Cost Components Research Articles

Assessing the Effectiveness of Village Funds in Reducing Rice Agricultural Production Costs: A Case Study from Bicak Village, Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia

The Village Fund program in Indonesia is designed to improve rural economic development, including agricultural productivity. However, its role in reducing the cost of rice agricultural production is still less explored, especially in the local context. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of village funds in reducing the production cost of rice farming in Bicak Village, Mojokerto, Indonesia. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines survey data, in-depth interviews with 68 farmers, and financial analysis, the study provides a comprehensive assessment. The results show that the construction of farming roads and the construction of irrigation canals using the budget from the Village Fund have significantly increased the net income of farmers by 26%, several components of farming costs have decreased, namely labor, land cultivation and the use of agricultural equipment (water pumps), another impact is that land rental costs have increased because access to agricultural land is getting easier and smoother. It was concluded that the Village Fund can effectively support cost-effective rice farming, and the right allocation of resources is very important. Future programs should prioritize transparent fund management and training for farmers. This study provides new insights into the intersection between rural development policies and agricultural cost management.

Costs of Care in Relation to Alzheimer's Disease Severity in Sweden: A National Registry-Based Cohort Study.

The advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) has demanded the economic evaluation of such interventions. Resource utilization and cost estimates in early AD and, more specifically, the amyloid-positive population are still lacking. We aimed to provide cost estimates in AD in relation to disease severity and compare these with the control population. We also aimed to provide cost estimates for a subset of the AD population with both clinical diagnosis and amyloid-positive confirmation. This was a retrospective longitudinal analysis of resource utilization using data from national registries. A cohort from the national Swedish registry for cognitive/dementia disorders (SveDem) includes all clinically diagnosed AD between 2013 and 2020. The study population included 31,951 people with AD and 63,902 age- and sex-matched controls (1:2). The population was followed until death, the end of December 2020, or 2years from the last clinic visit. Direct medical and social costs were estimated from other national registries. Direct medical costs include costs for medications and inpatient and outpatient clinical visits. Direct social costs include costs for institutionalization, home care, short-term care, support for daytime activities, and housing support. Mean annual costs and 95% confidence intervals were obtained by bootstrapping, presented in 2021 Swedish Krona (SEK) (1 SEK=0.117 USD, 1 SEK=0.0985 EUR in 2021), and disaggregated by AD severity, cost component, sex, age group, and care setting. Mean annual costs for individuals with clinically diagnosed AD were SEK 99,906, SEK 290,972, SEK 479,524, and SEK 795,617 in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mild, moderate, and severe AD. The mean annual costs for the population with both clinical diagnosis and amyloid-positive AD confirmation (N=5610) were SEK 57,625, SEK 179,153, SEK 333,095, and SEK 668,073 in MCI, mild, moderate, and severe AD, respectively. The mean annual costs were higher in institutionalized than non-institutionalized patients, females than males, and older than younger age groups. Inpatient and drug costs were similar in all AD severity stages, but outpatient costs decreased with AD severity. Costs for institutionalization, home care, support for daytime activities, and short-term care increased with AD severity, whereas the cost of housing support decreased with AD severity. This is the first study estimating annual costs in people with AD from MCI to severe AD, including those for the amyloid-positive population. The study provides cost estimates by AD severity, cost components, care settings, sex, and age groups, allowing health economic modelers to apply the costs based on different model structures and populations.

The societal costs of avoidant personality disorder.

