Cost Impact Research Articles

Cost, Cost-effectiveness and Survival Impact Assessment for A Better Management of Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Single Centre Comprehensive Analysis.

The world healthcare systems are currently challenged by the accumulating burden of colorectal cancer (CRC), and cancer registries represent an important segment for prevention and developing management plans, being useful in providing data regarding incidence, mortality, survival, exposure to carcinogens, lifestyle. Retrospective data from CRC patients in Romania was used to assess survival impact, costs, and cost-effectiveness considering three crucial aspects: pharmacology, chemo-/radio-therapy, and hospitalization for care and management of these patients. 423 CRC patients from the Institutional Cancer Registry of the Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta Institute of Oncology in Cluj-Napoca, Romania were included in the cost analysis. For the assessment of cost efficiency of the primary treatment strategy, we collected data regarding direct medical costs associated with surgery, radiotherapy and medication, as well as the afferent day or continuous hospitalization, for each patient. For the cost-effectiveness analysis we used the method of estimation of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. No compelling differences regarding survival time were observed in different therapeutic options per CRC stage. Substantial differences in cost effectiveness among therapeutic options in the same stage of several thousand Euros in stages I-III, while for stage IV, the ICER was more than 100,000 Euros per life saved. Systematic evaluation of costs, cost-effectiveness, and survival impact, helps healthcare systems can make informed decisions to improve the management of colorectal cancer patients, optimizing outcomes while minimizing financial burden.

The Paige Prostate Suite: Assistive Artificial Intelligence for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

What Is the Paige Prostate Suite? The Paige Prostate Suite is a set of artificial intelligence (AI) applications that works alongside pathologists reviewing prostate biopsy samples. The suite is not available in Canada as of this writing (June 2024), but international counterparts have authorized it for clinical use. The system requires pathology slides to be digitized for the suite to be able to highlight areas of suspicion for pathologist review. Pathologists can use Paige Prostate Detect as a “second set of eyes” on biopsy slides scanned into the digital system. What Issue Does the Paige Prostate Suite Intend to Address? In Canada, prostate cancer accounted for 20% of new cancers in 2022. It is the most common cancer found in people who have a prostate. Unlike many other cancers, the disease progresses slowly and early diagnosis results in a 5-year survival rate close to 100%. However, health systems are faced with more cancer cases without an increased capacity in pathology. What Is the Potential Impact? Paige Prostate aims to improve pathologists’ ability to detect prostate cancer in less time by allowing pathologists to focus on positive cases. However, the time-saving benefits of the suite require further validation that reflects real world settings and applications. The Paige Prostate Suite has the potential to optimize pathology workflow and prevent delays in diagnosis. Pathologists can use the suite to supplement their review instead of sending biopsy slides to the lab for additional staining or to experts for a second consultation. It does, however, require the added the step of digitizing slides to the workflow. The Paige Prostate Suite aims to improve consistency by helping pathologists grade tumours. What Else Do We Need to Know? Canada is in the early stages of implementing technology to produce digital images of biopsies. To adapt to the uptake of AI, pathology departments will need to adopt new digital workflows and processes. They could leverage this infrastructure for telepathology to improve access in rural and remote areas. Clinicians expect the Paige Prostate Suite to cost more than current practice. Costs will vary depending on the case load, system readiness for AI, and use case for the suite. Cost-effectiveness of the suite requires in-depth investigation that considers the cost-benefit from productivity changes. Upcoming prospective studies will assess the benefits of the Paige Prostate Suite from a clinical utility and cost impact perspective. It is also important to further understand the diagnostic performance and impact of Paige Prostate in the context of race, ethnicity, and other equity considerations, as those in equity-deserving groups may be underrepresented in algorithm development and trials, or have different levels of prostate cancer risk.

