Approximate Cost Research Articles

A novel sensor-based digital instrument for assessment of quality of fibre extracted from banana pseudostem

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) farming generates huge quantities of biomass, all of which goes to waste due to the non-availability of suitable technology for its commercial application. The potential solution to this issue could be the conversion of pseudo-stems into valuable assets by converting them into fibres for various textile and non-textile applications. The specific characteristics of banana pseudo-stem fibre i.e. high absorptivity, breathability and biodegradability made it sustainable as well as suitable for the development of diversified products and blending with other natural fibres. However, non-uniformity in availability, obscurity of its intended uses and lack of knowledge for assessment of fibre quality posed a biggest hurdle to reach the fibre into the textile markets. Hence, a novel sensor-based digital instrument for assessing the quality parameters i.e. bundle strength and fineness along with overall grade of banana pseudo-stem fibre is presented in this research article. The developed instrument mainly consists of a fibre bundle strength measurement unit, fineness measuring unit and visual interface cum data acquisition unit. Test results indicated that bundle strength and fineness measured by developed instrument varied from 20.92 g/tex to 28.31 g/tex and 5.63 tex to 6.41 tex respectively. Furthermore, a good correlation between the measured and actual outputs of bundle strength (One-Way ANOVA, F28,2 = 3.914, P = 0.224), fineness (One-Way ANOVA, F51,2 = 4.730, P = 0.190) and overall quality of fibre (Independent sample T-Test, F34,1 = 0.95, P = 0.190). Was observed at 5 % level of significance. The present study also introduced a grading system for quality assessment of banana fibre based on the well-established and well-recognized grading system of jute fibre developed by Indian Standard (IS: 271 2020). The developed instrument is easy to build as well as easy to use and have an approximate cost of $1800.00. The combination of developed instrument and grading system is an accurate, feasible and time-ordered technique for the assessment of the overall quality of the banana fibre and well suited for the actual conditions.

Differentially private and truthful auction-based resource procurement for budget-constrained DAG applications in clouds

With the rapid proliferation of emerging scientific computing, more and more cloud users (CUs) with large-scale applications are seeking efficient executing paradigms in clouds. Following this trend, a cloud market with multiple cloud service providers (CSPs) is emerging, which aims to provide efficient cross-cloud services to CUs through the cooperation among CSPs. In the market, CUs can procure different virtual machine resources and their combinations from one or more CSP(s) in a pay-as-you-go way. In such a procurement process, it is challenging to achieve privacy protection and truthfulness of CSPs while enabling flexible resource combinations. As such, we design a differentially private and truthful auction-based resource procurement mechanism (DTARP) in clouds. Specifically, we first propose a budget-aware resource profile determination algorithm (BRPD) to obtain a set of resource profiles, in order to bridge the difference between application tasks and resources under the budget constraint. Next, we design a differential privacy-based winning CSP selection algorithm to choose a set of winning CSPs, and the payment calculation algorithm to calculate the payment for each winning CSP. Strict theoretical analysis proves that the proposed DTARP achieves differential privacy, truthfulness, individual rationality, computational efficiency, and approximate social cost minimization while guaranteeing the efficient completion of application tasks under the budget. Extensive simulation results also demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed DTARP.

The effect of foundation type selection on approximate cost of reinforced concrete buildings: the role of soil classes and number of floors

This study investigates the choice of foundation type, which is one of the factors affecting the approximate cost of rough construction of buildings with reinforced concrete structural systems. In the study, isolated, continuous and raft foundation types are discussed comparatively for buildings with different numbers of floors (1-4 floors above the basement) and different soil classes (ZB-ZE). In the literature, there is no study in which the effects of foundation type, number of floors and soil classes on the approximate cost of a building are analyzed together. This study aims to fill this gap in this field. Reinforced concrete design and analysis were performed using Protastructure 2022 software; concrete, formwork and reinforcing steel quantities were calculated, and approximate costs were calculated with the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change 2024 Construction and Installation Unit Prices (TCÇŞİDB 2024) and the results were presented in tables and graphs. According to the study's findings, as the soil class improves, isolated foundations are more economical than other foundations. In contrast, the cost of isolated foundations increases significantly as the soil class deteriorates and the number of floors increases, while the cost difference between continuous foundation and raft foundation decreases.

