Important Cost Components Research Articles

Novel Recuperated Power Cycles for Cost-Effective Integration of Variable Renewable Energy

The ongoing transition to energy systems with high shares of variable renewables motivates the development of novel thermal power cycles that operate economically at low capacity factors to accommodate wind and solar intermittency. This study presents two recuperated power cycles with low capital costs for this market segment: (1) the near-isothermal hydrogen turbine (NIHT) concept, capable of achieving combined cycle efficiencies without a bottoming cycle through fuel combustion in the expansion path, and (2) the intercooled recuperated water-injected (IRWI) power cycle that employs conventional combustion technology at an efficiency cost of only 4% points. The economic assessment carried out in this work reveals that the proposed cycles increasingly outperform combined cycle benchmarks with and without CO2 capture as the plant capacity factor reduces below 50%. When the cost of fuel storage and delivery by pipelines is included in the evaluation, however, plants fired by hydrogen lose competitiveness relative to natural gas-fired plants due to the high fuel delivery costs caused by the low volumetric energy density of hydrogen. This important but uncertain cost component could erode the business case for future hydrogen-fired power plants, in which case the IRWI concept powered by natural gas emerges as a promising solution.

Smoking gun? Linking gun ownership to crime victimization

Using linked individual data on concealed handgun permits (CHP), reported crimes and arrests, I examine the dynamics of gun-ownership and criminal victimization. I initially show that being male, Republican, older, born in-state and a recent crime victim increases the probability that an adult obtains a CHP. Having a CHP increases property crime victimization by 46% with the largest impact on having a firearm stolen. Individual CHP holders see no change in violent crime victimization thus dispelling any benefits in terms of protection. Obtaining a CHP has a small (2%) increase in total crime and a larger increase on violent crime using a gun (8%) within the CHP holders neighborhood. Results suggest stolen guns spillover to neighborhood crime which is an important component of the larger social costs of gun ownership.

Power Supply Coal Consumption Prediction Model Based on Long and Short-term Memory Neural Network

As a measure of the overall economic performance of thermal power plants and an important component of the variable cost of power generation, the prediction of coal consumption of power supply is of great significance for the bidding decision of power generation companies. In this paper, we propose an improved long and short-term memory (LSTM) model for calculating the coal consumption of thermal power units, using a large amount of data stored in the plant monitoring information system (SIS). Firstly, the data are pre-processed using the threshold determination method to filter out the data of stable operating conditions. Secondly, the maximum correlation minimum redundancy (mRMR) algorithm is used to determine the optimal set of special features. The results show that the prediction effect of the improved LSTM-based power supply coal consumption calculation model proposed in this paper is better than other models, and the calculation accuracy is higher, which is suitable for power supply coal consumption calculation.

Are we contented with achieving universal health coverage in treating dengue patients in Sri Lanka?

Background: The preventive and curative services for dengue illness cause a significant financial burden on the state health sector. Household costs and out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) too are important cost components embedded with dengue illness. The objective was to estimate the household costs and out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to dengue infection among adults who received institutional care in Colombo district, Sri Lanka.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted from July to December 2018. Fifty patients recruited from dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) categories. Adults residing in the Colombo district for more than six months prior to dengue illness were recruited based on systematic sampling. Data was collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire on the day of discharge from the hospital and followed up for two weeks. Unit cost per patient was calculated. Household costs were calculated for 3 phases: ambulatory, during, and post-hospitalization. These components were described using mean, median, standard deviation and inter-quartile range, and OOPE.Results: The median age in the DF group was 38.5 years and in the DHF group was 28.5 years. The average household cost was US$ 127.69 (SD=93.32) and US$ 134.71 (SD=94.31) for DF and DHF patients respectively. Among DF patients 98.03% were borne using OOPE and among DHF patients it was 95.57%.Conclusions: If an adult member is hospitalized with dengue infection the OOPE is high, which is nearly 25% of a family’s monthly income. Strengthening dengue control programme is the key to universal health coverage (UHC).