The study aims to estimate the societal costs of avoidant personality disorder (AvPD). Cross-sectional data on AvPD patients during 2017-2020 were retrieved from the quality register of the Norwegian Network for Personality Disorders. Cost estimations were based on a bottom-up approach, using a structured interview covering the 6-month period prior to initial assessment. Unit costs were retrieved from public records. The human capital approach was used to calculate productivity losses. Diagnoses were determined according to DSM-5 by semi-structured diagnostic interviews (SCID-5-PD). Mean societal costs were €19,378 for the total group (N = 410). The subgroup with a single diagnosis (n = 270) incurred €18,818, whereas the subgroup with at least one comorbid PD (n = 140) incurred €20,458. The difference between the two subgroups was not statistically significant. The largest cost component was productivity loss (69%), whereas health service costs constituted 31%. The main contributors to societal costs from the health service cost components were inpatient treatment (18%) and individual outpatient treatment (11%). In conclusion, societal costs for AvPD patients were high, on the same level as borderline PD, schizotypal PD, and schizophrenia, and higher than anxiety disorders, depression, and rheumatoid arthritis. In the future, development of effective AvPD treatment programs enhancing personality functioning and workforce participation is important in order reduce the cost of illness.

Real-world excess costs associated with hematologic adverse events (hAEs) during first-line (1L) treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) with FOLFIRINOX (FFX), FFX without 5FU bolus, and gemcitabine+nab-paclitaxel (GnP).

693 Background: During 1L treatment of mPDAC with FFX and GnP, hAEs can harm patients (pts) and accrue excess costs to the health system, i.e., costs beyond those of a treated pt without the hAE. This study examined excess total cost of care (TCoC) and components (total inpatient; outpatient transfusion, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF], and thrombopoietic growth factor [TGF]) for three key hAEs (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) during 1L FFX, FFX without 5FU bolus (FFXnb), and GnP. Methods: This retrospective observational study utilized Optum Market Clarity claims + EHR linked data. Inclusion criteria were: adult pts diagnosed with mPDAC between 1/1/2015 and 5/31/2023; initiated 1L FFX, FFXnb, or GnP within -14 to +90 days (index date); ≥6 months pre-index enrollment. hAEs during 1L were detected from lab values and grouped all grades combined. Pts were divided into “hAE groups” and “ref. groups” with and without any of the three hAEs of interest, respectively. Pts were matched 1:1 without replacement based on follow-up time. Costs were measured from the day a lab value indicated an hAE until 30 days later and during the corresponding times for ref. pts, then standardized to per-pt-per-month (PPPM). This study did not adjust for differences in pt characteristics. Results: Means and differences (95% CI) in TCoC following hAE detection for each regimen and hAE of interest are presented (Table). PPPM TCoC was greater for all three regimens and hAEs, driven by 1.6–4.9 times higher inpatient costs. Inpatient costs were $5,614 and $5,665 higher for FFX and FFXnb neutropenia pts vs. ref. groups. Use of outpatient G-CSF at any time during 1L was lower for FFX and FFXnb neutropenia pts, at 76% and 63% vs. 83% and 75% in the ref. groups, respectively. Outpatient TGF and transfusions were rare. Conclusions: All hAEs showed excess PPPM TCoC across regimens, driven by inpatient costs. FFX and FFXnb neutropenia pts had lower overall utilization of outpatient G-CSF but higher inpatient costs following detection of neutropenia, which may represent an opportunity for improved pt management. Excess TCoC of hAEs. AE (any grade) FFX, hAE group(N=199, 127, 157) FFX, ref. group(N=199, 127, 157) Diff. (95% CI) FFXnb, hAE group(N=202, 106, 137) FFXnb, ref. group (N=202, 106, 137) Diff. (95% CI) GnP, hAE group (N=406, 268, 270) GnP, ref. group (N=406, 268, 270) Diff. (95% CI) AnemiaTCoC, mean 30,561 22,310 8,251 (4,396–12,106) 31,866 23,380 8,487(4,007–12,966) 32,662 27,697 4,965(1,320–8,610) NeutropeniaTCoC, mean 30,382 24,952 5,430(-31–10,891) 26,588 22,571 4,017(-1,288–9,322) 32,975 31,051 1,924(-4,629–8,477) ThrombocytopeniaTCoC, mean 30,566 22,535 8,031 (3,895–12,166) 31,434 22,958 8,476(2,962–13,991) 33,863 30,751 3,113(-3,310–9,536)

