Economic Costs Research Articles

Traceability of Surgical Instruments: A Systematic Review

Objective: This study provides a comprehensive global overview of surgical instrument traceability systems and accentuates their growing importance in healthcare. Background: Surgical instruments pose risks to patient safety, economic costs, logistical challenges, and environmental impact. The increasing focus on instrument traceability reflects its potential to address these issues. Methods: We performed a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines, analyzing articles from 2000 to 2023 across five digital libraries (PubMed, Web of Science, IEEE, ACM, Google Scholar). Our review concentrated on traceability systems’ lifecycle for reusable and sterile surgical instruments. Results: Out of 7189 articles retrieved, 22 were selected for evaluation, and only 6 were considered relevant after a thorough examination. These studies mainly deployed Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. They enhance patient safety, reduce environmental impact, improve economic efficiency, and optimize logistics. Additionally, these systems encourage more responsible surgical practices. Conclusions: Our study underscores the limited applied research in this field and discusses system architectures and performance metrics. It proposes future research directions, including the development of public databases, integration of automation, and investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision to improve traceability and risk analysis.

Network and Energy Storage Joint Planning and Reconstruction Strategy for Improving Power Supply and Renewable Energy Acceptance Capacities

The integration of distributed generation (DG) into distribution networks has significantly increased the strong coupling between power supply capacity and renewable energy acceptance capacity. Addressing this strong coupling while enhancing both capacities presents a critical challenge in modern distribution network development. This study introduces an innovative joint planning and reconstruction strategy for network and energy storage, designed to simultaneously enhance power supply capacity and renewable energy acceptance capacity. The proposed approach employs a bi-level optimization model: the upper level focuses on minimizing economic costs by determining the optimal locations and capacities of energy storage systems and the layout of network lines, while the lower level aims to maximize power supply and renewable energy acceptance capacities by optimizing line switch states. Additionally, this research quantifies the coupling relationship between these two capacities under uncertainty, providing a deeper understanding of their dynamic interaction. Advanced computational techniques, including Monte Carlo simulations and particle swarm optimization (PSO), are utilized to solve the model efficiently. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed strategy effectively enhances both power supply and renewable energy acceptance capacities. Furthermore, exploring the strong coupling relationship between these two capacities under various conditions not only optimizes the utilization of renewable energy in the power system and prevents resource waste, but also helps avoid the volatility impacts of renewable energy uncertainty on the power system in actual planning. Additionally, the network and energy storage joint planning and reconstruction strategy proposed in this study achieves cost minimization under the constraint of limited resources and simultaneously enhanced both capacities. The strategy provides feasible solutions for power grid planning in actual applications.

Evaluation of material and environmental price through material recycling of waste collected at the University of Seoul

In this study, we evaluated the material and environmental benefits of recycling materials collected at the University of Seoul. The waste composition was analyzed by sampling using the coning and quartering methods at the campus recycling center. The material cost was determined by comparing the prices of raw materials and recycled materials, while the environmental cost was calculated by estimating potential greenhouse gas emissions by incineration and multiplying this by the carbon price. It was analyzed that recycling rather than incineration can reduce greenhouse gas emissions up to 2.8 tCO2eq per tonne of waste. As a result, approximately 250 t of household waste is generated annually at the University of Seoul, with approximately 16% consisting of recyclable materials such as plastic and paper. Based on the carbon price of the Republic of Korea, the potential savings were around 608,000 USD/year. Using the current EU carbon price, the savings increased to 647,000 USD/year, and based on the 2030 target carbon price, the savings amounted to 677,000 USD/year. It represents that recycling not only minimizes natural resource depletion but also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and results in significant economic cost savings. This research investigates specific methods for calculating monetary values to incentivize recycling and presents practical applications.

