Incremental Analysis Research Articles

Cost consequences analysis of early vocational rehabilitation compared with usual care for stroke survivors.

To compare costs and consequences of Early Stroke Specialist Vocational Rehabilitation (ESSVR) with usual care in working age, stroke survivors over 12 months. An economic evaluation nested within the pragmatic, multi-centre, randomised, controlled RETurn to work After stroKE (RETAKE) study. Twenty-one English and Welsh National Health Service (NHS) hospital-based stroke units. A UK NHS and Personal Social Services perspective was taken in the base-case and a wider perspective (participant, family, employer and other public services) in a secondary analysis. A total of 583 stroke survivors age ≥18 years (mean 54.0 years, 69% male). Participants were randomised to ESSVR, an early, individually tailored (in content, dose, intensity and duration) intervention, plus usual care or usual care alone. Disease-specific resource-use data and EQ-5D-5L (health-related quality of life) collected at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Resource-use items were valued using unit costs in UK£ 2021/22. EQ-5D-5L was used to estimate Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). If ESSVR was found effective, an incremental cost-utility analysis was planned, otherwise a cost-consequence analysis. The clinical study found no evidence of a between-group difference in the proportion of participants returning to work at 12 months. This, and the level of missing data, means a cost-consequence analysis is reported. Using imputed data, ESSVR plus usual care is estimated to be more expensive with slightly higher QALYs compared with usual care. Early Stroke Specialist Vocational Rehabilitation is unlikely to be considered cost-effective over 12 months, which fits with the clinical finding of no between-group difference in return-to-work rates post-stroke. The ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN12464275 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12464275.

Integrating data from cold-water coral habitats increase knowledge on age and growth studies: the case of Helicolenus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809) in the central Mediterranean

The aim of this study is to provide new insights on the age and growth of H. dactylopterus in the north-western Ionian Sea (central Mediterranean) by using different data sets and comparing three different methods, one direct by otolith reading corroborated by two indirect methods, by means of back calculation and Length Frequency Distribution analysis (LFDa), in order to obtain robust data for use in analytical management models. A total of 1403 specimens of blackbelly rosefish were sampled from habitats explored on muddy bottoms in the depth range 106-721 m and 309 individuals caught in the cold-water coral habitat between 418 and 635 m in depth. The length-frequency distributions of blackbelly rosefish showed a polymodal pattern in both habitats explored, with medium-small individuals caught on muddy bottoms and larger ones in coral habitats and canyons. The maximum age observed in females was 13 years (315 mm TL), while in males it was 15 years (336 mm TL), and no significant difference was observed comparing age-length keys from otolith readings of females with the males. The analysis of the daily increments allowed us to validate the average length of the first year of age (approximately 90-100 mm LT) obtained from the three different methods used. No significant difference was highlighted comparing the average lengths of age class 1, calculated with the direct method and by counting the daily increments. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated for the sexes and for the whole population from otolith readings and for the entire population by LFD analysis and the back calculation method. The growth curves were comparable between the different methods and no significant difference was observed. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated for the different methods were comparable (otolith readings L∞ 494 mm, k=0.06 years-1, t0=-3.00 years; back calculation method L∞ 487 mm, k=0.06 years-1, t0=-2.30 years; LFDa L∞ 415 mm, k=0.07 years-1, t0=-2.23 years), indicating a slow growth in accordance with what has already been observed in other areas of the Mediterranean.