A reduced-order model approach for fuzzy fields analysis

Characterization of the response of systems with governing parameters that exhibit both uncertainties and spatial dependencies can become quite challenging. In these cases, the accuracy of conventional probabilistic methods to quantify the uncertainty may be strongly affected by the availability of data. In such a scenario, fuzzy fields become an efficient tool for solving problems that exhibit uncertainty with a spatial component. Nevertheless, the propagation of the uncertainty associated with input parameters characterized as fuzzy fields towards the output response of a model can be quite demanding from a numerical point of view. Therefore, this paper proposes an efficient numerical strategy for forward uncertainty quantification under fuzzy fields. This strategy is geared towards the analysis of steady-state, linear systems. To reduce the numerical cost associated with uncertainty propagation, full system analyses are replaced by a reduced-order model. This reduced-order model projects the equilibrium equations into a small-dimensional space constructed from a single analysis of the system plus sensitivity analysis. The associated basis is enriched to ensure the quality of the approximate response and numerical cost reduction. Case studies of heat transfer and seepage analysis show that with the presented strategy, it is possible to accurately estimate the fuzzy responses with reduced numerical effort.

A fix and optimize method based approximate dynamic programming approach for the strategic fleet sizing and delivery planning problem

AbstractLogistics related costs constitute a major part in total cost of a product in general. Considering a company that delivers goods to its customers using its owned fleet, fleet ownership and operational costs together with the inventory costs compose the total logistics costs. In this study, we suggest an approximate Dynamic Programming algorithm, with a look ahead strategy, that uses the fix and optimize method as the imbedded heuristic for solving integrated fleet composition and replenishment planning problem. The total annual distribution cost factors considered in the problem are vehicle ownership costs, approximate routing costs, and inventory related costs. In this problem, we aim to minimize the total logistic cost by optimizing the fleet composition, replenishment patterns, and customers assigned to each vehicle in the fleet. We produced a set of reasonably large instances randomly and showed the efficacy of the suggested solution method.

ROUTE OF SOUTH SECTION OF BUDVA BYPASS - REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF ORGANIZATION AND TECHNOLOGY CONSTRUCTION

<p class="ABSTRACT">The Budva bypass, spanning approximately 30 kilometers, is divided into three distinct sections: North, Middle, and South. The Terms of reference required the preparation of a Preliminary design for the construction elements of all structures along the section and route. The Southern section, which is the subject of this article, begins at the end of the Middle section in Vrijesno. The route of the Southern Section goes through the hilly hinterland above the Budva coast, from Kamenovo to Petrovac. In Petrovac, it is connected to the main road M-2 Petrovac-Sotonići-Virpazar via the intersection "Petrovac". The total length of the Southern section is 8.56km. There are five bridges and one tunnel in this route. There are, also, retaining structures and slope protection, conection routes and deviations, one interchange, and noise protection walls on this section of bypass. In this article, parts of Preliminary Design of organization and technology construction are showned. Network plan structure, approximate estimation of the duration of the works, approximate cost estimation, and approximate cash flow estimation during construction are presented.</p>

Budget impact analysis of participating in sponsored clinical trials in cancer within the Colombian healthcare system: A real-world evidence approach.

e23031 Background: Clinical trials (CTs) are a key element in researching and developing new technologies for cancer. Assessing the economic impact of CTs and the potential savings for healthcare systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) is vital to guide healthcare decision-making. This research aims to quantify the budget impact for the Colombian Health System of including hematology and oncology patients in sponsored clinical trials. Methods: This study uses real-world data (RWD) from CTIC, a high-complexity cancer center from Bogotá, Colombia. We followed the Budget Impact Analysis methodology defined by the local HTA agency using data for five tumors retrieved from an institutional data lake resource using clinical information and related costs. Tumors were selected based on their prevalence and economic burden. CTIC’s clinical experts validated the cost-generating events for each disease. The eligible population for phase 3 clinical trials was estimated from the literature and CTIC oncology units’ leaders’ opinions. Prevalent and incident population data were obtained from the Colombian High-Cost Account (CAC). Results: There are 7,703 potential patients to be included in CTs, representing a total cost of 217,544,023 for 2023 USD (1 USD = 4,325 COP). If at least 25% of patients with these tumors were included in CTs in 2023, the approximate cost would be 54,386,006 USD. Advanced prostate cancer represented the highest cost, given its prevalence and CT inclusion opportunity. Conclusions: With approximately USD 24 billion spent on healthcare (USD 5 billion in drugs), Colombia could save around 4% of its drug expenditure if all potential candidates were to be included in cancer CTs. Furthermore, assuming similar average costs per patient, inclusion rates, and population growth for 5-years, this could represent savings of around USD 1.1 billion. These savings would ease the reimbursement and access to innovation for Colombian patients, improving health outcomes and enhancing long-term financial sustainability. [Table: see text]

