two decades of intensive research, tremendous progress has been achieved in the management of Human Epidermal Receptor-2 overexpressing (Her2+) Early Breast Cancer (EBC). In the latest years, major clinical trials have explored the neoadjuvant scenario, in addition to the prognostic role of pathologic complete response (pCR) and the possibility of a 'tumor biology-driven' patient selection provided by the assessment pathologic response. However, the introduction of new agents has been a major burden for financially-constrained healthcare systems–which includes those from most emerging markets (currently representing 85% of the world population) but also, to some extent, public systems from welfare states. This manuscript addresses evidence-based opportunities to promote a more rational utilization of the available resources in Her2+ EBC, in addition to areas of interest for future research in cost-efficiency. • Major progress has been achieved in the management of Her2+ Early Breast Cancer. • The neoadjuvant setting and pathologic response have been widely explored in trials. • Financially-constrained healthcare systems have struggled to introduce new agents. • There are opportunities to promote a more rational utilization of the resources. • Financially-constrained healthcare systems should focus on cost-efficiency research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration play an import role especially in pediatric oncology. Currently, team training workshops integrate simulation-based education to a varying extent. Unfortunately, high-end equipment is costly and therefore not accessible to all educators. To overcome this financial barrier, the implementation of low-cost live video and audio equipment for simulation and debriefing in pediatric oncology was investigated. Here, an easy-to-adopt setup which proved effective in simulation-based team trainings in pediatrics is introduced. • A low-cost setup for live-video and audio technique in simulation is introduced. • The components of the portrayed setup are adaptable to local requirements and low in maintenance costs. • Due to small package size, it is portable and independent of specialized training centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract There is an upcoming "P&A wave" of wells that need to be permanently plugged and abandoned, especially in mature, offshore areas such as the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico. It is important to ensure that plugged wells do not leak after abandonment, as there could be several potential leak paths such as microannuli in plugged wells. To ensure well integrity after abandonment, permanent well barriers must extend across the full cross section of the well. That includes establishing barriers in all annuli, which could however be quite time-consuming and thus costly. This paper is a review of challenges and technologies for P&A of offshore wells, with an emphasis on cost-effective solutions while establishing permanent well barriers. An overview of cement and other plugging materials is given, as well as a discussion of different types of potential leak paths and failure mechanisms in permanently plugged and abandoned wells. Moreover, recent technology developments such as utilizing shale as barrier for P&A are described. A discussion on the special considerations related to P&A of subsea wells is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Economic input for nonpoint source pollution control has marginal diminishing effect. • Implementation of best management practices should consider ecological benefits. • This model is designed to generate the most efficient solution group. • Balanced cost-effectiveness can be achieved by an integrated control strategy. Non-point source (NPS) pollution has become a primary threat to the water environment. With the implementation of numerous control projects, striking a balance between economic costs and efficiency has become an urgent issue for decision-makers. To identify the optimization solutions for best management practices (BMPs) at the watershed scale, a genetic algorithm and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model were combined to evaluate the trade-offs of NPS control strategies. The BMPs considered in this model included soil testing and fertilizer application technology, integrated pest management projects, conservation tillage, lakeside belt ecological construction, forest construction, and vegetation filter strips. The decision variables are the type and size of the BMPs, with the objective of minimizing costs while simultaneously maximizing both total phosphorus (TP) reduction and ecosystem service value. TP reduction was simulated usinga calibrated SWAT model that successfully assessed NPS pollution in the Dianchi lake watershed. Considering NPS generation and transfer, three NPS control scenarios were designed: source reduction, process retention, and integrated control. The upper limits of the costs for three scenarios were 157, 4921, and 5013 million yuan, respectively. It is suggested that the ecological benefits should be taken into account in the BMPs design. This finding is conducive to generating optimized control schemes that can effectively balance the trade-offs between socioeconomic costs and environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Climate change is probably the most relevant global challenge. For this reason, governments are promoting energy efficiency programmes, carbon capture technologies, and renewable energies as a way to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Hydrogen is a clean alternative to fossil fuels in automotive applications. In this context, the objective of this project is to find the best design of a hydrogen refuelling station in terms of the number of banks and their size, having as a final aim the most cost-efficient design. This study suggests that, from an economic point of view, a state of charge for the vehicle of 100% is not adequate, since it requires very large high-pressure banks at the station, which increases significantly its setup costs. The study finds that high-pressure banks have to be bigger in volume than the low-pressure banks to minimise the total cost of the station, including setup and operational costs along its timespan. Finally, the project shows that the optimal number of banks is 4 or a maximum of 5. As a side conclusion, these results have practical implications for firms, as they might reduce the time spent in the design process of a hydrogen refuelling station. Highlights • A state of charge of 100% could not be adequate since it increases the cost per kilometre travelled. • The high-pressure bank must be bigger in volume than the low-pressure bank to minimise setup costs. • The linear distribution of volumes gives the minimum total energy consumption. • The cost of the energy used along the lifespan of the station is small compared to the setup costs. • An optimal design is a station of 4 or a maximum of 5 banks with highest-pressure bank 4 times bigger than the rest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A third of the final energy demand and almost a fifth of total emissions in the European Union is caused by road transportation. Advanced biofuels and larger and heavier vehicles have been seen in the literature as one potential logistics solution with which to improve the energy efficiency of the forest industry. The Finnish government aims to create a 100% carbon-neutral energy base by the year 2045, emphasizing the country's renewable forests as a source for energy and biofuel cycles. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the local biofuel cycling through larger and heavier vehicles may affect the sustainability of wood procurement in the industrial ecosystem by focusing on transport efficiency, cost-efficiency and energy efficiency. The paper presents a quantitative energy-performance analysis from the optimization of results of the multi-objective dynamic biofuel cycle model. Goal programming enables the energy management solution for three biofuel scenarios of larger and heavier vehicles in the 100% carbon-neutral wood procurement of decentralized energy production. Since the basic scenario in 2013, there has been an upward trend in the average payload weight and a transition in 7- to 9-axle vehicle combinations. While the increase in energy efficiency is significant, it is less than half of the government's maximum scenario estimated prior to the regulations. The novelty of this study is in providing the impacts of the local biofuel cycles (5%, 15% and 30%) on the energy efficiency of road freight transportation to create a 100% carbon-neutral energy base for Finland. Furthermore, the results also provide decision support to the ongoing policy debate towards the 100% sustainable wood supply and/or wood procurement of the industrial ecosystems in Europe. Highlights • A 100% carbon-neutral wood procurement operates in industrial ecosystem in Finland. • 30% of fossil fuel consumption of transportation is replaced by wood-based biofuels. • Wood-based energy performance measure evaluates transport service provider's fleet. • Energy efficiency of timber transportation increases 15% by larger and heavier vehicles. • Energy ratio of timber transportation increases 65% by the use of biofuels and LHVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The adoption of ground-source heat pump (GSHP) in building sector for space heating / cooling, has increased rapidly during the past several decades around the world, especially in China. Meanwhile, it also exposed a lot of problems such as poor economic and energy efficiency, and even failure to operate properly. The purpose of this paper is to post-assess the application of existing GSHP projects, and to analyze the feasibility of ground-coupled heat pumps (GCHP) applied to office buildings in different climatic zones in China. More than one hundred GSHP cases are investigated through literature surveys and field data collection. Based on the post-evaluation results, a model for assessing the adaptability of GCHP is established. The feasibility evaluation of GCHP applied to office buildings are carried out, and key indicators, such as available capacity, energy savings, and cost-efficiency, etc. are presented among different climatic zones in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain smallholder farmers in parts of sub-Saharan Africa engage in conservation agriculture and participate in agroforestry ecosystem services schemes that generate additional on-farm revenues through payment for ecosystem services (PES). However, smallholder farmers that are inadequately compensated for the foregone income from agricultural production due to marginal ecosystem services provision have no incentive to participate. On the other hand, over-compensating participating farmers will also lead to PES schemes inefficiencies. Therefore, stakeholders are confronted with the challenge of evaluating farm-level interactions between agricultural production and ecosystem services’ provision when making strategic decisions on the efficient level of compensation. We propose in this contribution to assess the efficiency of PES schemes by measuring the marginal cost of ecosystem services based on farm level bio-economic interactions. The quantitative assessment is based on a theoretical classification of the relationship between marketed agricultural output and ecosystem services into complementary, supplementary or competitive. We use a flexible transformation function and cross-sectional data on 120 surveyed smallholder farmers with agroforestry certification in rural Mount Kenya. The results suggest that the joint production (of agricultural output and ecosystem services) for a substantial number of smallholder farms in Kenya may not show a complementary relationship. The biophysical linkage between marketed outputs and ecosystem services strongly influences the marginal cost of ecosystem services. PES schemes could become more efficient if they would target smallholder farms based on the aforementioned classifications by offering a range of contracts to encourage competitive bidding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While previous research has shown the potential of automatic lameness detection by means of a pressure mat, these systems are currently not adopted in practice due to their high cost and low on-farm applicability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate to what level the size (0.61 × 4.88 m) and resolution (0.0127 × 0.0127 m) of the pressure mat can be reduced without significant loss in lameness detection performance. To this end, standard gait variables were calculated based on adapted datasets in which the available data had been reduced to simulate the effects of a decreasing mat length and sensor resolution. These extracted gait variables were then used in a linear discriminant analysis to classify cows as non-lame, mildly lame or severely lame. This analysis indicated that the measurement zone length must be at least 3.28 m to successfully monitor one complete gait cycle, while the size of each individual sensing element should not be larger than 2.58 ∗ 10 −3 m 2 to avoid an increase in the misidentification of imprints. When these limits were taken into account, the obtained overall lameness detection accuracy was not worse than that of the original system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is concerned with the development of a cost-efficient Langevin subgrid-scale model and the analysis of its influence on the dispersed phase of turbulent bubble–laden and particle–laden flows. For this purpose, the Langevin subgrid-scale model of [Pozorski, J., Apte, S. V., 2009. Filtered particle tracking in isotropic turbulence and stochastic modeling of subgrid-scale dispersion. Int. J. Multiphase Flow 35, 118–128.] is chosen as the starting point since it takes the temporal correlations of the subgrid-scale velocity fluctuations, the crossing-trajectory and the continuity effect into account. Based on the idea of [Minier, J.-P., Peirano, E., Chibbaro, S., 2004. PDF model based on Langevin equation for polydispersed two-phase flows applied to a bluff-body gas-solid flow. Phys. Fluids 16, 2419–2431.] [Minier, J.-P., Chibbaro, S., Pope, S. B., 2014. Guidelines for the formulation of Lagrangian stochastic models for particle simulations of single-phase and dispersed two-phase turbulent flows. Phys. Fluids 26, 113303.] to formulate the drift and diffusion terms in matrix form, the model is extended for an arbitrary direction of the particle motion. Considering turbulent downward channel flows of different setups covering a large range of parameters, the influence of the subgrid-scale model is analyzed. After a detailed validation of the bubble–laden flow the Langevin model and a simple trivial model are applied to investigate the effect of the subgrid-scales. It is found that the Langevin subgrid-scale model only marginally changes the velocity statistics or the volume fraction of the bubbles, which can be attributed to the small magnitude of the subgrid-scale velocities obtained by the Langevin model. The model is able to estimate the correct level of the turbulent kinetic energy of the subgrid-scales. Similar results are found for the second setup consisting of solid particles of Stokes number St + = 1.67 . In this case the influence of the Langevin subgrid-scale model on the velocity statistics of the particles is found to be more pronounced. Furthermore, it is observed that the model leads to a strongly increased volume fraction of the particles at the walls and thus to a significant increase of particle-wall collisions. To further investigate this behavior and to analyze the impact of the particle inertia, additional simulations containing smaller particles ( St + = 1 and 0.1) are carried out. The results show that the influence of the Langevin subgrid-scale model on the velocity fluctuations and the volume fraction increases with decreasing Stokes number. Thus, for these cases the extended but nevertheless still cost-efficient Langevin model is a reasonable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The disparity between regional economic growth and environmental preservation. • Lake eco-compensation mechanism is quantified to motivate regional stakeholders. • A bi-level optimization model is proposed for water quality indicator control. • New COD scheme reduces emissions by 17% and NH3-N by 16% compared to 2020 data. • A more reliable environmental conservation paradigm is provided for the lake basin. Lake Ecological Compensation (LEC) mechanism is a localized approach of payment for ecosystem services to address the conflict between economic development and ecological conservation. However, how to motivate regional stakeholders to participate in water quality protection is a challenge. Based on the traditional Coase Theorem, vertical eco-compensation mechanism has been proposed to solve pollution of lake basin. The quantification of LEC is characterized by key water quality indicators (NH 3 -N and COD) in this paper. Integrating LEC mechanism with the ecological-economic model, this paper proposes a bi-level optimization framework for the conservation of the lake water environment. Referring to Coase's theory, the leader's goal is to distribute waste load permits equally to sub-regions while followers aim to minimize environmental costs. The appropriate application