Experimental and numerical study on retard-bonded-prestressed reinforced concrete frame with openings under vertical load

To study the mechanical performance of the retard-bonded-prestressed reinforced concrete frame with openings (RRCFO) under vertical load, a scale model (1:4) was made. The effect of openings on crack patterns, failure modes, load-deformation curves, load-stress increment curves, load-maximum crack widths curves, load-strain curves, ductility, and energy absorption capacity was analyzed. The results show that mid-span and beam-end appeared the ideal plastic hinges. After the openings were strengthened, there was no sudden influence on the deformation of the RRCFO. The best effect was to configure diagonal bars on both sides of the openings. The transverse steel bars of the upper chord play a major shear effect. When the retarding agents were not hardened, the error of prestress increment calculated by BS8110–1 for retard-bonded prestressing tendons was −12.76 % and −22.47 %, with high accuracy. Furthermore, the influence of different sizes of the openings, concrete strength, loading points, prestress, loading modes, and opening eccentric on RRCFO was analyzed by the verified finite element model. With the increase of the opening length (>1.24 h)(h is the beam height), the bearing capacity gradually decreased, at the same time, the shear failure of the openings occurred. Compared with specimens without openings, the opening length of 0.74 h has no significant effect on bearing capacity of the beam, however, it influences the peak displacement. Considering prestress increment and section strain analysis, a new bearing capacity model of RRCFO under bending failure was established, and the average value (AV) and integral absolute error (IAE) were 0.939 and 0.061, respectively, which shows that it had a high degree of accuracy. In a word, the reasonable strengthened of the openings could not weaken the stiffness, and the scheme of RRCFO is feasible.

Assessing multi-decadal climatic variability and its impact on cardamom cultivation in the Indian Cardamom Hills.

This study examines the multi-decadal variability and trends of surface air temperature and precipitation in the Indian Cardamom Hills (ICH), a degraded tropical rainforest area unique for cardamom cultivation. Utilizing observed long-term climatic data (1958-2017), statistical methods such as the Mann-Kendall test (MKT), Sen's Slope Estimator (SSE), and Incremental Trend Analysis (ITA) were applied to assess the impact of surface air temperature, rainfall, and the number of rainy days on cardamom yield. The analysis revealed a significant decline in annual rainfall by approximately 13.62mm per year, with pronounced seasonal declines 0.87mm for winter, 12.33mm for pre-monsoon, 24.93mm for southwest monsoon, and 18.10mm for post-monsoon. Simultaneously, the number of rainy days dropped by nearly 19.75days over the 40-year period. A noticeable increase in decadal minimum and average temperatures was observed, highlighting potential adverse effects on cardamom yield and irrigation water resources. The findings suggest that excessive rainfall during the southwest monsoon negatively correlates with cardamom yield, while slightly warmer temperatures show a weak positive correlation. The study also emphasizes the need for adaptive agricultural practices and climate-resilient policies to mitigate the effects of changing climatic conditions on cardamom production. This research contributes valuable insights for farmers and other stakeholders as well as policymakers aiming to ensure sustainable cardamom cultivation amidst climate change.

Economic evaluation of Danhong injection for the treatment of chronic stable angina in China: A cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objective Danhong injection (DHI) is commonly used in China to treat chronic stable angina (CSA), demonstrating significant clinical efficacy and safety. The present study aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of DHI combined with standard treatment (ST) compared with ST alone in patients with CSA. Methods A Markov model with a 3-month cycle and a 1-year time horizon was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of DHI + ST for CSA. Health outcomes were measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and societal perspective costs were collected in China. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the robustness of results to parameter uncertainty. Results Analysis demonstrated DHI + ST provided 0.8190 QALYs at an average cost of $3644.24, while ST yielded 0.7884 QALYs costing $2739.54 over 1 year. The incremental analysis indicated DHI + ST dominance, with an ICER of $29,588.91 per QALY gained compared with ST. One-way sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of base case findings, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested a 61.66% probability of DHI + ST being cost-effective over ST at a $37,663.26 per QALY threshold. Conclusion From a societal perspective in China, DHI + ST appears cost-effective for the treatment of CSA compared with ST alone. These findings support recommending DHI as a clinically valuable and cost-effective option in CSA treatment guidelines.

