Economic Costs Research Articles

Optimal measurement-based cost gradient estimate for feedback real-time optimization

This work presents a simple and efficient way of estimating the steady-state cost gradient Ju based on available uncertain measurements y. The main motivation is to control Ju to zero in order to minimize the economic cost J. For this purpose, it is shown that the optimal cost gradient estimate for unconstrained operation is simply Jˆu=H(ym−y∗) where H is a constant matrix, ym is the vector of measurements and y∗ is their nominally unconstrained optimal value. The derivation of the optimal H-matrix is based on existing methods for self-optimizing control and therefore the result is exact for a convex quadratic economic cost J with linear constraints and measurements. The optimality holds locally in other cases. For the constrained case, the unconstrained gradient estimate Jˆu should be multiplied by the nullspace of the active constraints and the resulting “reduced gradient” controlled to zero.

Diversity and phage sensitivity to phages of porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a diverse and poorly characterized E. coli pathotype that causes diarrhea in humans and animals. Phages have been proposed for the veterinary biocontrol of ETEC, but effective solutions require understanding of porcine ETEC diversity that affects phage infection. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the genomes of the PHAGEBio ETEC collection, gathering 79 diverse ETEC strains isolated from European pigs with post-weaning diarrhea (PWD). We identified the virulence factors characterizing the pathotype and several antibiotic resistance genes on plasmids, while phage resistance genes and other virulence factors were mostly chromosome encoded. We experienced that ETEC strains were highly resistant to Enterobacteriaceae phage infection. It was only by enrichment of numerous diverse samples with different media and conditions, using the 41 ETEC strains of our collection as hosts, that we could isolate two lytic phages that could infect a large part of our diverse ETEC collection: vB_EcoP_ETEP21B and vB_EcoS_ETEP102. Based on genome and host range analyses, we discussed the infection strategies of the two phages and identified components of lipopolysaccharides ( LPS) as receptors for the two phages. Our detailed computational structural analysis highlights several loops and pockets in the tail fibers that may allow recognition and binding of ETEC strains, also in the presence of O-antigens. Despite the importance of receptor recognition, the diversity of the ETEC strains remains a significant challenge for isolating ETEC phages and developing sustainable phage-based products to address ETEC-induced PWD.IMPORTANCEEnterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced post-weaning diarrhea is a severe disease in piglets that leads to weight loss and potentially death, with high economic and animal welfare costs worldwide. Phage-based approaches have been proposed, but available data are insufficient to ensure efficacy. Genome analysis of an extensive collection of ETEC strains revealed that phage defense mechanisms were mostly chromosome encoded, suggesting a lower chance of spread and selection by phage exposure. The difficulty in isolating lytic phages and the molecular and structural analyses of two ETEC phages point toward a multifactorial resistance of ETEC to phage infection and the importance of extensive phage screenings specifically against clinically relevant strains. The PHAGEBio ETEC collection and these two phages are valuable tools for the scientific community to expand our knowledge on the most studied, but still enigmatic, bacterial species-E. coli.

The Dynamics of Abusive Relationships

Abstract Domestic abuse encompasses a range of damaging behaviors beyond physical violence, including economic and emotional abuse. We analyze the impact of cohabiting with an abusive partner on victims’ economic outcomes. In so doing, we highlight the systematic role of economic suppression in such relationships. Using Finnish administrative data and a matched control event study design, along with a within-individual comparison of outcomes across relationships, we document three new facts. First, women who begin relationships with (eventually) physically abusive men suffer large and significant earnings and employment falls immediately upon cohabiting with the abusive partner. Second, the decline in economic outcomes is non-monotonic in women’s pre-cohabitation outside options. Third, men who are violent against women in any capacity impose economic costs on all their female partners, even those who do not report physical violence. To rationalize these findings, we develop a new dynamic model of abusive relationships where women do not perfectly observe their partner’s type, and abusive men have an incentive to use economic suppression to sabotage women’s outside options and their ability to later exit the relationship.

