Cost Components Research Articles

Single machine minsum and minmax common due-date assignment and scheduling problems involving general position-dependent workloads

This study addresses the well-known scheduling and assignment problem with a common due date. Four cost components are assumed, i.e., earliness, tardiness, the cost of delaying the due date, and extended total completion time. The minsum and the minmax versions of the fundamental problem are solved. For each of the major versions of the classic scheduling theory assuming jobs with position-independent processing times, a detailed analysis is provided, and, consequently, the properties of an optimal solution and a closed-form solution. These elementary results lay the foundation for two extensions. The first extension is for jobs with variable processing times and focuses on general position-dependent processing times. The second extension considers the recently introduced convex resource allocation method with general position-dependent workloads and continuous non-renewable resource. All studied problems are shown to be solved in polynomial time, such that the computational complexity of the minsum and minmax position-independent processing time variants are O(n log⁡n ) and O(n), respectively, and the computational complexity of the variants involving variable processing times is O(n^3 ).

Real-world clinical outcomes and economic burden of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a systematic review.

This systematic review summarizes real-world clinical outcomes and economic burden of first-line FOLFIRINOX (FFX)/modified FFX (mFFX) and nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (GnP) in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the US. Embase and MEDLINE were searched for materials published since 2014; citations were reviewed in a two-step process. Included studies were qualitatively synthesized. Searches yielded 2,528 citations; 29 were included (17 clinical studies/12 economic studies). In 9/17 clinical studies, median overall survival (mOS) ranged from 4.7 months to 11.4 months for FFX/mFFX, with the unweighted median of the estimates within this range being 9.2 months; for GnP mOS ranged from 3.6 to 9.8 months, and the unweighted median of the estimates was 6.9 months. In 8/17 studies, grade 3/4 anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia were the most commonly reported adverse events. Across economic burden studies, total costs were similar between the 2 groups. Outpatient, supportive care, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor costs were higher for the FFX generic regimen, and chemotherapy costs were higher for the GnP branded regimen. Real-world OS in FFX- and GnP-treated populations was shorter than that in clinical trials, and total costs of FFX and GnP were similar, but with differences in cost components.

The performance analysis of a compressed air energy storage (CAES) for peak moving with cooling, Heating, and power production

This study focuses on modeling and optimizing a multifaceted geothermal-based energy production system within the context of Denmark. The primary objectives revolve around enhancing system efficiency and reducing operational costs. The system under investigation comprises geothermal components, an organic Rankine cycle, a compressed air energy storage facility, and an absorption chiller. The organic Rankine cycle operates using refrigerants R123 and ammonia, effectively converting thermal energy into electricity and thermal energy for various applications. Optimization was carried out employing the Response Surface Method in tandem with Design-Expert software, facilitating the fine-tuning of objective functions. Two key objectives were selected: Exergy Round Trip Efficiency and cost rate, aimed at improving technical performance and curbing economic expenditure. A range of design variables were considered for optimization, including turbine and pump inlet temperatures, geothermal mass flow rate, turbine and pump efficiencies, compressor and gas turbine efficiency, inlet pressure to the compressed air energy storage tank, and evaporator pinch point temperature. The system reached an impressive exergy efficiency peak of 77.98%, accompanied by a modest cost rate of 5.48 $/h. The costliest components in the system were the compressed air energy storage unit, followed closely by organic Rankine cycle 1 and organic Rankine cycle 2. In contemplating the practical implementation of this innovative energy system, ten cities in Denmark underwent rigorous analysis, accounting for technical and economic factors. Subsequent assessments identified Aarhus as the optimal location to initiate the system. The environmental results showed that by producing 13981.9 megawatts of electricity annually in Arhus City, it is possible to help reduce CO2 emissions by 2853.2 tons of CO2/year and avoid environmental costs of 68455.3 $/year. The environmental assessment also highlighted the potential for substantial green space expansion, estimating an additional 13 hectares of green areas in the city of Aarhus, Denmark.