An Evolutionary Game Study of Collaborative Innovation across the Whole Industry Chain of Rural E-Commerce under Digital Empowerment

With the profound integration of digital technology and traditional agriculture, the whole industry chain of rural e-commerce, as an advanced system, is reshaping the production, sales, and management models of agriculture and is emerging as a new catalyst for the advancement of digital agriculture through significant innovation. This paper focuses on the digital empowerment attributes and strategic attributes of the whole industrial chain of rural e-commerce, and evolutionary game models under market mechanisms and regulations are constructed. It examines the influence of various elements, such as the digital technology empowerment coefficient, on collaborative innovation within the whole industry chain of rural e-commerce. Using case simulations, this paper discusses the role of government regulation and intervention when market mechanisms are inadequate. The study reveals that factors such as the digital technology empowerment coefficient, technology absorptive capacity, and the amount of technology and information stored in collaborative innovation positively influence the whole industry chain. Potential risk losses and free-rider gains have negative effects on the evolution of the system toward collaborative innovation. When market mechanisms are inadequate, a combination of operational cost subsidies and incentive measures can yield more effective policy synergy, with the incentive impact of cost subsidies being particularly notable. The strategic application of enterprise-liquidated damage and government penalties will aid in regulating and directing corporate behavior. The findings of this research not only offer a new microlevel explanation for understanding the decision-making mechanism behind collaborative innovation in the whole industrial chain of rural e-commerce but also serve as a reference for government policy formulation to ensure the stability of the whole rural e-commerce industry chain.

Rubber concrete reinforced with macro fibers recycled from waste GFRP composites: Mechanical properties and environmental impact analysis

With the rapid growth of the automotive industry, a huge amount of tires have been produced, which inevitably led to the accumulation of scrap tires. A typical disposal routine is using scrap tires as a partial substitute for fine aggregate in concrete, producing so-called rubber concrete. However, the detrimental effects of rubber particles on concrete properties have been identified, which, to some content, hinders their broader application. The discrete fiber addition is shown to be effective in minimizing this detrimental effect, and this paper has therefore attempted to introduce macro fiber produced from waste glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) into the rubber concrete system. Three series of specimens for compression, splitting, and flexural testing were tested. The test variables include concrete type (i.e., normal concrete, rubber concrete, and modified rubber concrete); and macro fiber content (i.e., 0–2 %). In addition, the inverse analysis is performed to transform the flexural test response into the tensile constitutive law of the fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). The test results revealed macro fibers have little effect on the compressive strength of normal concrete and rubber concrete and a detrimental effect on that of modified rubber concrete. Incorporated fibers notably improve the splitting and flexural performance of normal concrete and rubber concrete. In addition, the cost and environmental impact analysis revealed that the addition of recycling products increases the concrete cost and results in a maximum reduction of carbon emissions by 17.3 % and embodied energy emissions by 80 %.

BaFe12O19 Functional Porous Carbon Nanocomposite as an Electrocatalyst of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

AbstractIt is crucial to develop a non‐precious metal catalyst with high efficiency, affordable cost, and minimal environmental impact for conducting research on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells. In this study, BaFe12O19 functional porous carbon (BaFe12O19/PC) nanocomposite was successfully prepared using Fe2O3, BaCO3 and glucose as precursors. Meanwhile, the BaFe12O19/PC catalyst‐modified glassy carbon electrode, carbon rod, and Hg/HgO electrode were used as the working electrode, counter electrode, and reference electrode, respectively, to investigate the electrochemical behavior. The uniform distribution of nano‐scale BaFe12O19 particles in a porous carbon framework was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy characterization. In addition, a double‐layer interface (Fe/Fe3C) was formed between the porous carbon and the nano‐sized BaFe12O19 particles. Fe/Fe3C has a synergistic effect with C, facilitating the migration and transfer of electrons from BaFe12O19 to porous carbon. The BaFe12O19/PC nanocomposite exhibited a four‐electron pathway for electrocatalytic kinetics, showcasing a significantly elevated half‐wave potential of 0.77 V, an impressively reduced Tafel slope of 84.95 mV/dec, and exceptional tolerance towards methanol. It is important to highlight that the BaFe12O19/PC nanocomposite not only possess high catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR), but also demonstrate excellent stability. Consequently, this synthesized BaFe12O19/PC nanocomposite hold promising prospects as cost‐effective and efficient catalysts in fuel cell applications.

