Increase In Cost Research Articles

The Economic Impact of Obesity in Turkey: A Micro-Costing Analysis.

Turkey currently has the highest obesity prevalence among its European counterparts. 32% and 61% of the population live with obesity and overweight, respectively. Overweight and obesity are linked to non-communicable diseases that incur incremental health and economic costs. The significant public health concern warrants an assessment of the cost of obesity. A micro-costing approach from the public payer perspective was conducted to estimate direct healthcare costs associated with ten obesity-related comorbidities (ORCs) in Turkey. Clinical practice guidelines and a systematic literature review informed ORCs and the respective cost categories. This was subsequently validated by a steering committee comprising seven experts. Seventy public sector physicians were surveyed to estimate healthcare resource use. Unit costs were derived from Social Security Institute's Healthcare Implementation Communique. Cost items were summed to determine the annual cost per patient per ORC, which was validated by the steering committee. Medical inflation was considered in a scenario analysis that varied resource unit costs. Chronic kidney disease, heart failure and type 2 diabetes are the costliest ORCs, incurring an annual cost of 28,600 TRY, 16,639 TRY and 11,993 TRY, respectively. Individuals in Turkey with any ORC triggered direct healthcare costs ranging 1857-28,600 TRY annually. Costs were driven by tertiary care resources arising from treatment-related adverse events, disease complications and inpatient procedures. In the scenario analysis, medical resource unit costs were inflated by 18.7% and 39.4%, triggering an average increase in cost across all ORCs of 1998 TRY and 4210 TRY, respectively. Our findings confirm that obesity and its complications result in significant financial burden to the public healthcare system. By quantifying the burden of obesity across a comprehensive spectrum of ORCs, our study aims to support the economic case for investing in appropriate obesity interventions.

Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Colorectal Cancer Screening With a Blood Test That Meets the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Coverage Decision

A blood-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test may increase screening participation. However, blood tests may be less effective than current guideline-endorsed options. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) covers blood tests with sensitivity of at least 74% for detection of CRC and specificity of at least 90%. In this study, we investigate whether a blood test that meets these criteria is cost-effective. Three microsimulation models for CRC (MISCAN-Colon, CRC-SPIN, and SimCRC) were used to estimate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of triennial blood-based screening (from ages 45 to 75 years) compared to no screening, annual fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), triennial stool DNA testing combined with an FIT assay, and colonoscopy screening every 10 years. The CMS coverage criteria were used as performance characteristics of the hypothetical blood test. We varied screening ages, test performance characteristics, and screening uptake in a sensitivity analysis. Without screening, the models predicted 77-88 CRC cases and 32-36 CRC deaths per 1000 individuals, costing $5.3-$5.8 million. Compared to no screening, blood-based screening was cost-effective, with an additional cost of $25,600-$43,700 per quality-adjusted life-year gained (QALYG). However, compared to FIT, triennial stool DNA testing combined with FIT, and colonoscopy, blood-based screening was not cost-effective, with both a decrease in QALYG and an increase in costs. FIT remained more effective (+5-24 QALYG) and less costly (-$3.2 to -$3.5 million) than blood-based screening even when uptake of blood-based screening was 20 percentage points higher than uptake of FIT. Even with higher screening uptake, triennial blood-based screening, with the CMS-specified minimum performance sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 90%, was not projected to be cost-effective compared with established strategies for colorectal cancer screening.

Recourse strategy for the routing problem of mobile parcel lockers with time windows under uncertain demands

It is expected that mobile parcel lockers (MPLs) will provide more responsive and flexible service to the increasing variation of demand than fixed parcel lockers. However, the service provided by MPLs following planned routes can be degraded and even fail due to the demand uncertainty, such as demand volume and pickup time. In this study, we propose an optimization approach integrated with the recourse strategies to overcome this barrier. Three types of uncertain demands and two types of service failures are addressed in this study, with consideration of uncertain demands and time window constraint. To optimally determine the a priori routes for a set of MPLs, we propose a tailored tabu search algorithm by taking into account the recourse cost. A series of numerical experiments were conducted to examine the effectiveness of the proposed approach in enhancing route reliability with a comparison to ordinary express vehicles. The results reveal that the service reliability can be significantly improved with only a marginal increase in the operational cost by the proposed approach.