A novel eight-switch nine-level modified ANPC inverter topology and its optimal modulation strategy

An eight-switch nine-level modified ANPC inverter (8S-9L-MANPC) is designed and simulated in this paper. With this topology, only one DC voltage source and eight active semiconductor switches are required, significantly reducing system size, weight, and cost. The structure consists of a five-level ANPC inverter cascaded with a two-level leg converter. This arrangement extends the 5L-ANPC structure to a 9L configuration without requiring the use of additional capacitors. To maintain the balancing of the flying capacitor (FC), a modulation strategy using a switching state redundancy-based control method is employed. Recent 9L inverters incorporating flying capacitors and based on a hybrid structure have been compared with the proposed structure. By conducting this comparison, we can highlight the potential improvements offered by the proposed structure over the recent 9L inverters in terms of reduced component count, simplified design, and cost savings. The proposed 8S-9L-MANPC inverter is tested under various operating situations in MATLAB/Simulink simulation.

Electrodes: Flat vs Pin-Type Topology in Alkaline Water Electrolysis

The energy transition is already underway, and hydrogen plays a crucial role by enabling renewable energy storage without emitting carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Given the intermittency of renewable energy sources, energy storage is essential in this transition. Hydrogen technologies are recognized as promising solutions. One method to produce green hydrogen is through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources, a process identified with significant potential for decarbonization. However, it needs to enhance efficiency, reduce component costs, and consequently, production costs to expand its adoption. Alkaline water electrolysis for hydrogen production is a mature technology with commercially available megawatt (MW) scale installations. To enhance the performance of alkaline electrolyzers, this study focuses on evaluating flat and pin-type electrodes. To analyze their performance, the electrodes were tested at, 20 degrees Celsius, varying electrode distances between them. Tests were conducted in an electrochemical cell, where different operating voltages were applied incrementally, from 0.1 [V] every 30 seconds, across a range of 0 to 2.7 [V]. From the analyzed distances, the highest current densities were obtained at 1.95 [mm] for the pin type and 4.59 [mm] for the flat. Comparing performances at comparable distances, it is observed that the flat electrode generates a higher current density than the pin type. Although the pin-type electrode increases its surface area by approximately 83%, it hinders the detachment of bubbles, causing them to remain on the electrode’s surface for a longer time and reducing its performance.

Advanced digital control strategies for switching buck converters: A modeling perspective

Advanced digital control strategies for switching buck converters: A modeling perspective

Analysis of Factors Influencing Life Cycle Costs of Transformers Based on TOPSIS Method

The transformer is an essential piece of equipment in a power system, and its selection is directly related to the security, stability, and economics of the power system. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the life cycle costs (LCCs) of transformers. Our analysis of multiple samples delves into the composition and influencing factors in transformer life cycle costs. The findings reveal that the voltage level exerts a significant influence on cost, with higher voltage levels typically associated with greater costs. Moreover, the proportion of each cost component within the life cycle cost remains relatively stable. For this paper, we also conducted a weighted assessment of life cycle cost factors utilizing the TOPSIS method and determined that the voltage level and wiring method have the most substantial impact. In addition, the specific effects of the voltage level, wiring method, transformer type, and cooling method on LCCs are investigated using the control variable method. At the same time, the coupling influence of the wiring method, transformer type, and cooling method on transformer programs of different voltage levels is considered, which provides an essential reference for power grid enterprises in making engineering and construction investments.

Silicone as a smart solution for simulating soft tissue-an iterative approach to developing a high-fidelity sustainable training model for laparoscopic appendectomy.

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is an effective treatment for the surgical care of appendicitis, with this minimally invasive approach allowing patients to typically spend less time in hospital and promptly return to normal life activities. Residents can acquire the competence and confidence needed in a safe learning environment prior to real patient encounters through simulation-based learning of these techniques. We propose a low cost, sustainable, high fidelity simulation-based training model for LA to compliment regular resident practice of these skills. A team dedicated to developing this surgical simulation training model was established, equipped with the clinical knowledge and model engineering expertise. We used concepts of design-based research (DBR) to iteratively develop this model at key intervals. Our LA training model underwent four stages of model development prior to unified stakeholder consensus that this model was deemed effective and suitable for integration into formative surgical simulation curricula. This model simulates most of the key anatomical structures associated with performing an LA. In order to provide high fidelity haptic feedback, attempts were made to mimic the tensile properties of real tissue using different concentrations of silicone. The model can be utilized with laparoscopic box trainers of various sizes due to its scalability. It cost €9.67 to create, and single use appendix components cost €1.22 to build thereafter. Surgical residents can benefit from the platform that simulation-based education offers to develop the psychomotor skills necessary to perform LA in a safe learning environment. We describe a model for LA, which allows learners to develop their skill proficiency in this area under expert supervision.

