Cost Efficiency Analysis Research Articles

Digital vs. conventional removable complete dentures: A retrospective study on clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency in edentulous patients: Clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency analysis of digital dentures.

This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness and cost-efficiency of conventional and digital prosthodontic protocols, with a specific focus on milled and 3D-printed digital removable complete dentures. This retrospective clinical study was conducted at the Removable Prosthodontics Department of the University of Siena. 60 patients were divided into two groups: 30 received conventional complete dentures, while the remaining 30 received digital complete dentures (15 milled and 15 3D-printed). Clinical outcomes were assessed using OHIP-14, bite force measurements, and masticatory performance tests before and six months after treatment. Treatment-related metrics, including chairside time, follow-up time, and laboratory costs, were recorded and compared across the groups. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the significance of differences between conventional and digital complete dentures, as well as between milled and 3D-printed digital complete dentures. The study revealed that digital complete dentures significantly reduced chairside time compared to conventional dentures, with average times of 154.31 ± 13.19 min for digital dentures and 218.00 ± 20.75 min for conventional dentures (p < 0.0001). Laboratory costs were found to be statistically lower for digital dentures, (€378.79 ± 137.46 vs. €459.15 ± 63.72, p = 0.0059) compared to conventional dentures. No statistically significant differences were observed in bite force or masticatory performance between the groups. OHIP-14 scores indicated slightly lower patient satisfaction with digital dentures, but the difference was not clinically significant. Digital removable dentures, including both milled and 3D-printed models, offer a practical and efficient alternative to conventional dentures, particularly in terms of reducing chairside time and laboratory costs. Digital removable dentures offer a practical and efficient alternative to conventional dentures, particularly in terms of reducing chairside time and costs. These simplified digital protocols could be applied in residential facilities or within national healthcare programs, improving access to prosthetic care for a larger number of patients.

Sensitivity assessment of cost allocative efficiency in data envelopment analysis

Nonparametric cost allocative efficiency models in the framework of data envelopment analysis are sensitive to the prices of inputs. Changes in input prices may change the efficiency classification of a decision-making unit. In this sense, it is of interest to determine the ranges for input prices in which the efficiency classification remains unchanged. This paper focuses on sensitivity analysis of cost efficiency of a specific allocative efficient firm. Cost stability region is defined as a region in which the efficiency classification does not change if the input-cost vector is changed in such a way that the new vector belongs to this region. Linearly independent supporting surfaces of the production possibility set are used to define this region. The proposed cost stability regions are used to discriminate the decision-making units. Two illustrative examples (one simple numerical example and one real example) are used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach.

Technical and cost efficiency analysis of irrigated onion production insight from smallholders irrigated onion farmers in north East Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Technical and cost efficiency analysis of irrigated onion production insight from smallholders irrigated onion farmers in north East Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

AI-generated cancer prevention influencers can target risk groups on social media at low cost.

This study explores the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated social media influencers to disseminate cancer prevention messages. Utilizing a Generative AI (GenAI) application, we created a virtual persona, "Wanda", to promote cancer awareness on Instagram. We created five posts, addressing the five most modifiable risk factors for cancer: tobacco consumption, unhealthy diet, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. To amplify the campaign's reach, posts were boosted using a custom-targeted as well as an automated advertisement algorithm. An overall budget of €100 was equally distributed between the two algorithms. Campaign performance was assessed based on the number of users reached and the age distribution of the audience. The campaign achieved a total of 9902 recognitions, with a cost-efficiency analysis revealing an average expenditure of €0.013 per reach. The most economical intervention achieved a cost of only €0.006 per reach. In comparing the two advertisement strategies, we observed similar overall reach but noted differences in the age demographics of the audience. Our findings underscore the potential of combining generative AI with strategically targeted advertisement to promote cancer prevention messages effectively, with minimal time and financial investment. We discuss chances presented by GenAI applications in health communication, their implication, and the impact of parasocial relationships on content perception. This study highlights the potential of AI-driven influencers as scalable tools for digital health communication.

Modern Technology's role in accounting cost calculation of industrial enterprises: Informatization as a key strategy to improve management efficiency.