The role of immune-inflammatory markers in children with complicated and uncomplicated malaria in Enugu, Nigeria

BackgroundThere is currently insufficient data regarding immune parameters and relationship with severity of malaria infection in Enugu, Nigeria where the economic and social costs of the disease and its management are extremely high. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between malaria severity and some immune-inflammatory markers among malaria-infected children in Enugu, Nigeria.MethodsThe study adopted a case control design. Eligible children were categorized into three groups — complicated, uncomplicated and healthy children. Pro-inflammatory cytokines –interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); and anti-inflammatory cytokine — interleukin-10 (IL-10) were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, while immune cell ratios — neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and monocyte lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were calculated from full blood count results.ResultsThe overall mean age of the participants was 7.3 ± 3.4 (range: 6 months − 12 years) and the male-female ratio was 1:1. There was no significant difference between the ages of the three groups (P = 0.44). The Mean levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and NLR were higher in complicated than uncomplicated malaria (266.9 ± 66.3pg/ml vs. 62.5 ± 6.4pg/ml, p < 0.001; 140.3 ± 30.0pg/ml vs. 42.0 ± 9.0pg/ml, p < 0.001; and 32.9 ± 16.2pg/ml vs. 17.8 ± 6.0pg/ml, p < 0.001, respectively); and higher in uncomplicated malaria than healthy children (62.5 ± 6.4pg/ml vs. 40.6 ± 9.1pg/ml, p < 0.001; 42.0 ± 9.0pg/ml vs. 105.7 ± 32.1, p < 0.001; 17.8 ± 6.0pg/ml vs. 18.7 ± 6.2pg/ml, p < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, the mean level of IL-10 is higher in uncomplicated than complicated malaria (105.73 ± 32.06pg/ml vs. 40.60 ± 9.11pg/ml, p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between NLR and IFN-γ (r = 0.815; p = 0.003), as well as NLR and TNF-α (r = 0.745; p = 0.002).ConclusionComplicated malaria is associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines while uncomplicated malaria is associated with higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. NLR correlates positively with pro-inflammatory cytokines, and could be useful in evaluation for the severity of malaria infection.

Limiting bureaucratic discretion? Analyzing the design and exercise of administrative judicial review in the welfare sector

AbstractThis article develops a framework for understanding how the design of administrative judicial review can circumscribe the discretion of different bureaucratic actors. The framework proposes that bureaucratic discretion is limited to a great extent if courts can (i) overturn bureaucratic decisions on substantive grounds, (ii) review decisions associated with high economic costs, and (iii) issue detailed instructions for how rulings are to be implemented. Applying the framework to the Swedish case, we first show that the legislative design of the judicial review process allows administrative courts to greatly limit the discretion of senior officials and street‐level bureaucrats. Second, we show that Swedish courts defer to the expertise of bureaucratic actors in the welfare sector by sparingly overturning decisions. However, when courts actually overturn decisions, they frequently limit bureaucratic discretion by issuing detailed judgments in high‐cost cases, possibly undermining the conditions for good governance.

Characterization of the Dominant Stages at Which Gas Flaring Is Introduced: Impacts and Policy Options to Ameliorate Them

Information on associated gas flaring in the Niger Delta is analyzed to characterize the various stages in the lifecycle of an oil exploration and production facility through which gas flaring is introduced into an area, leading to ecological, health, and economic impacts, and possible policies and implementation strategies for the reduction of the flared gas are offered. Gas flaring is currently occurring at a rate of 5318 million m3 per year in the Niger Delta region. The impacts of gas flaring on the ecological, human, and economic systems include poor air quality, acid rain, and soil degradation. Other impacts include decreased crop yield, increased incidences of respiratory diseases amongst inhabitants in the area, and losses of billions of USD yearly in economic costs. Three dominant stages in the introduction of gas flaring are characterized in this study, using the concept of the management of the invasion of non-native species into an ecosystem and it is determined that the cheapest method of minimizing gas flaring is to incorporate mitigation measures during the design stage of the oil exploration/production facility, rather than after flaring has commenced, as is the common emphasis. During the early periods of oil production, gas flaring is largely localized, and the gas utilization measures can still be implemented to good effect. However, once the facility is established, gas flaring becomes pervasive, stretching kilometers beyond the flare points. Current policies like the imposition of flare-out years on the oil producers have helped, but they have been insufficient as the intensity of gas flaring in the region continues at double the average global levels. Working with relevant stakeholders, a realistic flare-out deadline should be agreed upon, clear and specific gas flaring legislation should be drawn up that includes measures to mitigate gas flaring for each proposed oil facility, and proper data collection and management services would enable the implementation of the policies to be based on robust evidence. These policies would shift the costs of gas flaring away from the inhabitants of the region back to the operators of the facilities that are the sources of the flares.