Direct medical costs of polyarthritis in a pediatric hospital in Mexico.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in children. The polyarticular course (polyarthritis) represents 63-66% of patients with JIA. The aim was to determine the direct medical costs (DMC) of JIA of the polyarthritis type in pediatric patients of a tertiary hospital in Mexico. An analysis of the disease costs was developed from the perspective of the Instituto de Seguridad Social del Estado de México y Municipios Maternal and Child Hospital (HMI). The time horizon was 12 years. All patients diagnosed with JIA with polyarticular course treated by the pediatric rheumatology service of the HMI from January to September 2022 and with an active clinical record were included. Different costing techniques were used. The cost components were consultations, medications, hospitalization, and office and laboratory studies. The costs are reported in USD 2021. Twenty-six records of patients with polyarticular arthritis from the HMI were analyzed, with a mean of 4,555.2 USD (standard deviation [SD] = 1,456.7) and a median of 3,828 USD (SD = 1,492) in the first 10 years of treatment. The components of DMC were medications (82.7%), office and laboratory studies (8.4%), hospitalization (8.0%), and consultations (1.8%). Biological disease-modifying drugs (bDMARDs) accounted for 95.3% of the drug component cost. The cost of bDMARDs represented the most critical cost of polyarticular JIA, reflected in the 2nd year of treatment. Including generic bDMARDs and reviewing purchase prices by health institutions in Mexico is necessary.

Analisis Biaya Produksi dan Harga Pokok Penjualan pada Pabrik Sari Gurih Baru 568

This study aims to analyze the cost structure of production and the cost of goods sold (COGS) at Sari Gurih Baru 568 Tofu Factory. The research employs a qualitative descriptive method, gathering data through in-depth interviews and non-participant observation. Using this approach, the study explores cost components that influence production efficiency and COGS determination. Through this analysis, the research provides in-depth insights into cost allocation, resource management, and opportunities to enhance cost-efficiency in production. The findings are expected to support improved decision-making in cost management and pricing strategies within the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector.

Cost Performance Comparison of Road Construction Projects Considering Bidding Condition and Project Characteristics

Developing road infrastructure facilities is important because it directly affects national competitiveness and has significant socio-economic ripple effects throughout the country. However, road construction projects are vulnerable to various risks and prone to cost overruns because they are funded by large-scale national budgets and conducted over long time periods. Therefore, tracking the changes in construction costs from planning to completion and providing insights for similar future projects is essential for successful project planning and management. Considering the bidding conditions and project characteristics of road construction projects, this study comparatively analyzed the construction cost growth of 170 road construction projects based on the bid award rate and facility-specific project characteristics, such as construction type, contract method, facility capacity, and construction cost components. This study analyzed the differences in cost performance between various sample groups using non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test), considering the non-normality of the collected sample. In addition, this study conducted multiple regression analysis to examine the causal relationship between all variables used in the analysis and cost performance and to identify critical factors. The results indicated that the construction cost growth of the group with a bid award rate of less than 70% was higher compared to that of other groups. Furthermore, the differences in construction cost growth based on project characteristics were more pronounced in the following groups: construction types (expansion/renovation and complex), contract method (long-term continuous), road length (≥7.5 km), % of bridge/tunnel length (<10%), construction cost (≤USD 100 mil.), % of direct construction cost (≥70%), and % of bridge/tunnel cost (both less and more than 50%). Furthermore, the regression model showed that % of direct construction cost, bid award rate, total road length, and contract method were shown to be critical factors in construction cost growth, which implies the importance of indirect cost management, PDS selection decisions that affect bid award rates, and risk management for complex projects from the perspective of construction cost growth management. These results empirically demonstrate that bidding conditions and project characteristics are key to understanding the pattern of construction cost growth in road construction projects. Hence, this study provides significant references that can be used by policy makers and clients to estimate cost buffers for future road projects.