of this method to Taihu Basin demonstrates its efficiency and practicality. The LEC mechanism with different scenarios is analyzed and suggestions for lake water quality are made. The results show that: (1) Considering equitable principle, the new COD allocation scheme has reduced the total amount of emissions by 17% compared to the data in 2020, and the total amount of NH 3 -N has decreased by 16%. (2) With the cooperation of lake basin institutions, the LEC mechanism is proved to be an effective measure in promoting the conservation of the lake water environment. (3) The spillover effect of environmental and ecological policies in lake water indicates the need to upgrade industrial structure. This paper proposes to provide a more reliable the conservation of the lake water environment paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative contracting between public transport authorities (PTAs) and bus operators has been presented as a successful method for reaching public transport policy goals. This paper examines management processes and outcome data, asking whether this management approach, incorporating more far-reaching collaborative elements, is associated with higher goal achievement in two Swedish regions and two contracts. Stated regional policy goals are ridership growth, reaching set levels of customer satisfaction, and some cost-efficiency. This management approach suggests that PTAs should delegate more planning responsibility to operators. PTA management assessed the approach to be valid but, to our surprise, also said that they frequently reclaimed previously abandoned control to secure desired outcomes. This indicates that more delegation may not necessarily have led to increased goal achievement. Without making claims as to causality, we note that ridership increased in both regions and individual contracts, while customer satisfaction stagnated and costs increased steeply in both regions, but not in one contract. The paper questions whether collaborative contracting, on average, has contributed to ridership increases generally, although it may have in some instances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The mechanics property and transmission property of crushed waste oyster shell mortar were investigated. • The effect of crushed waste oyster shell contents and particle size on mortar transmission properties were revealed. • Possible applications of CWOS structure in ocean engineering structures were suggested. In order to study the feasibility of crushed waste oyster shell (CWOS) as an ocean engineering material, through the experimental study and analysis of compressive strength (f c), flexural strength (f f), apparent density, volume of permeable void (VPV), sorptivity, water permeability coefficient (WPC) and chloride charge passed (CCP) of CWOS mortars, the effects of CWOS content and particle size on mechanics properties and transmission properties of CWOS mortar are revealed. The results show that the mechanical property, apparent density and sorptivity of CWOS mortar increased with the decrease of particle size of CWOS, while VPV, WPC and CCP decreased. CWOS has a positive effect on improving the mechanical properties of mortar with the increasing of curing age. In addition, the finer the CWOS is, the better the mechanical properties and durability of the mortar are. Compared with the control mortar, the total cost of the CWOS mortar is reduced by 2%–5%, and the CO 2 emission is reduced by 0.1%–0.5%. Therefore, considering the mechanical properties, durability and ecological performance, the F20-CWOS mortar is the most suitable choice for ocean engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change mitigation in the agricultural sector is a key policy goal. Marginal abatement cost curves allow comparing the cost-effectiveness of agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation measures. Existing studies often do not account for the heterogeneity of farms and interactions between mitigation measures. The objective of this study is to present a new approach that allows the calculation of a marginal abatement cost curve that considers farm level interaction effects of climate change mitigation measures. We assess the influence of farm structural heterogeneity on the greenhouse gas abatement potential and the corresponding abatement costs when measures are implemented jointly on the farm level. We use the bio-economic farm model FarmDyn to simulate farm-specific abatement potential and mitigation costs for a set of mixed dairy farms in a Swiss case study region (n = 66) and develop an approach to calculate a bottom-up, marginal abatement cost curve based on our sample of farms. Simulation results are used to identify and quantify the effect of heterogeneous farm structures (e.g., size, land use, etc.) on the interactions of climate change mitigation measures using regression analysis. In our study, interaction effects reduce marginal abatement costs by 7% and the overall greenhouse gas abatement potential by 3% compared to a stand-alone consideration of four climate change mitigation measures. Our analysis of how the underlying farm structures affect interaction effects between climate change mitigation measures shows that complex processes on the farm level can have ambiguous effects (i.e., increasing or decreasing greenhouse gas emissions). We conclude that our approach can provide important knowledge about how heterogeneity affects marginal abatement costs when mitigation measures interact with each other. Knowledge about the effectiveness and efficiency of climate change mitigation measures and their interaction effects improves our understanding and development of bottom-up marginal abatement cost curves, which represent an important and widely used tool to inform policymakers and stakeholders on cost-efficient and cost-effective climate change mitigation in agriculture. [Display omitted] • We calculate a marginal abatement cost curve for agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. • Our approach allows to consider interactions between mitigation measures. • The results permit to identify the heterogeneity in marginal abatement costs across farms. • A bio-economic farm level model is used for mixed dairy farms in a Swiss case study region. • Interactions are important for abatement potential and cost-effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines an econometric analysis of business planning data examining the scope for efficiency improvements of regulated firms in regulatory price reviews. Historical data may not fully reflect current industry cost structures, whereas forecast data offers evidence on cost evolution. Business Plans can provide useful information on planned elimination of inefficiencies in response to regulatory pressure. Network Rail submitted such data to the British railway regulator at the last Periodic Review (2013). Using a cost frontier model, the organisation's business units are analysed to determine the extent of their plans to eliminate internal inefficiencies and response to regulatory incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines the utilisation of waste products from three sectors (industry, agriculture, and construction and demolition) in filters for the removal of contaminants from water. Sand is commonly used in drinking water filtration in water treatment plants. However, the use of alternative, low-cost materials could address the limitations of sand, particularly for the removal of emerging contaminants, and address European legislation which fosters the development of a ‘circular’ economy, in which materials are used effectively. This review assesses the suitability of potential media by quantifying their adsorption potential across a variety of common drinking water contaminants. The media investigated were fly ash, Bayer residue, ground granular blast furnace slag, coconut shell, tea/coffee waste, rice husk, crushed concrete, masonry waste, and wood waste. There is a potential for the use of these media in the water treatment sector, although certain precautions must be taken to ensure any concerns are mitigated, such as release of metals into water. Recommendations, following this review, include testing the media in large-scale applications, and also constructing filters so as potential media are placed in layers to harness their contrasting adsorptive potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil was the first country to submit a reference level (RL) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aiming to claim results-based payments for reduced emissions from deforestation in the REDD+ mechanism. This voluntary RL submission has passed an official technical assessment process by