Methodological considerations for estimating indirect costs in children and adolescents with chronic conditions: a scoping review

BackgroundIn children and adolescents, the prevalence of chronic diseases, e.g., obesity, asthma, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has increased in the last decades. These diseases have negative effects on patients and their families and pose a significant economic burden. Indirect costs related to caregivers’ lost workdays or children’s and adolescents’ missed education are likely to be high. However, there are no guidelines for measuring and valuing indirect costs in this population. Thus, this scoping review aims to examine methods in published articles, compare these approaches, and analyze benefits and shortcomings.MethodsThe systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, NHS EED, and the HTA Database considering all articles from inception until 16 October 2024. Two researchers independently screened title, abstract, and full text. Cost-of-illness studies (COIs) reporting indirect costs for obesity, asthma, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) in children and adolescents up to 24 years were included. Only studies published in English or German were considered. Methodological characteristics, measurement of indirect costs, cost components, data source, and costing methods were extracted.ResultsThe literature search revealed 45 studies. Thirty-two articles on asthma, eight on ADHD, and five on obesity were included. While all studies included absenteeism, only a few assessed and valued unpaid work (31.1%) or presenteeism (13.3%). Overall, 88.9% of the studies considered indirect costs for caregivers. Additionally, 51.1% considered productivity losses for children and adolescents, with 47.8% of these studies assigning a monetary value to these losses. The largest share of studies (53.3%) considered indirect costs by measuring and valuing caregivers’ lost work time.DiscussionIn conclusion, various methodologies were used to consider indirect costs for chronic diseases in children and adolescents, underlining the need for standardization. This scoping review presents methodologies for incorporating indirect costs in COIs and other types of economic evaluations, which focus on children and adolescents and adopt a societal perspective. These indirect costs include both paid and unpaid activities, as well as absenteeism and presenteeism, not only for caregivers but also for children and adolescents themselves.

Photoacoustics for Direct Light‐Guiding Inside Transparent and Scattering Media

AbstractThe rapid and precise delivery of light at targeted positions on a sample is essential for any light‐based application, including laser materials processing or imaging. However, current systems for light control rely on bulky and costly optical components placed outside the sample. This configuration can be limited by the sample's geometry, poor flexibility in the illumination, and shallow penetration depth, particularly for scattering samples. Here a novel approach is proposed for guiding light within optically transparent and scattering media while obviating any external components. By simply employing an absorptive material and a pulsed laser, this method leverages the photoacoustic generation of a localized pressure wave to induce refractive index gradients within a medium. These gradients act as non‐invasive optical waveguides, that allow for light focusing and guiding across several millimeters at sub‐microsecond time scales. The principle and implementation of this method are described, the light‐guiding effects through various tissue phantoms are simulated and measured, and micrometric laser marking of a photo‐absorbing layer is demonstrated inside a 7‐mm‐thick scattering phantom. The possibility to operate with endogenous absorbing materials and low pressures makes photoacoustic‐enabled light guiding a promising step toward rapid light delivery at conditions not feasible today.

Multi‐Layered Structure as an Efficient Design for Improving Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Properties of Polypropylene/EVA/Carbon Nanotube Composites

ABSTRACTFlexible and lightweight conducting polymer composites for application as electromagnetic wave absorbing (EMWA) materials were prepared by a one‐step melt‐blending procedure using a polypropylene/EVA (50:50 wt%) blend filled with carbon nanotube. The co‐continuous structure and the preferential localization of CNT in the EVA phase and at the interface are responsible for the low percolation threshold (0.02 vol%) and a conductivity of 10−3 S m−1 with 1.5 wt% of CNT. Metal‐backed configuration was used for measuring the electromagnetic attenuation in both X‐ (8–12 GHz) and Ku‐band (12–18 GHz). Samples 3 mm thick were compared with three‐layered structures constituted by three layers of 1 mm each. The best EMWA response in terms of minimum reflection loss (RL) (−35.5 dB) and large effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) (6.6 GHz) was observed for the three‐layered system with the appropriate arrangement. The low cost of polymer components and processing conditions, lightweight, and processability, due to the low amount of CNT, make this system a promising candidate for applications in both civilian and military areas as telecommunication and stealth technology.