Effects of foundation conditions on failure modes of jacket type offshore platforms using incremental irregular wave dynamic analysis

Quantitative assessment of environmental conditions and their loading effects is crucial for the optimal design of marine structures, especially offshore platforms subject to extreme environmental conditions. Wave load, particularly irregular wave load, significantly influences the structural response and ultimate strength of jacket-type offshore platforms (JTOPs) throughout their operational life. The dynamic nature of these irregular wave loads necessitates the use of advanced time history analysis to accurately capture their impact. This study aims to enhance the understanding of how foundation conditions impact failure modes and the structural response of JTOPs through an innovative incremental irregular wave dynamic analysis procedure. By focusing on an existing steel jacket-type platform in the Persian Gulf, this research evaluates six models with varying soil profiles and pile conditions to assess their effects on structural performance. The application of incremental irregular wave dynamic analysis provides a more precise and realistic modeling of wave impacts compared to traditional methods. The findings demonstrate that stronger soil profiles and improved pile conditions significantly enhance structural integrity, particularly under extreme loading conditions. Specifically, optimizing pile configurations is critical for enabling the structure to endure larger waves, whereas variations in the yield stress of steel material have a lesser impact on the platform's response. Additionally, the dynamic results are compared with pushover analysis, which serves as a benchmark to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the pushover analysis compared to incremental irregular wave analysis method used in this study.

Temporal trends in the utilization, costs, and outcomes of concomitant left atrial appendage closure across a statewide collaborative

ObjectiveWith the rising incidence of atrial fibrillation, left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) at the time of cardiac surgery remains an important adjunct. The present study characterized trends, associated resource utilization, and potential disparities in the use of left atrial appendage exclusion. MethodsUsing a Society of Thoracic Surgeons regional academic collaborative database, we queried all adult patients undergoing coronary and valve procedures with concomitant LAAC between 2015 and 2021. Trends in LAAC, as well as the technique for closure, were evaluated. Multilevel hierarchical logistic modeling was applied to delineate factors associated with LAAC, accounting for patient and operative characteristics. Generalized linear models were developed to perform risk-adjusted incremental cost analysis. ResultsOf the 8699 patients who met the study criteria, 1377 underwent left atrial appendage closure. Over the study period, the annual rate of LAAC increased from 16.7% to 30.8% (P < .001). LAAC patients were older, but less commonly insulin-dependent diabetics or on dialysis. Female sex, redo, and urgent operative status had lower risk-adjusted odds of LAAC. Although LAAC was associated with longer bypass time, there was no significant association with 30-day mortality or 30-day readmission. LAAC was associated with an incremental increase in adjusted costs by $10,602 (95% confidence interval, $4078-$17,126). ConclusionsRates of LAAC are increasing but less common among female patients, as well as those requiring urgent/emergent interventions. LAAC did not significantly impact short-term mortality. Our results suggest that LAAC may be a high-value intervention among patient populations that have the greatest potential to derive its benefits.

Operational vehicle state of health estimation framework based on local-global attention mechanism

The state of health (SOH) of electric vehicles directly correlates with operational safety and driving range. Accurate assessment of SOH is crucial for improving the safety and reliability of electric vehicles. This article proposes a novel SOH estimation framework based on the local-global attention mechanism (L-G-A) and real-world incomplete charging processes. Firstly, an analysis of the charging modes is conducted. Specifically, the average value of capacity is calculated for multiple constant current segments as the reference capacity, and the effect of ambient temperature on charging efficiency and battery capacity is considered. Subsequently, aging characteristics of interval capacities are extracted through incremental capacity analysis. To investigate the impact of different usage patterns on battery degradation during daily use by vehicle owners, the historical cycle charging segments are categorized based on segment similarity. Then, the L-G-A model is established by utilizing convolutional layers to extract local-scale temporal information and computing global attention scores based on degradation information between each segment and across classes. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework has the highest estimation accuracy with mean absolute error and root mean square error of 0.069 % and 0.084 %, respectively, which outperforms the traditional LSTM, CNN, and SVR models in terms of accuracy of SOH evaluation.