Cost Optimization Strategies for Cloud-Based ETL and Data Warehousing: A Comprehensive Analysis

As organizations increasingly adopt cloud-based Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) processes and data warehousing solutions to enhance their analytics capabilities, effective cost management has emerged as a critical concern. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of strategies for optimizing costs associated with cloud-based ETL and data warehousing, enabling organizations to maximize their return on investment without compromising performance or scalability. Through an examination of key cost components, including data storage, compute resources, and data transfer fees, we explore practical optimization techniques such as dynamic resource scaling, data retention policies, and usage monitoring. The article also evaluates various pricing models offered by cloud service providers and discusses their applicability to different organizational needs. Additionally, we investigate emerging trends in cloud cost management, including serverless architectures and machine learning-driven predictive analytics. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, organizations can achieve a balanced approach to cloud spending, ensuring long-term sustainability and enhanced business performance in their data management practices.

Laparotomy Versus Laparoscopy Cholecystectomy for Surgical Treatment in Patients with Gallstone Disease: A Comparative Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Background: Due to the increasing costs of the healthcare system and limited financial resources, healthcare policymakers should adopt more cost-effective strategies. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of laparotomy cholecystectomy with laparoscopy. Methods: This economic evaluation was conducted on patients with cholecystitis who were candidates for surgery in a private hospital in Ahvaz in 2021. Data collection tools consisted of four parts: (1) demographic information checklist; (2) clinical information checklist; (3) cost checklist; and (4) effectiveness assessment tool. SPSS22 and STATA14.2 were used for data analysis. One-way sensitivity analysis and Tornado diagrams were performed using Tree Age software. Results: The mean total effectiveness score in patients treated with laparoscopy was 83.44 (SD = 11.34), which was higher than those treated with laparotomy at 68.39 (SD = 13.61). This difference was statistically significant in all effectiveness criteria, except for postoperative infection rates and length of operation (P < 0.001). The mean cost for patients undergoing laparoscopy was significantly higher than for those undergoing laparotomy ($481.43 vs. $459.49). However, overall, laparoscopic treatment (5.77) was more cost-effective than laparotomy (6.71). The laparoscopic procedure was approximately $1.47 per effectiveness unit cheaper than laparotomy, according to the ICER. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the laparoscopic method remained more cost-effective, even when adjusting for cost and effectiveness components. Conclusions: Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy was more expensive than laparotomy cholecystectomy, it was generally more cost- effective. The results of this research may assist Iran’s healthcare policymakers and managers in promoting laparoscopic cholecystectomy in hospitals.

Cost analysis of adding hypertension and diabetes management into routine HIV care in Mbarara and Ibanda districts, Uganda

BackgroundIn 2016, Uganda introduced services for hypertension and diabetes in selected HIV clinics. We evaluated the costs associated with scaling up these services in HIV clinics in Mbarara and Ibanda districts, Uganda.MethodsWe estimated the annual costs of providing hypertension and diabetes services using an activity-based costing approach from the health system perspective in ten randomly selected HIV clinics in Mbarara and Ibanda districts. Cost inputs included 2023 data on costs of medications, health provider time, salaries, training costs, and monitoring costs. We determined the average annual cost and medication costs for hypertension and diabetes treatment per enrolled adult patient, stratified by type of health facility.ResultsThe total annual cost of hypertension and diabetes management services in ten selected HIV clinics was estimated to be $413,850 (range: $8,386 − 186,973). The annual average clinic-level cost per enrolled patient was estimated at $14 (range: $7 − 31). Of the total annual cost, the cost of provider time for initial and follow-up visits represented the largest cost component in 5/10 clinics (mean: 37%, range [13–58%]). In 4/10 clinics, the major cost components were the costs of medication, diagnostic tests, and related supplies (mean: 37%, range [10–75%]). The average cost per enrolled adult patient was $11 at public facilities and $21 in private not-for-profit facilities. The average medication cost per patient for hypertension was $24 (range: $7 − 97) annually; $13 at public facilities and $50 at private not-for-profit facilities. For diabetes treatment, the average annual medication cost per patient was estimated at $14 (range: $6 − 35); $11 at public facilities and $22 at private not-for-profit facilities.ConclusionAdding hypertension and diabetes management to routine HIV care might be feasible based on the estimated annual cost per patient. Hypertension and diabetes treatment was more costly in private not-for-profit facility-based clinics than at public facilities. This variation was primarily driven by higher medication procurement prices at private facilities, revealing a potential area for optimizing costs through improved procurement practices.