Analisis Biaya Produksi dengan Metode Full Costing UMKM Bakso Sido Mandiri

Analysis for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises or MSME meatballs using the Full Costing method aims to provide a comprehensive picture of efficiency and cost effectiveness in meatball production. This study was conducted by identifying the cost components involved, ranging from raw materials, labor, to overhead costs such as rent and utilities. This data was collected through interviews with MSME meatballs that were the objects of the study. The results of the analysis show that the application of the Full Costing method can help MSME in determining the right selling price and optimizing cost efficiency.

Cost Associated with Adherence to the EAT-Lancet Score in Brazil.

Food prices are a crucial factor in food choices, especially for more vulnerable populations. To estimate the association between diet cost and quality, as measured by the EAT-Lancet score, across demographic groups in Brazil. Data from the 2017/18 Household Budget Survey were used to calculate the EAT-Lancet score, comprising 14 components. Scores ranged from 0 (low adherence) to 42 (high adherence), with emphasized components (e.g., vegetables, fruits, legumes) and limited components (e.g., red meat, sugar, eggs). Results were stratified by per capita income, geographic region, and area of residence and compared using linear regression adjusted for high and low costs. In addition, the association between the EAT-Lancet score (and its emphasized and limited components) and diet cost (continuous) was analyzed for the total population and for income tertiles. The mean EAT-Lancet score was 18.65 points (range: 7 to 25) and the mean diet cost was BRL$0.65/100 kcal. Total scores showed no significant difference between low- and high-cost diets. However, limited intake was more pronounced in low-cost diets, while high-cost diets featured emphasized foods such as fruits, vegetables, and seafood. High-cost diets also included sugars and red meat, while unsaturated fats scored higher in low-cost diets. Each one-point increase in the EAT-Lancet score was associated with a BRL$0.38 reduction in cost, driven by lower costs in the Limited component, especially among the lowest-income strata (reductions of BRL$1.58 and BRL$1.55 in the lowest income and middle income tertiles, respectively). However, higher scores for emphasized foods increased costs (BRL$0.89) in the lowest tertile. Higher EAT-Lancet scores were associated with reduced diet costs, likely influenced by the lower Limited component costs in low-income groups. Emphasized foods, however, tended to increase costs, particularly among the lowest-income group. These findings suggest that the role of diet composition plays a significant role in cost differences and underscore the challenges that low-income groups face in accessing affordable, healthy diets.

Economic Evaluations of Music Therapy and Other Music-Based Interventions: A Scoping Review.

The cost-effectiveness of an intervention is an important factor in health care decisions about which health care services should be publicly funded and/or approved as an eligible intervention for private insurance coverage. Music therapy as a health profession lacks substantial research on the cost-effectiveness of its services and there is no overview of existing data. We therefore conducted a scoping review. To contextualize and focus the scope, we describe different types of economic evaluations (EEs) and characterize four types of music interventions. Following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, we systematically searched six databases (EBSCOHost, ProQuest, Web of Science, APA PsycNet, Scopus, and Prospero) in January 2023, and, after screening the initial 1,041 hits, 26 references were included in the review. The results consist of 19 completed and 7 planned EEs published between 1999 and 2022, mainly in the United States. The results show a heterogeneous picture with regard to: (a) the health economic methods used, ranging from cost analyses to cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs), and one social return on investment analysis; (b) the service users involved, ranging from neonatal intensive care patients to persons with dementia and care staff; (c) the outcomes and cost components examined in the respective studies; and (d) the type of study and the conclusions drawn from the results. Accordingly, this scoping review provides an up-to-date overview of health economic studies and identifies research gaps in the field of music interventions for health-related goals and aims to contribute to the discussion on this topic.