A Novel Method for Mining Regulatory sRNAs Related to Rice Resistance Against Blast Fungus from Multi-Omics Data

Background: Due to infection by the rice blast fungus, rice, a major global staple, faces yield challenges. While chemical control methods are common, their environmental and economic costs are growing concerns. Traditional biological experiments are also inefficient for exploring resistance genes. Therefore, understanding the interaction between rice and the rice blast fungus is urgent and important. Objective: This study aims to use multi-omics data to uncover key elements in rice's defense against rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. We built a detailed, multi-layered heterogeneous interaction network, employing an innovative graph embedding feature with a cross-layer random walk algorithm to identify crucial crucial resistance factors.This could inform strategies for enhancing disease resistance in rice. objective: This study aims to use multi-omics data to uncover key elements in rice's defense against rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. We built a detailed, multi-layered heterogeneous interaction network, employing an innovative graph embedding feature with a cross-layer random walk algorithm, to identify crucial crucial resistance factors. This could inform strategies for enhancing disease resistance in rice. Methods: We integrated genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics data on Magnaporthe oryzae infecting rice. This multi-omics data was used to construct a multi-layer heterogeneous network.An advanced graph embedding algorithm (BINE) provided rich vector representations of network nodes. A multi-layer network walking algorithm was then used to analyze the network and identify key regulatory small RNA (sRNAs) in rice. Results: Node similarity rankings allowed us to identify significant regulatory sRNAs in rice that are integral to disease resistance. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses further revealed their roles in biological processes and key metabolic pathways.Our integrative method precisely and efficiently identified these crucial elements, offering a valuable systems biology tool. Conclusion: By integrating multi-omics data with computational analysis, this study reveals key regulatory sRNAs in rice's disease resistance mechanism. These findings enhance our understanding of rice disease resistance and provide genetic resources for breeding disease-resistant rice. Despite limitations in sRNA functional interpretation, this research demonstrates the power of applying multi- omics data to address complex biological problems.

A novel evaluation method of the aging performance of MEMS flow sensor

The development of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) flow sensor towards high level market applications generates various challenges, in particular also on the reliable functionality. With the advancement of reliability engineering technology, aging phenomenon of MEMS devices has been widely concerned. As a result, an aging evaluation method is essential. The accelerated aging testing (AAT) is the most widely used in traditional aging methods. However, its performance is limited by highly economic and time cost. In this paper, a novel aging effect model is proposed, in which a comprehensive approach that integrates AAT, lifetime distribution modeling, and either Finite Element Modeling Simulation (FEMS) or fatigue simulation (FS) as fundamental is explored. However, the difference from the conventional approach was that the AAT results is imported in FS, to confirm fatigue analysis, while FS predictions are instrumental in analyzing degradation or fatigue phenomena and estimation lifetime. In this way, aging performance is illustrated detailed with the lower aging cost and high efficiency. Meanwhile, the results of proposed FS are verified by a thermal cycle (TC) AAT. Specifically, the resistor degradation mechanism, the characteristic parameter degradation is calculated. Moreover, the lifetime evaluation was acquired by the Arrhenius model. Finally, the proposed aging performance evaluation method can be applied to both discrete devices and modules. Compared with the traditional aging method the high aging cost can be eliminated, and the proposed aging evaluation strategy can be used in various temperature conditions.

Designing a cost-effective policy mix for transition toward net-zero emissions: a case study of the mid-term plan by 2035 of Taiwan

This study explores the design of a cost-effective climate policy mix for transition toward net-zero emissions in the mid-term (by 2035). Its novelty lies in the methodological advancements through the development of a soft-linking procedure that integrates a top-down computable general equilibrium model with a bottom-up energy system model. The integrated assessment focuses on the climate policy mix under the framework of Taiwan’s Climate Change Response Act passed in 2023. The analysis shows that a policy mix combining investments in energy transition with user-pay hybrid pricing measures can facilitate cost-effective mitigation and enhance public acceptance. The proposed hybrid pricing includes cost-based electricity pricing and a two-step carbon pricing strategy that encourages early action (before 2030) for larger emitters. Finally, we demonstrate that accelerating the transition is crucial, as it reduces the economic costs of meeting emission targets by inducing further investments in energy efficiency improvement and lowering the carbon pricing levels required to close the abatement gap.