the UNFCCC on the accordance of the data and method applied, which was finalised in December 2014. After years of international negotiations this has become possible by the REDD+ framework finally agreed. Although never formally adopted, the rules of procedure of the UNFCCC foresee consensus among the 196 parties to the convention. Due to the wide heterogeneity in national circumstances and capacities between these parties, the decided REDD+ framework represents a compromise, and in some points space for interpretation remains due to a lack of clear definitions. E.g., no internationally standardised method exists for the design of RLs under UNFCCC; rather each country has the possibility to apply its own approach within a given range of requirements. We argue that these nationally designed RLs involve the danger of raising a ‘cherry-picking’ mentality, which would reduce cost-efficiency of the payments. Especially in the light of the ongoing pressure to fight anthropogenic global climate change, the overall objective of REDD+ should be climate effectiveness. Therefore, apparently contradictory objectives—of integrating as many developing countries as possible, by keeping the barriers low, and of effective emission reductions by persisting on strict rules for national carbon accounting—had to be balanced. According to the technical assessment by the UNFCCC, the submitted Brazilian RL fulfils all formal requirements. However, as implication of the negotiated framework, there remain some questions on the climate effectiveness and the cost-efficiency of the submitted approach, which this viewpoint paper aims to critically reflect. Brazil chose for its present RL design the eligible options of a subnational coverage, with consideration of the activity of deforestation only. But only comprehensive accounting of all activities on national scale can ensure that all potential emissions are accounted for. By the present accounting gap, doubts on climate effectiveness arise. Furthermore, Brazil chose a fixed starting year for historic emissions and did not consider national circumstances, which results in reference emissions of about 1100 Mt CO 2 /a between 2006 and 2010. This potentially profitable RL setting for Brazil raises doubt on the cost-efficiency of the implied REDD+ payment. Whether these problems arising from the four eligible but critical RL options applied by Brazil emerge in other RLs as well, was checked for further five RL proposals submitted up to now. None of these country submissions has passed the technical assessment yet. The submitted approaches for RL design differ among the considered countries but one can see a tendency towards profitable individual RL definitions, similar to the Brazilian RL. From our findings we conclude that individually determined RLs without standardised methods bear the risk of national ‘cherry-picking’ which can compromise climate effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the whole REDD+ mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ineffectiveness of current river restoration practices hinders the achievement of ecological quality targets set by country-specific regulations. Recent advances in river restoration help planning efforts more systematically to reach ecological targets at the least costs. However, such approaches are often desktop-based and overlook real-world constraints. We argue that combining two techniques commonly used in the conservation arena - expert judgement and systematic planning – will deliver cost-effective restoration plans with a high potential for implementation. We tested this idea targeting the restoration of spawning habitat, i.e. gravel bars, for 11 rheophilic fish species along a river system in Germany (Havel-Spree rivers). With a group of local fish experts, we identified the location and extent of potential gravel bars along the rivers and necessary improvements to migration barriers to ensure fish passage. Restoration cost of each gravel bar included the cost of the action itself plus a fraction of the cost necessary to ensure longitudinal connectivity by upgrading or building fish passages located downstream. We set restoration targets according to the EU Water Framework Directive, i.e. relative abundance of 11 fish species in the reference community and optimised a restoration plan by prioritising a subset of restoration sites from the full set of identified sites, using the conservation planning software Marxan. Out of the 66 potential gravel bars, 36 sites which were mainly located in the downstream section of the system were selected, reflecting their cost-effectiveness given that fewer barriers needed intervention. Due to the limited overall number of sites that experts identified as being suitable for restoring spawning habitat, reaching abundance-targets was challenged. We conclude that coupling systematic river restoration planning with expert judgement produces optimised restoration plans that account for on-the-ground implementation constraints. If applied, this approach has a high potential to enhance overall efficiency of future restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing drilling fluids with a low solid content is preferred for better solid control, easier fluid maintenance, faster penetration rate, and improved hydraulics in oil and natural gas exploration. In this work, low solid drilling fluids were prepared by replacing a certain amount of bentonite in traditional fluids with a small amount of cellulose nanoparticles (CNPs), including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), aiming to improve cost-efficiency, eco-friendliness, and safety of the fluids. Rheological and filtration properties of the fluids were investigated and compared with those of the traditional fluids without CNPs. The results indicated that the low solid fluids exhibited an obvious shear thinning behavior. The morphology of CNPs played an essential role in modifying the fluid properties. The fluids with smaller CNCs had lower viscosity, yield point, and gel strength; and the formed filter cakes had a larger porosity and lower permeability, in comparison with the fluids having larger and longer CNFs. These differences were attributed to the distinct CNC and CNF morphologies and their interactions with bentonite. The study helps promote applications of biodegradable and renewable additives in well service fluids for oil and natural gas exploitation and production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broiler producers operate in a highly competitive and cost-price driven environment. In addition, in recent years the societal pressure to improve animal welfare (AW) in broiler production systems is increasing. Hence, from an economic and decision making point of view, the cost-efficiency of improvement in AW obtained from a certain production system is of great importance. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to analyze the contribution of four different production systems to overall AW and the cost-efficiency of increased AW at the farm level. Cost-efficiency was calculated as the ratio of the change in the level of animal welfare and the change in the level of production costs compared to the level of conventional system (i.e., legal minimum standards). The level of AW was measured by the Welfare Quality index score (WQ index score) calculated on the basis of data collected in 168 flocks in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Italy within the Welfare Quality® project. On the basis of system attributes, three main segments of production systems are distinguished, i.e., conventional, middle-market and top-market systems. The middle-market and top-market systems use a slow growing breed. Stocking density ranges from 25 to 31 kg/m 2 in middle-market systems and from 21 to 27.5 kg/m 2 in top-market systems. In the middle-market systems, a covered veranda is provided to the chickens, whereas in the top-market systems chickens have access to an outdoor range. Results show that the middle-market systems, such as Volwaard and Puur & Eerlijk systems, had the highest WQ index score (736), whereas the conventional system had the lowest (577). Moreover, the WQ index score of extensive outdoor (733) and organic systems (698) was below that of the middle-market systems. The major system attributes that differentiate between production systems are broiler type, stocking density and outdoor access. Three system attributes contributed most to AW in all systems, i.e., broiler type, stocking density and length of the dark period. With respect to production costs, broiler chickens kept in conventional system were produced at the lowest costs, followed by the middle-market, the extensive outdoor, and the organic