Collapse-based seismic design method

Continuing the structural analysis until the model reaches its ultimate capacity using an incremental nonlinear time history analysis can incorporate all the behavioral complexities of the structure. This approach ensures that all factors influencing the seismic behavior of structures, which can be simulated in numerical modeling, are fully considered in the analysis. This technique addresses many shortcomings in seismic analysis and structural design, using simple criteria for the accurate design of members. With this perspective, this paper explores the collapse-based seismic design method and provides an approach to determine the ultimate tolerable seismic intensity for a structure, or an appropriate collapse seismic intensity. It also establishes design criteria based on the maximum capacity of structural members under maximum loading and utilizes the endurance time method to perform incremental nonlinear time history analysis quickly and easily. Evaluations show that models designed using this method achieve the desired performance level at different seismic hazard levels, provide sufficient seismic capacity, meet all minimum requirements of the seismic code and standards, and are optimized. Therefore, the procedure presented in this paper is introduced for the analysis, design, evaluation, and retrofitting of structures with simple, accurate, and uniform principles.

Tele-collaborative outreach to rural patients with chronic pain: pragmatic effectiveness trial protocol for the CORPs study.

Despite the increased availability of evidence-based treatments for chronic pain, many patients in rural areas experience poor access to services. Patients receiving care through the VA may also need to navigate multiple systems of care. To examine the effectiveness of a remotely delivered collaborative care intervention for improving pain interference among veterans with high-impact chronic pain living in rural areas. We will conduct a four-site pragmatic effectiveness trial of remotely delivered collaborative care for high-impact chronic pain. Participants (n = 608) will be randomized to the Tele-Collaborative Outreach to Rural Patients (CORPs) intervention or to minimally enhanced usual care (MEUC). Participants randomized to CORPs will complete a biopsychosocial assessment and five follow-up sessions with a nurse care manager (NCM), who will collaborate with a consulting clinician to provide personalized recommendations and care management. CORP participants will also be invited to a virtual 6-session pain education group class. Participants randomized to MEUC will receive a one-time education session with the NCM to review available pain services. All participants will complete quarterly research assessments for one year. The primary study outcome is pain interference. This trial will oversample veterans of female birth sex and minoritized race or ethnicity to test heterogeneity of treatment effects across these patient characteristics. We will conduct an implementation process evaluation and incremental cost-effectiveness analysis. This pragmatic trial will test the real-world effectiveness of a remotely delivered collaborative care intervention for chronic pain. Study findings will inform future implementation efforts to support potential uptake of the intervention.

Cost-Effectiveness of Bivalent Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Vaccine for Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Among Older Adults in Greece.

To evaluate the health benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness of vaccination with bivalent respiratory syncytial virus stabilized prefusion F vaccine (RSVpreF) for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Greek adults 60 years of age and older. A Markov model was adapted to simulate lifetime risk of health and economic outcomes from the public payer's perspective over a lifetime horizon. Epidemiology, vaccine effectiveness, utilities, and direct medical costs (EUR, 2024) were obtained from published studies, official sources, and local experts. Model outcomes included the number of medically attended RSV cases, stratified by care setting (i.e., hospital, emergency department [ED], outpatient visits [OV]), and attributable RSV-related deaths, costs, life years (LY), quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of RSVpreF vaccination compared with no vaccination. The model projected 258,170 hospitalizations, 112,248 ED encounters, 1,201,604 OV, and 25,463 deaths related to RSV in Greek older adults resulting in direct medical costs of EUR 1.6 billion over the lifetime horizon. Assuming RSV vaccination would reach the same coverage rates as pneumococcal and influenza programmes, 18,118 hospitalizations, 7874 ED encounters, 48,079 OV, and 1706 deaths could be prevented over the modelled time horizon. The health benefits associated with RSVpreF contributed to an incremental gain of 10,976 LYs and 7230 QALYs compared with no vaccination. The incremental analysis reported that vaccination with RSVpreF was estimated to be a cost-effective strategy resulting in ICERs of EUR 12,991 per LY gained, EUR 19,723 per QALY gained, and EUR 7870 per hospitalized RSV case avoided compared with no vaccination. Vaccination with RSVpreF was a cost-effective strategy for the prevention of RSV disease in Greek adults over 60 years of age. The introduction of RSV vaccination can improve public health by averting RSV cases and deaths and has the potential to fulfil an unmet medical need.