Design and Construction and Energy Consumption Study of a New Electrolyzed Water Cell Generator Prototype for Food Disinfection

This study explores the feasibility of producing electrolyzed water (EW) for post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables as a new substitute for current chemical products. A prototype generator using tap water and NaCl solution was tested for EW’s sanitization efficiency, energy, and economic costs. In vitro tests on Penicillium e., Aspergillus n., Botrytis c., and Alternaria a. assessed EW pH, chlorine concentration, electro-oxidative potential, pathogen contact time, and energy consumption. Optimal results were achieved with a pH of 4.6, electro-oxidative potential of 188 mV, active chlorine concentration of 3.4 mg/L, and a contact time of 1–2 min. The prototype produced 10.0 L of EW in 1 h, consuming 0.11 kWh of electricity. Real-scale energy consumption was 545 kWh/m3 EW, costing 12.51 euro/m3. The study concludes that optimizing EW production can reduce energy consumption, making it a viable alternative for industrial sanitization of fruits and vegetables.

Validity of the Cost-Effectiveness of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Following Hematoma Evacuation for Initial Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Despite numerous articles about middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) highlighting its efficacy and safety for recurrent chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), the appropriateness of adjunctive MMAE after hematoma evacuation for initial CSDH remains unclear from a cost-effectiveness perspective. Patients with CSDH were enrolled in this study and were prospectively divided into two groups: the "conventional treatment" group, which was treated with hematoma evacuation alone, and the "MMAE" group, which was treated with adjunctive MMAE after hematoma evacuation. The proportion of patients requiring retreatment, length of hospital stay, economic costs, and modified Rankin Score (mRS) were compared between the two groups. In this study, 53 cases were included, with 30 classified into the conventional treatment group and 23 classified into the MMAE group. In the conventional treatment group, the proportion of patients who required surgical retreatment was higher than that in the MMAE group (16.7% vs. 8.7%). The relative risk was 0.522 (95% confidence interval, 0.111-2.45). Although the addition of MMAE increased the cost per hospitalization by 26%, the increase in cost per patient was limited to 12% owing to the reduction in patients who relapsed and required a second hospitalization. The increase in cost was not statistically significant. The MMAE group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2) (56.7% vs. 87.0%, p = 0.0328). By minimizing the increase in hospitalization days and procedure costs, MMAE following hematoma evacuation for initial CSDH could decrease the retreatment rate and balance the total medical costs associated with MMAE.

Preparation of High-Purity Quartz Sand by Vein Quartz Purification and Characteristics: A Case Study of Pakistan Vein Quartz

This study focuses on the purification and evaluation of the high-purity quartz (HPQ) potential of vein quartz ore from Pakistan. Vein quartz is grayish-white and translucent, with its mineral composition mainly comprising quartz crystal. Processed quartz sand is obtained from quartz raw ore through purifying technologies, including crushing, ultrasonic desliming, flotation, high-temperature calcination, water quenching, hot pressure acid leaching, and chlorination roasting. The microscopic characteristics show that the vein quartz raw ore has a medium-coarse granular metacrystalline structure, high quartz content, with only a small quantity of fine-grained K-feldspar. The inclusions primarily consist of large-sized primary inclusions and secondary fluid inclusions developed along the micro-fractures, and the content of inclusions in most areas of the crystal is very low or even nonexistent. The quartz ore with such inclusion characteristics is considered a relatively good raw material for quartz. Component analysis shows that the main impurity elements in the quartz ore are Al, K, Ca, Na, Ti, Fe, and Li, with a total impurity element content of 128.86 µg·g−1. After purification, only lattice impurity elements Al, Ti, and Li remain in the processed quartz sand, resulting in a total impurity element content of 24.23 µg·g−1, an impurity removal rate of 81.20%, and the purity of SiO2 reaching 99.998 wt.%. It is suggested that when the quartz raw ore contains high content of lattice impurity elements, such as Al, Li, and Ti, it is difficult to remove them by the current purification method. In industrial production, considering the economic cost, if quartz sand still contains high content of lattice impurity elements Al, Ti, and Li after flotation, it cannot be used as a raw material for high-end HPQ.