Economic burden of breast cancer in India, 2000–2021 and forecast to 2030

Background Breast cancer represents a significant public health concern in India, accounting for 28% of all cancer diagnoses and imposing a substantial economic burden. This study introduces a novel approach to forecasting the number of breast cancer cases (based on prevalence rates) and estimating the associated economic impact in India using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. Methods Data on the prevalence of breast cancer in India from 2000 to 2021 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database. This dataset provided annual estimates of the number of patients with breast cancer, serving as the basis for modeling future prevalence and estimating the economic burden. The ARIMA (Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average) model was employed to analyze and predict breast cancer prevalence in India up to the year 2030 (time-series forecasting). Data were visualized and checked for stationarity using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test. Using the autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF) plots, the appropriate parameters (p, d, q) were determined. Several ARIMA configurations were tested to identify the model with the best fit. The goodness-of-fit of the model was assessed using standard metrics such as the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). The residuals were tested using the Box-Ljung test to confirm the absence of autocorrelation and verify that they followed a white noise distribution. Using the fitted ARIMA model, prevalence rates were forecasted from 2022 to 2030, with 95% confidence intervals to capture prediction uncertainty. Direct costs were calculated based on medical expenses for breast cancer patients, such as hospital visits, diagnostic tests, treatment costs, and follow-up care. A bottom-up approach was applied, which involves aggregating individual cost components from each stage of care to estimate the total direct burden of disease. A bottom-up approach was applied, which involves aggregating individual cost components from each stage of care to estimate the total direct burden of disease. Indirect costs were estimated using the human capital approach, which assesses productivity losses due to morbidity and premature mortality. The Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) associated with breast cancer were also predicted using the ARIMA model. Results The results of coefficient of determination (0.99), mean absolute percentage error (69%), mean absolute error (5229), and root mean squared error (6451.2) showed that the ARIMA (0,2,0) model fitted well. Coefficient of determination (0.99) indicated that 99% of the variance in the data was explained by the model. Akaike information criterion (411.54) and Bayesian information criterion (412.53) indicated the ARIMA (0,2,0) model was reliable when analysing our data. The result of the relative error of prediction (2.76%) also suggested that the model predicted well. The number of patients with breast cancer from 2021 to 2030 was predicted to be about 1.25 million, 1.1.29 million,, 1.34 million, 1.39 million, 1.44 million, 1.48 million, 1.53 million, 1.58 million, 1.63 million, 1.68 million, and respectively. The total economic burden of breast cancer from 2021 to 2030 was estimated to be $8 billion, $8.72 billion, $9.05 billion, $9.84 billion, $10.20 billion, $11.07 billion, $11.49 billion, $12.44 billion, $12.91 billion, $13.95 billion, respectively is estimated to rise significantly. Conclusion Breast cancer prevalence and its economic impact are projected to grow substantially in India. Between 2021 and 2030, the number of breast cancer patients is expected to increase by approximately 0.05 million annually, with an annual increase rate of about 5.6%. The associated economic burden will also rise, averaging an additional $19.55 billion per year, underscoring the need for intensified healthcare and economic strategies to manage this growing challenge.

Modern methods of strategic management in the oil and gas industry

The necessity to develop new methods of strategic management in the oil and gas industry is due to many factors, among which one can note the increase in the cost of material and technical components for equipment, high volatility of prices for oil and gas industry resources, lack of stability of financial markets, increased competition for the development of new fields, which requires the search for a new vector of successful development of oil and gas companies engaged in production, transportation and sale of resources.The article provides a comparative analysis of strategic management methods in the oil and gas industry and identifies the main trends in strategic management in accordance with new processes in the global and national economy.

