Cost Reduction Research Articles

A STUDY OF FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY IN INDIAN BANKING INDUSTRY

Financial sustainability has become a catch line in the modern financial systems. This has become a matter of concern in all economies worldwide. Financial sustainability ensures stable and resilient financial health. This comprehensive approach supports the banking sector in generating more revenue, and its strategic planning system is conducive to reducing the level of non-performing assets by managing costs. This allows the financial system to achieve its strategic goals by effectively managing borrowing and credit. Strategic investment decisions help evade financial strain and mitigate probable financial pitfalls. This makes the system more viable and resilient, allowing banks to achieve long-term goals in a zestful environment of financial threats and opportunities. The concept of financial sustainability is a new term in the Indian banking system. Banks are trying their best to adopt and implement it, but are still lagging. To date, only a few banks have incorporated them successfully. Financial sustainability offers many benefits to banks in the form of high productivity, effective management of interest rate fluctuations, controlled non-performing assets, cost reduction, better customer satisfaction, and risk control. Indian banks have acknowledged the significance of financial sustainability and are now committed to achieving it. Banking regulators must incorporate and implement the goal of financial sustainability in the Indian banking system on a priority basis. This study highlights the need to adopt the goal of financial sustainability in the Indian banking industry. Further, the strategies made by the RBI in this direction have been analyzed along with the challenges that banks face during the implementation of these strategies in the real world.

Energy Storage Application of CaO/Graphite Nanocomposite Powder Obtained from Waste Eggshells and Used Lithium-Ion Batteries as a Sustainable Development Approach.

The reuse of waste materials has recently become appealing due to pollution and cost reduction factors. Using waste materials can reduce environmental pollution and product costs, thus promoting sustainability. Approximately 95% of calcium carbonate-containing waste eggshells end up in landfills, unused. These eggshells, a form of bio-waste, can be repurposed as catalytic electrode material for various applications, including supercapacitors, after being converted into CaO. Similarly, used waste battery electrode materials pose environmental hazards if not properly recycled. Various types of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, are extensively used worldwide. The recycling of used lithium-ion batteries has become less important considering its low economic benefits. This necessitates finding alternative methods to recover and reuse the graphite rods of spent batteries. Therefore, this study reports the conversion of waste eggshell into calcium oxide by high-temperature calcination and extraction of nanographite from spent batteries for application in energy storage fields. Both CaO and CaO/graphite were characterized for their structural, morphological, and chemical compositions using XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS techniques. The prepared CaO/graphite nanocomposite material was evaluated for its efficiency in electrochemical supercapacitor applications. CaO and its composite with graphite powder obtained from used lithium-ion batteries demonstrated improved performance compared to CaO alone for energy storage applications. Using these waste materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices results in cheaper, greener, and sustainable processes. This approach not only aids in energy storage but also promotes sustainability through waste management by reducing landfills.

Non-destructive testing methods commonly used in aviation

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft in the aviation industry. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the NDT techniques commonly employed in aviation to assess the structural integrity and performance of aircraft components and materials without causing any damage. The article discusses the significance of NDT in aviation, highlighting the importance of early defect detection, maintenance cost reduction, and enhanced operational safety. It delves into various NDT methods, such as ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, radiographic inspection, magnetic particle testing, and dye penetrant testing, explaining their principles and applications. In addition, in this article, the advantages and disadvantages of NDT methods and which methods are used in which part of the aircraft are mentioned. Understanding these NDT methods is crucial for aviation professionals, as they contribute to the continued airworthiness of aircraft, ensuring that passengers and crew can travel safely and confidently.

Investment analysis of solar power plant installation on the roof of the central business district office building with the best investment value

The Central Business District (CBD) office building is making efforts to reduce building electricity costs, and one alternative is solar power plant installation. PT. Rancang Prima Sejahtera, engaged in the solar energy industry, conducts consulting services with Central Business District office buildings, so PT. Rancang Prima Sejahtera made an indicative proposal with several solar power plant installation scenarios to be installed on the roof of the Central Business District office building. Four scenarios are created from the combination of 2 PV modules and two inverters. Each scenario created will be assessed for the level of opt, and the investment value will be calculated. In combining components using the principles of the Vereun Deutsche Ingineuer (VDI) 2222 method and assessed each scenario using six aspects of assessment.Meanwhile, the investment analysis assessment uses the parameters of Cost of Energy (CoE), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (B-CR), and discounted payback period. The results of the analysis conducted found that the third scenario was the best scenario with a percentage of the design value of 82.5%, CoE value of Rp398.31/kWh, NPV value of Rp2,451,719,005, IRR percentage of 23.75%, B-CR value of 7.8, and DPP value for 6.8 years with a project life of 30 years. The findings of the investment research indicate that the implementation of solar power plant installations in office buildings located in Central Business Districts yields long-term cost reductions in electricity expenses over a 30-year period, as opposed to relying solely on the services provided by the State Electricity Enterprise.