Advances in Copper Extraction: Sustainable Approaches and Bioleaching Techniques

The environmental impacts of mining and mineral processing, particularly in developing countries, have been increasingly significant. Mining activities, especially in open-pit mines and the extraction of copper from sulfide ores, generate pollution and acid leakage that harm ecosystems. Given the abundant presence of copper in nature, particularly in sulfide minerals, developing environmentally friendly extraction methods is paramount. This study evaluates modern and sustainable methods for copper extraction from the Aynak copper mine, one of the largest copper mines in Afghanistan. Specifically, it compares and assesses bioleaching and hydrometallurgical methods as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional pyrometallurgical (smelting) processes in copper extraction. Compared to pyrometallurgical methods, the study investigates the environmental impacts and economic efficiency of bioleaching and hydrometallurgical methods. The results indicate that biotechnological methods, such as bioleaching, significantly reduce environmental impacts, improve production efficiency, and lower operational costs. In contrast, pyrometallurgical methods are associated with higher environmental and economic costs. Given the advantages of biotechnological methods, it is recommended that these methods be adopted as sustainable alternatives for copper extraction from low-grade ores at the Aynak copper mine, especially from sulfide ores, to promote environmentally and economically sustainable development in the sector.

ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC AWARENESS OF RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

Background. Chronic renal disease is a significant problem for the healthcare systems of many countries, as its treatment requires significant economic costs. This problem is especially relevant since chronic renal failure is often diagnosed at late stages, when kidney dysfunction is already irreversible. One of the key measures to prevent chronic renal disease is raising public awareness of early symptoms and risk factors, which contributes to timely seeking of medical care. However, studies show that most people are insufficiently aware of risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, diabetes, gender, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases (including heart failure and previous heart attack), as well as increased stress levels and obesity. Increasing public awareness of these risks can be an important step in the prevention and early diagnosis of chronic renal disease. Purpose of the study. To determine the level of respondents’ awareness regarding the risk factors contributing to the development of chronic kidney failure. Materials and methods. The study was a cross-sectional (one-time) survey conducted in a healthcare facility. Patients participated in the survey while seeking medical care. The survey was conducted anonymously. A total of 79 respondents participated, of whom 43.0% were male (34) and 57.0% were female (45). Results. The survey results revealed that most respondents were insufficiently informed about the risk factors associated with renal diseases. According to the study participants, the most common risk factors leading to the development of chronic kidney failure are excessive stress, obesity, and high blood pressure. Conclusions. Patients who are aware of potential risks can adopt lifestyle changes, including improving their diet, quitting harmful habits, and engaging in regular physical activity, which positively impacts kidney health. Early diagnosis and management of risk factors help slow the progression of chronic kidney failure, reducing the need for costly treatments in the later stages.

Evaluation of cotton production in Şanlıurfa province in terms of harvesting methods and economic costs

The present study was conducted to analyze the economic revenues/costs for 2020/2021 period in Şanlıurfa, where cotton production is intense. The main source of this study was the data obtained from 15 cotton farmers in the area. It was determined in the study that the cotton yield per decare varied between 450 kg and 660 kg, and the average yield was 562 kg/da, and the average costs were spraying, fertilizing, harvesting, irrigation, sowing and soil preparation, respectively. The cost of producing one kilogram of cotton was found to be 1.68 TL/kg. The average revenue per decare was found to be 3970 TL/da and the production cost was 945 TL/da. It has been determined that the mechanized harvesting system is more advantageous than manual harvesting according to harvesting cost, total cost and net profit values. For cotton production to be commercially sustainable, it is essential to enhance efficiency in production, determine support measures for cotton that do not adversely affect farmers in the current period, and prioritize mechanized harvesting methods.

Influence of nutrition and epigenetics on the development of neurodegenerative diseases in elderly and old people

Due to the growing number of elderly and senile people in the world population, there is an increase in the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are the most common nosologies in this group, which are based on neuronal damage and subsequent death of the corresponding parts of the brain and spinal cord. These patients are characterized by a growing deficit in daily activities, a decrease in the productivity of cognitive functions, followed by the need for constant and long-term care, which is associated with huge economic and social costs to society. At the same time, there are no effective programs for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. In the review of the literature, the authors analyzed the works devoted to neurodegenerative diseases, the role of nutrition, epigenetics as factors in the prevention and slowing down the progression of neurodegeneration processes.

