We estimated the landscape value of an ornamental tree - Cupressus sempervirens - in the area of ... more We estimated the landscape value of an ornamental tree - Cupressus sempervirens - in the area of Lake Garda (Northern Italy) using the contingent valuation method. The cypress is intimately associated with the image of this region, both as urban forestry and urban greening. Beyond the important historical and cultural significance of this tree, it actively contributes to the harmony of a unique landscape which represents a combination of natural and human capital that underpins a flourishing tourist industry. This landscape is threatened by the so-called "Cypress canker" (Seiridium cardinale). In order to combat this disease effectively, trees need to be monitored, treated and possibly replaced by resistant varieties. Such interventions are quite costly for the cash strapped policy-makers and can only be justified economically if the disappearance of the cypress trees will reduce the landscape value of the area. We interviewed face-to-face 411 randomly drawn tourists (resp...
Abstract: The Ponale Road features a spectacular panorama, consisting of one of the most beautifu... more Abstract: The Ponale Road features a spectacular panorama, consisting of one of the most beautiful mountain-top views of Lake Garda (northern Italy). In the past, it attracted large numbers of tourists from all over Europe, especially mountain bikers, due to its unique ...
To compare the efficacy and safety of oral azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 3 days with those o... more To compare the efficacy and safety of oral azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 3 days with those of oral clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days. Randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter study. Seventy-six study centers in eight countries (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, India, South Africa, and USA). Three hundred and twenty-two adult outpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) as documented by increased cough or sputum production, worsening dyspnea, and purulent sputum production. Randomization 1 : 1 to azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 3 days or clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days. The primary efficacy endpoint was clinical response at day 21-24, or test of cure (TOC) visit in the modified intent-to-treat (MITT) analysis (n = 318 patients). The TOC clinical cure rates in the MITT population were equivalent in the two treatment groups at 85% with azithromycin and 82% with clarithromycin (95% CI -5.9%, 12.0%). Clinical success rates on day 10-12 were also equivalent at 93% with azithromycin and 94% with clarithromycin (95% CI -7.9%, 4.4%). Clinical cure rates at TOC by pathogen were equivalent for the two treatment groups for Haemophilus influenzae (azithromycin, 85.7%; clarithromycin, 87.5%), Moraxella catarrhalis (91.7% and 80.0%, respectively) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (90.6% and 77.8%, respectively). Bacteriologic success rates were also equivalent between the azithromycin and clarithromycin treatment groups at TOC for S. pneumoniae (90.6% and 85.2%, respectively), H. influenzae (71.4% and 81.3%, respectively) and M. catarrhalis (100% and 86.7%, respectively). The overall incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar in the azithromycin and clarithromycin groups (20.9% and 26.8%, respectively), with the most common being abdominal pain (6.3% and 6.1%, respectively), diarrhea (4.4% and 5.5%, respectively), and nausea (4.4% and 3.7%, respectively). Three-day treatment with azithromycin 500 mg once daily is equivalent to a 10-day treatment with clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily in adult patients with AECB.
We compared the efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide/albuterol delivered via Respimat inhal... more We compared the efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide/albuterol delivered via Respimat inhaler, a novel propellant-free inhaler, versus chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-metered dose inhaler (MDI) and ipratropium Respimat inhaler in patients with COPD. This was a multinational, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, 12-week, parallel-group, active-controlled study. Patients with moderate to severe COPD were randomized to ipratropium bromide/albuterol (20/100mcg) Respimat inhaler, ipratropium bromide/albuterol MDI [36mcg/206mcg (Combivent Inhalation Aerosol MDI)], or ipratropium bromide (20mcg) Respimat inhaler. Each medication was administered four times daily. Serial spirometry was performed over 6h (0.15min, then hourly) on 4 test days. The primary efficacy variable was forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV(1)) change from test day baseline at 12 weeks. A total of 1209 of 1480 randomized, treated patients completed the study; the majority were male (65%) with a mean age of 64 yrs and a mean screening pre-bronchodilator FEV(1) (percent predicted) of 41%. Ipratropium bromide/albuterol Respimat inhaler had comparable efficacy to ipratropium bromide/albuterol MDI for FEV(1) area under the curve at 0-6h (AUC(0-6)), superior efficacy to ipratropium Respimat inhaler for FEV(1) AUC(0-4) and comparable efficacy to ipratropium Respimat inhaler for FEV(1) AUC(4-6). All active treatments were well tolerated. This study demonstrates that ipratropium bromide/albuterol 20/100mcg inhaler administered four times daily for 12 weeks had equivalent bronchodilator efficacy and comparable safety to ipratropium bromide/albuterol 36mcg/206mcg MDI, and significantly improved lung function compared with the mono-component ipratropium bromide 20 mcg Respimat inhaler. [Clinical Trial Identifier Number: NCT00400153].