A head‐to‐head comparison of situational judgment tests and assessment centers for measuring and predicting the same performance dimensions

AbstractTo date, a limited set of studies have compared the criterion‐related validity of low‐fidelity (SJT) versus high‐fidelity (AC) simulations for predicting job performance. Unfortunately, these studies validated these simulations through the overall assessment rating (OAR) instead of on the basis of specific dimensions. Given SJTs and ACs were compared that measured different dimensions, our understanding of the relative and comparative validity of these assessment approaches in measuring the same set of dimensions is still limited. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a head‐to‐head comparison of the criterion‐related validity of the AC and the SJT (and their incremental validity) while keeping the performance dimensions under investigation constant. Data were collected from 406 applicants for supervisory and management positions in a large Iranian steel industry company. In this process, a general mental ability test, a personality inventory, an SJT, and an AC were used as predictors, and supervisory ratings of job performance dimensions (Thinking, Feeling, and Power) served as criteria. The AC had relatively high validity for all three dimensions, whereas the SJT had a similar validity only for the Thinking dimension. So, the SJT was significantly weaker in assessing the Feeling and Power dimensions. These results were confirmed by incremental validity analyses. Overall, this study shows that understanding the relationships between predictor and criterion dimensions plays a critical role in developing valid selection systems.

Expeditious numerical capacity assessment in precast structures via inelastic performance-based spectra

The seismic design of precast structures hinges on unique characteristics intrinsic to precast technology. Emphasis is placed on lightweight structural elements for efficient on-site assembly and cost reduction. This leads to increased slenderness in beams and columns compared to traditional cast-in-situ constructions, accentuating the role of second-order effects. Dry pinned joints, favoured for connecting beams and columns, contribute to the overall efficiency in assemblage. Cast-in-situ concrete is typically reserved for connection to foundations and topping precast floor elements. Pinned joints transform the structure into an ideal isostatic system, with cantilevered columns anchored securely at the base, in designers' mind. However, this transformation reduces the energy dissipation capacity, preventing plastic hinge formation in beams and amplifying P-Delta effects in columns. The simplified approach proposed herein assesses dynamic instability in single and multi-storey precast hinged frames, providing a tool for expeditious numerical capacity assessment, useful at the initial design stage. The goal is to predict dynamic collapse and/or the attainment of specific seismic-oriented limit states based on fundamental structural parameters. Incremental nonlinear dynamic analysis, utilising far-field ground motion records, is employed to evaluate performance of a variety of precast structures modelled as equivalent single-degree-of-freedom systems. The outcomes yield inelastic spectra that provide insights into the structural capacity in terms of response modification factor and could help analysts/designers towards seismic performance-based design as well as the assessment problem. These spectra, which can themselves be taken as metrics for structural performance evaluation (in addition to as a reliable tool/means for design), are generated based on various structural parameters, including building height, column aspect ratios, and floor mass configurations, in relation to different limit states typically deemed crucial in the design of these structures for earthquake-induced actions. Regression analyses of median spectra show that polynomial expressions could fit them with good accuracy, as testified by a coefficient of determination in the 0.76–0.98 range for most of the cases.