The study aims to address challenges encountered by modern industrial enterprises, including inefficient accounting cost calculation, delayed information acquisition, and untimely management decisions. By comprehensively applying modern management, information technology, and cost control methods, this study constructs a real-time cost control model to optimize industrial enterprises. Firstly, the model employs mixed integer linear programming (MILP) to optimize production processes through mathematical modeling. Secondly, it utilizes data mining technology to assist enterprises in cost accounting and efficiency analysis. Big data analysis aids in predicting production process changes and trends, providing data support for management decisions. Intelligent production scheduling and resource optimization are facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI) technology, enabling real-time data collection, processing, and analysis. Finally, the activity-based costing method categorizes, allocates, and measures costs to enhance cost accounting accuracy and efficiency. Research results demonstrate that enterprises adopting the theoretical framework of real-time cost control can enhance the accuracy of cost accounting, cost control efficiency, and overall management effectiveness.

Critical Analysis of Healthcare Technology Integration, Patient Empowerment, and Cost Efficiency

Critical Analysis of Healthcare Technology Integration, Patient Empowerment, and Cost Efficiency

Cost-efficient analysis of cannabinoids in therapeutic oils using HPLC with UV and mass spectrometry detection

Cannabis oil, derived from Cannabis sativa plants, is increasingly used for therapeutic purposes across a wide range of diseases. Accurate quantification of cannabinoids is essential, especially for cannabis products sourced from informal markets where supply origins are uncertain. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective, robust analytical methodology using liquid chromatography in combination with UV- and mass detectors for the quantification of key cannabinoids (THC, CBD and CBN) and the identification of THCA and CBDA. Utilising an isocratic flow, the method achieved effective separation within 17 min, ensuring simplicity and reproducibility. The methodology validation was aligned with ICH guidelines’ requirements for selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and matrix effects. Successful application of this method to both homemade and commercial cannabis oil samples underscores its relevance for adjusting therapeutic doses and optimising CBD:THC ratios for specific disease treatments.

Analysis of Productive Waqf Transformation and Cost Efficiency on Health Infrastructure Development in Bogor Regency

Analysis of Productive Waqf Transformation and Cost Efficiency on Health Infrastructure Development in Bogor Regency

Weed control efficiency of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) spray in replanting oil palm plantation areas

Abstract Efficient chemical weed management considers precise application of herbicides, maximizing herbicide retention and absorption, reducing the impact of abiotic factors, and mitigating off-target movement in order to optimize herbicide efficacy. Hence, this study assessed the employability and cost-efficiency of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for pre-planting application and post-emergence selective grass weed control infesting legume cover crops (LCCs) in immature oil palm (Elaeis quineensis Jacq.) plantation. Field experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 at a research center and an oil palm replanting area in Jerantut, Pahang, Malaysia. Droplet deposition and distribution analyses revealed that the pressure at 0.25 MPa yielded better spraying coverage and increased droplet counts compared to 0.15 MPa. For pre-planting application, both UAV and mist blower resulted in total weed control. Meanwhile for selective grass control in the LCCs, conventional knapsack sprayer (CKS) application provided slightly better weed control than the UAV over the 12 weeks observation. However, cost-efficiency analysis revealed that UAV spraying yielded economically favorable for areas over 3,000 hectares, with potential savings ranging from 4% to 28%. Furthermore, UAV spraying demonstrated superior operational efficiency and reduced working hours by 37%, water consumption by 91%, and human labor expenses by 81% compared to both conventional methods. These findings underscore the potential of UAV-based spraying for large-scale weed control in oil palm plantations and highlight its efficiency, comparable effectiveness, and cost-saving benefits.

Analysis of Air Cargo Cost Efficiency at Sentani Airport Papua: The Role of Logistics Infrastructure, Tariff Policies, and Technological Innovation

This study examines the factors influencing air cargo cost efficiency in Papua, where shipping costs are disproportionately high. The research focuses on three variables: logistics infrastructure, tariff policy, and technological innovation. A quantitative approach was applied, with data collected from 50 logistics employees at Sentani Papua Airport using a Likert scale questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the partial and simultaneous effects of these factors. The results show that logistics infrastructure and tariff policy have significant positive effects on air cargo cost efficiency, with t-test values of 6.774 and 9.972, respectively. However, technological innovation has no significant effect, with a significance value of 0.076. The F-test results indicate that the independent variables jointly influence the dependent variable, with an Fcount of 40.635, far exceeding the Ftable value of 2.81. The three factors account for 72.1% of the variation in air cargo cost efficiency, while the remaining 27.9% is influenced by other factors. This study suggests that improving logistics infrastructure and tariff policies can enhance cost efficiency, benefiting companies and consumers.