Adaptive stochastic lookahead policies for dynamic multi-period purchasing and inventory routing

We explore a problem faced by agri-food e-commerce platforms in purchasing different, perishable products and collecting them from multiple producers and delivering them to a single warehouse, aiming to maintain adequate inventory levels to meet current and future customer demand, while avoiding waste. Customer demand and suppliers’ purchase prices and supply volumes are uncertain and revealed on a periodical basis. Every period, purchasing, inventory, and routing decisions are made to satisfy demand and to build inventory for future periods. For effective decisions integrating all three decision components and anticipating future developments, we propose a stochastic lookahead method that, in every period, samples future scenarios for demand, supply volumes, and prices. It then solves a two-stage stochastic program to obtain the decision for the current period. To make this approach computationally tractable, we reduce the routing decision in the two-stage program and use an approximate routing cost instead. Given the reduced decision, we then create the final decision via a conventional routing heuristic. We learn the routing cost approximation adaptively via repeated training simulations. In comprehensive experiments, we show that all three components, stochastic lookahead, routing cost approximation, and adaptive learning, are very effective individually, but especially in combination. We also provide a comprehensive analysis of the problem parameters and obtain valuable insights in problem and methodology.

A novel MXene coated liquid crystal display anode derived from a futile computer monitor for microbial fuel cell application

A Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheet-coated liquid crystal display (LCD) anode is meticulously crafted through precision waterjet cutting, salvaging a discarded LCD monitor. This technique, preserving structural integrity and enhanced electrical conductivity, sets it apart from conventional methods. The resulting MXene-coated LCD anode is well-suited for microbial fuel cell (MFC) applications. Comparative assessments against costlier carbonaceous electrodes like graphite felt and carbon cloth, emphasize that the water-jet cut LCD anode with Ti3C2Tx MXene coating is 3.79 and 2.51 times more cost-effective, with an approximate total cost of $38/m2. Substituting Ti3C2Tx MXene-coated LCD for carbon cloth and graphite felt anodes reduces MFC unit fabrication costs by 19 and 10.45 %, respectively. Notably, the Ti3C2Tx MXene LCD anode-based MFC unit boasts a power density per unit cost of 0.008 W/m2/$, underscoring economic viability. This research highlights waterjet cutting's pivotal role in crafting Ti3C2Tx MXene LCD anodes, opening avenues for scalable, cost-effective electrode production in renewable energy applications.

Piezoelectric Sensors Pressed by Human Footsteps for Energy Harvesting

Human footsteps are a sustainable energy source that is derived from kinetic energy. As a result, in this study, piezoelectric sensors placed beneath floor tiles were excited by human footsteps to provide practical electrical energy. A simple rectifying circuit with a filter was used to capture electrical power. The floor tile is 455 mm in length and 405 mm in width. Two light-emitted diodes were lit up as the actual load by utilising electrical energy obtained from the kinetic energy generated by human footsteps. The greatest attainable power that could be extracted from the suggested floor tile was 249.6 milliwatts, with an approximate cost of $10.2.