Beyond medicines’ barriers: exploring the true cost of multiple myeloma

Aim The goal of this research was to quantify and qualify all the costs associated with multiple myeloma (MM) from a healthcare and societal perspective and to highlight certain costs that are often underestimated. Materials and Methods The study used a mixed methods approach that consisted of three phases: a systemic literature review (SLR), a virtual roundtable discussion based on the results of the SLR, and an online survey. Results In total, 4321 records were identified by literature and snowball searches. After applying the eligibility criteria, 49 articles were included in the narrative summary. As combination treatments have become the mainstay of MM treatment, drug costs have become the most important component of the total healthcare costs. Collected evidence suggests that optimizing treatment pathways, besides prolonging patient survival and maintaining quality of life, has the potential to generate cost savings for all stakeholders (payers and patients). Improved patient access to new therapies that can improve outcomes may reduce the “financial toxicity” of MM by decreasing patients’ and caregivers’ productivity loss due to better prognosis and it also has the potential of reducing patients’ direct health care payments. Limitations Heterogeneity of research objectives of included studies, costing methods, and applied measurement units limited the comparability of cost data between studies. Data for more than half of the world’s population, including China, Russia, the Middle East, and Africa were not investigated. Conclusion While treatment costs are burdensome for healthcare systems, it is only one of several items that make up the True Cost of MM. Understanding these burdens is one way to argue for optimized treatment pathways and improve patient outcomes by tearing down access barriers.

The Impact of Hyperkalemia on Mortality and Healthcare Resource Utilization Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Matched Cohort Study in China.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to estimate the impact of hyperkalemia on 1-year survival and all-cause healthcare resource utilization among patients with chronic kidney disease in China.MethodsAdult new-onset chronic kidney disease patients were identified between 2012 and 2016, among which the hyperkalemia and non-hyperkalemia cohorts were further selected and matched. Survival and all-cause healthcare resource utilization during a 12 month period were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank test, Cox proportional hazard model, and Kaplan-Meier sample average method.ResultsAmong 1,003 pairs of patients (mean age 67.2 ± 14.3 years), the 1-year all-cause mortality was 5.39-times higher in the hyperkalemia cohort than the non-hyperkalemia cohort (hazard ratio = 5.39, P < 0.001). The mean costs and number of healthcare services among the hyperkalemia patients were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in each follow-up month. An annual increase cost of ¥38,479 was observed in the hyperkalemia cohort, largely due to the sharp increase in inpatient costs during the first month after hyperkalemia events (¥22,204 vs. 1,032, P < 0.001). Medication costs were the most important cost component for both cohorts [¥26,786 (45%) vs. ¥12,378(60%)]. However, hyperkalemia patients spent more on non-medication treatment [¥13,410(23%) vs. ¥2,335(11%)] including nursing, monitoring, etc. Hyperkalemia patients had more annual inpatient admissions (1.9 vs. 0.7) and length of stays (28.6 vs. 8.7), while the number of outpatient visits (36.8 vs. 36.4) were similar.ConclusionsIn Chinese chronic kidney disease patients, hyperkalemia is associated with substantially increased clinical and economic burdens that are driven by the short period following the hyperkalemia events, which strengthens calls for sufficient supervision and management of serum potassium.

Wastage of gonadotropins during IVF cycles: Real life data from two Italian infertility centers

BackgroundGonadotropins represent an important component of IVF costs. In order to reduce costs, much attention was given to the type of gonadotropins (recombinant versus urinary) and the daily dose. In this study, we decided to focus on gonadotropin wastage, a neglected aspect that may harbor a relevant source of useless economic expenditure. Materials and methodsWomen who performed oocytes collection following ovarian hyperstimulation with gonadotropins in two Italian IVF Centers were prospectively recruited. They were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire aimed at capturing drug wastage. Physicians of the participating units were blinded to the study. Recruited women were requested to hide their participation to their physicians. ResultsThree-hundred nine women were recruited. Two hundred eighty-eight (93 %; 95 %CI: 90–96 %) reported to have wasted some drug. For the whole cohort, the median [Interquartile range] IUs of drug used and drug wasted was 2,100 [1,575 – 2,850] and 825 [400 – 1,200], respectively. This corresponds to a median increase in the costs of ovarian hyperstimulation of 39 %. When data on wastage was analyzed separately for the different available drugs, a statistically significant difference emerged (p = 0.026). Reasons behind this difference could not be clearly disentangled. ConclusionsIVF is associated with a considerable wastage of gonadotropins. Improving this aspect can allow to reduce the costs of the procedure.