A multi-commodity multi-sourcing location-allocation model for managing post-disaster material convergence considering budget constraint and equity

This paper proposes an integrated multi-commodity multi-sourcing location-allocation model to address issues caused by post-disaster material convergence. It also helps improve the efficient utilisation of disaster relief resources, as well as distribution equity. The objective of the model is to allocate relief items of varying priorities, aiming to minimise the suffering of affected individuals while operating within a limited budget. The decisions of the model include the selection of distribution centres, shipment sizes, and delivery frequencies for post-disaster humanitarian logistics. To capture the inter-temporal effects of delivery strategies, deprivation costs are used to evaluate the economic costs of human suffering resulting from a lack of access to relief supplies. The model is formulated as a multi-sourcing model, allowing one demand point to be served by multiple points of distribution. To enhance distribution equity, this model incorporates the Gini index into the objective function. An immune algorithm (IA) is proposed to solve large-scale instances of the model. This algorithm has shown promising results and can handle complex scenarios efficiently. Computational experiments were conducted using data from Chengdu, an earthquake-prone megacity in southwest China. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm provides effective solutions within a reasonable timeframe.

Preventative insecticides reduce seedling injury, but do not increase yield in Bt and non-Bt corn grown in the mid-Atlantic.

Field corn production systems rely on preventative insect management tactics, including hybrids expressing plant-incorporated protectants that are treated with neonicotinoid seed treatments and sometimes in-furrow pyrethroids. While effective seedling pest control can be crucial because of the cost of replanting, these treatments target many of the same pests and may add unnecessary costs for growers. Furthermore, seedling pests in the Mid-Atlantic tend to be sporadic, and preventative insecticides may negatively impact natural enemies. To better understand the value of common preventative tactics, we evaluated pest pressure and compared a neonicotinoid seed treatment (clothianidin) and an in-furrow pyrethroid (bifenthrin) in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and non-Bt corn hybrids. In Bt hybrids, the in-furrow pyrethroid did not decrease pest injury, increase stand, or increase yield, while the neonicotinoid seed treatment decreased pest injury and increased stand but did not increase yield. In a non-Bt hybrid, both insecticides decreased pest injury, but neither increased stand or yield. Above- and below-ground pest injury was scarce throughout the study, but even in the site-year with the most extensive injury, insecticides did not result in yield gains. Implementing efficient economically and environmentally sustainable corn pest management requires a thorough understanding of the contributions of each component of the pest control system. By thoroughly exploring pest pressure in Bt and non-Bt systems, this study shows that preventative insecticide use could be scaled back in many cases, especially given the environmental and economic costs associated with them. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

An interdisciplinary virtual group program addressing the FINER points of chronic pain management: An exploratory analysis of functional outcomes.

Chronic pain is multifactorial and has large social and economic costs. Comprehensive pain management through an interdisciplinary approach addressing the biopsychosocial model of pain is beneficial. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and functional outcomes following participation in the 8-week virtual interdisciplinary Functional Integrative Restoration (FINER) program. Cohort study. Virtual platform (Zoom) utilized by participants and clinicians within a large academic institution. 44 individuals with chronic pain meeting study criteria who participated in the virtual FINER program from September 2021 to April 2023 were included in final analysis. Participants attended twice weekly seminars and group sessions focused on pain education, lifestyle medicine, integrative medicine, and psychological therapies virtually and completed pre- and post-program surveys. Outcomes included the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 (PROMIS-29). Qualitative feedback was also obtained. From September 2021 to April 2023, 44 adult FINER participants with chronic low back and/or neck pain completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. We observed significant improvements in PCS, TSK, and various domains of the PROMIS-29, including pain interference, participation, physical function, and sleep, with modest effect sizes. The FINER program reduced self-reported functional outcomes related to the participants' chronic pain. Positive qualitative feedback from FINER participants suggested mental and physical health benefits. Future investigation will include a larger cohort and will deploy active (patient-reported outcomes) and passive (mobility and sociability) digital measures to further characterize functional changes.

Environmental and economic sustainability of the novel photovoltaic industrial wastewater treatment systems from life cycle perspective.

Environmental and economic sustainability of the novel photovoltaic industrial wastewater treatment systems from life cycle perspective.

Trauma Outcomes Based on Remoteness of Injury in Australia: A Systemic Review.