Nucleic Acids-Based Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis and Novel Molecules to Treat the Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the most common form of dementia and affects million people worldwide, with a high social burden and considerable economic costs. AD diagnosis benefits from a well-established panel of laboratory tests that allow ruling-in patients, along with FDG and amyloid PET imaging tools. The main laboratory tests used to identify AD patients are Aβ40, Aβ42, the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, phosphorylated Tau 181 (pTau181) and total Tau (tTau). Although they are measured preferentially in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), some evidence about the possibility for blood-based determination to enter clinical practice is growing up. Unfortunately, CSF biomarkers for AD and, even more, the blood-based ones, present a few flaws, and twenty years of research in this field did not overcome these pitfalls. The tale even worsens when the issue of treating AD is addressed due to the lack of effective strategies despite the many decades of attempts by pharmaceutic industries and scientists. Amyloid-based drugs failed to stop the disease, and no neuroinflammation-based drugs have been demonstrated to work so far. Hence, only symptomatic therapy is available, with no disease-modifying treatment on hand. Such a desolate situation fully justifies the active search for novel biomarkers to be used as reliable tests for AD diagnosis and molecular targets for treating patients. Recently, a novel group of molecules has been identified to be used for AD diagnosis and follow-up, the nuclei acid-based biomarkers. Nucleic acid-based biomarkers are a composite group of extracellular molecules consisting of DNA and RNA alone or in combination with other molecules, including proteins. This review article reports the main findings from the studies carried out on these biomarkers during AD, and highlights their advantages and limitations.

A decade of liver transplantation in Mongolia: Economic insights and cost analysis

BackgroundMongolia introduced liver transplantation 10 years ago, becoming the 46th country globally to successfully perform this procedure. However, the cost of liver transplantation treatment remains expensive in Mongolia, a lower-middle-income country. Thus, the need to calculate the cost of liver transplants, a highly-valued treatment, forms the basis for this study.MethodsThis study employed a retrospective research design with secondary data. The primary dataset comprised 143 cases of liver transplantation performed at the First Central Hospital of Mongolia between 2011 and 2021.ResultsThe average cost of a liver transplant in Mongolia is $39,589 ± 10,308, with 79.6% being direct costs and 20.4% indirect costs. Of the direct costs, 71% were attributed to drugs, medical equipment, and supplies, while 8.6% accounted for salaries. In terms of the Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, treatment costs were $39,205 ± 10,786 for patients with MELD ≤ 14 points, $40,296 ± 1,517 for patients with MELD 15–20 points, $39,352 ± 8,718 for patients with MELD 21–27 points, and $39,812 ± 9,954 for patients with MELD ≤ 28 points, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.953). However, when calculated according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score classification, treatment cost for CTP-A patients was $35,970 ± 6,879, for CTP-B patients $41,951 ± 12,195, and for CTP-C patients $37,396 ± 6,701, which was statistically significant (Р=0.015).ConclusionThe average cost of liver transplantation treatment in Mongolia was $39,589. Despite medical facilities’ capacity to treat up to 50 patients annually, the waiting list exceeds 300 individuals, highlighting significant unmet healthcare needs.

Estimating the magnitude and healthcare costs of melanoma in situ and thin invasive melanoma overdiagnosis in Australia.