Supply curves of electricity-based gaseous fuels in the MENA region

The utilization of electricity-based fuels (e-fuels) is a potential strategy component for achieving greenhouse gas neutrality in the European Union (EU). As renewable electricity production sites in the EU itself might be scarce and relatively expensive, importing e-fuels from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) could be a complementary and cost-efficient option. Using the energy system model Enertile, supply curves for hydrogen and synthetic methane in the MENA region are determined for the years 2030 and 2050 to evaluate this import option techno-economically. The model optimizes investments in renewable electricity production, e-fuel production chains, and local electricity transport infrastructures. Analyses of renewable electricity generation potentials show that the MENA region in particular has large low-cost solar power potentials. Optimization results in Enertile show for a weighted average cost of capital of 7% that substantial hydrogen production starts above 100 €/MWhH2 in 2030 and above 70 €/MWhH2 in 2050. Substantial synthetic methane production in the model results starts above 170 €/MWhCH4 in 2030 and above 120 €/MWhCH4 in 2050. The most important cost component in both fuel production routes is electricity. Taking into account transport cost surcharges, in Europe synthetic methane from MENA is available above 180 €/MWhCH4 in 2030 and above 130 €/MWhCH4 in 2050. Hydrogen exports from MENA to Europe cost above 120 €/MWhH2 in 2030 and above 90 €/MWhH2 in 2050. If exported to Europe, both e-fuels are more expensive to produce and transport in liquefied form than in gaseous form. A comparison of European hydrogen supply curves with hydrogen imports from MENA for 2050 reveals that imports can only be economically efficient if the two following conditions are met: Firstly, similar interest rates prevail in the EU and MENA; secondly, hydrogen transport costs converge at the cheap end of the range in the current literature. Apart from this, a shortage of land for renewable electricity generation in Europe may lead to hydrogen imports from MENA. This analysis is intended to assist in guiding European industrial and energy policy, planning import infrastructure needs, and providing an analytical framework for project developers in the MENA region.

An Economic Analysis of French Bean(Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Production in Bishnupur District of Manipur

The study was conducted in Bishnupur district of Manipur with an objective to work out the cost and return of French bean production. The primary data on various costs and returns were collected at random from 100 respondent farmers. Production is normally considered as the function of area and yield. Results of the cost of cultivation analysis revealed that human labour, rental value of owned land, hired machinery charges, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals were important contributors to the total cost of cultivation. The average cost of cultivation was found to be Rs. 238894 per hectare.The hired human labour charges as the major cost item, it accounted for about 41.14 per cent of the total cost of cultivation. The imputed value of family labour and rental value of owned land were the next important cost components contributing about 11.56 and 11.30 per cent of the total cost of cultivation. The net farm income per hectare was estimated at Rs.230962 and benefit cost ratios per hectare was found to be 1.96. The government and related departments should arrange training programs to upgrade the knowledge on recommended package of practices on cultivation of vegetable crops and educating the farmers to develop social consciousness by strengthening local security service through proper initiatives. The farmers also need to encourage forming farmer groups or farmer producer organization (FPOs) in order to improve the production and marketing efficiency of French beans in Bishnupur district of Manipur.

Direct and indirect costs and cost-driving factors of Tuberous sclerosis complex in children, adolescents, and caregivers: a multicenter cohort study

BackgroundTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a multisystem genetic disorder, affects many organs and systems, characterized by benign growths. This German multicenter study estimated the disease-specific costs and cost-driving factors associated with various organ manifestations in TSC patients.MethodsA validated, three-month, retrospective questionnaire was administered to assess the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, organ manifestations, direct, indirect, out-of-pocket, and nursing care-level costs, completed by caregivers of patients with TSC throughout Germany.ResultsThe caregivers of 184 patients (mean age 9.8 ± 5.3 years, range 0.7–21.8 years) submitted questionnaires. The reported TSC disease manifestations included epilepsy (92%), skin disorders (86%), structural brain disorders (83%), heart and circulatory system disorders (67%), kidney and urinary tract disorders (53%), and psychiatric disorders (51%). Genetic variations in TSC2 were reported in 46% of patients, whereas 14% were reported in TSC1. Mean total direct health care costs were EUR 4949 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) EUR 4088–5863, median EUR 2062] per patient over three months. Medication costs represented the largest direct cost category (54% of total direct costs, mean EUR 2658), with mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors representing the largest share (47%, EUR 2309). The cost of anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) accounted for a mean of only EUR 260 (5%). Inpatient costs (21%, EUR 1027) and ancillary therapy costs (8%, EUR 407) were also important direct cost components. The mean nursing care-level costs were EUR 1163 (95% CI EUR 1027–1314, median EUR 1635) over three months. Total indirect costs totaled a mean of EUR 2813 (95% CI EUR 2221–3394, median EUR 215) for mothers and EUR 372 (95% CI EUR 193–586, median EUR 0) for fathers. Multiple regression analyses revealed polytherapy with two or more ASDs and the use of mTOR inhibitors as independent cost-driving factors of total direct costs. Disability and psychiatric disease were independent cost-driving factors for total indirect costs as well as for nursing care-level costs.ConclusionsThis study revealed substantial direct (including medication), nursing care-level, and indirect costs associated with TSC over three months, highlighting the spectrum of organ manifestations and their treatment needs in the German healthcare setting.Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00016045. Registered 01 March 2019, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00016045.

ФОРМУВАННЯ МАРКЕТИНГОВОЇ СТРАТЕГІЇ ВИХОДУ УКРАЇНСЬКОГО ТОВАРОВИРОБНИКА НА ЗОВНІШНІ РИНКИ

The article analyzes the problems of development of marketing strategy for Ukrainian manufacturers to enter into foreign markets. It is noted that the marketing strategy of a successful enterprise can not function effectively without the organization of successful sales on foreign markets. In 90s of the twentieth century, a powerful rise in the marketing of foreign trade as an important component of production costs, was initiated. When entering foreign markets, business owners need to know exactly which marketing steps will be profitable and what measures should be implemented to prevent losses. To do this, they need to properly evaluate marketing activities, using appropriate methods and tools of analysis. The aim of the article is to reveal the main factors and trends that influence the formation of the marketing strategy of the Ukrainian producer to enter foreign markets. It is emphasized that in Ukrainian economics there are several approaches to assessing of the effectiveness of the company's marketing policy in entering of foreign markets. Thus, the Ukrainian economist T. Derevianchenko proposed a systematization based on quantitative indicators of productivity assessment. Ukrainian economists V.Verba and O. Grebeshkov expressed the following: “all current methodological approaches to the parameter of the assessment tool should be reduced to two groups: 1) on the basis of expert assessments; 2) on the basis of the formulation of the material price". Regarding the next group of indicators, we will use the approaches expressed in the works of Ukrainian economist P. Savchuk, who says that in the current conditions the price of production as a measure of owner's capital has to be the comprehensive indicator of productive work of the enterprise. Theoretical works of foreign scientists are analyzed. J. Lanskold provided a detailed description of the effectiveness of marketing, based on a study of the indicator of return on marketing. T. Ambler proposed a different gradation of numerical and qualitative marketing features. F. Kotler gave the following definition of marketing strategy - a well-established scheme of marketing steps, through which the company hopes to carry out its marketing objectives. Porter emphasizes the following strategies: low cost, differentiation and consolidation.

Direct and indirect costs and cost-driving factors in adults with tuberous sclerosis complex: a multicenter cohort study and a review of the literature

BackgroundTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a monogenetic, multisystem disorder characterized by benign growths due to TSC1 or TSC2 mutations. This German multicenter study estimated the costs and related cost drivers associated with organ manifestations in adults with TSC.MethodsA validated, three-month, retrospective questionnaire assessed the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, organ manifestations, direct, indirect, out-of-pocket (OOP), and nursing care-level costs among adult individuals with TSC throughout Germany from a societal perspective (costing year: 2019).ResultsWe enrolled 192 adults with TSC (mean age: 33.4 ± 12.7 years; range: 18–78 years, 51.6% [n = 99] women). Reported TSC disease manifestations included skin (94.8%) and kidney and urinary tract (74%) disorders, epilepsy (72.9%), structural brain defects (67.2%), psychiatric disorders (50.5%), heart and circulatory system disorders (50.5%), and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (11.5%). TSC1 and TSC2 mutations were reported in 16.7% and 25% of respondents, respectively. Mean direct health care costs totaled EUR 6452 (median EUR 1920; 95% confidence interval [CI] EUR 5533–7422) per patient over three months. Medication costs represented the major direct cost category (77% of total direct costs; mean EUR 4953), and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors represented the largest share (68%, EUR 4358). Mean antiseizure drug (ASD) costs were only EUR 415 (6%). Inpatient costs (8%, EUR 518) and outpatient treatment costs (7%; EUR 467) were important further direct cost components. The mean care grade allowance as an approximator of informal nursing care costs was EUR 929 (median EUR 0; 95% CI EUR 780–1083) over three months. Mean indirect costs totaled EUR 3174 (median EUR 0; 95% CI EUR 2503–3840) among working-age individuals (< 67 years in Germany). Multiple regression analyses revealed mTOR inhibitor use and persistent seizures as independent cost-driving factors for total direct costs. Older age and disability were independent cost-driving factors for total indirect costs, whereas epilepsy, psychiatric disease, and disability were independent cost-driving factors for nursing care costs.ConclusionsThis three-month study revealed substantial direct healthcare, indirect healthcare, and medication costs associated with TSC in Germany. This study highlights the spectrum of organ manifestations and their associated treatment needs in the German healthcare setting. Trial registration: DRKS, DRKS00016045. Registered 01 March 2019, http://www.drks.de/DRKS00016045.

Health care costs of breast, prostate, colorectal and lung cancer care by clinical stage and cost component

ObjectiveTo measure 3-year care costs of breast, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers disaggregated by site and clinical stage. MethodA retrospective observational design was employed to investigate care costs of cases recorded in the Registry of the Basque Country between 2010 and 2015. Data gathered included TNM stage and demographic, clinical and resource use variables. Total costs per patient with stage IV disease were calculated by combining generalized linear models with parametric survival analysis. Unit costs were obtained from the analytical accounting system of the Basque Health Service. ResultsThe sample comprised 23,782 cancer cases (7801 colorectal, 5530 breast, 4802 prostate and 5649 lung cancer). The mean 3-year costs per patient with stage I to III disease were €11,323, €13,727, €8,651 and €12,023 for colorectal, breast, prostate and lung cancer, respectively. The most important cost components were surgery and chemotherapy. Total survival-adjusted costs until death for patients with stage IV disease (€27,568, €26,296, €16,151 and €15,931 for breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer, respectively) were higher than the 3-year costs for those with earlier-stage disease. ConclusionsThis study quantitatively shows the pattern of changes in the economic burden of cancer throughout its natural history and the great magnitude of this burden for the health system. The use of indicators based on real-world data from each regional health service would allow cancer care in each region to be tailored to local population needs.

Medical Cost of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children in Ambulatory Care

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to estimate the direct cost per episode and the annual cost for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in children in Ambulatory Health Centers of the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) of Ecuador. MethodsA cost of illness study with a provider perspective was carried out through a micro-costing of health resources and valuated in international dollars. Medical visits, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and other procedures were valued using the tariff framework of services for the National Health System, and for prescribed medication a reported cost registry of pharmacy purchases made in the year of study was used. ResultsWe included 380 electronic health records of children. We found a re-consultation rate of 22.89%, a medicine prescription rate of 95.52%, and an antibiotic prescription rate of 45.26%. The first medical consultation accounted for 71.9% of the total cost of URTI, the following visits accounted for 11.82%, and medication accounted for 14.68%. Antibiotics accounted for 58.92% of the total cost of medication. ConclusionThe direct medical cost to the MSP of Ecuador of 1 episode of URTI in children in primary care was around I$37.28 (2017 dollars) (95% CI: I$35.81-I$38.75). The total cost of URTI cases in children to the MSP in 2017 was at least I$50.478 million (2017 dollars) (95% CI I$48.527m-I$52.523m). Re-consultation and the prescription of medication represent an important component of the direct cost of medical care of URTI.