Assessment of energy management and power quality improvement of hydrogen based microgrid system through novel PSO-MWWO technique

A hybrid microgrid powered by hydrogen is an energy infrastructure that depends on hydrogen as its primary energy carrier within a localized network. This study proposed a novel bi-level optimization approach to enhance power quality and cost efficiency of the system. In the quest to improve energy management systems (EMS) and enhance power quality, a bi-level optimization approach named Particle swarm optimization-Modified water wave optimization (PSO-MWWO) has been proposed. This method integrates adaptive population size and an adaptive wavelength coefficient to boost its overall effectiveness. It is attractive with specialists in energy management systems (EMS), control systems, and hydrogen technologies can significantly augment the efficiency of coordination endeavours. PSO-MWWO can incorporate environmental considerations, such as minimizing emissions or exploiting the use of renewable energy resources (RESs) in hydrogen production and consumption. This paper thoroughly examines its implementation, operation, and unique features, with a particular emphasis on the power quality of a hydrogen based microgrid. The achieved results and numerical analysis affirm the superiority of the proposed technique compared to other traditional methods like mixed integer linear programming (MILP), HOMER, Variable mesh optimization (VMO), and Cataclysmic genetic algorithm in optimizing component sizing, renewable production, hydrogen production, reliability, cost effective, and overall efficacy. This substantiates its practical utility in real-time applications. The efficacy of this method is empirically demonstrated through the implementation in MATLAB software.

Healthcare utilization and costs for patients with Parkinson’s disease in Taiwan

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) exerts a considerable burden on the elderly. Studies on long-term costs for Parkinson’s disease patients in Taiwan are not available.ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the medical resource utilization and medical costs including drug costs for PD patients in Taiwan over up to 15 years of follow-up.MethodsIncident PD patients and matched non-PD subjects were identified between 2003 and 2016 from the National Health Insurance (NHI) research database. Differences in annual healthcare utilization and costs between PD and non-PD subjects from 2003 to 2018 were predicted by generalized linear models. We performed analyses stratified by PD severity and also by age, gender, and duration of follow-up.ResultsWe identified 50,290 PD cases and 201,153 non-PD subjects. From the payer’s perspective, the average total medical costs (drug costs) associated with PD and non-PD subjects were NT$631,080 (NT$222,810) and NT$480,880 (NT$140,120), respectively. Total medical and drug costs of PD after diagnosis remained high, from NT$138,487 per patient in the first year following diagnosis up to NT$154,676 per patient at year 15. The largest components of costs were for outpatient care (55% of total medical costs), and total drugs cost (35% of total medical costs). Patients with severe PD incurred higher total medical costs compared to those with moderate or mild PD, with outpatient and inpatient costs as well as drug costs rising with disease severity.ConclusionsThis is the first study of its kind in Taiwan that comprehensively analyzes long-term healthcare utilization and costs among PD patients. PD imposes a significant economic burden in Taiwan, with medical (drug) costs being 1.31 (1.59) times that of non-PD individuals and costs increasing substantially with PD severity. Our findings can aid health policymakers in understanding the healthcare needs and medical costs of PD patients, supporting effective policy formulation.

The relationship between financial management strategies and firm financial performance: the moderating role of firm size