Enhanced adsorption of Bismark Brown R dye by chitosan conjugated magnetic pectin loaded filter mud: A comprehensive study on modeling and mechanisms

Herein, a polymer-based bioadsorbent was prepared by cross-linking chitosan to filter mud and magnetic pectin (Ch-mPC@FM) for the removal of Bismark Brown R dye (BB-R) from wastewater. Morphological characterization analysis indicated that Ch-mPC@FM had a higher surface area and better pore structure than its components. The Artificial Neuron Network (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) were employed to evaluate the simulation and prediction of the adsorption process based on input variables like temperature, pH, dosage, initial BB-R dye concentration, and contact time. ANFIS and ANN demonstrated significant modeling and predictive accuracy, with R2 > 0.93 and R2 > 0.96, and root mean square error < 0.023 and <0.020, respectively. The Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models provided the best fits to the equilibrium and kinetic data. The thermodynamic assessment showed spontaneous and endothermic adsorption with average entropy and enthalpy changes of 119.32 kJ mol−1 K and 403.47 kJ mol−1, respectively. The study of BB-R dye adsorption on Ch-mPC@FM revealed multiple mechanisms, including electrostatic, complexation, pore filling, cation-π interaction, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions. The approximate production cost of US$ 5.809 Kg−1 and excellent adsorption capability render Ch-mPC@FM an inexpensive, pragmatic, and ecologically safe bioadsorbent for BB-R dye removal from wastewater.

Abstract SS02-02: Hormone Replacement and Alternatives for Relief of Vasomotor Symptoms in Women at Increased Risk for Breast Cancer

Abstract 70% of women will experience vasomotor symptoms sufficient to impact their quality of life during menopause transition and the early menopause. These symptoms are thought result from neurotransmitter imbalances resulting from ovarian hormone reductions and hypersecretion of gonadotropins. Increases in gonadotropins result in neurotransmitter triggered stimulation of the neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor and thermoregulatory imbalance. Estrogen deficiency also reduces serotonin which can also trigger increases in hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. Vasomotor symptoms last on the average for 7 years until acclimation to persistent low estrogen levels occurs. Estrogen +/- progestin replacement therapy is associated with the greatest likelihood of vasomotor symptom relief as it reduces gonadotropin and NK3 receptor signaling and increases serotonin. Progestins also increase the neuroinhibitory transmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which improves sleep quality. There continues to be confusion on the part of providers and patients regarding the excess risk of breast cancer and thromboembolic events as these risks are affected by type of agent, route of delivery, age, duration of treatment, and presence of obesity. The majority of placebo controlled randomized clinical trial data on hormone replacement with estrogen or estrogen + a progestin comes from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) for women 50-79 in which oral conjugated estrogen (CE) 0.625 mg was used as the estrogen for women without a uterus and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was added to CE for women with a uterus to protect against endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. The median age at entry to WHI that trial was 63 and a substantial proportion had previously taken hormones. Large longitudinal cohort studies have been helpful in assessing risks in women starting hormones at a more clinically relevant age (45-55) and with hormonal preparations other than oral CE and MPA. Five to seven years of estrogen alone results in minimal if any increased risk for breast cancer. However, combined estrogen+ progestin replacement for women over 50, necessary for women with a uterus, results in an ~ 30 % relative increased risk for breast cancer if taken for up to 5 years and a doubling of risk with 10 years of treatment. So called bioidentical hormones often compounded as oral troches of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, are also associated with increased breast cancer risk. Vaginal hormones have not been found to increase risk for breast cancer. Increased risk of thromboembolism is predominately observed in women over 50 using oral as opposed to transdermal preparations. Increased risk for stroke and dementia was observed in the WHI again with oral hormones in women over 65. In the WHI there was no increase in cancer related, cardiovascular or overall mortality with estrogen or estrogen and progestin. For high-risk peri and post-menopausal women with who would like to reduce/alleviate their vasomotor symptoms with no increase in risk for breast cancer there are several options: 1) the tissue selective estrogen complex bazedoxifene (BZA) combined with conjugated estrogen (CE) 2) the non-hormonal option of NK3 receptor antagonists such as fezolinetant ( 3) non-hormonal options of gabapentin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine uptake inhibitors (SNRI). BZA and CE and fezolinetant are reported to reduce hot flashes in 70% or more of individuals with paroxetine effectiveness reported as 50%. All three are FDA approved for reduction of vasomotor symptoms. The combination of BZA and CE is also being investigated for breast cancer risk reduction. These agents differ with respect to side effects with increased risk of blood clots for bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogen, increased risk of nausea, diarrhea, and liver dysfunction for fezolinetant and drowsiness and dry mouth for SSRIs. Drug costs may also dramatically affect insurance coverage and patient uptake of a particular strategy. A recent online perusal of a popular site for finding the lowest drug price suggested substantial differences in the cost of drugs for relief of vasomotor symptoms. The approximate cost for a 30- day supply of oral estradiol was $30, estradiol transdermal patches $35, oral progesterone $15, combined estradiol and levonorgestrel transdermal patches $240, oral CE $200, oral CE + medoxyprogesterone acetate $240, and for BZA+ CE $200. For non-hormonal therapies the cost of 30 days of gabapentin was $11, paroxetine $30 and fezolinetant $550. Crandall, Mehta, and Manson JAMA 2023 329:405-420 Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer Lancet 2019 394: 1159-1168 Fabian et al Ca Prev Res 2019 10:711-720 Modi and Dhillo Neuroendocrinology 2019 109:242–248 Citation Format: C. Fabian. Hormone Replacement and Alternatives for Relief of Vasomotor Symptoms in Women at Increased Risk for Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr SS02-02.

