Integration of compressed air energy storage and solar-driven organic Rankine cycles: A 4E performance and economic evaluation

Theoretical modeling and performance evaluation of a marine aquavoltaic system in the northern part of Iran

Improved traditional brick kiln for community-scale charcoal production: Thermal performance, microstructural characteristics, and economic evaluation

By 2045, more than three quarters of global cancer deaths are projected to occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); however, the global availability of cancer care remains constrained by high costs and inequitable access. Value-based frameworks that integrate clinical benefit with affordability, feasibility, and equity are essential to better guide research prioritization, resource allocation, and regulatory policies in LMICs. A key component of a value-based approach is the generation of high-quality, locally relevant data to support evidence-based implementation of cancer prevention and control strategies. Herein, we provide three contemporary examples from JCO Global Oncology which demonstrate how economic evaluation in cancer research can address locally relevant, health system-specific questions.

To provide a narrative review of digital twin technology in endodontics, focusing on current applications, key challenges, and future perspectives. A targeted search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2020–2025) was conducted using the keywords (“digital twin” OR “digital-twin”) AND (endodontics OR “root canal” OR dentistry). Given the emerging nature of the field, a selective, interpretative narrative synthesis was undertaken rather than an exhaustive systematic review. Digital twin applications in endodontics include infrared thermography models for nickel–titanium (NiTi) instrument monitoring, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-driven anatomical replicas for diagnostic planning, and simulation-based platforms for education and guided procedures. These studies demonstrate feasibility for enhancing diagnostic accuracy, procedural safety, and clinical training. However, evidence is limited by small sample sizes, absence of multicenter trials, lack of standardised protocols, and no cost-effectiveness analyses. Lessons from other fields such as oncology, cardiology, orthodontics, and implantology suggest opportunities for integrating multimodal data and personalised treatment planning into endodontics. Digital twin technology represents an emerging innovation in endodontics with demonstrated applications in diagnosis, education, and guided procedures. Nevertheless, current research remains preliminary. Large-scale clinical studies, economic evaluations, and standardised workflows are required before routine adoption can be justified. Ethical considerations regarding data privacy, interoperability, and accountability must also be addressed to ensure responsible integration.

Economic and performance evaluation of an automated PV cleaning system with water recycling in Islamabad, Pakistan

Economic viability evaluation of a carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub investment in Indonesia based on real option approach

Analysing the suitability of tools used to assess cost-effectiveness of external beam radiation therapy - A scoping review.

Economic Evaluation of Implementation Strategies for School-Based Universal Prevention: Insights from a Pilot Study.

Return on investment of community health workers in the United States: a systematic review.

• Hybrid GO-MXene nanofluids cut PV thermal resistance by 41.1%. • 3D-OHP with nanofluids boosts PV output by 14.9%. • GO-MXene cools PV panels by 24°C, enhancing efficiency. • Nanofluid cooling adds 43 W/day power, improves exergy to 30.9%. • LCOE analysis confirms cost-effective PV thermal management. The efficiency and longevity of photovoltaic (PV) panels are significantly impaired by excessive operational heat accumulation, which can reduce electrical efficiency by 0.4–0.5% per °C above 25°C and lead to 20–30% annual energy losses in urban environments. This study presents an innovative passive thermal management system integrating a three-dimensional oscillating heat pipe (3D-OHP) with hybrid graphene oxide (GO)–MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x ) nanofluids at concentrations of 0.1 wt% and 0.2 wt%, leveraging GO’s high thermal conductivity (up to 3000 W/m.K) and MXene’s low viscosity and hydrophilicity for enhanced heat transfer and stability. Experiments conducted in Mashhad, Iran, under solar irradiances of 660–1090 W/m 2 , demonstrate that the 0.2 wt% GO-MXene nanofluid reduces thermal resistance by 41.1% (compared to 35.6% for MXene and 28.2% for GO alone), lowers panel temperature by over 24°C (versus 21.2°C for MXene, 15.4°C for GO, and 6.3°C for water), and boosts electrical power output by 14.9% (peaking at 48.3 W versus 42.1 W for the uncooled panel). This results in an additional 43 W/day of electricity generation, outperforming MXene (38.4 W/day), GO (27.3 W/day), and water (16.8 W/day) coolants. First-law electrical efficiency improves to 11.51% (from 10.02% uncooled), while peak exergy efficiency reaches 30.9% (versus 27.4% for MXene, 24.6% for GO, and 22.1% for water). Thermophysical enhancements include a 6% increase in thermal conductivity (to 0.651 W/m.K) with only a 31% viscosity rise (to 1.17 mPa.s), supported by zeta potentials exceeding ± 30 mV for stability. Economic evaluation yields a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of 0.083 USD/kWh and Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS) of 0.273 USD/kWh for GO-MXene, balancing superior performance with affordability compared to water (LCOE: 0.071 USD/kWh; LCOS: 0.09 USD/kWh) and other nanofluids (GO LCOE: 0.086 USD/kWh; MXene LCOE: 0.080 USD/kWh). This scalable, surfactant-free system advances sustainable urban solar technologies by mitigating thermal stress, enhancing efficiency, and supporting net-zero energy goals with minimal environmental impact.