Exploiting a derivative discontinuity estimate for accurate G0W0 ionization potentials and electron affinities

The GW approximation has become an important tool for predicting charged excitations of isolated molecules and condensed systems. Its popularity can be attributed to many factors, including a favorable scaling and relatively good accuracy. In practical applications, the GW is often performed as a one-shot perturbation known as G0W0 . Unfortunately, G0W0 suffers from a strong starting point dependence and is often not as accurate as one would need. Self-consistent GW methodologies alleviate these problems but come with a marked increase in computational cost. In this manuscript, we propose the use of an estimate of the exchange-correlation derivative discontinuity to provide a remarkably good starting point for G0W0 calculations, yielding ionization potentials and electron affinities with eigenvalue self-consistent GW quality at no additional cost. We assess the quality of the resulting methodology with the GW100 benchmark set and compare its advantages over other similar methods.

Electrochemical Biosensors for the Detection of Viruses: Must-Have Products or Just Science for Publication?

Electrochemical Biosensors for the Detection of Viruses: Must-Have Products or Just Science for Publication?

Pellets from mixtures of short rotation coppice with forest-derived biomass: Production costs and energy intensity

The demand for feedstock for pellet production is growing, with a consequent increase in the cost of their purchase and the cost of production. The objective of this study was to determine the cost and energy intensity of pellet production from forest biomass (Scots pine, silver birch) and short rotation coppice – SRC (black locust, poplar and willow) and their mixtures. The lowest cost (339.7 € Mg−1) and energy input (1448 kWh Mg−1) for pellet production were determined for Scots pine. The cost of pellet production from poplar and willow was higher by 5–6% compared with Scots pine pellet. The energy input for pellet production from willow, black locust and poplar was higher by 48.1%, 50.4% and 53.2%, respectively. The feedstock purchase cost (50.3–57.8%) and energy input for drying them (74.6–82.6%) accounted for the largest portion. Increasing the share of SRC biomass from 25% through 50%–75% relative to Scots pine and silver birch biomass resulted in a cost and energy intensity increase and decrease in the energy efficiency of pellet production. Three pellet types: produced from Scots pine and those with an addition of 25% of willow or poplar made up one cluster.

Loss of appetite, weakness and chronic fatigue: current approach

Fatigue and chronic fatigue are frequently encountered complaints in clinical practice, and their etiology is difficult to determine. In addition to increasing patient dissatisfaction due to the lack of clarification of the etiology, it brings about a significant increase in cost due to the fact that patients consult multiple physicians. In this review, current clinical practices, including especially overlooked points in the etiology of weakness and fatigue, investigations that should be planned, diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle recommendations, are reviewed.

The bi-objective multi-depot split delivery location routing problems under uncertain conditions

This research focuses on addressing the multi-depot location-routing problem with split delivery and multiple objectives under uncertain conditions. A mathematical model is proposed to effectively tackle this problem by considering various constraints and considerations. The paper emphasises the use of split delivery as an effective approach for reducing transportation costs. Furthermore, the study explores bi-objective optimisation, specifically cost minimisation and distance balancing. To assess the robustness of the proposed model under different scenarios, sensitivity analysis tools are employed. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model. Bi-objective optimisation is conducted using the augmented ε-constraint method, enabling decision-makers to analyse trade-offs between cost minimisation and distance balancing objectives. The findings of the study reveal that an increase in demand leads to higher cost minimisation and lower distance balancing. Conversely, an increase in transportation costs results in higher distance balancing. The research also highlights the robustness of the model and its potential for cost reduction through split delivery compared to scenarios without uncertainty.