Use of 3' Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (3' RACE)-Based Targeted RNA Sequencing for Profiling of Druggable Genetic Alterations in Urothelial Carcinomas.

Targeted treatment of advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinomas (UCs) requires the identification of druggable mutations. This study describes the development of a 3' Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (3' RACE)-based targeted RNA sequencing panel which accounts for the status of all genes relevant to UC treatment, namely, FGFR1-4, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, ERBB2 (HER2), CD274 (PD-L1) and PIK3CA. FGFR2/3-activating point mutations or fusions were found in 54/233 (23.2%) tumors. FGFR3 rearrangements were identified in 11 patients, with eight of them being undetectable by commonly used PCR kits. In addition, one tumor contained a high-copy FGFR2 gene amplification accompanied by strong overexpression of the gene. Mutations in RAS/RAF genes were present in 30/233 (12.9%) UCs and were mutually exclusive with alterations affecting FGFR2/3 genes. On the contrary, activating events in the HER2 oncogene (point mutations and overexpression), as well as PIK3CA mutations, which were relatively common, occurred with similar frequencies in RAS/RAF- or FGFR2/3-positive vs. negative samples. High PD-L1 mRNA expression was associated with advanced disease stage and was not observed in tumors with increased HER2 mRNA expression or in UCs with evidence for FGFR2/3 activation. Three of the studied carcinomas had high-level microsatellite instability (MSI). Overall, more than half of the UCs had potentially druggable genetic alterations. The proposed NGS panel permits comprehensive and cost-efficient analysis of UC-specific molecular targets and may be considered in clinical routine.

Domestic and foreign cap-and-trade regulations, carbon tariffs, and product tariffs during international trade conflicts: A multiproduct cost-efficiency analysis

This paper develops a down-and-out call option model with structural breaks to examine the effects of domestic environmental policies on carbon-intensive firms amid international trade conflicts. The findings reveal that stricter cap-and-trade regulations, carbon tariffs, and product tariffs exacerbate pollutant-specific diseconomies of scale, limit economies of scope, and reduce firm equity. The positive impact on pollutant-specific diseconomies of scale leads to higher pollution, hindering progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy) from a multiproduct cost-efficiency perspective. Meanwhile, the negative impact on economies of scope results in fewer products and pollutants, aligning with SDG 7 but conflicting with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth), as the scope measure accounts for efficiency in both products and pollutants. Additionally, the negative impact on firm equity discourages progress toward both SDGs, especially during trade conflicts. In summary, environmental policies distinctly affect firm multiproduct cost efficiency and equity, particularly under varying trade conflict conditions.

Computationally cost-efficient analysis of the flow behavior of twin-fluid atomizers using computational fluid dynamics

In industrial-scale operations, wet electrostatic precipitators (WESPs) are used to minimize particulate matter, employing atomizers such as single-fluid and twin-fluid atomizers (TFAs). While TFAs provide several benefits over single-fluid atomizers, quantifying their spray characteristics is more complex, necessitating comprehensive case studies to design the internal structure of the spray and achieve desired properties. This study employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate the internal and external flow phenomena of TFAs in industrial-scale WESPs, aiming to facilitate various parametric studies by reducing the high computational costs associated with analyzing high-speed internal flows and particle dynamics within the spray system. To decrease computational costs, the simulation was divided into two parts using stepwise segregated scenarios: Part I focused on the high-cost internal flow analysis, examining the spatiotemporal evolution of internal flow until it is fully developed, followed by droplet size distribution estimation at the nozzle. Part II computed the external flow of the spray, assessed potential cost reductions by examining the interactions between dispersed droplets, and validated the spray angle, penetration, and coverage against experimental data. The segregated strategy employed mapping techniques to integrate the two parts seamlessly. The simulation results closely matched the experimental benchmarks for spray angle, penetration, and coverage within a minimal error margin (< 5 %), demonstrating the model’s accuracy in capturing actual spray phenomena in TFAs. This approach significantly reduced the computational cost by more than twentyfold compared to conventional one-step solvers, offering a viable method for conducting various case studies in spray CFD simulations.