Spatially dependent node regularity in meshless approximation of partial differential equations

In this paper, we address a way to reduce the total computational cost of meshless approximation by reducing the required stencil size through spatially varying computational node regularity. Rather than covering the entire domain with scattered nodes, only regions with geometric details are covered with scattered nodes, while the rest of the domain is discretized with regular nodes. A simpler approximation can be used in regions covered by regular nodes, effectively reducing the required stencil size and computational cost compared to the approximation on scattered nodes where a set of polyharmonic splines is added to ensure convergent behaviour.This paper is an extended version of conference paper entitled “Spatially-varying meshless approximation method for enhanced computational efficiency” (Jančič et al., 2023) presented at “International Conference on Computational Science (ICCS) 2023”. The paper is extended with discussion on development and implementation of a hybrid regular-scattered node positioning algorithm (HyNP). The performance of the proposed HyNP algorithm is analysed in terms of separation distance and maximal empty sphere radius. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that HyNP nodes can be used for solving problems from fluid flow and linear elasticity, both in 2D and 3D, using meshless methods.The extension also provides additional analyses of computational efficiency and accuracy of the numerical solution obtained on the spatially-variable regularity of discretization nodes. In particular, different levels of refinement aggressiveness and scattered layer widths are considered to exploit the computational efficiency gains offered by such solution procedure.

Antivenom surveillance: An audit of antivenom stock within South Australia.

Antivenoms are important emergency medications to be held within Australia, particularly in regional and remote locations. We audited current antivenom holdings in hospitals and health services across South Australia (SA) and compared to recommendations in the 'Snakebite and Spiderbite Management Guidelines' from the State's Toxinology service. The process also assessed the feasibility of 'real-time' remote stock monitoring. Fifty-three sites listed in the guideline were recommended to hold antivenom, though only 49 are currently operational. Interrogation of antivenom stock for 29 sites was possible using electronic reports generated from the State Pharmacy database. The 20 remaining centres had their stock levels confirmed by calling the centres directly. Data obtained were then compared to recommended levels of antivenom holdings in the guideline with discrepancies and associated costs documented. A separate report verification process was used to determine 'real-time' accuracy of the electronic reports. Thirty-seven sites (75%) held more than the recommended number of antivenom vials, totalling 129 vials in excess with an approximate total cost of $110 000. Twelve sites (24%) held inadequate stock to deliver a treatment dose for 19 envenoming events. The report verification revealed variances in the electronic reports. This audit has demonstrated a significant disparity between recommended and actual antivenom holdings across most sites in SA and has also revealed that 'real-time' remote monitoring of state antivenom holdings is not currently feasible. Correction of stock levels to that recommended may result in financial benefit for State Health while also addressing inequity in regional and remote healthcare provision.