Societal costs and quality of life associated with arginase 1 deficiency in a European setting – a multinational, cross-sectional survey

Background and aims Arginase 1 deficiency (ARG1-D) is a ultrarare disease with manifestations that cause mobility and cognitive impairment that progress over time and may lead to early mortality. Diseases such as ARG1-D have a major impact also outside of the health care sector and the aim of this study was to estimate the current burden of disease associated with ARG1-D from a societal perspective. Methods The study was performed as a web-based survey of patients with ARG1-D and their caregivers in four European countries (France, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom). The survey was distributed at participating clinics and included questions on e.g. symptoms (including the Gross Motor Function Classification System, GMFCS, and cognitive impairment), health care use, medication, ability to work, caregiving, and impact on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) using the EQ-5D-5L. Results The estimated total mean societal cost per patient and year was £63,775 (SD: £49,944). The cost varied significantly with both mobility impairment (from £49,809 for GMFCS level 1 to £103,639 for GMFCS levels 3-5) and cognitive impairment (from £43,860 for mild level to £99,162 for severe level). The mean utility score on the EQ-5D-5L for patients was 0.498 (SD: 0.352). The utility score also varied significantly with both mobility impairment (from 0.783 for GMFCS level 1 to 0.153 for GMFCS level 3-5) and cognitive impairment (from 0.738 for mild level to 0.364 for severe level). Conclusions Similar to other studies of rare diseases, the study is based on a limited number of observations. However, the sample appear to be reasonably representative when comparing to previous studies of ARG1-D. This study shows that ARG1-D is associated with a high societal cost and significant impact on HRQoL. Earlier diagnosis and better treatment options that can postpone or withhold progression may therefore have a potential for improved HRQoL and savings for the patient, caregiver, and society.

International trade of green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol: Opportunities of China's subregions

Global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions are stimulating the demand for green hydrogen, ammonia and methanol. By 2023, the total low-carbon hydrogen production capacity from announced projects worldwide is projected to reach 38 million tonnes. China is experiencing a surge in green hydrogen projects, with a growing number targeting international markets in addition to domestic demand. This study delves into a systematic modeling analysis to uncover the pivotal roles that China's subregions can play in shaping the future global trade of green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. Utilizing a dynamic programming model, complemented by an array of supply chain models for detailed cost estimations, the study highlights the unique advantages and vast potential of subregional engagement in both domestic and international trade. Furthermore, the research explores the essential infrastructure demands and assesses the impact of renewable energy costs and policy shifts on the evolving trade landscape.

Sustainable Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Plant-Based Waste Biomass for the Removal of Cationic Dyes-A Review

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been the subject of researchers due to their unique properties such as optical, antimicrobial, and electrical properties depending on size and shape. This review focuses on their green synthesis of nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles and mainly AgNPs. Green chemistry synthesis method has attracted great attention as an alternative method in recent years because it is more energy efficient, safer and less toxic. At the same time, this study gives a general idea about the preparation of AgNPs by green synthesis method using lignocellulosic biomass. One of the main uses of lignocellulosic wastes in a circular economy is to introduce renewable resources into the market and on the other hand, to promote the valorization of waste. Moreover, lignocellulosic raw materials expand the sustainability possibilities of industrial processes as a result of their low cost and low environmental impact. On the other hand, dyes, which are wastes from different industries such as textile, plastic, food and paper, are the main cause of water pollution. This study provides a detailed investigation of the removal performance of AgNPs obtained using different lignocellulosic biomass for environmentally harmful cationic dyes.

Implementation of decarbonisation actions in general practice: a systematic review and narrative synthesis protocol

IntroductionThere is growing recognition of the importance of primary care in addressing climate change. The World Organisation of Family Doctors has urged general practitioners worldwide to commit to tackling climate...