The Complexities in the R&D Competition Model with Spillover Effects in the Supply Chain

This study aims to investigate the research and development (R&D) competition within the supply chain, focusing on two aspects: R&D competition at the manufacturing level and competition in pricing strategies. This paper establishes a dynamic game model of R&D competition, comprising two manufacturers and two retailers, with both manufacturers exhibiting bounded rationality. The key findings are as follows: (1) an increase in the adjustment speed positively affects the chaotic nature of the R&D competition system, leading to a state of disorder. This chaotic state has adverse implications for manufacturing profitability. (2) The spillover effect exhibits a positive relationship with the level of chaos in the R&D competition system. A greater spillover effect contributes to a more turbulent environment, which subsequently impacts the profitability of manufacturers. (3) R&D cost parameters exert a positive influence on the stability of the R&D competition system. When the system reaches a state of equilibrium, an escalation in the R&D cost parameters poses a threat to manufacturer profitability. (4) Retailer costs play a detrimental role in the stability of the R&D competition system. As retailer costs increase, there is a decline in R&D levels, thereby diminishing manufacturer profitability. (5) To mitigate the chaotic state, we propose the implementation of the time-delayed feedback control (TDFC) method, which reflects a more stable state in the R&D competition system.

Investment Analysis of New Fire Truck: A Case Study of Purchase or Rent Option

PKT, as a petrochemical company with high potential hazards, prioritizes emergency preparedness and response by complying with regulations and standards. In addition to serving its own needs, PKT’s fire and rescue department also provides emergency services to four neighboring companies through an annual fee cooperation scheme. To enhance the emergency response services, PKT conducted an evaluation and identified the need for an additional fire truck unit with up-to-date technology. To determine the most suitable option, PKT is considering purchasing or renting the new fire truck units. A financial modeling analysis was conducted using income from health and safety services. The financial feasibility analysis, considering parameters such as NPV, IRR, and discounted payback period, resulted in a feasible outcome. The Purchase option exhibited better economic value, with a predicted NPV of Rp. 569,276,495, an IRR of 11.56% (higher than the discount rate of 10.5%), and a discounted payback period of 9.35 years. Sensitivity analysis, using tornado and spider charts, revealed that the annual fee from clients or joint venture companies had the most significant impact on the project’s financial performance, followed by manpower costs. A 20% increase in annual fees led to a significant increase in NPV Rp. 6,639,013,466, while a 20% decrease resulted in a significant decrease in NPV (−Rp. 5,500,460,477). Similarly, a 20% increase in manpower costs resulted in a decreased NPV of Rp. −3,500,609,667. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the two significant factors influencing the purchase option were identified as the annual fee and manpower cost. Recommendations that are also put forward for this study are identification to anticipate increases in labor costs and to keep manpower costs under control. The increase in manpower costs must be accompanied by an increase in income. Exploring opportunities to attract additional clients, particularly companies in the industrial complex that do not yet have an agreement with PKT, is also advised. By implementing these recommendations and ensuring cost control, PKT can optimize its emergency response services and maintain a financially viable operation.

Co-optimization of system configurations and energy scheduling of multiple community integrated energy systems to improve photovoltaic self-consumption

Given the increasing integration of building photovoltaics and the accelerated transformation of power systems, the supply-demand imbalance in photovoltaic communities has become a pressing issue. This study presents a novel optimization model for collaborative planning and scheduling. The alternating direction multiplier method is utilized to derive an optimal economic scheduling strategy for the community cooperative alliance, while ensuring private information protection. Additionally, the genetic algorithms are employed to ascertain the optimal configuration. The optimization model prioritizes the common good over individual interests in community cooperation alliances, meaning some members may need to compromise their self-interest to attain optimized overall benefits. Therefore, a compensation mechanism based on the Nash negotiation principle is established to ensure fair distribution of benefits. The simulation results demonstrate that the primary energy saving rate, annual cost saving rate, and carbon dioxide emission reduction rate of the photovoltaic community alliance are 42.91%, 32.50%, and 41.81%, respectively, and the self-consumption level of photovoltaic is vastly improved to 98.83% on a typical winter day. The sensitivity analysis illustrates that the photovoltaic panels in buildings contribute to a decrease in energy consumption and carbon emission by 25.57% and 26.15%, respectively. In contrast, they result in a cost increase of 11.05%.