The efficacy of oral telithromycin 800 mg once daily for 7 days was evaluated in a multicentre, m... more The efficacy of oral telithromycin 800 mg once daily for 7 days was evaluated in a multicentre, multinational study in patients with community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to penicillin and/or erythromycin. Per-protocol clinical and bacteriological outcomes were assessed 10-17 days post-therapy. Of the 129 patients with S. pneumoniae infection, 16 were infected with strains resistant to penicillin and/or erythromycin. Fifteen of these 16 patients (93.8%) were assessed as clinically and bacteriologically cured at the posttherapy visit. Q
ABSTRACT Serial non-participation is a response behavior that is frequently found in stated choic... more ABSTRACT Serial non-participation is a response behavior that is frequently found in stated choice experiments. One form of serial non-participation is that a varying number of respondents chooses always the zero-price or status quo alternative. The approaches used in the literature to deal with this problem vary from excluding those respondents to using applying latent class models to endogenously allow for different preference structures. However, latent class models also allow to assign respondents to a known class. In this paper we compare specifications of latent class models with and without restrictions. Additionally, we control for differences in the error variance across respondents by applying a scale-extended latent class model. The comparisons are designed to show whether respondents are allocated differently among classes and whether willingness to pay estimates are affected significantly. The data are from a choice experiment regarding management actions to enhance forest biodiversity. The data set is characterized by a high percentage of respondents who were not willing to pay; almost 50% of the respondents always chose the zero price alternative locating this sample rather at the top of the range of respondents who are not willing to pay.
An ornamental tree intimately associated with the image of Lake Garda (northern Italy), in terms ... more An ornamental tree intimately associated with the image of Lake Garda (northern Italy), in terms of urban forestry as well as urban greening, is the Cupressus sempervirens L. (cypress). This pleasing landscape is threatened by the so-called 'cypress canker' (Seiridium cardinale), a pathogen that is destroying cypresses in the north of Italy. In order to combat this disease effectively, the trees need to be monitored, treated and possibly replaced by resistant varieties. Such interventions are quite costly for cash-strapped policymakers and can only be justified economically if the disappearance of the cypress trees would demonstrably reduce the landscape value of the area. In order to evaluate the social benefits promoted by the cypress landscape protection policy, we used the Contingent Valuation Method, interviewing in situ and face-to-face 411 randomly drawn tourists (response rate 75%). For the evaluation scenario, different pictures were used, some representing the landscape with cypress trees and some without. Then we examined willingness to pay (WTP) for research expenditure and treatments to preserve the cypresses. The WTP elicitation format used was a payment card, while the Quantile Regression and Cameron and Huppert models were estimated for parametric analysis of the data. Once we had eliminated the protest bids (15%) and the outliers (10%), we assessed the per person WTP of h1.28 (parametric mean) and 1.11 (non-parametric mean) and reached an annual value of nearly three million Euros. The present value exceeds 100 million Euros and indicates the economic efficiency of public expenditure in caring for the cypress.
The likelihood of significant heterogeneity in preferences for landscape preservation should be a... more The likelihood of significant heterogeneity in preferences for landscape preservation should be accounted for when designing WTP questions, estimating WTP, and formulating resulting policy recommendations. Herein, heterogeneity in preferences for landscape preservation is investigated in the context of a latent-class model under the assumption of the existence of some finite number of preference classes/groups. The number of classes is estimated, so few restrictions are placed on the form of the heterogeneity. One estimates the probability that individual i belongs to class c where these probabilities are a function of observable characteristics of the individual (covariates); this is much more flexible than assuming, for example, that all farmers have the same preferences. This paper aims to identify preference classes for landscape preservation in the IBLEO, a rural and beautiful part of Sicily. Estimation of classes is performed using only attitudinal data consisting of answers to Likert-scale questions about the importance of preservation and why the respondent thinks preservation is, or is not, important. Summarizing the results, estimation indicates four distinct preference classes. The classes vary in the level of importance attached to preservation and the motivation for preservation (e.g. use vs. non-use motivations), and include one group that has little interest in preservation.