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of financial management strategies on the financial performance of construction projects in Iraq, specifically investigating the moderating role of company size. The primary focus is to understand how different cost components contribute to performance and how this relationship varies between larger and smaller businesses in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing a sample of 296 participants from the construction business in Iraq, this research employed a survey questionnaire. The WarpPLS software facilitated data analysis, employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with bootstrapping for model validation. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with maximum likelihood estimation assessed the measurement model, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the financial management strategies and performance relationship. Findings The study reveals that equipment costs show no significant relationship with performance in Iraq’s construction industry. Larger construction firms exhibit a positive influence on financial performance from material costs, labour costs and permit/licencing fees compared to smaller firms. This suggests a moderation effect of size on the relationship between these cost components and financial outcomes, highlighting the nuanced impact of financial management strategies on performance. Research limitations/implications While shedding light on the size-dependent nuances in the relationship between financial strategies and performance, this study is confined to the construction industry in Iraq. The findings might not be universally applicable, and contextual variations should be considered. Additionally, the reliance on survey data introduces the potential for response bias. Future research could expand the scope to different industries and regions, incorporating diverse methodological approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of the nuances in the financial management and performance relationship. Practical implications Construction companies in Iraq can enhance project performance by strategically allocating resources and effectively managing costs, considering the nuanced impact of company size. Larger firms, in particular, should focus on optimising material costs, labour costs and permit/licensing fees to maximise financial outcomes. This study provides actionable insights for practitioners, guiding financial management decisions and offering practical recommendations for improving project performance in the Iraqi construction industry. Social implications The research contributes valuable insights to the Iraqi construction industry, an area with limited prior research on management matters. By emphasising the role of size in moderating the relationship between financial strategies and performance, the study informs industry stakeholders, policymakers and professionals about the importance of tailoring financial management approaches based on company size. This knowledge can potentially lead to improved financial outcomes, positively impacting the overall economic and social landscape in Iraq. Originality/value This research adds to the body of knowledge by examining the impact of company size on the relationship between financial management methods and performance in Iraq’s construction projects. The study’s originality lies in uncovering the moderating effect of size on the connection between specific cost components and financial performance. The findings provide a unique perspective on financial management strategies, offering construction companies valuable insights into optimising performance based on their size. This research contributes significantly to an underexplored area, filling a gap in the existing literature and providing practical implications for financial decision-making in the construction industry.

Digital e-business: business model canvas for marketing expansion feasibility in hydroponic farm

Abstract Hydroponic is an agricultural system without using soil as a planting medium. The existence of vegetable production at hydroponic farms, which has yet to be absorbed by the market, and the increase in household consumers is an opportunity to maximize the potential in marketing products to reach the B2C (Business to Consumer). This research aimed to analyze the feasibility of digital marketing as the marketing expansion strategy for hydroponic farming, which was conducted using Business Model Canvas (BMC) and R/C ratio analysis. Digital marketing strategies can be implemented to expand the marketing reach of hydroponic vegetables, including recruiting social media specialists, using Instagram ads, and providing endorsements. Digital marketing influenced the increase in cost components by 18.72%, with R/C ratio analysis results of 3.11. This showed that using digital media as a marketing medium for hydroponic vegetables is feasible for financial development.

Inside Hybridization of CF/PAEK Hollow Profiles by Means of Injection Molding

Hollow profiles made of braided thermoplastic tape material are able to meet the demands of future aviation applications in terms of cost, cycle time and mechanical properties of structural components. By using the overmolding technology additional elements, i.e. load introductions, can be formed onto the hollow profile, increasing its functionality. This work presents a novel processing route for a driveshaft load introduction design of hollow profiles, whereby the load introduction element is injection molded onto the inside of a thermoplastic hollow profile. To form the contour of a splined shaft of the injection molding part inside the hollow profile, a collapsible core is used in conjunction with a ring gate. In order to ensure a proper bonding between the injection molding material and the composite, the hollow profile is heated externally in an infrared oven and then transferred into an injection molding tool for the functionalization step. This process set up requires a precise adjustment of the wall thickness of the hollow profile, the contour of the collapsible core and the process temperature. Extensive processing trials are performed on different temperatures and laminate configurations. Photomicrographs, computer tomography scans and mechanical tests are used for evaluating the part quality.

On the economic feasibility of tidal range power plants

The potential energy associated with tides presents a sustainable energy resource that remains largely untapped. Uncertainties on the economic case of tidal range power plants are a known obstacle. Research on tidal range structures suggests energy yield may be maximized through operation strategy optimization, and that impacts can be mitigated through design optimization. While instructive, these perspectives alone are insufficient to support the feasibility of individual projects. We integrate operation optimization and hydrodynamic impact analyses within a cost evaluation framework for tidal range structures focusing on capital costs (CAPEX) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Once benchmarked against 11 historic proposal cost projections, we perform a redesign of 18 tidal power plants to deliver a comprehensive comparative basis across a diverse range of sites in the UK. Tidal power plant operation is simulated in regional shallow-water equation models, acknowledging tide variability. The cost evaluation framework demonstrates the impact of geospatial variations on key cost components. The redesign process indicates transformative implications in that equivalent and lower LCOE values can be achieved for designs at a substantially lower CAPEX. Given how the latter hinder development, we show how tidal range schemes could be far more economically feasible than commonly perceived.