Social Return on Investment of Interventions Supporting Aging in Place: A Systematic Review.

The main tools for making clinical decisions based on efficient use of resources are economic evaluation studies that allow the assessment of both the costs and benefits of different therapeutics, with appropriate guidelines for preparing reports. This study aimed to develop a checklist of consumable cost elements to be considered in estimates for micro-costing studies in peritoneal dialysis (PD). Four stages were conducted, followed by data analysis and interpretation. Three stages were carried out to develop the direct cost elements questionnaire: 1st - designing the first version of the checklist; 2nd - evaluating and expanding it using the Delphi method; 3rd - conducting two expert panels; and 4th - applying the questionnaire to professionals from 18 Latin American countries. Inclusion criteria: professionals with at least one year of clinical and/or administrative experience in PD. A discrete probability distribution adjustment was performed. Distribution lots were considered according to the category of cost elements for each country. The maximum likelihood estimation method was applied, and the statistical classification of the adjustments was assessed using the Akaike Information Criterion. A total of 596 questionnaires, comprising seven dimensions and 41 elements, were validated. From the results of each batch, it was possible to segment the elements into three choice options, with the probability of evaluating an element as very important, thus allowing for the classification of the cost elements. The checklist favors more equitable economic dimensioning in comparative studies, making it possible to compare economic values in PD across countries, while considering the appropriate cost elements.

The Dutch costing manual, part of the national guideline for economic evaluations, provides reference prices and standardized cost calculation methods to ensure transparency and comparability. Since its last update in 2015, new evidence, updated cost data, and user needs prompted an updated version to reflect current best practices and expand scope. The aim of this article is to present the update of the costing manual and the introduction of the web application facilitating regular updates. The update of the costing manual followed a three-step approach. First, improvement needs were identified by user surveys and experts. Secondly, methodological guidance was revised using recent literature, national data sources, and expert input. Thirdly, the reference prices were updated. In parallel, a technical web application was developed and tested to facilitate ongoing digital access and regular updates. The updated costing manual consists of revised and updated references prices, including expanded intersectoral reference prices (e.g., education and justice). Clearer methodological guidance and improved transparency were established. Testing showed that the web-based application was intuitive to use and accurately reproduced reference prices consistent with the updated costing manual. The costing manual was updated in line with the recent guidelines for economic evaluations. The manual is a comprehensive manual for use in costing studies for economic evaluations in healthcare from a societal perspective. The web-based application translated the costing manual into a practical digital tool, automating cost calculations and demonstrated usability, accuracy, and consistency with the manual.

The purpose of this study is to compare the economics of in-office tympanostomy tube placement using single use devices versus standard placement in the operating room (OR). A retrospective chart review was completed for all pediatric patients who underwent in-office tympanostomy tube placement (CPT 69433) along with insurance and date matched patients with placement in the OR (CPT 69436) between 12/1/21-3/1/24. Financial data were compared among the public vs. private insurance cohorts using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test with a two-sided significance level of 5%. One hundred and thirty-six in-office patients were identified, 102 private versus 34 public, and compared with 136 insurance and date matched OR patients. The average total payment for both privately insured patients, $647.14 in-office versus $6873.45 in the OR, and publicly insured patients, $312.74 in-office versus $2656.34 in the OR, was statistically significant. The average insurance payment for both privately insured patients, $301.58 in-office versus $5445.73 in the OR, and publicly insured patients, $310.63 in-office versus $2258.65 in the OR, was statistically significant. For the patient payment, public insurance usually has 0 copay and is therefore excluded. The patient payment of the private insurance cohort, $308.30 in-office versus $670.61 in the OR, was not found to be statistically significant. As expected, this study demonstrates significant reductions in overall cost with in-office tympanostomy tube placement even with the added cost of single-use devices compared to the standard placement in the OR, particularly for insurance companies, suggesting the potential benefit of providing reimbursement for these devices. N/A.