systems. With regard to cost-efficiency, when shifting from conventional to an alternative system, middle-market systems (i.e., Volwaard and Puur & Eerlijk; 8.37) outperformed the extensive outdoor (3.90) and organic systems (1.03). Overall, it can be concluded that the middle-market systems could be attractive for farmers due to their high cost-efficiency and the flexibility to revert to the conventional system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity conservation efforts in Europe have traditionally focused on farmland and open nature areas such as grasslands, heathlands and meadows, while little attention has been devoted to conservation actions in forest. Using detailed information on the geographical distribution of about 900 terrestrial species in Denmark we apply systematic conservation planning techniques to identify how to protect biodiversity at the lowest cost to society. The results suggest that conservation actions in forest should be given a higher priority. Thus, three to four times the number of forest species are protected per million € compared with species living in open land natural areas. Furthermore, a gap analysis finds the current designation of Natura 2000 and other protected areas is skewed toward open land natural areas, and insufficient to meet the conservation targets on forest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Propose of a FRP grid-reinforced UHPC plate and study of its flexural behavior. • 26 plates with steel, basalt and PE fibers additions are subjected to four-point bending tests. • Up to 200 % enhancement in flexural capacity can be obtained with PE fiber addition. • Increase fiber content for short basalt or PE fibers (<6 mm) has little enhancement in flexural capacity. • Plates with 1 % volume fraction of 12-mm-length PE fibers is the most economical option. Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), which has an excellent compressive strength and an extraordinary durability, has become increasingly popular in structural engineering. However, UHPC has an inferior tensile property to its compressive property, and thus appropriate reinforcing material is necessary in UHPC structures. To this end, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) grids have been proposed for UHPC plates as reinforcements (the composite plates are referred to as FRP grid-UHPC composite plates). As the steel fibers in UHPC would still suffer from corrosion problems in aggressive environments, non-metallic fibers can be in UHPC so that steel-free FRP grid-UHPC composite plates are developed. A total of 26 plates (600 mm in length × 120 mm in width × 40 mm in thickness) are prepared for three-point bending tests in this study. The effects of the fiber type, fiber content and the fiber length on the flexural behavior of FRP grid-UHPC composite plates are investigated. Additionally, an analysis into the microstructure based on scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the FRP-UHPC composite plates is conducted. Moreover, a simple evaluation between the costs and the flexural capacities of the FRP grid-UHPC composite plates is conducted. It is economical to adopt 12-mm-length polyethylene (PE) fibers with a 1 % volume fraction to manufacture composite plates. Finally, the ultimate flexural capacities of FRP grid-UHPC plates were predicted using the section analysis approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood transfusions are costly and increase morbidity and mortality [1–3] . Transfusion decisions are guided by the value of hemoglobin in patients. The worldwide current practice of obtaining this data is based in intermittent, invasive measurements of hemoglobin that are sent to the laboratory. This procedure may contribute to unnecessary and inappropriate blood transfusions that account for 10% [4] of the total amount of transfusions, due to the uncertainty given by the delay in receiving the data back from the lab and the difficulty associated in the detection of internal bleeding. The use of a new procedure to obtain hemoglobin value, based in real-time monitoring, may allow physicians to initiate timely blood transfusions and avoid giving unnecessary ones. A literature search will be done to demonstrate a reduction in transfusions with this new monitoring method and the associated savings in costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abatement of ammonia (NH 3 ) and particulate matter (PM) emissions in agriculture reduces damages to human health and biodiversity and provides benefits for society, but also imposes costs on farmers. As NH 3 and PM emissions partly originate from the same activities as greenhouse gases, interactions may exist between NH 3 and PM emission abatement and greenhouse gas emissions. This study is aimed at estimating the costs and benefits of NH 3 and PM emission abatement measures, considering interactions with agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in Germany. We combined an economic-ecological farm model for estimating emission reductions and abatement costs with an integrated environmental impact assessment model for estimating the benefits for human health and biodiversity, with applications to three Federal States in Germany. We reasoned that benefits exceed costs and that synergies with greenhouse gas reduction exist. All NH 3 and PM emission abatement measures affected greenhouse gases. In crop production, conservation tillage increased farmers' gross margins and reduced both PM emissions and, via soil carbon sequestration, also greenhouse gas emissions. The benefits depended on the soil type and its carbon sequestration potential, which differ across regions. The substitution of urea fertiliser for calcium ammonium nitrate reduced both NH 3 and greenhouse gas emissions. In livestock production, the measures with the highest net benefits were chemical washers for exhaust-air purification, injection or cultivator manure application and concrete manure storage cover. Low-protein pig feeding increased farmers' gross margins and also achieved high net benefits, with the benefits of greenhouse gas emission reduction exceeding those of NH 3 emission reduction. Low-protein poultry feeding and biofilters for air purification yielded negative net benefits and were therefore not recommended for implementation. The results confirm interactions of NH 3 and PM emission abatement measures with greenhouse gas emissions and suggest that all relevant emission types be integrated in an analysis. Air pollution abatement and climate change mitigation have mainly been addressed in separate policies. Our results suggest that these policies are better integrated so as to stimulate synergies and to define the appropriate ambition level of emission reduction targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to assess the efficiency cost of the Tunisian public bus transport system using six stochastic frontier models to see which one would the most robust. This analysis is based on a sample of 12 Tunisian regional bus transport companies for the period 2000/2010. To achieve this, we chose, as an dependent variable, the “variable cost” and, as an independent variable, the output “seats per kilometer”, the prices of the input, labor and energy as well as a control variable represented by the network length. The main results show that the regional bus transport companies are economically inefficient with an almost similar magnitude regardless of the estimated model except for Green’s True model (2002). This inefficiency is explained by the existence of an outdated regulation characterized by an administered wage policy where financial risk is incurred by the authorities and not by the company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baltic Sea and the Chesapeake Bay share many characteristics. Both are shallow, brackish marine areas that suffer from eutrophication. Successful policies targeting point source pollution have lowered nutrient loads in both areas, but achieving the desired marine quality will require further abatement: efforts may be extended to more complicated and expensive pollution sources, notably agricultural nonpoint loads. Despite their ecological similarities, the two watersheds have different histories and institutional settings and have thus adopted different policies. Comparing and contrasting the policies reveal ways to improve the efficiency of each and ways to avoid the path of trial and error. No comparison of the parallel protection efforts, which involve expenditures of hundreds of millions of dollars annually, has been carried out to date. The present paper analyzes the policies applied in the two regions, distilling the results into six recommendations for future steps in preserving what