Towards a More Realistic Cost–Benefit Analysis—Attempting to Integrate Transaction Costs and Energy Efficiency Services

In order to calculate the financial return of energy efficiency measures, a cost–benefit analysis (CBA) is a proven tool for investors. Generally, however, most CBAs for investors have a narrow focus, which is—simply speaking—on investment costs compared with energy cost savings over the life span of the investment. This only provides part of the full picture. Ideally, a comprehensive or extended CBA would take additional benefits as well as additional costs into account. The objective of this paper is to reflect upon integrating into a CBA two important cost components: transaction costs and energy efficiency services—and how they interact. Even though this concept has not been carried out to the knowledge of the authors, we even go a step further to try to apply this idea. In so doing, we carried out a meta-analysis on relevant literature and existing data and interviewed a limited number of energy experts with comprehensive experience in carrying out energy services. Even though data is hardly available, we succeeded in constructing three real-world cases and applied an extended CBA making use of information gathered on transaction costs and energy services costs. We were able to show that, despite these additional cost components, the energy efficiency measures are economically viable. Quantitative data was not available on how energy services reduce transaction costs; more information on this aspect could render our results even more positive. Even though empirical and conceptual research must intensify efforts to design an even more comprehensive CBA, these first-of-its-kind findings can counterargue those that believe energy efficiency is not worth it (in monetary terms) due to transaction costs or energy services costs. In fact, this is good news for energy efficiency and for those that seek to make use of our findings to argue in favor of taking up energy efficiency investments in businesses.

GEMİ İŞLETMECİLİĞİNDE SATIN ALMANIN YÖNETİMSEL VE OPERASYONEL BOYUTUNUN YARI YAPILANDIRILMIŞ GÖRÜŞMELERLE ANALİZİ

Gemiler tarafından ihtiyaç duyulan malzeme taleplerinin alınmasından gemiye ulaştırılmasına kadar geçen süreci kapsayan satınalma, gemi işletmeciliğinin en önemli maliyet bileşenini oluşturmaktadır. Bu sürecin yönetilmesi gemilerin sefer ve liman belirsizliklerinden dolayı oldukça karmaşık olabilmektedir. Bu çalışma da yazarlar, satınalma yönetiminin yönetimsel ve operasyonel boyutlarını analiz etmiştir. Bu amaçla, 15 farklı gemi işletme firmasından 35 satın alma uzmanı ile yarı yapılandırılmış sorular üzerinden görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu görüşmelerden çıkartılan en bariz bulgu satın alma kararlarında sıklıkla geleneksel yönteme yani tecrübeye başvurulduğu görülmüştür. Gemilerin yoğun programı ve gemi adamlarının yoğun temposu altında gemi stokları düzenli olarak kayıt altına alınamamaktadır. Böylece, karar vericiler, veriye dayalı karar vermekten ziyade tecrübelerine dayanarak karar vermektedir. Araştırmaya katılan denizcilik işletmelerinde, bir satın alma personeli yaklaşık 5 gemi-satın alma sürecinin yönetilmesinden sorumludur. İşletmelerde en az 3 tedarikçiden teklif alma, fiyat-kalite karşılaştırması yapma, uygun fiyatlarla iyi kalite malzeme tedariki yapma, satın alma stratejileri oluşturma ve tedarikçi ağını genişletme gibi sınırlı sayıda satın alma stratejisine başvurulmaktadır.

Forecasting operational costs of technical objects based on the example of railbuses

Abstract The purpose of the article is to present the method for forecasting one of the three categories of exploitation costs, i.e., operational costs. The article analyses the available subject literature discussing the methods of measuring operational costs used in the LCC analysis. The presented method for forecasting operational costs of technical objects applies econometric modelling, probability distributions and certain elements of descriptive and mathematical statistics. The statistical data analysis was performed using the functions and commands available in Microsoft Excel. Weibull++ application was also used for constructing probability distributions for random variables and verifying hypotheses. The method was tested on eight single-mode railbuses, operated by one of the regional railway companies providing passenger transport. An ex-post relative forecast error was used to measure the level of accuracy of the operational cost forecast. The analysis of the compliance between forecasted cost value and the actual costs showed extensive convergence as evidenced by the level of estimated relative errors. In forecasting the operational costs of railbuses, the average error was approx. 2.9%. The presented method can, therefore, constitute the basis for the estimation of both operational costs and exploitation costs, which represent an important cost component considered when assessing the profitability of purchasing one of the several competing technical objects offered by the industry.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC WELFARE: NEW EVIDENCE OF ORGANIZATION OF PETROLEUM EXPORTING COUNTRIES