Chemoenzymatic indican for light-driven denim dyeing

Blue denim, a billion-dollar industry, is currently dyed with indigo in an unsustainable process requiring harsh reducing and alkaline chemicals. Forming indigo directly in the yarn through indican (indoxyl-β-glucoside) is a promising alternative route with mild conditions. Indican eliminates the requirement for reducing agent while still ending as indigo, the only known molecule yielding the unique hue of blue denim. However, a bulk source of indican is missing. Here, we employ enzyme and process engineering guided by techno-economic analyses to develop an economically viable drop-in indican synthesis technology. Rational engineering of PtUGT1, a glycosyltransferase from the indigo plant, alleviated the severe substrate inactivation observed with the wildtype enzyme at the titers needed for bulk production. We further describe a mild, light-driven dyeing process. Finally, we conduct techno-economic, social sustainability, and comparative life-cycle assessments. These indicate that the presented technologies have the potential to significantly reduce environmental impacts from blue denim dyeing with only a modest cost increase.

Earthquake-induced loss assessment of hybrid self-centering piston-based braced frame with friction springs and SMA bars

A novel Self‐Centering Piston-Based Bracing (SC-PBB), integrating Friction Springs (FSs) and Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) bars, offers a promising solution for curtailing seismic damage in braced frame structures. Nevertheless, this hybrid SC-PBB may incur higher construction costs compared to conventional bracing archetypes. Accordingly, it is imperative to investigate whether the initial cost increase can be offset over the structure's lifespan. This study quantifies earthquake-induced financial losses in braced frames equipped with SC-PBBs (SC-PBBFs) compared to those equipped with Buckling-Restrained Bracings (BRBs). A building-specific Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering (PBEE) framework is employed to evaluate potential economic losses under far-field ground motions. The analysis quantifies total, collapse, irreparable, and repair losses by incorporating seismic hazards, structural demands, and damage consequences. Results reveal higher total and collapse losses for BRBFs, although their lower repair costs for non-structural components mitigate repair loss. Additionally, the low-rise SC-PBBF archetype could recoup initial construction expenses over its expected lifespan, unlike its BRBF counterpart.

Eğitim Yönetiminde Kaizen’in Kavramsal Çerçevesinin İncelenmesi

In today's world, the technology that is changing almost every day and developing rapidly is bringing with it inconceivable transformations. At the beginning of these transformation strategies, a collaborative management approach comes first. Collaborative management requires strategic integrity in a general sense. KAIZEN strategy, on the other hand, is the most important focus of the Japanese state's ability to cope with competition in the form of the most valuable concept in terms of the Japanese management system. KAIZEN, which is one of the most commonly used concepts in the Japanese government, appears in the form of a continuous development strategy that covers all working people. Innovations lean on technique, and the cost mechanics of acquiring the latest technique in a competitive workplace will also be in phase. At the same rate, the continuous increase in the manufacturing cost of the existing finished product is a conflict environment in which consumers need to ensure quality satisfaction, and the continuous development of the service process seems to be important costs and problems for companies. The importance of KAIZEN strategy method is also revealed in this focus, because it provides the solution of existing problems by creating a corporate culture in which the existence of problems in any enterprise is understood in every detail, coping with problems can be realized with the participation of every employee. Another important feature of the KAIZEN strategy method is that if the top management wants to make a lot of profit in the phase by ensuring the continuity of the power in the business field, it realizes that it is essential to meet the customer's needs in the most accurate way. Key Words: Educational Management, Kaizen, Conceptual Framework

Best estimate plus uncertainty methodology for forecasting electrical balances in isolated grids: The decarbonized Canary Islands by 2040