Research suggests a high proportion of melanoma in situ (MIS) may be overdiagnosed, potentially contributing to overtreatment, patient harm and inflated costs for individuals and healthcare systems. However, Australia-wide estimates of the magnitude of melanoma overdiagnosis are potentially outdated and there has been no estimation of the cost to the healthcare system. To estimate the magnitude and cost of overdiagnosed MIS and thin invasive melanomas in Australia. Using two different methods for calculating lifetime risk, we used routinely collected, national-level data to estimate overdiagnosed MIS and thin invasive melanomas (stage IA) in Australia in 2017 and 2021, separately for men and women. We multiplied the number of overdiagnosed melanomas by the estimated annual cost of a MIS or thin invasive melanoma to quantify the financial burden of melanoma overdiagnosis to the Australian healthcare system in the year following diagnosis. We estimated that between 67-70% of MIS were overdiagnosed in 2017, rising to 71-76% in 2021, contributing to between 19,829 (95%CI: 19,553-20,105) and 20,811 (95%CI: 20,528-21,094) overdiagnosed MIS. In 2021, the estimated costs in Australia ranged between $17.7 million (95%CI: $17.4-17.9 million) and $18.6 million (95%CI: $18.3-18.8 million). We estimated that 22-29% of thin invasive melanomas were overdiagnosed in 2017, rising to 28-34% in 2021, contributing to between 2,831 (95%CI: 2,726-2,935) and 3,168 (95%CI: 3,058-3,279) overdiagnosed thin invasive melanomas. In 2021, the estimated costs from thin invasive melanoma overdiagnoses ranged between $2.5 million (95%CI: $2.4-2.6 million) and $2.8 million (95%CI: $2.7-2.9 million). Melanoma overdiagnosis is a growing clinical and public health problem in Australia, producing significant economic costs in the year following overdiagnosis. Limiting melanoma overdiagnosis may prevent unnecessary healthcare resource use and improve financial sustainability within the Australian healthcare system.

Biological effects of culture medium on Tetraselmis chuii and Dunaliella tertiolecta: Implications for emerging pollutants degradation

In this study, laboratory-scale cultivation of T. chuii and D. tertiolecta was conducted using Conway, F/2, and TMRL media to evaluate their biochemical composition and economic costs. The highest cell density (30.36 × 106 cells/mL) and dry weight (0.65 g/L) for T. chuii were achieved with Conway medium. This medium also produced biomass with maximum lipid content (25.65%), proteins (27.84%), and total carbohydrates (8.45%) compared with F/2 and TMRL media. D. tertiolecta reached a maximum cell density of 17.50 × 106 cells/mL in F/2 medium, which was notably lower than that of T. chuii. Furthermore, the media cost varied from US$0.23 to US$0.74 for each 1 L of media, primarily due to the addition of Na3PO4, KNO3, and cyanocobalamin. Thus, biomass production rates varied between US$38.81 and US$128.80 per kg on a dry weight basis. These findings comprehensively compare laboratory conditions and the costs associated with biomass production in different media. Additionally, this study explored the potential of T. chuii and D. tertiolecta strains, as well as their consortia with bacteria, for the degradation of various emerging pollutants (EPs), including caffeine, salicylic acid, DEET, imidacloprid, MBT, cimetidine, venlafaxine, methylparaben, thiabendazole, and paracetamol. Both microalgal strains demonstrated effective degradation of EPs, with enhanced degradation observed in microalgae-bacterial consortia. These results suggest that the symbiotic relationship between microalgae and bacteria can be harnessed for the bioremediation of EPs, thereby offering valuable insights into the environmental applications of microalgal cultivation.

Recovery of ammonia nitrogen from simulated reject water by bipolar membrane electrodialysis

ABSTRACT Ammonia monohydrate (NH3·H2O) is an important chemical widely used in industrial, agricultural, and pharmaceutical fields. Reject water is used as the raw material in self-built bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) to produce NH3·H2O. The effects of electrode materials, membrane stack structure, and operating conditions (current density, initial concentrations of the reject water, and initial volume ratio) on the BMED process were investigated, and the economic costs were analyzed. The results showed that compared with graphite electrodes, ruthenium-iridium-titanium electrodes as electrode plates for BMED could increase current efficiency (25%) and reduce energy consumption (26%). Compared with two-compartment BMED, three-compartment BMED had a higher ammonia nitrogen conversion rate (86.6%) and lower energy consumption (3.5 kW· h/kg). Higher current density (15 mA/cm2) could achieve better current efficiency (79%). The BMED performances were improved when the initial NH 4 + concentrations of the reject water increased from 500 mg NH 4 + /L to 1000 mg NH 4 + /L, but the performance decreased as the concentration increased from 1000 mg NH 4 + /L to 1500 mg NH 4 + /L. High initial volume ratio of the salt compartment and product compartment was beneficial for reducing energy consumption. Under the optimal operating conditions, only 0.13 $/kg reject water was needed to eliminate the environmental impact of reject water accumulation. This work indicates that BMED can not only achieve desalination of reject water, but also generate products that alleviate the operational pressure of factories.