Sustainable valorization of recycled polypropylene waste in concrete composites via compression casting: Integrating lifecycle, cost, and engineering assessments for plastic waste management.

Cost-effectiveness of a mTB-Tobacco intervention for smoking cessation in people with tuberculosis: an economic evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial.

This study presents the long-term performance of a 3.3 kWp semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) system using five years (2017-2021) of operational data collected in Gödöllő, Hungary. A comprehensive 4E (energy, exergy, economic, and environmental) framework is applied to quantify system performance under real climatic conditions. The system generated an average yearly electricity production of 2490 kWh, with variability driven by irradiance and temperature fluctuations. Exergy analysis based on Petela model revealed average exergy efficiencies significantly lower than energy efficiency due to spectral mismatch and the partial transmittance inherent to the STPV design. Environmental assessment was conducted using updated life-cycle emission intensities (28-100 g CO 2 eq/kWh and 40-110 g CO 2 eq/kWh), resulting in an embodied carbon range between 1.74 and 6.85 tonnes CO 2 eq across the two literature scenarios. Under three grid emission scenarios (0.35, 0.25, and 0.15 kg CO 2 eq/kWh), carbon payback time (CPT) ranges from 2.0 to 18.3 years. Economic evaluation yielded a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) ranging from €0.095 to €0.117 per kWh, with a simple payback period of 9.5-11.7 years. The results demonstrate that STPV systems can achieve carbon neutrality within their operational lifetime under grid conditions, although environmental performance remains sensitive to future decarbonisation pathways. The proposed framework provides reproducible methodology for evaluating STPV systems using long-term empirical datasets. • Five-year operational analysis of a 3.3 kWp semi-transparent PV system. • Comprehensive 4E framework applied: energy, exergy, economic, and environmental. • Average annual electricity generation reached 2490 kWh under real climate conditions. • LCOE ranges from €0.095–0.117 kWh with a payback period of 9.5–11.7 years. • Carbon payback time varies between 2.0 and 18.3 years depending on grid emissions. • Results confirm long-term viability of STPV systems for BIPV applications.

Tumour infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy offers the potential for durable clinical benefit in select patients with advanced melanoma, especially after progression on treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and/or targeted therapies. The 2024 FDA approval of Lifileucel (Amtagvi), a commercially manufactured autologous TIL product, marks a key milestone in integrating advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) into routine care for solid tumours. Health Canada has since approved Lifileucel, with regulatory and funding decisions across the UK and Europe still pending. In this Perspective, we review the evidence base and outline key considerations for national adoption of TIL therapy. Despite promising results from clinical trials, TIL therapy requires complex coordination, including patient selection, tumour procurement, manufacturing logistics, lymphodepletion, and IL-2 administration; all contingent on specialised infrastructure and well-considered integrated care pathways. While commercial centralisation may ease logistical barriers, the high cost of TIL therapy necessitates careful health economic evaluation. A nationally coordinated effort is required to harmonise clinical prioritisation strategies, maintain oversight by multidisciplinary specialist tumour boards, and consider investment in future-proof decentralised manufacturing capacity. Collaborations and peer support such as through theAdvanced Therapy Treatment Centre (ATTC) Network will facilitate phased, experience-led rollout with equity-focused service design.

Chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) are complex wounds that often fail to heal within a reasonable timeframe, leading to prolonged morbidity, reduced quality of life and significant healthcare costs. The severity and exudate level of these wounds influence treatment choice and patient outcomes. In Poland, evidence on the economic impact of advanced dressings for CLUs remains limited, despite their inclusion in clinical guidelines. This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of superabsorbent polymer dressings versus foam dressings in the management of moderate-to-highly exuding chronic leg ulcers within Polish healthcare settings. This early-stage model-based economic evaluation was conducted in a time horizon of 6 months within the context of the Polish healthcare system. The model inputs were identified through systematic literature reviews and incorporated into a mathematical model that accounted for the natural history of chronic leg ulcers. The average cost per patient for superabsorbent polymer dressings was estimated at PLN 11144 (€2563; $2786), while foam dressings averaged PLN 14685 (€3378; $3671), contributing to the cost difference between the two wound dressings of PLN 3541 (€815; $885) per patient over 6 months. Healing rates are projected to improve by an additional 2%, and health-related quality of life is expected to increase by 0.123 quality-adjusted life weeks in favour of superabsorbent polymer dressings. These results provide evidence that superabsorbent polymer dressings are clinically and economically viable treatment options compared to foams for moderately to excessively exuding chronic leg ulcers in Poland.