Dynamic synergies in cable-driven exosuits for gait assistance

Exosuits for the lower limb have developed rapidly as an affordable, light, and more cost-effective alternative to the bulkier, traditional exoskeletons. The synergy-based approach aims at further emphasizing such advantages, providing even lighter and cheaper solutions, thanks to its reduction in actuators and the subsequent simplification of the actuation unit. In this paper, a design approach based on dynamic synergies is proposed to reduce the number of required actuators, thus decreasing the price and weight of walking-assistance exosuits. Also, in this work, we propose a methodology to calculate motor torque output and cable forces during assisted gait. Mechanical designs for the actuation unit are proposed along with experimental and computer-based testing and simulation. Lastly, actuation units with one and two motors are studied and compared, regarding control, mechanical complexity, and metabolic cost reduction. The results show that dynamic synergies can indeed contribute to the design of these assistive devices, with its own set of advantages and disadvantages when compared to the previously proposed postural synergies: while the latter led to a higher cumulative variance of the first principal component and the transmission system is simpler, control may be more unpredictable and forces upon the system, harder to estimate. With dynamic synergies, more related to muscle synergies, metabolic benefit on users may be more significant.

Dynamic synergies in cable-driven exosuits for gait assistance

Exosuits for the lower limb have developed rapidly as an affordable, light, and more cost-effective alternative to the bulkier, traditional exoskeletons. The synergy-based approach aims at further emphasizing such advantages, providing even lighter and cheaper solutions, thanks to its reduction in actuators and the subsequent simplification of the actuation unit. In this paper, a design approach based on dynamic synergies is proposed to reduce the number of required actuators, thus decreasing the price and weight of walking-assistance exosuits. Also, in this work, we propose a methodology to calculate motor torque output and cable forces during assisted gait. Mechanical designs for the actuation unit are proposed along with experimental and computer-based testing and simulation. Lastly, actuation units with one and two motors are studied and compared, regarding control, mechanical complexity, and metabolic cost reduction. The results show that dynamic synergies can indeed contribute to the design of these assistive devices, with its own set of advantages and disadvantages when compared to the previously proposed postural synergies: while the latter led to a higher cumulative variance of the first principal component and the transmission system is simpler, control may be more unpredictable and forces upon the system, harder to estimate. With dynamic synergies, more related to muscle synergies, metabolic benefit on users may be more significant.

Comparative Analysis of Impact Strength among Various Polymeric Materials for Orthotic Production.

Orthotic devices play an important role in medical treatment, addressing various pathologies and promoting patient recovery. Customization of orthoses to fit individual patient morphologies and needs is essential for optimal functionality and patient comfort. The advent of additive manufacturing has revolutionized the biomedical field, offering advantages such as cost reduction, increased personalization, and enhanced dimensional adaptability for orthotics manufacturing. This research focuses on the impact strength of nine polymeric materials printed by additive manufacturing, including an evaluation of the materials' performance under varying conditions comprising different printing directions (vertical and horizontal) and exposure to artificial sweat for different durations (0 days, 24 days, and 189 days). The results showed that Nylon 12 is good for short-term (24 days) immersion, with absorbed energies of 78 J and 64 J for the vertical and horizontal directions, whereas Polycarbonate (PC) is good for long-term immersion (189 days), with absorbed energies of 66 J and 78 J for the vertical and horizontal directions. Overall, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the suitability of these materials for biomedical applications, considering both short-term and long-term exposure to physiological and environmental conditions.