are valuable sea areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First-line immunotherapies of AE include IVMP, IVIG, and PE. • The combination of IVMP and IVIG was used most frequently than either alone. • A similar effectiveness was achieved with IVMP and IVIG either in combination or alone. • Monotherapy of IVMP might be a better choice with a better cost-efficiency. To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and cost-efficiency of first-line immunotherapies on neuronal surface antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalitis (AE) based on a real-world observational study in China. Our study retrospectively collected the clinical and paraclinical data of patients with definite neuronal surface antibody-mediated AE between July 2014 and July 2020. Regular follow-up was performed after administering standard regimens of first-line immunotherapies, including intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) and / or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Therapeutic effectiveness was reflected by modified Rankin Scale scores. The health resource utilization and direct medical costs were extracted to analyze the cost-efficiency. Among the 78 eligible patients, 48 (61.5%) were males with a median age of 40 years. More than half (56, 71.8%) were treated with combination therapy, with the rest receiving IVMP and IVIG monotherapy (both of 11, 14.1%). Related objective variables, i.e., sex, onset age, disease course, onset symptoms, antibody types, abnormal paraclinical results, disease severity, and the health insurance, showed insignificant differences on the selection of therapy. Each therapy showed similar short-term (4-week) and long-term (1-year) therapeutic effects. Yet the single or combination of IVIG had a slightly better effectiveness but higher cost than the monotherapy of IVMP. The combination of IVMP and IVIG was used more frequently than either alone, which may be associated with neurologist's personal experience and patient's wishes. Though with similar therapeutic effectiveness, the use of IVMP alone might be a better choice with a better cost-efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological rehabilitation is subject to a variety of risks affecting the likely return on investment. We propose an options approach to allocating scarce conservation funds that explicitly allows for the irreversibility of investment and risks to investment payoffs. The approach captures ecosystem dynamics from extinction debt, as well as ecological and climatic risks at the project scale. Climatic risks are introduced through three channels: the effects of climate change on species loss, future rehabilitation benefits and frequency of catastrophic events. Our results suggest that allocating voluntary rehabilitation contracts on the basis of real options criteria increases cost-efficiency and delivers greater value for money for the Government when compared with the conventional cost-effectiveness criterion as it is illustrated for the case of Box Gum Grassy Woodland rehabilitation in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a coupled economic–ecological model that integrates a catchment model with a marine model and incorporates economic data to analyse the long-term economic and ecological consequences of nutrient abatement in the Baltic Sea. The spatially explicit model describes dynamics of soil phosphorus in arable land, developments of nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton biomass in the sea basins, and inter-annual variation in nutrient loads and biophysical processes. The performance of the model is demonstrated by computing the least-cost solution to reach the good environmental state of the sea – as implied by the Baltic Sea Action Plan – within a time span of 40 years. The total cost of achieving this target is 1487 M€ annually. Spatially optimal allocation of load reductions differs from the load reduction targets of the Baltic Sea Action Plan, and focuses more on the control of phosphorus loads. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this work is to develop an overview on the available building and system retrofit technologies for energy efficient school buildings including their impact on the energy performance and indoor environment quality. The screening will also provide important information about the cost-efficiency of the screened technologies for different climates and school typologies. The intended audiences for this work are designers and planners of school buildings. The idea is that Municipalities all over Europe can use the screening results and can find useful technologies for their specific school buildings. Also the work constitute background knowledge for further work in the School of the Future project, especially for the design guidelines to be developed, but also the extension of the information tool and the tailored training. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to exploit economies of scale Belgian municipalities regularly cooperate in the provision of waste related services. In particular for the collection and separation of household packaging waste, municipalities appear to seek technical and cost efficiency gains by cooperating via municipal waste joint ventures. Although most Belgian municipal waste joint ventures can present excellent recycling and recovery rates for household packaging waste, their performance in terms of cost-efficiency has never been assessed. Using a unique dataset comprising of the costs for all 35 Belgian municipal waste joint ventures in 2010, this paper present the first assessment of the cost efficiency of household packaging waste collection in Belgium. As we are not sure on the relative importance of the separate cost efficiency scores for the three selectively collected household packaging waste fractions when determining the overall cost efficiency, this paper draws on the Benefit-of-the-Doubt approach. Our results indicate that, despite the substantial cooperation between municipalities, still considerable differences in cost efficiency for household packaging waste collection exist. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Design and Development of FA-Slag blended GPC activated by alkaline solutions. • Utilisation of industrial waste (sodium silicate) as a filler material in GPC. • Exemplification of GPC as a novel material in the context of circular economy. • Assessment of sustainability indices in terms of cost and energy efficiency. This investigation presents the experimental studies on mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete (GPC) developed with the addition of sodium silicate waste sediments (SSW) as coarse aggregates. Conventional crushed granite coarse aggregate (CA) was replaced by SSW from the sodium silicate manufacturing plant. The GPC was developed by replacing the natural CA with SSW from 0% − 70% with a trend in exercising circular economy in the concrete. The GPC with 100% CA was used as the control specimen to compare the results of different replacement levels of SSW. A low calcium Fly ash (FA) and Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) were used as binder materials, along with sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions as activator solutions. The sodium hydroxide of 4 M and sodium hydroxide to sodium silicate ratio of 1:1.5 were used in the development of the mixes. Two types of curing conditions namely, ambient and oven curing were adopted. The M30 grade design mix was used for control and CA replaced specimens. The mechanical properties such as compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths along with the elastic modulus of GPC at the ages of 7-, and 28-day were investigated. Microstructural analysis was conducted to examine the influence of SSW on the strength characteristics of GPC. The analyses were performed to evaluate the energy requirement and CO 2 emission of GPC and OPCC (Ordinary Portland Cement Concrete) in the production of 1 m3 concrete based on the previous literature. The significance of the proposed research work emphasizes the utilization of waste SSW as an aggregate material for the development of GPC. Therefore, a sustainable GPC mix can be developed with lower energy requirement and CO 2 emission. The results revealed that the specimens with 40% SSW cured at 60 °C produced the targeted strength of 34.6 MPa. Meanwhile, the mixes with 40% − 70% of SSW exhibited superior performance in terms of cost and eco-efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Negative consequences for biodiversity in intensive forestry may be mitigated by compensation measures. [•] Slash harvesting compensated by creation of high stumps can be a win–win solution. [•] When undertaking stump harvesting it is impossible to achieve a win–win solution. [•] When no win–win solution exist, it is better to limit the activity rather than compensating for it. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Assessment of working postures by observation is a common practice in ergonomics. The present study investigated whether monetary resources invested in a video-based posture observation study should preferably be spent in collecting many video recordings of the work and have them observed once by one observer, or in having multiple observers rate postures repeatedly from fewer videos. The study addressed this question from a practitioner''s perspective by focusing two plausible scenarios: documenting the mean exposure of one individual, and of a specific occupational group. Using a data set of observed working postures among hairdressers, empirical values of posture variability, observer variability, and costs for recording and observing one video were entered into equations expressing the total cost of data collection and the information (defined as 1/SD) provided by the resulting estimates of two variables: percentage time with the arm elevated <15° and >90°. Sixteen measurement strategies involving 1–4 observers repeating their posture ratings 1–4 times were examined for budgets up to €2000. For both posture variables and in both the individual and group scenario, the most cost-efficient strategy at any specific budget was to engage 3–4 observers and/or having observer(s) rate postures multiple times each. Between 17% and 34% less information was produced when using the commonly practiced approach of having one observer rate a number of video recordings one time each. We therefore recommend observational posture assessment to be based on video recordings of work, since this allows for multiple observations; and to allocate monetary resources to repeated observations rather than many video recordings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Auxiliary information provided by airborne laser scanners (ALS) is expected to increase the accuracy of biomass estimation in large-scale forest surveys. Because acquisition of “wall-to-wall” ALS data over large areas is not economically feasible, a systematic sampling approach using ALS as a strip sampling tool was used to supplement a conventional field-based inventory in a large-scale biomass survey in Hedmark County (HC), Norway. However, the complexities of these surveys render prohibitive the analytical determination of the properties of the resulting estimators and of the estimators of their sampling variances. To overcome the problem, the statistical properties of the estimators were empirically investigated in this paper using simulated sampling from an artificial population. Through this approach, estimators with desirable properties can be identified and used for inference in real applications. By combining biomass estimates from Norwegian National Forest Inventory plots in HC, ALS measurements and Landsat 5 TM imagery, an artificial population at the scale of HC was created. Using this artificial population as “ground-truth”, we demonstrate how simulated sampling can be used for assessing the statistical properties of regression estimators and of their variance estimators under two-phase post-stratified systematic sampling (SYS) and simple random sampling without replacement (SRSwoR) designs, considering design- and model-dependent inferential frameworks. The results were assessed using a purely ground-based systematic design with a Horvitz–Thompson (HT) estimator as benchmark. The real overall precision of the ALS-aided systematic survey was nearly five times overestimated when using the design-based variance estimators developed for SRSwoR, while under model-dependent inference the overestimation of the real standard errors was around 40%. Compared to ground-based inventory, the estimated standard errors of the systematic ALS survey doubled while in reality the standard errors were 55% lower. Using successive differences variance estimators greatly improved the precision of the systematic ALS-aided survey and produced valid 95% confidence intervals under the design-based inference. The most satisfactory results for the ALS-aided survey in terms of analytical variances occurred under design-based inference with successive difference variance estimator, closely followed by the model-dependent estimators. Using simulations, the cost efficiency of the ground based and ALS-aided surveys was assessed by evaluating accuracy against inventory cost for various sampling intensities. The results indicated that the ALS-aided surveys can be a cost-efficient alternative to traditional field inventories. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The establishment of linkages between habitats is of great importance to avert the detrimental impacts of land fragmentation and climate change on biodiversity. Linkages need to be cost-efficient, and should account for specific dispersal requirements of species. Since cost-efficient linkages defined independently for each individual species are more costly than linkages optimised for multiple species, there is need for methods specifically designed to retrieve efficient linkages for multiple species. MulTyLink (Multiple Type Linkages) is a C++ open source program that defines cost-efficient linkages free of barriers for the species considered, and that allows species-specific dispersal requirements to be considered. Here we present, discuss and illustrate the algorithms used by MulTyLink to identify cost-efficient linkages for multiple species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a perfect world, systematic conservation planning would use complete information on the distribution of biodiversity. However, information on most species is grossly incomplete. Two main types of distribution data are frequently used in conservation planning: observed and predicted distribution data. A fundamental question that planners face is – which kind of data is better under what circumstances? We used simulation procedures to analyse the effects of using different types of distribution data on the performance of reserve selection algorithms in scenarios using different reserve selection problems, amounts of species distribution known, conservation targets and costs. To compare these scenarios we used occurrence data from 25 amphibian and 41 reptile species of the Iberian Peninsula and assumed the available data represented the whole truth. We then sampled fractions of these data and either used them as they were, or converted them to modelled predicted distributions. This enabled us to build three other types of species distribution data sets commonly used in conservation planning: “predicted”, “transformed predicted” and “mixed”. Our results suggest that reserve selection performance is sensitive to the type of species distribution data used and that the most cost-efficient decision depends most on the reserve selection problem and on how much we have of the species distribution data. Choosing the most appropriate type of distribution data should start by evaluating the scenario circumstances. While there is no one best approach for every scenario, we discovered that using a mixed approach usually provides an acceptable compromise between species representation and cost. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Substantial climate change impacts threaten the persistence of cultural resources globally. The need exists for conceptualizing decision support tools that focus on quantifying and optimizing the managerial priorities to leverage historic preservation and adaptation actions that enhance the continuity of heritage values and sites. Informed by the Structured Decision Making (SDM) approach, this study advances the singular objective Optimal Preservation (OptiPres) Model, a decision support tool for climate adaptation planning of historic buildings by considering three tourism management objectives: (a) maximize accumulated resource value, (b) maximize cost-efficiency, and (c) minimize vulnerability. These objectives are tested under different budget scenarios using a 30-year planning horizon with a subset of buildings located in two historic districts of Cape Lookout National Seashore (CALO), United States. The multi-objective approach demonstrates the OptiPres Model is transformative, transparent, and transferable for providing cultural resource decision support and enhancing the sustainability of cultural heritage globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Muddy floods, i.e. runoff from cultivated areas carrying large quantities of soil, are frequent and widespread in the European loess