Research suggests a significant disparity between rural and urban trauma patient outcomes, causing substantial social, economic and emotional costs, impacting health-related quality of life and functionality, and straining our healthcare system. There has not been a systematic examination of contributing factors in Australia. This study aims to systematically describe the nature of research on trauma outcomes by geographical location and (where possible) describe factors found to increase or decrease the likelihood and severity of injury in rural Australia. Five databases (EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL) and reference lists were searched. Eligible studies compared injury outcomes by geographic location in Australia, using a quantitative study design. No restrictions were placed on publication year or outcomes explored. The results were synthesised narratively. We found 14 papers. Mortality, the most studied outcome (n = 11), was overall positively related to traumatic incidents in more rural locations. Other data outcomes included hospital admissions and length of stay, admission to ICU, 28-day hospital readmission, rehabilitation, and patient-reported quality of life. Study findings show different mechanisms of injury (e.g., falls) and limited accounts of pre-hospital experiences. Geographical location of trauma may impact the likelihood of injury mortality but is potentially confounded by the different mechanisms and severity of injury. There is insufficient evidence to make conclusions on other non-mortality and longer-term outcomes, and a greater understanding of prehospital outcomes is also needed. This relationship is considered weak due to the limited geographic representation across Australia and the general paucity of recent literature.

Long-term effects of s-KL treatment in wild-type mice: Enhancing longevity, physical well-being, and neurological resilience.

Long-term effects of s-KL treatment in wild-type mice: Enhancing longevity, physical well-being, and neurological resilience.

Association between Obesity and Psychiatric Co-morbidities: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Obesity is a global epidemic associated with significant physical, economic and psychological costs. It has a bidirectional relationship with various psychiatric disorders. However, the evidence regarding the strength, direction and moderating factors of this relationship remains inconsistent and inconclusive. Aim: To examine the association between different grades of obesity and psychiatric disorders, as well as, to evaluate their impact on quality of life. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Departments of Medicine and Endocrinology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (a tertiary care centre), Peelamedu, Coimbatore, South India, between January 2019 and June 2020, among stable inpatients. A total of 195 participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 , aged between 18 years and 65 years, of all genders, were included. The participants were initially categorised into two groups: overweight and obese. The obese group was further subdivided into three classes: obese-I, obese-II and obese-III. Participants were required to have the ability to read and write in Tamil or English. The prevalence of various psychiatric disorders and quality of life was assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) 5.0 and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQoL-BREF) tools. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. Results: Of the total participants, majority, 114 (58.5%) were aged from 31-45 years. Males comprised 116 (59.5%) and females were 79 (40.5%) of the study participants. Among the 195 participants, depressive episodes were present in 1 (1%) of the overweight group and 7 (8.8%) of the obese-I group. The prevalence of dysthymia was 3 (3%) in the overweight group, 15 (18.8%) in the obese-I group, and 2 (15.4%) in the obese-II group. Panic disorder was observed in 1 (1%) of the overweight group, 3 (3.8%) of the obese-I group, 2 (15.4%) of the obese-II group, and 1 (33.3%) of the obese-III group. Lifetime limited symptoms of panic attacks were reported by 5 (5.1%) participants in the overweight group and 14 (17.5%) in the obese-I group. Pairwise group analysis revealed a significant association with the diagnosis of dysthymia. Quality of life was found to be poor across all four domains: physical health, psychological wellbeing, environmental factors and social relationships. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates a significant association between obesity and psychiatric disorders, particularly dysthymia, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Obesity negatively impacts quality of life across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the causal relationships and underlying mechanisms between obesity and psychiatric co-morbidities.

De-implementing low-value care in emergency medicine: A framework for sustainable improvement.

The continued use of low-value care interventions is a persisting challenge across the healthcare system despite targeted international efforts to reduce their use. These practices result in considerable economic and carbon costs. We present a model used to successfully de-implement four low-value care practices in a tertiary ED in Victoria, Australia. We outline the interventions and the proportions by which they were reduced. We provide a step-by-step framework that provides a model for other hospital departments or primary care centres to initiate their own de-implementation process for low-value care practices within their setting.

Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Transformation of Spent NCM811 into Efficient TMO Electrocatalysts

Abstract The expansion of electric vehicles has increased spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) containing valuable transition metals. Recycling these materials reduces economic costs and addresses resource shortages. Additionally, transition metal-based catalysts derived from spent LIBs can replace expensive noble metal catalysts. This study examines the catalytic performance of spent LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) materials, enhanced by adjusting mixed valence states and defect structures. Increasing calcination temperature transformed the layered structure into spinel and rock salt phases, inducing mixed valence states. Consequently, the optimized NCM catalysts exhibited improved catalytic activity in both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The ORR onset potential increased by 0.07 V, while the OER overpotential decreased by about 26.9%. In a zinc-air battery, the optimized catalyst demonstrated a discharge capacity of 792.1 mAh g⁻1 and stable performance over 100 cycles. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirmed Mn as the main active site, with Ni and Co enhancing Mn's activity as electron donors and acceptors. These findings suggest that calcination-induced structural changes and mixed valence states enhance Mn site reactivity, improving catalytic performance. Overall, this study highlights the feasibility of repurposing spent LIB cathode materials into efficient electrocatalysts, thereby improving the economic viability and sustainability of catalyst development.

INDIVIDUAL ARTICLE: Appraisal of Ruxolitinib 1.5% Cream as a First-Line Topical Therapeutic Agent for Adolescents and Adults With Mild-to-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis.

Dermatology has entered the long-awaited paradigm shift from steroidal to non-steroidal therapeutics for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis. Topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have garnered a strong recommendation for the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis (AD) by the American Academy of Dermatology in the most recent updated guidelines as of 2023. Ruxolitinib 1.5% cream is the only FDA-approved topical JAK inhibitor available in the US and is approved for the short-term and intermittent chronic treatment of mild-to-moderate AD in adolescents and adults aged >= 12 years with up to 20% affected body surface area (BSA). Since approval in 2021, ruxolitinib cream has been shown to be consistently effective across disease severities, age groups, and anatomic sites of special interest (ie, head and neck region, hands). Real-world usage as monotherapy and in combination with other topicals have confirmed its efficacy in practice and further led to reduced usage of topical corticosteroids. Ruxolitinib cream also has the potential to reduce economic costs due to AD-related decline in work productivity. Here, we review the most up-to-date clinical trial and real-world efficacy data that position ruxolitinib 1.5% cream as a first-line AD therapeutic. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24:2(Suppl 2):s5-15.

Nonnegligible transition risks towards net-zero economy: Lessons from green finance initiatives in China.

Nonnegligible transition risks towards net-zero economy: Lessons from green finance initiatives in China.

Conservative treatment of pathological fracture after multiple odontogenic keratocyst surgery: a case report and literature analysis.

Pathological fractures after jaw cyst surgery are rare clinically but are a serious complication. Once a pathological fracture occurs, treatment time and economic costs increase, and doctors face difficulty in handling it. This article reports a case of a patient with mandibular pathological fractures after multiple odontogenic keratocyst surgery of the jaw. Mandibular lesions were located in the bilateral mandibular angles and had macrocystic changes. We adopted a conservative treatment plan, and the treatment effect was good. We also discussed and analyzed relevant literature to provide a reference for clinicians.

Two-tier optimal dispatch strategy for a park distribution network with electric vehicles with dynamic tariffs

Abstract In this paper, the optimal scheduling problem of active distribution networks after electric vehicle (EV) access is investigated, and a two-layer optimal scheduling strategy for an EV-containing park distribution network with dynamic tariffs is proposed. The upper-layer model takes the minimisation of EV charging and discharging cost and load variance as the objectives, and updates the charging and discharging states with the tariff, and particle swarm solves the optimal charging and discharging power curves and inputs them into the lower-layer model; the lower-layer distribution model takes the economic cost of the distribution network, the three-phase imbalance, the load variance, and the discard rate as the objectives, and adopts the multi-objective dung-beetle algorithm for solving the problem. The dynamic tariff of each phase is input into the upper layer model, and the up and down cycles are iterated until relatively stable. The results show that the two-layer optimal dispatch model with EVs proposed in this paper can not only optimise the charging and discharging cost and load difference of EVs in the upper layer, but also improve the four optimisation objectives of the lower distribution network, taking into account the optimisation of both the upper and lower layers, and the simulation results validate the effectiveness of the scheduling strategy.