Supervivencia del ecosistema teatral caleño frente al impacto del covid-19, comparativo de los años 2018, 2019 y 2020

The present research focuses on analyzing Cali’s theater ecosystem survival against the impact of covid-19 based on the analysis and comparison of the theatrical programming of concerted theaters between 2018 and 2020. The sample is composed by nine theaters located in Cali, winners of the National Program of Concerted Theaters during the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Theapproach used was mixed research and the concurrent triangulation design (DITRIAC, in Spanish). The research technique is the documentary analysis of primary sources; for this purpose, a Matrix of analysis of concerted theater programming, self-made and validated by experts, is used as unique instrument to collect information and data on four categorical variables of the PESTEL analysis. The data processing was performed with the SPSS program, which allowed identifying the impact of each of the components of Cali Theater Ecosystem’s and its survival strategies against the impact of covid-19, among which there are: Organizational Downsizing, Outsourcing or the externalization of activities, Cost Reduction as a Sanitation strategy and the restructuring of operational plans.

Scenarios for the introduction of hydrogen in the global fuel and energy complex, taking into account the analysis of the economic prerequisites for the inclusion of hydrogen in the global energy balance

Subject. This article discusses possible scenarios for the development of the global hydrogen market in the context of changes in the global energy balance. Objectives. The article aims to determine the prospects for the inclusion of hydrogen in the world energy balance in the process of its transformation, and analyze the economic prerequisites for the use of hydrogen. Methods. For the study, I used a content analysis, comparative analysis, and statistical data. Results. The article presents the author-developed methodology for analyzing the economic prerequisites for the inclusion of hydrogen in the global energy balance, which includes an assessment of the full cost of the hydrogen chain, inertia factors, regulatory and subsidy costs, possible benefits from the use of hydrogen instead of traditional fuels, cost reduction, as well as the calculation of investment indicators. The article assesses forecasts and strategies for the development of hydrogen energy in the world. Conclusions and Relevance. Creating safe, low-cost and reliable ways to transport and store hydrogen will provide an opportunity to replace fossil fuels in the transportation market. The results of the study can be used in decision-making by states and energy companies regarding the development of hydrogen energy and investment in technologies for the production, transportation and storage of hydrogen.

Supervivencia del ecosistema teatral caleño frente al impacto del covid-19, comparativo de los años 2018, 2019 y 2020

The present research focuses on analyzing Cali’s theater ecosystem survival against the impact of covid-19 based on the analysis and comparison of the theatrical programming of concerted theaters between 2018 and 2020. The sample is composed by nine theaters located in Cali, winners of the National Program of Concerted Theaters during the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Theapproach used was mixed research and the concurrent triangulation design (DITRIAC, in Spanish). The research technique is the documentary analysis of primary sources; for this purpose, a Matrix of analysis of concerted theater programming, self-made and validated by experts, is used as unique instrument to collect information and data on four categorical variables of the PESTEL analysis. The data processing was performed with the SPSS program, which allowed identifying the impact of each of the components of Cali Theater Ecosystem’s and its survival strategies against the impact of covid-19, among which there are: Organizational Downsizing, Outsourcing or the externalization of activities, Cost Reduction as a Sanitation strategy and the restructuring of operational plans

Time to Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) Post Intra-Articular Injection.

Background: Disease-modifying treatments are not currently developed to target the underlying causes of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Corticosteroids (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intra-articular (IA) injections are commonly used for patients that do not respond to non-pharmacological treatments, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, or pain medications to address solely KOA symptoms. Utilizing TKA as an endpoint in the KOA disease progression provides a basis to determine efficacy of this treatment pathway. The primary objective is to evaluate a large national database to determine the time between first injection and total knee arthroplasty in patients solely administered intra-articular IA, CS, and HA. Methods: A retrospective query was performed on a national, all-payer claims database (PearlDiver, Colorado Springs, CO, USA), a composite of over 160 million Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant orthopedic records across all states and territories of the United States spanning 2016 to 2022. The database was queried to produce three distinct cohorts for analysis (PRP, HA, and CS). A 4:1 case match was conducted to compare cohorts receiving a subsequent TKA. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis analyzed the TKA-free survival of patients within each group at 6 months and 1 to 4 years. The log-rank test was performed for comparisons between survival cohorts. Results: The PRP cohort had a total population of 3240 patients, of which 71 (2.2%) received a subsequent TKA. The corticosteroid cohort had a total population of 1,382,572, of which 81,271 (5.9%) received a subsequent TKA. The HA cohort had a total population of 164,000, of which 13,044 (8.0%) received a subsequent TKA. Due to the low population within the PRP group, this group was excluded from comparison. The mean time to TKA from first injection in the HA group was 377.8 days, while in the corticosteroid group it was 370.0 days. The proportions of TKA-free survival for CS and HA when compared at 4 years post-injection was similar between groups (p = 0.05). Discussion and Conclusion: Patients that received only IA-corticosteroids or IA-hyaluronic acid had a similar length of time between the first injection and the total knee arthroplasty associated with the injected joint. This evidence provides information for clinicians and patients alike when contemplating these non-surgical injection modalities for KOA. The similarity observed between these treatments supports the need for future research to determine whether there is any potential for reduction in healthcare costs for KOA treatment prior to TKA.