We estimated the landscape value of an ornamental tree - Cupressus sempervirens - in the area of ... more We estimated the landscape value of an ornamental tree - Cupressus sempervirens - in the area of Lake Garda (Northern Italy) using the contingent valuation method. The cypress is intimately associated with the image of this region, both as urban forestry and urban greening. Beyond the important historical and cultural significance of this tree, it actively contributes to the harmony of a unique landscape which represents a combination of natural and human capital that underpins a flourishing tourist industry. This landscape is threatened by the so-called "Cypress canker" (Seiridium cardinale). In order to combat this disease effectively, trees need to be monitored, treated and possibly replaced by resistant varieties. Such interventions are quite costly for the cash strapped policy-makers and can only be justified economically if the disappearance of the cypress trees will reduce the landscape value of the area. We interviewed face-to-face 411 randomly drawn tourists (resp...
Abstract: The Ponale Road features a spectacular panorama, consisting of one of the most beautifu... more Abstract: The Ponale Road features a spectacular panorama, consisting of one of the most beautiful mountain-top views of Lake Garda (northern Italy). In the past, it attracted large numbers of tourists from all over Europe, especially mountain bikers, due to its unique ...
To compare the efficacy and safety of oral azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 3 days with those o... more To compare the efficacy and safety of oral azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 3 days with those of oral clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days. Randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter study. Seventy-six study centers in eight countries (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, India, South Africa, and USA). Three hundred and twenty-two adult outpatients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) as documented by increased cough or sputum production, worsening dyspnea, and purulent sputum production. Randomization 1 : 1 to azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 3 days or clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 10 days. The primary efficacy endpoint was clinical response at day 21-24, or test of cure (TOC) visit in the modified intent-to-treat (MITT) analysis (n = 318 patients). The TOC clinical cure rates in the MITT population were equivalent in the two treatment groups at 85% with azithromycin and 82% with clarithromycin (95% CI -5.9%, 12.0%). Clinical success rates on day 10-12 were also equivalent at 93% with azithromycin and 94% with clarithromycin (95% CI -7.9%, 4.4%). Clinical cure rates at TOC by pathogen were equivalent for the two treatment groups for Haemophilus influenzae (azithromycin, 85.7%; clarithromycin, 87.5%), Moraxella catarrhalis (91.7% and 80.0%, respectively) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (90.6% and 77.8%, respectively). Bacteriologic success rates were also equivalent between the azithromycin and clarithromycin treatment groups at TOC for S. pneumoniae (90.6% and 85.2%, respectively), H. influenzae (71.4% and 81.3%, respectively) and M. catarrhalis (100% and 86.7%, respectively). The overall incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar in the azithromycin and clarithromycin groups (20.9% and 26.8%, respectively), with the most common being abdominal pain (6.3% and 6.1%, respectively), diarrhea (4.4% and 5.5%, respectively), and nausea (4.4% and 3.7%, respectively). Three-day treatment with azithromycin 500 mg once daily is equivalent to a 10-day treatment with clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily in adult patients with AECB.
We compared the efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide/albuterol delivered via Respimat inhal... more We compared the efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide/albuterol delivered via Respimat inhaler, a novel propellant-free inhaler, versus chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-metered dose inhaler (MDI) and ipratropium Respimat inhaler in patients with COPD. This was a multinational, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, 12-week, parallel-group, active-controlled study. Patients with moderate to severe COPD were randomized to ipratropium bromide/albuterol (20/100mcg) Respimat inhaler, ipratropium bromide/albuterol MDI [36mcg/206mcg (Combivent Inhalation Aerosol MDI)], or ipratropium bromide (20mcg) Respimat inhaler. Each medication was administered four times daily. Serial spirometry was performed over 6h (0.15min, then hourly) on 4 test days. The primary efficacy variable was forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV(1)) change from test day baseline at 12 weeks. A total of 1209 of 1480 randomized, treated patients completed the study; the majority were male (65%) with a mean age of 64 yrs and a mean screening pre-bronchodilator FEV(1) (percent predicted) of 41%. Ipratropium bromide/albuterol Respimat inhaler had comparable efficacy to ipratropium bromide/albuterol MDI for FEV(1) area under the curve at 0-6h (AUC(0-6)), superior efficacy to ipratropium Respimat inhaler for FEV(1) AUC(0-4) and comparable efficacy to ipratropium Respimat inhaler for FEV(1) AUC(4-6). All active treatments were well tolerated. This study demonstrates that ipratropium bromide/albuterol 20/100mcg inhaler administered four times daily for 12 weeks had equivalent bronchodilator efficacy and comparable safety to ipratropium bromide/albuterol 36mcg/206mcg MDI, and significantly improved lung function compared with the mono-component ipratropium bromide 20 mcg Respimat inhaler. [Clinical Trial Identifier Number: NCT00400153].