Examining the relationship between dwelling energy efficiency and fuel poverty for retrofit strategies: A case study of the United Kingdom

In the midst of a global energy crisis, fuel poverty has become increasingly prevalent. This study examines the effectiveness of energy efficiency retrofits (EERs) in alleviating fuel poverty in the United Kingdom. Using the England fuel poverty dataset with XGBoost and interpretive analyses like Individual Conditional Expectation (ICE) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), the research investigates the impact of EERs on fuel poverty. Findings reveal that while energy efficiency enhancements hold potential for improving conditions for vulnerable households, their effectiveness diminishes beyond a certain threshold. The study identifies solid wall and cavity wall insulation, condensing boilers, well-insulated lofts, and central heating systems as the most effective retrofit measures. However, the optimal selection of retrofit methods varies depending on household and dwelling conditions due to interactive effects. Additionally, comprehensive cost-efficiency analyses show that installing condensing combination boilers in homes without existing boilers and adding cavity wall insulation to houses with uninsulated cavity walls are more cost-efficient options. These insights shed light on the complex relationship between energy efficiency retrofits and fuel poverty, informing the development of targeted strategies to address this pressing issue in the UK and globally.

Cost-efficiency analysis of multiple ecosystem services across forest management regimes

Forest management is at the crossroads of economic, environmental, and social goals, often requiring strategic trade-offs. As global demands surge, it's vital to employ management strategies fostering multifunctional landscapes, enabling ecosystem integrity while procuring resources. Historically, the boreal forest in Fennoscandia has been intensively managed for timber, causing environmental shifts and conflicts with biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation policies. Application of current management practices while increasing harvests are a threat to both biodiversity and carbon stocks. To explore this issue, we quantify the cost-efficiency of two forest management regimes: rotation forestry (RF) and continuous cover forestry (CCF), considering specific forest attributes like soil type (mineral and peat soils), site type (fertility classes) and tree stand age, which have been underexplored in previous research. We simulated 45,559 forest stands for 100 years in Northern boreal forests of Finland. We proposed two straightforward cost-efficiency indices (CEI) to evaluate the performance of these management regimes, specifically focusing on their impact on economic output, biodiversity conservation (measured as a biodiversity index for six forest vertebrates, including five bird species and one mammal) and carbon stock. Our findings suggest that continuous cover forestry holds the potential to deliver more cost-efficient ecosystem services and maintain greater biodiversity compared to rotation forestry approaches. Continuous cover forestry, however, is not optimal for all at management units, which calls for alternative management options depending on the stand characteristics. The cost-efficiency indices performance of rotation forestry and continuous cover forestry depend on the characteristics of the initial stand which is largely determined by the previous management of the stand. Our results contribute to guiding forest management towards enhanced sustainability and ecological balance. The great variation in stand characteristics suggest a need for diverse management strategies to create multifunctional landscapes. Our proposed cost-efficiency indices could serve as practical tools for decision-making.

Comparison of the Energy Efficiency of Fixed and Tracking Home Photovoltaic Systems in Northern Poland

The relevance of the article’s results lies in presenting the actual energy yields of PV panels of various generations and types of installations. The aim of the article is to provide answers about the effective operation of three different photovoltaic systems: a stationary off-grid system operated for several years, a stationary on-grid system, and a system mounted on trackers. A stationary on-grid system was used as the reference system, taking its area and energy yield as the reference point. The assessment was made on the basis of energy and cost efficiency analysis using the comparative method. The obtained results were compared to the results of other PV systems whose parameters were obtained from literature analysis. The analysis showed significant differences in adapting them to different sunlight conditions. The results confirmed the validity of using fixed PV panels (Installation II) in the short term and the advantage of the PV panel tracking system (Installation III) in the long term. The results also confirm that Installation I, despite its eight years of operation time, shows a relatively small decrease in efficiency, which confirms the validity of the long-term operation of the PV installation.