Associations Between Hearing Loss and Health-Related Costs: A Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study.

Hearing loss (HL) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, but its health-related costs have been incompletely studied. Our objective was to examine the association between HL and direct health care costs and identify subgroups in which costs associated with HL are especially high. This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of adults treated in a universal health care system between April 2008 and March 2019. HL was identified using administrative health data. We estimate health care costs in 2023 Canadian dollars, including costs for hospitalization, provider claims, ambulatory care visits, prescription medications, and long-term care (LTC). Of 4,424,632 participants, 146,644 (3.3%) had HL. Participants with HL were older (Mdn = 55 years [interquartile range: 43-68] vs. 35 years [24-50]) and had more comorbidities (1 [0-2] vs. 0 [0-1]) at baseline than participants without, whereas the likelihood of female sex, rural residence, and material deprivation were similar between groups with and without HL. Over median follow-up of 11.0 years, total age-sex adjusted annual health costs and each of its component costs were significantly higher in participants with HL compared to those without (annual total costs: $6,871, 95% confidence interval [CI] [$6,778, $6,962] vs. $4,716, 95% CI [$4,729, $4,763]). After full adjustment (a maximum of 29 comorbidities), annual costs remained significantly higher in participants with HL overall and for certain subcomponents (provider claims, ambulatory visits, and medications), whereas adjusted costs of hospitalization and LTC were lower among people with HL. The magnitude of the incremental costs among participants with HL was most pronounced for younger participants, men, or those with less comorbidity. Total projected annual direct health costs for Alberta residents with HL were $1.01 billion in 2023, of which $125 million (95% CI [$116, $135 million]) was attributable to HL specifically. Compared to those without HL, health costs were markedly higher among participants with HL, partially due to a higher burden of comorbidity. The relatively high population attributable costs of HL suggest that better prevention, recognition, and management of this condition could yield substantial economic benefits. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27353439.

Analisis varians biaya dalam mengukur efektivitas pengendalian biaya operasional pada Usaha Fellow Coffee Manado

Cost variance is the difference between budgeted costs and actual costs incurred. Operating costs are the expenses incurred by an organization to carry out its activities. When variances occur, controlling the costs associated with these variances is very important for the sustainability of business operations. Fellow Coffee Manado, as the object of research, is a cafe that sells coffee and non-coffee beverages as well as heavy meals. The purpose of this research is to measure the effectiveness of operational cost control at Fellow Coffee Manado using cost variance analysis. The research method used is qualitative descriptive, which aims to describe the effectiveness of operational cost control at Fellow Coffee Manado through cost variance analysis. The results of this study indicate the presence of cost variance in several components of operational costs, both favorable and unfavorable variances (unfavorable). The operational costs for the year 2023 that experienced unfavorable variances occurred in October, while favorable variances took place from January to September and from November to December. The causes of the variances in these costs should also be noted. For the control of the company's operating costs to be good and effective, it is due to the preparation of the budget and efforts to improve the budget and actual performance of Fellow Coffee Manado. The researcher hopes that in the future, the company will continue to prepare a better budget, along with monitoring and evaluation.