The efficacy of oral telithromycin 800 mg once daily for 7 days was evaluated in a multicentre, m... more The efficacy of oral telithromycin 800 mg once daily for 7 days was evaluated in a multicentre, multinational study in patients with community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to penicillin and/or erythromycin. Per-protocol clinical and bacteriological outcomes were assessed 10-17 days post-therapy. Of the 129 patients with S. pneumoniae infection, 16 were infected with strains resistant to penicillin and/or erythromycin. Fifteen of these 16 patients (93.8%) were assessed as clinically and bacteriologically cured at the posttherapy visit. Q
ABSTRACT Serial non-participation is a response behavior that is frequently found in stated choic... more ABSTRACT Serial non-participation is a response behavior that is frequently found in stated choice experiments. One form of serial non-participation is that a varying number of respondents chooses always the zero-price or status quo alternative. The approaches used in the literature to deal with this problem vary from excluding those respondents to using applying latent class models to endogenously allow for different preference structures. However, latent class models also allow to assign respondents to a known class. In this paper we compare specifications of latent class models with and without restrictions. Additionally, we control for differences in the error variance across respondents by applying a scale-extended latent class model. The comparisons are designed to show whether respondents are allocated differently among classes and whether willingness to pay estimates are affected significantly. The data are from a choice experiment regarding management actions to enhance forest biodiversity. The data set is characterized by a high percentage of respondents who were not willing to pay; almost 50% of the respondents always chose the zero price alternative locating this sample rather at the top of the range of respondents who are not willing to pay.
An ornamental tree intimately associated with the image of Lake Garda (northern Italy), in terms ... more An ornamental tree intimately associated with the image of Lake Garda (northern Italy), in terms of urban forestry as well as urban greening, is the Cupressus sempervirens L. (cypress). This pleasing landscape is threatened by the so-called 'cypress canker' (Seiridium cardinale), a pathogen that is destroying cypresses in the north of Italy. In order to combat this disease effectively, the trees need to be monitored, treated and possibly replaced by resistant varieties. Such interventions are quite costly for cash-strapped policymakers and can only be justified economically if the disappearance of the cypress trees would demonstrably reduce the landscape value of the area. In order to evaluate the social benefits promoted by the cypress landscape protection policy, we used the Contingent Valuation Method, interviewing in situ and face-to-face 411 randomly drawn tourists (response rate 75%). For the evaluation scenario, different pictures were used, some representing the landscape with cypress trees and some without. Then we examined willingness to pay (WTP) for research expenditure and treatments to preserve the cypresses. The WTP elicitation format used was a payment card, while the Quantile Regression and Cameron and Huppert models were estimated for parametric analysis of the data. Once we had eliminated the protest bids (15%) and the outliers (10%), we assessed the per person WTP of h1.28 (parametric mean) and 1.11 (non-parametric mean) and reached an annual value of nearly three million Euros. The present value exceeds 100 million Euros and indicates the economic efficiency of public expenditure in caring for the cypress.
The likelihood of significant heterogeneity in preferences for landscape preservation should be a... more The likelihood of significant heterogeneity in preferences for landscape preservation should be accounted for when designing WTP questions, estimating WTP, and formulating resulting policy recommendations. Herein, heterogeneity in preferences for landscape preservation is investigated in the context of a latent-class model under the assumption of the existence of some finite number of preference classes/groups. The number of classes is estimated, so few restrictions are placed on the form of the heterogeneity. One estimates the probability that individual i belongs to class c where these probabilities are a function of observable characteristics of the individual (covariates); this is much more flexible than assuming, for example, that all farmers have the same preferences. This paper aims to identify preference classes for landscape preservation in the IBLEO, a rural and beautiful part of Sicily. Estimation of classes is performed using only attitudinal data consisting of answers to Likert-scale questions about the importance of preservation and why the respondent thinks preservation is, or is not, important. Summarizing the results, estimation indicates four distinct preference classes. The classes vary in the level of importance attached to preservation and the motivation for preservation (e.g. use vs. non-use motivations), and include one group that has little interest in preservation.
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Papers by Maria Salvo