Towards smart and secure batteries: Linking pressure and temperature profiles with electrochemical behavior through hybrid optical fiber sensors

A hybrid sensing configuration combining fiber Bragg grating (FBG) with a Fabry-Perot interferometer is proposed for highly sensitive detection of pressure and temperature inside a commercial lithium-ion battery (LiB). The battery is also instrumented externally with FBGs to monitor its surface temperature variations. The LiB is operated under several cycling tests at different C-rates and environmental temperatures. High pressure and temperature resolutions of ±0.4 mbar and ±0.5 °C, respectively, are attained for the developed hybrid sensor, along with a minimum response time of 1.7 s. When the LiB is subjected to higher environmental temperatures, reduced thermal variations and higher pressure variations are registered by the optical sensor. Overall, during the cycling tests, the external temperature sensors closely follows the internal sensors behavior. Incremental capacity analysis derivative curves were systematically applied throughout the battery cycling experiments to unveil relevant insights into the interplay between pressure and temperature variations and the LiB electrochemical behavior. It was found that the pressure fluctuations present a “breathing profile” directly linked with the volume electrode lithiation and delithiation processes.

So Close yet So Far: The impact of undercorrection of cervical sagittal alignment during adult cervical deformity surgery − An Incremental correction analysis

BackgroundTo compare degrees of cSVA correction and to theorize possible minimum and maximum thresholds of cSVA correction for patients to benefit clinically. Methods657 operative ACD patients in a retrospective cohort study of a prospectively enrolled database with complete baseline and two year radiographic and HRQL data were examined. Patients were grouped into an optimally corrected cohort (OC; postop cSVA ≤ 4 cm) and an undercorrected cohort (UC; postop cSVA > 4 cm) based on postoperative radiographs. Results265 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 58.2 ± 11.4 years, BMI 28.9 ± 7.5, CCI 0.9 ± 1.3). 11.2 % of patients were UC, while 88.8 % of patients were OC. UC cohort experienced a significantly greater occurrence of radiographic complications (47.8 % v. 27.6 %, p = 0.046). UC also demonstrated a significantly greater rate of severe 6 M DJK (p < 0.001) and 1Y DJK (26.1 % v. 2.7 %, p < 0.001). In terms of HRQLs, the OC cohort demonstrated significantly greater 2Y EQ5D-Health values (76.9 v. 46.7, p = 0.012). Being UC was a significant predictor of moderate-high 1Y mJOA score (OR 3.0, CI 95 % 1.2–7.3, p = 0.015) Still, in terms of CIT, the threshold for DJF risk increased significantly (p = 0.026) when the cSVA were surgically corrected greater than 5 cm. ConclusionUndercorrection of cSVA yielded worse clinical outcomes and posed a significant risk for radiographic complications. Although undercorrection does not seem to be efficacious, surgical correction beyond certain thresholds should still be respected as there is a risk for DJK on either end of the spectrum.

Otolith growth chronologies reveal distinct environmental sensitivities between and within shallow- and deep-water snappers

AbstractFish growth underpins individual fitness and population-level metrics, with fluctuations linked to environmental variability. Growth chronologies derived from otolith increment analysis are a powerful proxy to understand population responses to environmental change and productivity. Yet, long-term patterns of growth and their environmental drivers are better understood for shallow-water species compared to deep-water inhabitants. Additionally, focus is largely on adults, disregarding the potential influence of juvenile growth which is critical to size- and age-at-maturity. Here, we investigate the long-term growth patterns of two commercially important snapper species separated by depth in northwestern Australia’s coastal shelf waters, the shallow-water Lutjanus sebae (70 year chronology, 1950–2020) and the deep-water Etelis boweni (41 year chronology, 1973–2013). Annually-resolved otolith growth chronologies revealed distinct environmental sensitivities within (juveniles vs adults) and among (shallow- vs deep-water habitats) species. Within species, juveniles and adults responded differently to shared environmental stimuli, highlighting the importance of understanding the impacts of environmental effects and sensitivities for different life-history stages. Across species, L. sebae exhibited highly variable growth tied to local climate signals such as sea surface temperature and rainfall, while E. boweni displayed more stable growth patterns that only responded to interannual and decadal shifts in the environment (e.g. Pacific Decadal Oscillation). Our results highlight potential vulnerabilities of shallow-water species to future environmental perturbations compared to species residing at depth, as they are likely to encounter more extreme climate variability under future oceanic conditions. This study contributes valuable insights into understanding and managing the impacts of future environmental variability on fisheries sustainability, emphasising the need for continued research across species and habitats.