Used Cooking Oil Methyl Esther (UCOME) Production on a Pilot Scale in Bali Island, Indonesia, and Its Utilization as a Component Blending for Bio-Marine Fuel Oil

Abstract Indonesia aims to achieve a New & Renewable Energy mix of 23% by 2025, so it is necessary to have policies related to the use of complementary feedstocks in the biofuel development program in Indonesia. Used Cooking Oil (UCO) is a domestic waste with the potential to be utilized as a complementary feedstock due to its abundant availability and almost zero carbon emission. However, to assess the sustainability of UCO utilization, especially as a component blending for Bio-Marine Fuel Oil, it is necessary to identify UCO characteristics and quality of its product, called as UCOME, also the production cost impact. The 10,000 liters of UCO used as feed in the pilot-scale UCOME production came from the household sector and HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafes). It was found that UCO had water content and %FFA ranging from 1421.03 - 1666.74 ppm and 1.7 - 15.9%. Furthermore, the UCOME produced has characteristics that comply with the standard of Marine Fuel Oil (MFO) ISO 8217 and SNI 7182 and has a price in the range of Rp.17,000 - 18,000. The results revealed that the UCO has the potential to be a feedstock for producing UCOME as a blending component for Bio-Marine Fuel Oil.

Transaction cost effects on maize spatial price differences in Njombe market, Tanzania

Previous studies have demonstrated that tangible and intangible transaction costs influence spatial price differences. The difference between the prices at which producers sell their goods, and the prices at which consumers purchase them is exacerbated by transaction costs. This indicates that farmers receive a lower price from buyers, who then charge consumers a greater price at urban marketplaces. However, existing documentation provides limited information on the relationship between spatial price differences and their drivers. Most research focused primarily on the co-movement of prices and the co-integration test, with little attention paid to the effects of transaction costs on spatial price differences. Thus, the paucity of information in the literature motivated the undertaking of this specific study. Therefore, this study assessed the impact of transaction costs on spatial price differences of maize in the Njombe District of Tanzania. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and employed to collect information from maize traders. Also, checklists were used to collect information from market leaders. Both descriptive and quantitative analyses were undertaken. In the descriptive analysis, means and percentages were generated. On the other hand, in the quantitative analyses, the Ravalion model which is based on the co-movement of prices, was modified to fit the study in question and estimated. The outputs generated from the modified model were used for inferences. The estimated model results showed that transaction costs (transportation costs, years of schooling, bribery, and the number of maize bags carried in one trip) have significant effects on spatial price differences. Moreover, market leaders revealed that because of the poor quality of the roads, individual farmers find it challenging to deliver their produce to the Njombe market. Consequently, they obtain a low price when they sell their produce at the farm level. The study recommends deliberate measures to reduce transaction costs, such as improving urban and rural infrastructure, simplifying bureaucratic procedures that provide room for corruption, and, finally, promoting large-scale production or collective actions to reduce transaction costs. Key words: Spatial price differences, transaction costs, markets, maize, farmers, traders

Optimizing traceability scheme in a fresh product supply chain considering product competition in blockchain era

Fresh product traceability plays an integral role in ensuring food safety. Recently, many firms have introduced blockchain technology (BCT) for product traceability to guarantee product authenticity and consumer rights. However, introduction of the new technology has also intensified the competition among fresh products. Meanwhile, previous studies on traceability strategies only considered the impact of traceability cost and ignored the issue of increased product competition in blockchain era. Driven by these problems, we build a game-theoretical model to analyze the optimization of traceability schemes for both low-end fresh products (LEFP) and high-end fresh products (HEFP) in a fresh product supply chain (FPSC) in a competitive environment. Moreover, this paper investigates the impact of power structure on traceability schemes and identifies the conditions under which one scheme outperforms the others. We find that the cost per unit of product input has no effect on the traceability decision of the FPSC. Nonetheless, the introduction of BCT increases the number of consumers who choose LEFP and raises the selling price and wholesale price of corresponding products. Finally, from the supply chain perspective, it is best to adopt the same traceability scheme for both products. This study sheds light on the use of BCT in traceability can provide enhanced product authenticity and consumer rights while increasing product competition and demonstrates the significance of traceability schemes in the FPSC.