This paper investigates the challenges isolated islands face in transitioning from fossil fuel-based electricity generation to renewable energy sources. The Canary Islands serve as a case study, where photovoltaic and wind power are the primary renewables, but their variability requires a deep techno-economic analysis. The island's energy demand is predicted to rise by 100% due to economic growth, electrification and electric vehicles. However, implementing renewable systems encounters obstacles, such as limited suitable sites and protected areas. The study uses Wilks' methodology and Monte Carlo sampling to explore 59 combinations of randomly selected inputs of the uncertain variables, aiming for a 95/95% coverage and confidence level in the results. In most cases, they experience energy shortages, failing to meet electric demand. Even though a new generation mix appears to cover demand under all circumstances, the uncertainty unveils a different reality, leading to an approximate 25% increase in system costs. Surpluses in energy generation, while seemingly positive, can pose challenges. The new system's Levelized Cost of Energy increases from around 14 to 17c€/kWh. These cost increases are contingent upon future performance and the variability of uncertain parameters, leading to excesses ranging from slightly below 25% to over 40%.

Technical solutions to reduce losses in magnetic cores and material consumption of three-phase transformer and reactor equipment

Purpose. The increase in energy costs and the need for further energy saving lead to an increase in requirements for reducing losses in the magnetic cores of transformers and reactors. Problem. The improvement of transformer and reactor equipment is traditionally carried out by applying the achievements of electrical materials science and new technologies to traditional designs and structures of electromagnetic systems. The basis of modern transformers is made up of laminated and twisted magnetic cores. The disadvantage of laminated magnetic cores is large additional losses in corner zones due to the texture of anisotropic steel. Disadvantage of twisted three-phase three-contour magnetic cores is large additional losses caused by the lack of magnetic coupling of three separate magnetic flux contours. The disadvantages of combined joint tape-plate magnetic cores are the unsatisfactory use of the active volume and increased losses, which are determined by the uneven distribution of the magnetic field and the negative impact of steel texture in the corner zones of the twisted parts. Aim. To determine the possibility of improving three-phase transformers and reactors. Methodology. The improvement is achieved by geometrical and structural transformations of the outer contours and elements of the varieties of magnetic cores. Results. The possibility of eliminating additional losses of a planar laminated magnetic core by a combination of anisotropic and isotropic steels at the appropriate location in the yoke-rod and corner sections is determined. With an octagonal outer contour of the combined magnetic core, a reduction in mass is achieved without an increase in losses. The mutually orthogonal position of the steel layers or the elements of the joint twisted and combined three-phase planar and spatial magnetic cores achieves magnetic coupling and elimination of additional losses of individual twisted contour sections. The hexagonal configurations of the inner contours of the twisted yoke-corner parts and the cross-sections of the laminated rods of the variants of the axial spatial joint magnetic core improve the magnetic flux density distribution and reduce the main losses of the yokes, as well as reduce the complexity of manufacturing rods from identical rectangular steel layers. Originality. The paper presents constructive and technological proposals and features of varieties of non-traditional planar and spatial, laminated, twisted and combined tape-plate joint magnetic cores, which differ in the combination of anisotropic, isotropic and amorphous steels, as well as the multifaceted geometric shape of contours and the spatial arrangement of elements. Based on the identity of the optimal geometric ratios of the variants of electromagnetic systems of transformers and reactors, with joint planar and spatial twisted and combined and tape-plate magnetic cores, the unification of the structure of transformer and reactor equipment with a capacity of I-III dimensions.

Cost Analysis of Fan-out Processes for Chiplet Packaging

When building a design around chiplets, there are many factors to consider: industry standards, availability of chiplets within the supply chain, size requirements, and cost, to name a few. The cost of chiplet packaging is a particularly important factor that must be understood, because even if all design requirements can be met, the chiplet package will not come to fruition if the total cost is too high. The basic tradeoff between a monolithic die and a series of chiplets is a reduction in silicon costs countered by an increase in packaging costs. This analysis will compare a monolithic die flip chip package to two fan-out processes that support chiplet packaging. In the first scenario, a two-chiplet chip-last fan-out on substrate package will be compared to a standard flip chip package. For the second comparison, a monolithic flip chip package will be compared to a four-chiplet fan-out package that utilizes embedded silicon for additional interconnect. For both scenarios, a detailed cost comparison will be provided. Activity based cost modeling will be used for this analysis. In addition to looking at the direct costs of the substrated and assembly processes, yield considerations and the prices of the incoming silicon (which varies by node) will be included. The goal of this analsysis is to evaluate the cost of monolithic flip chip package versus a chiplet scenario for two designs, and to highlight the cost drivers of the fan-out chiplet packaging processes.