The Challenge of Energy Efficiency in Social Housing: An Evaluation of Envelope's Improvements and their Economic Effects

Objective: This study aims to propose a combination of modifications to the envelope of a Social Housing (SH) project and evaluate their impacts on thermal load reduction and cost increase, staying within the budgetary constraints. Theoretical Framework: The Minha Casa Minha Vida Program (PMCMV) prioritizes architectural solutions focused on large-scale production and reduced unit costs, at the expense of environmental comfort and energy efficiency. However, efforts to raise the standards of habitability and quality of life are evident in the new 2023 program version and its regulations for new projects. Method: This case study assesses the envelope classification of an SH project applied to 20 sets of construction modifications and 4 deployment orientations, using the Inmetro Normative Instruction for Building Energy Efficiency (INI-R). Thermal load reduction and cost increment analysis will be performed. Results and Discussion: For each deployment orientation, the modifications that resulted in the greatest reduction in thermal load. This reduction ranged between 20% and 26.5% for the four orientations, with an additional cost ranging from 6% to 16%. Research Implications: Energy efficiency measures, even if they entail higher costs, may provide economic benefits during the operation and maintenance phases of the properties within PMCMV standards. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the dissemination of the simplified method of INI-R for envelope analysis in buildings and may influence improvements in public policies related to environmental quality in housing programs.

Identifying the Layout of Retrofitted Rainwater Harvesting Systems with Passive Release for the Dual Purposes of Water Supply and Stormwater Management in Northern Taiwan

Due to its unique climate and geography, Taiwan experiences abundant rainfall but still faces significant water scarcity. As a result, rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) have been recognized as potential water resources within both water legal and green building policies. However, the effects of climate change—manifested in more frequent extreme rainfall events and uneven rainfall distribution—have heightened the risks of both droughts and floods. This underscores the need to retrofit existing RWHSs to function as stormwater management tools and water supply sources. In Taiwan, the use of simple and cost-effective passive release systems is particularly suitable for such retrofits. Four key considerations are central to designing passive release RWHSs: the type of discharge outlet, the size of the outlet, the location of the outlet, and the system’s operational strategy. This study analyzes three commonly used outlet types—namely, the orifice, short stub fitting, and drainage pipe. Their respective discharge flow formulas and design charts have been developed and compared. To determine the appropriate outlet size, design storms with 2-, 5-, and 10-year return periods in the Taipei area were utilized to examine three different representative buildings. Selected combinations of outlet diameters and five different outlet locations were assessed. Additionally, probably hazardous rainfall events between 2014 and 2023 were used to verify the results obtained from the design storm analysis. Based on these analyses, the short stub fitting outlet type with a 15 mm outlet diameter was selected and verified. For determining the suitable discharge outlet location, a three-step process is recommended. First, the average annual water supply reliability for different scenarios and outlet locations in each representative building is calculated. Using this information, the maximum allowable decline in water supply reliability and the corresponding outlet location can be identified for each scenario. Second, break-even points between average annual water supply and regulated stormwater release curves, as well as the corresponding outlet locations, are identified. Finally, incremental analyses of average annual water supply and regulated stormwater release curves are conducted to determine the suitable outlet location for each scenario and representative building. For the representative detached house (DH), scenario 2, which designates 50% of the tank’s volume as detention space (i.e., the discharge outlet located halfway up the tank), and scenario 3, which designates 75% (i.e., the discharge outlet at one-quarter of the tank height), are the most suitable options. For the four-story building (FSB), the outlet located at one-quarter of the tank’s height is suitable for both scenarios 2 and 3. For the eight-story building (ESB), scenario 2, with the outlet at one-quarter of the tank’s height, and scenario 3, with the outlet at the lowest point on the tank’s side, are preferred. The framework developed in this study provides drainage designers with a systematic method for determining the key parameters in passive-release RWHS design at the household scale.