Unlocking the techno-economic potential of biomass gasification for power generation: Comparative analysis across diverse plant capacities

This research aims to evaluate the techno-economic viability and commercial potential of biomass gasification across different capacities. Sensitivity analysis was conducted based on an established downdraft gasifier model using Aspen Plus. Results underscored the significant impact of gasification temperature and equivalence ratio (ER) on syngas composition, low heating value (LHV), and cold gas efficiency (CGE). Among the feedstocks tested, coconut shell emerged as a feasible feedstock, yielding syngas with an LHV of 8.93 MJ/Nm3 and achieving a CGE of up to 71.12 %. Optimal gasification temperatures ranged between 750 °C to 1,000 °C, with peak ER falling within 0.1 to 0.3. Economic analysis revealed that smaller-scale operations like Plant A resulted in a negative net present value of − US$0.63 million, indicating unfavorable investments. The internal rate of return notably increased from 9.53 % for Plant B compared to −2.56 % for Plant A (20 kW). Plant D, with larger capacity of 20 MW, showed an impressive payback period of less than two years (1.69 years). Medium to large-scale plants such as Plant C (2 MW) and Plant D demonstrated greater economic resilience, with Plant D achieving a significantly lower levelized cost of electricity of US$ 0.19/kWh compared to Plant A at US$ 0.86/kWh. It was noted that the impact of capital costs, operating expenses, and revenue variations is less pronounced at larger scales. The findings from this study shed light on the feasibility of biomass gasification for power generation as a viable option, thereby unlocking the potential for its large-scale commercialization.

The Influence of Brand Image, Product Design, and Price on Purchasing Decisions for Nike Shoes in Denpasar City

This consider points to decide the impact of brand picture, item plan and cost on acquiring choices. The area of this inquire about is in Denpasar City. The information collection method utilized was a survey. The populace employments Nike brand shoe items, with a test of 105 respondents. The data analysis techniques used are Descriptive Statistical Analysis, Data Instrument Test, Classical Assumptions, Multiple Linear Regression, F, t, Determination and Beta Coefficient. Based on the comes about of the think about, it was gotten that brand picture incorporates a positive and significant impact on obtaining choices, item plan incorporates a positive and noteworthy impact on acquiring choices, and cost incorporates a positive and critical impact on obtaining choices, brand picture, item plan and cost have a positive and noteworthy impact on obtaining choices. Suggestions that can be given by researchers are that it is hoped that Nike will always maintain the quality of the products offered, increase the variety of designs, so that later it will have products with a variety of designs, make more affordable pricing policies and add types of shoes, so that later it will have complete types of shoes

Optimal design and techno-economic analysis of a solar-wind hybrid power system for laayoune city electrification with hydrogen and batteries as a storage device

The pressing environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels have propelled renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind energy, into a more prominent position. This article aims to explore an optimal configuration and conduct a technical and economic analysis of a hybrid solar-wind energy system tailored for electrifying Laayoune city. This system, equipped with hydrogen tank and batteries as storage devices, aims to meet the annual energy requirements of residential areas estimated at 310.87 GWh/year. In addition to addressing energy needs, the study tackles significant challenges such as reducing dependence on traditional energy sources, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, and bolstering energy security in the region. Utilizing HOMER Pro software, the research evaluates various combinations of renewable resources, including solar and wind, alongside storage solutions such as batteries, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage, to find the most viable solution in terms of electricity generation, cost, and environmental impact. The findings highlight a hybrid configuration comprising solar, wind, battery, grid, and converter components as the most cost-effective approach for Laayoune's renewable energy system. This integrated system not only yields an energy cost of 0.0477 $/kWh and a net present cost (NPC) of 336 M$ but also generates 627.69 GWh/year of energy. Furthermore, it achieves a 100% renewable energy ratio while completely eliminating CO2 emissions.

The Impact of Low Distribution Costs and Short Transit Times on Moderating the Correlation Between Digital Wallet Adoption and Impulse Purchases

The Impact of Low Distribution Costs and Short Transit Times on Moderating the Correlation Between Digital Wallet Adoption and Impulse Purchases

A Review of Urban Planning Approaches to Reduce Air Pollution Exposures.