Evaluating the offshore wind business case and green hydrogen production: A case study of a future North Sea Offshore Grid

The European Union aims to increase its climate ambition and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This necessitates expanding offshore wind energy and green hydrogen production, especially for hard-to-abate industrial sectors. A study examines the impact of green hydrogen on offshore wind projects, specifically focusing on a potential future North Sea offshore grid. The study utilizes data from the TYNDP 2020 Global Ambition scenario 2040, considering several European countries. It aims to assess new transmission and generation capacity utilization and understand the influencing factors. The findings show that incorporating green hydrogen production increases offshore wind utilization and capture prices. The study estimates that by 2040, the levelized cost of hydrogen could potentially decrease to €1.2-1.6/kg H2, assuming low-cost electricity supply and declining capital costs of electrolysers. These results demonstrate the potential benefits and cost reductions of integrating green hydrogen production into North Sea offshore wind projects.

Titanium:sapphire-on-insulator integrated lasers and amplifiers.

Titanium:sapphire (Ti:sapphire) lasers have been essential for advancing fundamental research and technological applications, including the development of the optical frequency comb1, two-photon microscopy2 and experimental quantum optics3,4. Ti:sapphire lasers are unmatched in bandwidth and tuning range, yet their use is restricted because of their large size, cost and need for high optical pump powers5. Here we demonstrate a monocrystalline titanium:sapphire-on-insulator (Ti:SaOI) photonics platform that enables dramatic miniaturization, cost reduction and scalability of Ti:sapphire technology. First, through the fabrication of low-loss whispering-gallery-mode resonators, we realize a Ti:sapphire laser operating with an ultralow, sub-milliwatt lasing threshold. Then, through orders-of-magnitude improvement in mode confinement in Ti:SaOI waveguides, we realize an integrated solid-state (that is, non-semiconductor) optical amplifier operating below 1 μm. We demonstrate unprecedented distortion-free amplification of picosecond pulses to peak powers reaching 1.0 kW. Finally, we demonstrate a tunable integrated Ti:sapphire laser, which can be pumped with low-cost, miniature, off-the-shelf green laser diodes. This opens the doors to new modalities of Ti:sapphire lasers, such as massively scalable Ti:sapphire laser-array systems for several applications. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we use a Ti:SaOI laser array as the sole optical control for a cavity quantum electrodynamics experiment with artificial atoms in silicon carbide6. This work is a key step towards the democratization of Ti:sapphire technology through a three-orders-of-magnitude reduction in cost and footprint and introduces solid-state broadband amplification of sub-micron wavelength light.

Investigation of shaded pole stator topology for low power AC motors design

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the features of single phase shaded pole stator with squirrel–cage rotor or permanent magnet rotor, that leads to an investigation of these topoloties as induction motor or synchronous motor. The comparative analysis is realised for the following three topologies: single phase shaded pole induction motor (SPIM) with squirrel–cage rotor, the second topology (single phase synchronous motor) has the same stator configuration but with permanent magnet rotor and the third investigated topology is similar to the second one, where the stator poles instead of iron steel are made of soft composite material.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation in this work starts with a performance analysis of single-phase SPIM. Afterwards for the same stator topology the squirrel rotor is replaced with a two-pole permanent magnet rotor and the same performance analysis is realised for this topology. Finally, the second topology is improved bay replacing the iron steel stator poles with stator poles made of soft magnetic composite material and performance analysis is realised for this third type of topology as well. The performance analysis of all topologies is realised by implementation of finite element method and finite element analysis.FindingsThe presented data and diagrams from the realized investigation show that single phase synchronous motor with shaded pole stator has an improved characteristics in comparison with the initial single-phase SPIM. Finally, the third topology realized on the bases of the single-phase synchronous motor has the best performance characteristics due to the implementation of soft magnetic material in the realization of the stator poles. The proposed methodology for structural and performance improvement of a single-phase SPIM topology opens the possibility for additive manufacturing application and significant cost reduction.Originality/valueThe focus was put on exploration the possibilities of the single-phase shaded pole stator topology for application in low-power and low-cost single phase self-starting motors. By simple replacement of the squirrel–cage rotor, in the reference AKO-16 motor, with one-piece ferrite permanent magnet rotor, the self-starting single phase synchronous motor was derived. In the next step, owing to simplify the SPPM motor production process and manufacturing, the stator poles instead of iron steel lamination were made of soft composite material Somaloy®. It opens the possibility for additive manufacturing application and significant cost reduction.