This paper examines the relationship between energy consumption and sustainable economic welfare in Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Initially, the index of sustainable economic welfare (ISEW) is calculated followed by an investigation of the relationship between energy consumption and sustainable economic welfare in these countries. The calculation of the ISEW reveals the most important beneficial component and the most important cost component of ISEW is adjusted personal consumption and energy depletion, respectively. The estimated results based on the Westerlund (2007) test and considering cross-sectional dependence indicate that there is a long run relationship between energy consumption and sustainable economic welfare. Granger’s causality test results indicated a unidirectional causality running from sustainable economic welfare to energy consumption. This result has implications for energy and environmental policy makers; energy conservation policy will be useful in improving the quality of environment and it does not have adverse impact on their sustainable economic welfare.

P24 Differences in College Students’ Decision Making Related to Sustainable Protein Choices

<h3>Background</h3> Protein choices are an important component of the environmental cost of the food system. It is important to consider the limited research done on protein choice decision making in college students. Students who are aware of their protein choices at the decision point in college may be more likely to practice sustainable food choices throughout their life. <h3>Objective</h3> To compare demographic, attitudinal and behavioral variables in college students between those who consistently think about the environmental impact of their protein choices (C) and those who are less concerned (L). <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Participants,18-24 years old, consenting to participate in this cross-sectional survey (n = 390), were recruited from introductory classes at a Northeastern university for extra credit. Participants were categorized by their response to "How often do you think about the impact of meat consumption on the environment?" with responses of "always" or "vegetarian" categorized as C and "sometimes" or "never" categorized as L. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Group (C and L) was compared using chi-square or t-test analysis for demographics, stage of change for environmentally conscious protein choice (EC), and green eating (GE), red meat consumption, and health consciousness. <h3>Results</h3> Participants were predominantly white (83%) females (80%); the mean age was 19.2 years old. C was more likely to include women (95%) (<i>P</i> < .001), be post-action for EC and GE (43%, 64%) (<i>P</i> < .001, <i>P</i> < .001) and eat less red meat (77%) (<i>P</i> < .001) than L. C (50%) was more concerned about their long-term health than L (24%) (<i>P</i> < .001). There was no significant difference between C and L in race, class standing, major, or residence. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Students who consistently thought about the environmental impact of meat consumption differed from those who did not by sex, attitudes, and behavior, but future research is needed to determine if this is associated with a more sustainable lifestyle.

Study of Technological Efficiency of Ginger Processing in East Sikkim- A Case Study

The two processing units namely Sundar Sikkim, Marchak, and Nature Gift, Majhitar were selected based on ginger as major processing products. It was found that most of the raw ginger was processed into ginger flakes and ginger powder. The maximum raw ginger in the study area was found processed into ginger flakes. Sun, solar, mechanical, solar-cum-mechanical and fire drying (smoke-free) were implemented. Among these methods, most of the ginger was dried using the mechanical dryer. The total cost of production, total operating expenses, and total financial costs were calculated. It was found that among the operating expenses, expenditure on raw ginger occupied a major component followed by power and utility. The minimum expenditure for operating expenses was for packing and packaging followed by repair and maintenance. Interest on working capital was found to be an important component of total financial cost in dried ginger flakes production. The profitability estimation of dried ginger flakes revealed that ginger processing was a profitable enterprise. The Break-even point was calculated and the technical efficiency for ginger flakes processing was found to be efficient at given level resources and level of technology. The constraints faced by the processors were collected through a personal interview method using a pre-tested well-structured schedule, analyzed in the tabular form and each of the constraints was ranked. The major problems faced by the ginger processor were found to be lack of labour availability (skilled and unskilled) followed by high price expectations from the farmers.