Modeling environmental and economic factors in regional energy optimization

This article addresses the contemporary environmental challenges stemming from rapid economic growth, surging energy consumption, urban expansion, and mounting waste issues. The study explores the optimisation of a regional energy system, considering not only the electric energy sector but also the fuel and thermal energy sectors for the selected geographical destination. In this study, the application of the Linprog optimisation function in MATLAB programming tool to solve Regional Energy System Optimization with renewable resources is explained. The primary objective is to develop a mathematical model that identifies the optimal energy balance structure, allowing for the partial replacement of hydrocarbon sources with bioresources and waste in heat and electricity generation, as well as in vehicle fuel consumption. The modelling approach involves linear programming and integrates two key criteria: economic (cost of energy for consumers) and environmental (carbon footprint). The novelty of this approach lies in applying life cycle analysis to assess potential environmental consequences. Results reveal optimal generation volumes based on economic and environmental considerations. When optimising solely for economic criteria, municipal solid waste, along with wind energy, emerges as the preferred source. In contrast, the simultaneous optimisation of economic and environmental parameters aligns with the economic calculation, demonstrating a balanced approach to sustainable development.

A new look at the occupational fatigue challenge in the future of ergonomics research.

Due to the negative effects of occupational fatigue on health, absenteeism, and economic cost it is essential to control and manage its risk factors effectively. This study seeks to draw researchers' attention to the research requirements concerning occupational fatigue. The study briefly explores the consequences of occupational fatigue and discusses tools for its assessment. It then addresses the challenge of integrating risk factors and identifying efficient interventions. Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of addressing occupational fatigue related to new technologies. Wearable sensors, biomarkers in biological samples, and image processing are valuable tools for accurately assessing occupational fatigue. Artificial intelligence (AI) models can integrate multiple risk factors; while economic evaluations can help assess the effectiveness of control measures. Employers and researchers should be prepared to manage and monitor occupational fatigue resulting from interactions with new technologies. This commentary highlights the research gap in the field of occupational fatigue to better manage this phenomenon in today's evolving world.

High-efficiency phosphorus recovery from hypophosphite and phosphite-containing wastewater via a new electrodialysis enrichment and hydrothermal oxidation coupling process

Hypophosphite is an ideal reducing agent used in industries such as electroplating. However, the presence of high concentrations of hypophosphite and phosphite in industrial wastewater necessitates the consumption of large amounts of strong oxidants to oxidize hypophosphite to phosphate for subsequent removal by precipitation. This study introduces an innovative application of green hydrothermal process for the oxidation treatment of inorganic materials, combined with the ion enrichment advantages of electrodialysis. This novel coupling process achieves efficient enrichment and rapid oxidation of high-concentration hypophosphite and phosphite with minimal chemical consumption and more economical operating costs, yielding high-quality phosphate resources. Under electrodialysis conditions with a particle electrode dosage of 3 %, a voltage of 20 V, and a residence time of 10 h, the total phosphorus in the middle chamber was reduced from 2801.17 mg/L to 119.05 mg/L, achieving an anodic enrichment rate of 95.75 %. Under hydrothermal conditions of 400 °C for 15 min, with an H2O2 doping ratio of 7 % and a Ca(OH)2 doping ratio of 35 g/L, the peak oxidation rates of H2PO2− and HPO32− reached 99.38 %, and 99.39 % of phosphorus was transferred from the liquid phase to the solid phase in recyclable forms such as Ca5(PO4)3OH, Ca3(PO4)2, and FePO4. H2O2 enhances the hydrothermal oxidation process by increasing the concentration of free radicals. Ca(OH)2 acted as a catalyst to enhance •OH generation during the hydrothermal reaction, provided Ca2+ required for phosphorus recycling, and increased the pH to obtain crystalline products with a high Ca/P molar ratio. Compared to conventional advanced oxidation processes, the electrodialysis and hydrothermal coupling process offers a clean alternative for treating high-concentration hypophosphite and phosphite in plating wastewaters, achieving a cost saving of 22.99 %.