Assessment of the relationship between sales efficiency and e-commerce in private dental offices in an emerging Latin-American city

Background Worldwide, e-commerce, as a business modality that uses information and communication technologies to make transactions of products and services, has become an indispensable part of the global retail market, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. E-commerce has experienced accelerated growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increased internet penetration, the expansion of mobile devices, user confidence and innovation of digital platforms. Dental offices have found e-commerce an opportunity to improve their competitiveness. The aim of the research was to establish the relationship between the indicators of efficiency maximization in sales and the type of modality of commerce used most by private dental offices within an emerging economy context in Latin-American city. Methods The study was classified as applied research with a non-experimental, correlational and exploratory design. The sample consisted of 34 private dental offices. A simple random probabilistic sampling was chosen. An instrument containing thirteen items including questions about payment, appointments or consultations, and advertising and indicators of efficiency maximization in sales, was used. Results The assessment of the relationship between the efficiency maximization indicators in sales and the commerce employed shows that, beyond cost reduction (PR=8, 95% CI [1.37; 46.81], p=0.021), the type does not have a statistically significant impact on the increase in clients, sales, revenues, and profit increase. (PR=3, 95% CI [0.28; 32.21], p=0.364). Conclusions E-commerce is significantly correlated with a reduction in operational costs.

Development of a 45K pepper GBTS liquid-phase gene chip and its application in genome-wide association studies.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is a vegetable that is cultivated globally and has undergone extensive domestication, leading to a significant diversification in its agronomic traits. With the advancement of genomics in pepper and the reduction in sequencing costs, the high-throughput detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small insertions-deletions (indels) has become increasingly critical for analyzing pepper germplasms and improving breeding programs. As a result, there is a pressing need for a cost-effective, high-throughput, and versatile technique suitable for both foreground and background selection in pepper breeding. In the present study, Python-based web scraping scripts were utilized to systematically extract data from published literatures and relevant sequence databases focusing on pepper genomes. Subsequent to data extraction, SNPs and indels were meticulously identified and filtered. This process culminated in the delineation of core polymorphic sites, which were instrumental in the development of specific probes. Following this, comprehensive phenotypic and genotypic analyses were conducted on a diverse collection of 420 pepper germplasms. Concurrently, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to elucidate the genetic determinants of helical fruit shape in peppers. In this study, a 45K pepper Genotyping-By-Target-Sequencing (GBTS) liquid-phase gene chip was developed on the GenoBaits platform. This chip is composed of 45,389 probes, of which 42,535 are derived from core polymorphic sites (CPS) in the background genetic landscape, while 2,854 are associated with foreground agronomic traits, spanning across 43 traits. The CPS probes are spaced at an average interval of 68 Kb. We have assessed the performance of this chip on 420 pepper germplasms, with successful capture of target DNA fragments by 45,387 probes. Furthermore, the probe capture ratio surpassed 70% in 410 of the 420 germplasms tested. Using this chip, we have efficiently genotyped 273 germplasms for spiciness levels and elucidated the genetic relationships among 410 pepper germplasms. Our results allowed for precise clustering of sister lines and C. chinense germplasms. In addition, through a GWAS for helical fruit shape, we identified three quantitative trait loci (QTLs): heli2.1, heli11.1, and heli11.2. Within the heli11.1 QTL, a gene encoding the tubulin alpha chain was identified, suggesting its potential role in the helical growth pattern of pepper fruits. In summary, the 45K pepper GBTS liquid-phase gene chip offers robust detection of polymorphic sites and is a promising tool for advancing research into pepper germplasm and the breeding of new pepper varieties.