Energy Harvesting Floor Tile Using Piezoelectric Patches for Low-Power Applications

Abstract Purpose One of the sustainable energy sources derived from kinetic energy is human footsteps. This research sought to find a substitute for conventional power sources to lessen dependence on them. As a result, a floor tile excited by human footsteps was demonstrated and presented to generate usable electrical power. Methods Piezoelectric patches, hot melt glue sticks, wood plates, and foam plates are just a few of the commercially available materials used in the suggested technique, making it suitable and practical. In addition to the components, uncomplicated circuits like a voltage multiplier and rectifier with a capacitance filter were employed for the electrical power capture. The proposed prototype has a length of 455 mm and a width of 405 mm. Results Two LEDs were effectively illuminated as an actual load using electrical energy collected from human footsteps. The maximum useful power that could be harvested successfully via the proposed floor tile (one tile) was 246 mW, with an approximate cost of $10.2. Conclusions Designing an array of footsteps-based energy harvesting tiles covering broad areas to maximize the harvested power could be considered as a future work. Moreover, the number of pedestrians variable can be also studied for the proposed design of this study in a real excitation environment such as a railway station, subway station, street, discotheque, and wedding festival hall.

Pulse lavage in lower limb arthroplasty: awash with carbon saving opportunities

Introduction Pulse lavage is used in cemented orthopaedic procedures to prepare the bone bed, improve fixation strength at the bone-cement interface, and reduce the risk of bone cement implantation syndrome. We sought to calculate the approximate carbon cost of battery-operated pulse lavage in Scotland for the year 2022. Methods We used data from the Scottish Arthroplasty Project and Scottish Hip Fracture Audit to establish the number of primary hip replacements, knee replacements, and hip hemiarthroplasty procedures performed in 2022. We modelled the standard uses of eight AA batteries (at 23g each) per case. To calculate the carbon footprint associated we used the ‘UK Government GHG conversion factors dataset’ to calculate the carbon footprint in material use (materials, manufacture, and transport) and disposal. Results Data from the Scottish Arthroplasty Project and Scottish Hip Fracture Audit established that 11,175 primary hip or knee replacements and 4,036 hip hemiarthroplasty procedures were performed in 2022. Therefore, around 15,000 pulse lavage units were used in primary lower limb arthroplasty. If each case had utilised a system which uses eight AA batteries (at 23g each) then 120,000 batteries equating to 2.76 tonnes, would have been used. The carbon footprint for material use (2.76 x 4633.48 = 12788.40) and for disposal (2.76 x 8.883 = 24.52) demonstrates a total carbon footprint of 12,813KgCO2 associated with the use of disposable batteries in pulse lavage for the year 2022. Conclusions Single-use, disposable battery use in orthopaedic joint surgery creates at a high but preventable carbon burden. Reuseable alternatives which utilise the power tool to drive the motor for pulse lavage may save up to 55% of clinical waste.

Costs and benefits of the LIFO‐FIFO choice

AbstractThe choice of inventory cost flow assumption is a key financial reporting decision. The resurgence of inflation has renewed interest in this option. We derive algebraic models of the LIFO‐FIFO difference in cost of goods sold and the LIFO tax savings as a function of inflation, turnover, inventory increments, and tax rates. Managers and researchers can use these models to estimate the likely financial and tax impacts of LIFO adoption. Historic trends in public company LIFO usage since 1971 are consistent with the changing impacts estimated by our model. We infer an approximate cost level of using LIFO based on historic public company behavior. In the 1971–2022 period, LIFO adoptions were only common when the tax benefit in our model exceeded about 0.35% of COGS. Even when inflation rose in 2021 and 2022, the tax savings remained below this threshold, and there were far more LIFO abandonments than adoptions.

Market expansion analysis: Choosing between spain and saudi arabia for Dexiotis Security Solutions

The selected company for the marketing consultancy project was Dexiotis Security Solutions, the company started its journey in Hungary and also have its headquarters in the UK and Cyprus. The company is already operating its business activities on the global scale. And currently is planning to expand its business to a new country for which the company has chosen two countries, Spain and Saudi Arabia. This consultancy report thoroughly analyses the Spain and Saudi Arabia market and industry for suggest the better option for Dexiotis to expand its business. For analysing the market and industry, this report has addressed the macro-micro business environment analysis, industry analysis, integrated marketing plan and an approximate cost estimation to implement the plans in an appropriate order. According to the analyses and assessments of the research findings, Saudi Arabia has been chosen for Dexiotis to expand its business considering that the Saudi Arabia market is much more stable, politically favourable, has stable economic growth and development opportunities. Which would support Dexiotis to attract the potential clients.