belt. They are mainly generated in dry zero-order valleys and are nowadays considered as the most likely process transferring material eroded from cultivated hillslopes during the Holocene to the flood plain. The huge costs of muddy flood damages justify the urgent installation of control measures. In the framework of the ‘Soil Erosion Decree’ of the Belgian Flemish region, a 12 ha-grassed waterway and three earthen dams have been installed between 2002–2004 in the thalweg of a 300-ha cultivated dry valley in the Belgian loess belt. The measures served their purpose by preventing any muddy flood in the downstream village, despite the occurrence of several extreme rainfall events (with a maximum return period of 150 years). The catchment has been intensively monitored from 2005–2007 and 39 runoff events were recorded in that period. Peak discharge (per ha) was reduced by 69% between the upstream and the downstream extremities of the grassed waterway (GWW). Furthermore, runoff was buffered for 5–12 h behind the dams, and the lag time at the outlet of the catchment was thereby increased by 75%. Reinfiltration was also observed within the waterway, runoff coefficients decreasing by a mean of 50% between both extremities of the GWW. Sediment discharge was also reduced by 93% between the GWW''s inflow and the outlet. Before the installation of the control measures, specific sediment yield (SSY) of the catchment reached 3.5 t ha−1 yr−1 and an ephemeral gully was observed nearly each year in the catchment. Since the control measures have been installed, no (ephemeral) gully has developed and the SSY of the catchment dropped to a mean of 0.5 t ha−1 yr−1. Hence, sediment transfer from the cultivated dry valley to the alluvial plain should dramatically decrease. Total cost of the control measures that are built for a 20 year-period is very low (126 € ha−1) compared to the mean damage cost associated with muddy floods in the study area (54 € ha−1 yr−1). Similar measures should therefore be installed to protect other flooded villages of the Belgian loess belt and comparable environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Natura 2000 (N2000) network represents one of the most important actions for biodiversity conservation in Europe; its main aim is to assure the favourable conservation status of Europe''s natural habitats and wild species. Monitoring of N2000 sites is required under the Habitats Directive, and Member States are required to report monitoring results to the European Commission. However, there is a widespread lack of understanding about precisely what should be monitored and which methods should be used. This research aimed to identify potential indicators and evaluate their suitability for evaluating the conservation status of forested habitats in N2000 sites. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of monitoring methods was assessed. Three monitoring methods were assessed in two N2000 sites, the Foresta del Cansiglio (IT) and the New Forest (UK): (i) sample plots, (ii) a point-transect method and (iii) a visual assessment method. Indicators were selected on the basis of a literature review, and related to forest structure and composition, dead wood volume, tree regeneration and ground flora composition. Results suggested that mean values of indicators did not differ between the plot and the point-transect-based methods (P >0.05; paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test). However, the survey method employed influenced the extent of variation within the indicators (as indicated by Z scores), a measure of their sensitivity. Correlations between indicators differed between the two sites. Of the three methods considered, the point-transect method was the most efficient in terms of set-up and total time required, but required the longest time per indicator and surveyed the smallest area (P <0.001, Kruskal–Wallis test). The visual assessment method assessed the largest forest area; however, total scores of the reference values obtained from the plot-based and point-transect methods were poorly correlated with those obtained from this subjective approach. The contrasting results obtained between different methods and between different sites suggest that a general approach to monitoring N2000 sites may be difficult to develop; rather, a framework that can be adapted to the specific needs and characteristics of individual sites may be required. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In conservation science or applied ecology there is often a range of techniques available to study a given problem. It is clearly sensible to use the most effective, but the cost-effectiveness of different methods is rarely compared. Comparisons are not straightforward, as the selection of the best method will depend on the time, budget and equipment, and human resources available. The most efficient method in one case might not be that for another with different constraints. To overcome this problem we use a sub-sampling approach to make such comparisons among research techniques, comparing the results achievable with increasingly larger subsets of data, and using a cost-efficiency analysis. We illustrate this approach with a comparison of two common techniques, radio-telemetry and transects surveys, in the study of habitat selection by the lesser kestrels Falco naumanni. Habitat preferences were determined using compositional analysis with the two methods providing similar overall results. Telemetry resulted in a larger number of significant differences between the habitats, but the costs were higher; 312 EUR per statistically significant difference compared to 82.5 EUR for transect data. Transects were a cheaper technique but when surveying a large area they are limited by road availability. We suggest that the comparison of the effectiveness of techniques should be routinely applied to a range of conservation issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The global biodiversity crisis extends to autochthonous local breeds of livestock. There is an increasing danger that these rare breeds become extinct and with them their locally adapted gene pool. Modern molecular tools such as parentage testing using microsatellite genotyping are powerful in guiding management and conservation. We tested nine microsatellite markers in three Croatian horse breeds and obtained high exclusion probabilities (EPs) for the most common test scenario ‘one parent and offspring known and the other parent tested’ (99.9% in Posavina and Croatian Coldblood and 99.3% in Lipizzaner), despite that Lipizzaner has an overall lower genetic variability at microsatellite loci. To become a useful tool in breed management in countries with developing economies, genetic screening systems must be designed to be statistically powerful yet economically viable. Therefore, a suite of six markers that can be run in two multiplex systems and which still gives high exclusion probabilities (99.5% in Posavina and Croatian Coldblood and 98% in Lipizzaner) was chosen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper explores the potential of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol to promote modern bioenergy options in developing countries. The starting point is that developing countries need to be given a major role in the implementation of the Convention on Climate Change because of their increasing energy demands and the pressing need to mitigate climate change. The role of CDM is discussed in the context of sustainable development, formation of carbon markets, and promotion of bioenergy options. Besides contributing to mitigate climate change, CDM can be used to demonstrate and disseminate new technologies, reduce investment risks and enhance the cost-efficiency of projects, while also creating jobs and improving environmental conditions. In this context, bioenergy projects are attractive and CDM provides a complementary bridge for international cooperation towards sustainable development. However, since CDM is project-based, a broader policy framework is needed to integrate such projects in regional and global bioenergy systems solutions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this paper is to validate plan of R&D on solar cells in the (New-) Sunshine Program of Japan by using cost-effectiveness analysis and to demonstrate usefulness of the analysis for R&D planning. Based on the analysis, R&D goals and/or allocation of R&D expenditure of multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) might not be appropriate after FY1996. And R&D expenditure for solar cells might be decided without forecasting increase of the mc-Si solar cell production by the subsidization programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]