Remaining useful life prediction of high-capacity lithium-ion batteries based on incremental capacity analysis and Gaussian kernel function optimization

Remaining useful life (RUL) is a key indicator for assessing the health status of lithium (Li)-ion batteries, and realizing accurate and reliable RUL prediction is crucial for the proper operation of battery systems. As high-capacity Li batteries have more complex chemical properties, most of the current RUL prediction methods rely mainly on a priori knowledge to make judgments. As a result, prediction accuracy is not high. In this study, we developed a health indicator-capacity (HI-C) dual Gaussian process regression (GPR) model based on incremental capacity analysis (ICA) and optimized its kernel function to achieve accurate RUL prediction for 280 Ah high-capacity Li batteries. Validation against the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s four battery test datasets showed that the use of the HI-C dual GPR model resulted in a mean absolute percentage error and root mean square error of less than 0.02 and 0.04, respectively, for the four battery-rated capacity predictions. Additionally, this model achieved an absolute error of less than five battery failure turns. Compared with a single model, the HI-C dual GPR model not only had high accuracy but also solved the problem that the HI was not measurable in the actual battery operation, which made it more suitable for RUL prediction of Li batteries.

A-195 Combination of Lean Mindset, Robotics and Digitalization allowed us to manage a 2.5 times increase in workload in our central reference lab

Abstract Background Our Agilus Diagnostics, Gurugram, India is a Central Reference Laboratory and part of the pan-India network over 400 lab in India. Our Gurugram lab delivers 3,200 tubes in the serum work area in 17 hour operations daily and is ISO 15189 and CAP accredited.In Jan 2023, our lab started to support Govt PHC Program samples and our workload increased to 8000 tubes. This was a clear operational and clinical challenge for us with a 2.5 x jump in workload. To achieve this goal, a lean mindset with process improvement steps were to be applied required across the total testing process. This lean approach was supported by cobas ® Lab Automation systems managed by navify ® Lab Operations informatics automation solution. This poster explains our journey of planning, implementing, and delivering on our goal of predictable operational efficiency when faced with this challenge. Methods We took 4 major steps We redesigned lab processes using lean process improvement operational dashboards. This poster will show the metric we track which help eliminate waste in the system. We optimized our total lab automation solution with smart load balancing across cobas ® Pro integrated analyzers and staff friendly recursive workflow. Clear and strict use of off peak hours for maintenance and QC procedures and standardized predictable schedule of operation. This poster will share our time table with key milestones across the 24 hours We built on the Informatics solution using 5 layered Auto verification rules based decision framework. IQC, Systems Flags check, Sample Quality checks, Biological Reference check, custom Auto verification Range, Critical ranges Delta check Criteria, Clinical Correlation Rule are all part of the auto verification logic framework. Results We were able to deliver the following results.Lean process design led to 53% simplification. Number of process steps reduced to 29 from 62 steps across the total testing process. Total Lab Automation has helped improve 90 percentile production TAT by 46% from 250 mins to 135 mins Our 90 % TAT CV has significantly reduced making our production predictable. Over 17,500 results / day reported are subject to auto verification with 87 % of all results auto-verified and auto-approved. Not a single additional employee was added in the analytical or post analytical areas of the lab operations Conclusions Lean Mindset complemented by Total Laboratory Automation along with Decision Automation on an Informatics solution has enhanced lab performance in terms of TAT, Efficiency, and Staff Motivation. This poster will also demonstrate using incremental effectiveness analysis comparative data of key performance indicators, such predictability in production, and efficiency of workforce, senior staff time saved, before and after technology deployment. The challenge of increase in sample workload is real in India and this approach allows for a sustainable way to ensure patient impact with minimum burden on our workforce.