Optimal Intermediate Pressure Investigation in a CO₂ Transcritical Distributed Compression Refrigeration Cycle

The CO2 transcritical distributed compression cycle proposal provides a novel approach for refrigerant cooling in traditional transcritical cycles. This paper employed an exhaustive search method to derive the correlation formula for the optimal intermediate pressure. From the perspectives of thermodynamic performance and economics, a comparative analysis was conducted between the cycle established under the optimal intermediate pressure obtained in this study, the cycle based on equal compression ratios in traditional two-stage compression cycles, and the cycle established using the optimal secondary compression ratio method based on low-pressure stage discharge pressure mentioned in previous literature study. The research results indicate that the system's COP calculated using the obtained optimal intermediate pressure correlation method can be improved by up to 7.26% and 5.32%, respectively, compared to the traditional and literature-based methods. The exergy loss with the optimal intermediate pressure method is less than with the other two methods. The entransy dissipation rate of the system obtained using the optimal intermediate pressure correlation method is 24.61% and 50.14% lower than that of the traditional and literature-based methods, respectively. The investment cost of the main components using the optimal intermediate pressure correlation method is about 5% higher than that of the traditional method and about 1% higher than that of the optimal pressure ratio method. However, the total annual cost rate of the system is the lowest. The research enriches and improves the theory of the CO₂ transcritical distributed compression cycle, thereby facilitating the advancement of practical applications based on this cycle theory.

Explanatory and predictive modeling of cybersecurity behaviors using protection motivation theory

ContextProtection motivation theory (PMT) is the most frequently used theory in understanding cyber security behaviors. However, most studies have used a cross-sectional design with symmetrical analysis techniques such as structure equation modeling (SEM) and regression. A data-driven approach, such as predictive modeling, is lacking and can potentially evaluate and validate the predictive power of PMT for cybersecurity behaviors. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess the explanatory and predictive power of PMT for cyber security behaviors related to computers and smartphone. MethodAn online survey was employed to collect data from 1027 participants. The relationship of security behaviors with threat appraisal (severity and vulnerability) and coping appraisal (response efficacy, self-efficacy and response cost) components were tested via explanatory and predictive modeling. Explanatory modeling was employed via SEM, whereas three machine learning algorithms, namely Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and K Nearest Neighbor (KNN) were used for predictive modeling. Wrapper feature selection was employed to understand the most important factors of PMT in predictive modeling. ResultsThe results revealed that the threat severity from the threat appraisal component of PMT significantly influenced computer security and smartphone security behaviors. From the coping appraisal, response efficacy and self-efficacy significantly influenced computer and smartphone security behaviors. The ML analysis showed that the highest predictive power of PMT for computer security was 76 % and for smartphone security 68 % by KNN algorithm. The wrapper feature selection approach revealed that the most important features in predicting security behaviors are self-efficacy, response efficacy and intention to secure devices. Thus, the findings indicate the complementarity of the cross-sectional and data driven methods.

A comprehensive cost mapping of digital technologies in greenhouses

Conventional greenhouse producers face significant challenges in integrating advanced Industry 4.0 technologies into their production processes. One of the main obstacles is the lack of clarity regarding the components of technological costs. This article develops a cost mapping for the implementation of such technologies in the context of greenhouses. The mapping distinguishes between capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX), categorizing the key technological components and their financial implications. Based on the general findings from the literature review, several cost areas can be identified and classified as follows: hardware acquisition, installation and retrofitting, integration and customization, software and services, operational and maintenance costs. This cost structure will serve as a basis for future economic models and cost-benefit analysis (CBA), promoting strategic decision-making and a more informed and precise selection of digital technologies.

Towards the Future of Ubiquitous Hyperspectral Imaging: Innovations in Sensor Configurations and Cost Reduction for Widespread Applicability

Hyperspectral imaging is currently under active development as a method for remote sensing, environmental monitoring and biomedical diagnostics. The development of hyperspectral sensors is aimed at their miniaturization and reducing the cost of components for the purpose of the widespread use of such devices on unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites. In this review, we present a broad overview of recent work on the development of hyperspectral devices’ configurations, studies aimed at modifying sensors and the possibility of reducing the cost of components of such devices. In addition, we will present the main trends in the development of hyperspectral device configurations for ubiquitous applications.