Magnetic nanoparticles loaded hydrochar for effective Cr(VI) removal from water: Batch and column studies

Chromium considered as most toxic trace metal and is essential to remove it from aqueous using influential adsorbents. Hydrochar prepared from mango peels biomass by thermal activation process was applied to produce activated hydrochr (ACH) which further prepared magnetic nano-composite activated hydrochar (Fe3O4-ACH) material as an effectual sorbent and tested for adsorption of Cr(VI) ions. SEM/EDS, BET, FTIR, VSM, and XRD instruments were utilized to evaluate the characteristics of produced Fe3O4-ACH. The obtained results revealed that the nanoparticle modification increased the surface area and improved the adsorption ability of ACH. A vibrating sample magnetometer was applied for magnetic properties in which the external magnetic field responded by saturation magnetization leading to quickly adsorbed metal ions from water. The factorial design studies were achieved to optimize the removal conditions of metal ions. Equilibrium data for isotherms (Langmuir isotherm) and kinetic mechanisms (pseudo second order) well fitted with the models. The obtained adsorption capacity for Langmuir isotherm was 174.7 mg/g under optimized conditions (dose 0.03 g, contact time 120 min, Cr(VI) solution 50 mg/L). Practical applications of real water samples were studied by fixed-bed column adsorption. The obtained results revealed that the synthesized Fe3O4-ACH was promising for Cr(VI) removal with adsorption capacity of 60.24 mg/g at optimized conditions; bed height (1.3 cm), Cr(VI) ions concentration (50 mg/L) and flow rate (12 mL/min). The experimental breakthrough curve results were compared in a fixed-bed column and were successfully fitted with kinetic models. The given results of distribution and selectivity coefficients proven that Fe3O4-ACH composite has a greater adsorption selectivity than adsorption of Cr(VI). Furthermore, computational molecular modeling was performed to evaluate the interaction types between Cr(VI), Fe3O4, and ACH. The Cr(VI) adsorption mainly carried hydrogen bonding, π–π, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Desorption of chromium ions from Fe3O4-ACH composite adsorbent was more effective with 94.1% desorption efficiency. An approximate cost analysis of 3.15 USD/Kg in a week was assumed for activated hydrochar which was cheaper than the commercially available activated carbon which cost 20 USD/Kg. The obtained results indicated that the produced Fe3O4-ACH composite is a capable adsorbent to decontaminate Cr(VI) from real water samples.

UNNECESSARY PRETRANSFUSION BLOOD SAMPLING IN TRAUMA AND ORTHOPAEDICS IN WALES: A SUSTAINABILITY ISSUE AND FINANCIAL BURDEN

BACKGROUNDTheatre-listed trauma patients routinely require two ‘group and save’ blood-bank samples, in case they need perioperative transfusion. The Welsh Blood Service (WBS) need patients to have one recorded sample from any time in the last 10 years. A second sample, to permit cross-matching and blood issuing, must be within 7 days of transfusion (or within 48 hours if the patient is pregnant, or has been transfused within the last 3 months). The approximate cost of processing a sample is £15.00.AIMTo investigate whether routine pretransfusion blood sampling for trauma admissions exceeds requirements.METHODSElectronic records were used to collect pretransfusion sampling data for all adult non-elective trauma patients listed for theatre under a trauma and orthopaedics consultant between 1/1/2023-31/1/2023. Data were collected on unnecessary samples, rejected samples and total excess samples.RESULTS113 patients (mean age[±SD] 64.09[±19.96]) underwent 132 procedures. On average, unnecessary sampling occurred at a rate of 0.48 samples per operation, equating to a cost of £945.00/month. Samples were rejected by the laboratory at a rate of 0.25 samples per operation. Common reasons for rejection were ‘patient date of birth discrepancy’ (between sample and request form), ‘patient address discrepancy’ and ‘signature discrepancy’. Overall, total excessive sampling occurred at a rate of 0.60 samples per operation.CONCLUSIONNearly half of trauma patients undergo unnecessary blood testing in anticipation of potential perioperative transfusion. This has implications for sustainability, financial cost and patient welfare. This signals poor understanding of WBS requirements and is an area that requires improvement.