Cost Efficiency Analysis of Broiler Production in Peninsular Malaysia

Cost Efficiency Analysis of Broiler Production in Peninsular Malaysia

Development of a triplex RT-qPCR assay for simultaneous quantification of Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis, and West Nile viruses for environmental surveillance.

The co-circulation of mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), and West Nile virus (WNV) has impacted human and animal health in multiple countries worldwide. To facilitate early warnings and surveillance of the presence of these viral infectious agents in the environment, a triplex reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was developed for simultaneous quantification of JEV, MVEV, and WNV in potential hotspots such as piggery and urban wastewater and environmental water samples. The performance of the developed triplex RT-qPCR assay was compared with that of simplex counterparts, all using the same primer and probe sequences. The quantifiable results showed a concordance rate of 93.9%-100% (Cohen's kappa) between the triplex and simplex assays. The mean concentrations of exogenous JEV, MVEV, and WNV using the triplex and simplex RT-qPCR assays were remarkably similar in piggery/urban wastewater and environmental water samples. However, the impacts of the matrix effects (i.e., sample composition and PCR inhibition) of environmental water samples on the accurate quantification of these viruses need to be considered. Taken together, this newly developed triplex RT-qPCR assay of JEV, MVEV, and WNV will allow for a more rapid and cost-efficient sample analysis and data interpretation. The application of the triplex assay for environmental surveillance may be a valuable tool to complement the existing disease and mosquito surveillance approaches used to safeguard the health of both humans and animals.IMPORTANCEThe co-circulation of mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV), and West Nile virus (WNV) poses significant threats to human and animal health globally. In this study, a triplex RT-qPCR assay was developed for simultaneous quantification of these viruses in wastewater and environmental water samples. Results demonstrated high concordance and sensitivity of the newly developed triplex RT-qPCR assay compared to simplex assays, indicating its efficacy for environmental surveillance. This cost-effective and rapid assay offers a vital tool for timely monitoring of mosquito-borne viruses in environmental samples, enhancing our ability to mitigate potential outbreaks and safeguard public health.

Emergency Logistics and Distribution Modeling and Methods

With the frequent occurrence of all kinds of emergencies, the importance of emergency logistics distribution has become increasingly prominent. This thesis focuses on the field of emergency logistics distribution, aiming to analyze distribution models and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency material distribution. First, the characteristics and needs of emergency logistics distribution are analyzed in depth, including time urgency, uncertainty and multi-targeting. Then, for the two key aspects of cost and benefit, cost components such as transportation cost, warehousing cost, labor cost, loss and damage cost, and benefit indicators such as rescue effect, economic benefit and social benefit are elaborated in detail. It also explains that factors such as material response time, transportation speed, completion rate and accuracy should be considered. Meanwhile, in the cost and benefit analysis, methods such as cost-benefit ratio (CBA), cost-efficiency analysis (CEA) and benefit assessment are illustrated, and finally recommendations covering various aspects are put forward to improve the emergency logistics and distribution system.

An Analysis of Achievement and Cost Efficiency in the Implementation of the Green Construction Concept in The Construction of a Public Service Mall in the City of Tegal

Green construction is a concept in the planning and implementation stages of construction aimed at reducing the negative environmental impacts of construction activities. The Public Service Mall Building Project in Tegal City is a building project that requires costs from planning to maintenance. The construction of a project certainly requires substantial costs. The objective of this research is to evaluate the achievements and determine the cost efficiency of using the green construction concept. This research was conducted through a preliminary survey of the involved parties who understand the green construction concept to identify the most applied categories, namely the use of refrigerants without Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP), regional materials, environmental control over cigarette smoke, and pollution from construction activities. This type of research is qualitative, with data collection techniques carried out through interviews and direct observation. The data analysis for cost efficiency involves comparing green construction concepts with non-green construction concepts. The results of the benchmark measurements for using refrigerants without Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP), regional materials, and environmental control over cigarette smoke in the green construction concept achieved 100%, while the benchmark measurement results for green construction concerning pollution from construction activities achieved 50%. Based on the cost usage analysis in the upper structure construction of the Public Service Mall Building in Tegal City, the cost usage of the GC concept is 9.25% more efficient than the conventional concept.