How to prevent “greenwash” in green retrofit process under PPP model: an evolutionary game theory-based analysis

ABSTRACT In the Public-Private Partnership for Existing Building Green Retrofitting (PPP-EBGR) model, collaboration between the government and social capital facilitates the completion of retrofitting projects by reducing the financial burden on the government, making it widely utilized in the field of green building. However, behaviours such as ‘greenwashing’ among businesses through rent-seeking and loose government regulation can compromise the quality of PPP-EBGR projects. We establish a tripartite evolutionary game model to investigate and analyse the decision-making behaviours of developers in complying with qualified standards, testing agencies engaging in rent-seeking with developers, and the government enforcing strict supervision. The study derives a systemic equilibrium and utilizes simulation to validate the findings. The results indicate that project revenue incentivizes developers to enhance compliance. An increase in rent-seeking costs is conducive to reducing the intentions of agencies to engage in rent-seeking. Moreover, a greater number of rewards and penalties from the government promote developer compliance and discourage agency rent-seeking. Dynamic mechanisms prove more effective in achieving an ideal equilibrium in the system. Interestingly, we find that dynamic mechanisms, with fewer rewards and penalties imposed, still yield superior results compared to static mechanisms.

Research Review on Sensorless Measurement Technology of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) has the advantages of high torque/inertia ratio, high power factor, fast dynamic response speed and high reliability, and has been widely used in various high-precision AC drive systems. Incremental encoders are usually used to achieve high precision position feedback information for permanent magnet synchronous motors. The use of sensors leads to cost increase, volume increase and reliability reduction. Therefore, the sensorless measurement technology of permanent magnet synchronous motor is more and more concerned and applied by industry and research fields. In this paper, the related literature of sensorless measurement technology of permanent magnet synchronous motor is investigated, and the sensorless measurement technology is comprehensively reviewed. This paper introduces in detail the basic principle of various sensorless measuring techniques, the accuracy of position measurement and the application in the type of permanent magnet synchronous motor. In this paper, the concept of speed pole logarithm ratio is proposed to divide the speed region, and the initial rotor position, low speed and medium speed non-inductive measurement methods are described and compared. Finally, the non-inductive measurement accuracy of permanent magnet synchronous motor is summarized.

How does China's energy-consumption trading policy affect the carbon abatement costs? An analysis based on spatial difference-in-differences method

To attain China's target of carbon neutrality by 2060, the implementation of the Energy Consumption Trading (ECT) system serves as an effective approach to improve energy efficiency and mitigate CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, it is crucial to consider not only the importance of carbon reduction effect caused by ECT system but also the associated cost. Therefore, this paper applies the spatial difference-in-differences (SDID) model to assess the direct and spillover impacts of the ECT policy on the carbon abatement cost, which is measured by shadow price of CO2 emissions and calculated using SBM-DEA model. Panel data encompassing 279 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2019 are employed for analysis, with additional insights provided through heterogeneity and mechanism analyses. The results show that ECT policy increases the local carbon abatement cost in pilot cities but decreases the cost of surrounding cities. Meanwhile, such a declination effect in neighboring cities with a spatial attenuation boundary of 1000 km. The heterogeneity analysis suggests that the implementation of ECT policy leads to an increase in the carbon abatement cost in cities located in non-Eastern Coastal regions, cities with abundant natural resources and cities with small populations. The mechanism analysis indicates that the ECT policy implementation facilitates the improvement of green technology in the neighboring cities of the pilot project, consequently lowering the carbon abatement cost. Besides, this policy also results in a decrease in the carbon intensity of the pilot cities. Owing to the U-shaped association between carbon intensity and the carbon abatement cost, the policy implementation stimulates an increase in the cost within the pilot cities.