Joint Concern over Battery Health and Thermal Degradation in the Cruise Control of Intelligently Connected Electric Vehicles Using a Model-Assisted DRL Approach

Eco-driving aims to enhance vehicle efficiency by optimizing speed profiles and driving patterns. However, ensuring safe following distances during eco-driving can lead to excessive use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), causing accelerated battery wear and potential safety concerns. This study addresses this issue by proposing a novel, multi-physics-constrained cruise control strategy for intelligently connected electric vehicles (EVs) using deep reinforcement learning (DRL). Integrating a DRL framework with an electrothermal model to estimate unmeasurable states, this strategy simultaneously manages battery degradation and thermal safety while maintaining safe following distances. Results from hardware-in-the-loop simulation testing demonstrated that this approach reduced overall driving costs by 18.72%, decreased battery temperatures by 4 °C to 8 °C in high-temperature environments, and reduced state-of-health (SOH) degradation by up to 46.43%. These findings highlight the strategy’s superiority in convergence efficiency, battery thermal safety, and cost reduction compared to existing methods. This research contributes to the advancement of eco-driving practices, ensuring both vehicle efficiency and battery longevity.

Green Hydrogen Energy Systems: A Review on Their Contribution to a Renewable Energy System

Accelerating the transition to a cleaner global energy system is essential for tackling the climate crisis, and green hydrogen energy systems hold significant promise for integrating renewable energy sources. This paper offers a thorough evaluation of green hydrogen’s potential as a groundbreaking alternative to achieve near-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within a renewable energy framework. The paper explores current technological options and assesses the industry’s present status alongside future challenges. It also includes an economic analysis to gauge the feasibility of integrating green hydrogen, providing a critical review of the current and future expectations for the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH). Depending on the geographic location and the technology employed, the LCOH for green hydrogen can range from as low as EUR 1.12/kg to as high as EUR 16.06/kg. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that green hydrogen could play a crucial role in reducing GHG emissions, particularly in hard-to-decarbonize sectors. A target LCOH of approximately EUR 1/kg by 2050 seems attainable, in some geographies. However, there are still significant hurdles to overcome before green hydrogen can become a cost-competitive alternative. Key challenges include the need for further technological advancements and the establishment of hydrogen policies to achieve cost reductions in electrolyzers, which are vital for green hydrogen production.

Economies of Scale, Efficiency and Optimal Size of the Hospital

Hospitals are being expanded all over the world. Hospitals are becoming larger (i.e., increasing patient admissions each year) and more complex (i.e., offering a wider range of services to patients with more diverse medical care needs). In the hospital sector and other branches of the economy, economies of scale are important, according to which the volume of medical services can be increased by reducing average costs and increasing quality. However, measuring this relationship between the volume of medical services and costs is difficult because hospitals differ substantially in terms of specialization, patient composition, and other parameters that affect the volume of costs. The paper discusses the features of economies of scale in the healthcare sector and the dependence of the volume of medical services on costs and quality. Studies confirm that the influence of various factors on the costs and quality of medical services depends on the environment and the system of incentives in which hospitals operate. Relationships between patients and healthcare providers based solely on price negotiations do not ensure adequate healthcare quality. Due to informational asymmetry with respect to the real cost of hospital services and quality of treatment, medical service buyers cannot influence cost reductions and increase the quality of treatment, which increases hospital power. Thus, when evaluating the impact of hospital competition on costs and quality of care, we must remember that market mechanisms in health care do not always increase public welfare.

Cluster approach to regional oil and fat subcomplex development

The article studies regional oil and fat subcomplex development in terms of the cluster approach application based on coordinating economic interests of sunflower seed producers, processing and marketing organizations under the condition of appropriate government support, as well as methodological, organizational, and information support by the relevant structures. On the basis of the production and economic indicators analysis it has been revealed that in the Saratov region sunflower production is quite effective, but the lack of interconnection between the oil and fat subcomplex subjects leads to uneven production volumes and highly varying profitability in the context of municipal districts of the region and lost profits formation at all stages of product movement. The author has developed a scheme of the regional oil and fat cluster subjects territorial location, represented by the areas of the cluster production core (with sunflower production volumes above the average regional level), production linking areas (with sunflower production volumes below the average regional level), as well as areas with developed infrastructure (with the presence of processing and storage facilities, and transportation hubs), allowing to establish an effective logistics system with mutually beneficial cooperation between regions. On the example of sunflower seed producers in the Saratov region clustering efficiency has been shown, which consists in production costs reduction as a result of transaction costs reduction and sales revenue growth due to the increase in the sunflower purchase price. The study results can be used in programs and proposals development to strengthen integration ties between the agro-industrial complex subjects.