With only 12% of the human population living in cities meeting the air quality standards set by the WHO guidelines, there is a critical need for coordinated strategies to meet the requirements of a healthy society. One pivotal mechanism for addressing societal expectations on air pollution and human health is to employ strategic modeling within the urban planning process. This review synthesizes research to inform coordinated strategies for a healthy society. Through strategic modeling in urban planning, we seek to uncover integrated solutions that mitigate air pollution, enhance public health, and create sustainable urban environments. Successful urban planning can help reduce air pollution by optimizing city design with regard to transportation systems. As one specific example, ventilation corridors i.e. aim to introduce natural wind into urban areas to improve thermal comfort and air quality, and they can be effective if well-designed and managed. However, physical barriers such as sound walls and vegetation must be carefully selected following design criteria with significant trade-offs that must be modeled quantitatively. These tradeoffs often involve balancing effectiveness, cost, aesthetics, and environmental impact. For instance, sound walls are highly effective at reducing noise, provide immediate impact, and are long-lasting. However, they are expensive to construct, visually unappealing, and may block views and sunlight. To address the costly issue of sound walls, a potential solution is implementing vegetation with a high leaf area index or leaf area density. This alternative is also an effective method for air pollution reduction with varying land-use potential. Ultimately, emission regulations are a key aspect of all such considerations. Given the broad range of developments, concerns, and considerations spanning city management, ventilation corridors, physical barriers, and transportation planning, this review aims to summarize the effect of a range of urban planning methods on air pollution considerations.

Social costs and policy preferences: Evidence from territorial strategies in Catalonia

AbstractResearch on territorial preferences in self‐determination disputes has traditionally focused on economic and identity‐related factors. However, the impact of social costs—encompassing overall societal comfort and conviviality—on specific preferences for territorial strategies remains understudied. This paper presents a novel perspective by investigating how social costs affect such policy preferences in Catalonia, a region in Spain where secession has become a politically salient and defining feature of the political debate in recent decades. Through embedded experiments conducted within regionally representative online surveys over two time periods, we examine the relationship between social costs and preferences for territorial strategies. Our theoretical framework and empirical findings underscore the importance of considering social costs as a determinant of policy preferences, warranting further cross‐national exploration—beyond territorial debates.

Buckling of Thin-Walled Angle Column Made of Hybrid Laminate Under Axial Compression

This paper presents the investigation of eigenproblem for angle columns made flax, carbon laminates. The first three eigenmodes were determined and corresponding critical load values for columns subjected to axial compression. The analysis was made for six configurations. Each of them had the same arrangement of layers. The effect of changing the material of individual layers on bifurcation load values was analyzed. The obtained values were related to the K1 configuration, for carbon and flax-carbon configurations the differences in the values of bifurcation load in relation to the all-flax configuration were determined for all 3 modes. Interpreting the achieved results, it was concluded that replacing the relevant layers of flax laminate with carbon layers could increase the operating range of the system in the linear area. Moreover, for hybrid configurations, the effect of using a single carbon layer versus using a pair of carbon layers on the critical load value was investigated. Analysis of the results showed that for the selected configurations, a higher bifurcation load value was obtained with the use of a single carbon layer compared to the use of a pair of symmetric carbon layers. The conducted research indicates the need to study this topic in more depth, due to the possibility of increasing the work of the system in the linear range while reducing the cost and environmental impact of the material used.

Sustainable Hybrid Manufacturing and Refurbishing Systems with Substitution

This study considers the planning decisions in a production facility that receives returned products as a contribution to sustainability through the reduction in waste from used products. It involves three processes: the refurbishing and disassembly of returned items and the manufacturing of new items. The process is driven by the demands of new items and collected secondhand items. In this study, we consider a downward substitution, in which new items could be used to meet the demand for secondhand items. The objective is to determine the best production planning schedule to satisfy all demands while minimizing the total costs of production and inventory. We propose and analyze different configurations distinguished by their level of integration and whether they allow substitution. Integration is mainly achieved through the sharing of the inventory of returns between the refurbishing line and the disassembly line, which responsible for feeding the manufacturing process with “as good as new” parts. The best configuration is identified based on the total cost and environmental impact. Four heuristics based on combining relax-and-fix and fix-and-optimize approaches are proposed. Numerical experiments have shown that the heuristics are very efficient, achieving gaps of less than 1% from the optimum in short CPU times for most instances. Numerical experiments have also shown that integration through the sharing of returns inventories leads to considerable cost and environmental benefits.