A multicenter micro-costing analysis of flexible cystoscopic procedures in Korea.

This study aims to develop and implement an economic evaluation using a micro-costing approach to provide a precise and transparent analysis of the direct costs of cystoscopic procedures in Korean hospitals. The study seeks to identify key cost components and evaluate whether current reimbursement rates accurately reflect these direct costs. Significant variations in cost items were identified across different studies. An economic evaluation was conducted using a micro-costing methodology for the cost analysis of cystoscopic procedures, developed through literature review, data collection from studies, and expert consultations. Gangnam Severance Hospital (GSH) performed 2,188 cystoscopic procedures, including 1,847 cystoscopies and 341 JJ stent removals, with average costs of $100.8 and $110.6, respectively. At National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital (NHIMC), 1,463 procedures were performed, including 1,167 cystoscopies and 296 JJ stent removals, with average costs of $119.2 and $125.3. Cystoscopy costs at GSH were driven by reprocessing ($45.8, 45.4%) and equipment ($33.1, 32.9%), while NHIMC's were $52.5 (44.0%) for equipment and $48.7 (40.8%) for reprocessing. Both hospitals incurred financial losses, with NHIS (National Health Insurance Service) covering only about 71.7% and 60.6% of costs for cystoscopy, and 71.0% and 62.7% for JJ stent removal. The significant discrepancy between HIRA (Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service)'s estimated costs and those identified here suggests that current fees for cystoscopic procedures may be underestimated and require reassessment. Given the results, reevaluating these rates is essential to ensure fair compensation for healthcare providers and to deliver optimal patient care.

The Economic Burden of Management of Pituitary Adenomas: A Propensity-Score-Matched Cost Analysis.

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) present a notable economic burden on healthcare systems due to their management's reliance on multimodal, often costly interventions. To determine total and relative healthcare costs for PAs at Ontario-based institutions. A retrospective, propensity-score-matched cohort analysis. Ontario, Canada, encompassing public healthcare facilities and covering costs over a 6-year study period. Adults diagnosed with PA (n = 1675) between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2019, compared to a general population cohort and a hospitalized control cohort matched on demographics and health factors. Analysis of healthcare cost components (inpatient, outpatient, and diagnostic services) and cost trajectories postsurgery for PAs. Primary outcome was total annualized healthcare costs for patients with PA relative to the general and hospitalized cohorts. Relative costs were estimated using a negative binomial regression model. Of 1675 patients with PA, total annualized costs were $49,992. Highest total costs were associated with inpatient hospitalization ($24,796) and physician services/diagnostic evaluations ($20,075). After propensity score matching, patients with PA had 12.7 times higher costs [95% confidence interval (CI) (10.9, 14.8), P < .0001] during the preadmission/admission period, which remained elevated postoperatively (P < .05). Total costs did not differ between patients with PA and the hospitalized cohort [RR 0.97, 95% CI (0.92, 1.03); P = .3271] in the preadmission/admission period; however, follow-up costs were 37% lower for patients with PA in the 1st follow-up year [RR 0.63, 95% CI (0.51, 0.77); P < .0001], and up to 50% lower by the 5th year [RR 0.50, 95% CI (0.36, 0.68); P < .0001]. This study provided a comprehensive assessment of the economic burden of PAs on the publicly-funded healthcare system. Patients with PA had higher annualized total costs across all observed time periods compared to the general population and lower annualized total costs compared to patients admitted to a surgical ward. This study highlights the financial impact of PA management on healthcare resources and provides a basis for future research aimed at cost-efficiency improvements in long-term PA care.