To the editor:Peer workers-people with personal experiences of using mental health services,trained to provide support to others currently using similar services--are increasingly integrated into the workforce of ment...To the editor:Peer workers-people with personal experiences of using mental health services,trained to provide support to others currently using similar services--are increasingly integrated into the workforce of mental health systems internationally.展开更多
BACKGROUND Although substantial evidence supports the advantages of cold snare polypectomy(CSP)in terms of polypectomy efficacy and reduced postoperative adverse events,few studies have examined the cost differences b...BACKGROUND Although substantial evidence supports the advantages of cold snare polypectomy(CSP)in terms of polypectomy efficacy and reduced postoperative adverse events,few studies have examined the cost differences between CSP and traditional endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)for the treatment of intestinal polyps.AIM To compare the efficacy-cost of EMR and CSP in the treatment of intestinal polyps.METHODS A total of 100 patients with intestinal polyps were included in the retrospective data of our hospital from April 2022 to May 2023.According to the treatment methods,they were divided into EMR(n=46)group and CSP(n=54)group.The baseline data of the two groups were balanced by 1:1 propensity score matching(PSM),and the cost-effectiveness analysis was performed on the two groups after matching.The recurrence rate of the two groups of patients was followed up for 1 year,and they were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group according to whether they recurred.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen out the influencing factors affecting the recurrence of intestinal polyps after endoscopic resection.RESULTS Significant disparities were observed in the number of polyps and smoking background between the two groups before PSM(P<0.05).Following PSM,the number of polyps and smoking history were well balanced between the EMR and CSP groups.The direct cost incurred by the CSP group was markedly higher than that incurred by the EMR group.Concurrently,the cost-effectiveness ratio in the CSP group was substantially reduced when juxtaposed with that in the EMR group(P<0.05).Upon completion of the 1-year follow-up,the rate of recurrence after endoscopic intestinal polypectomy was 38.00%.Multivariate methods revealed that age≥60 years,male sex,number of polyps≥3,and pathological type of adenoma were risk factors for recurrence after endoscopic intestinal polypectomy(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION CSP was more cost-effective for the treatment of intestinal polyps.An age≥60 years,male sex,having a number of polyps≥3,and pathological type of adenoma are independent influencing factors for recurrence.展开更多
Pavement performance and economic efficiency are researched on the perpetual test pavement of Yijiang-Suzhou Express Highway in Jiangsu province, China. Test sections were continuously monitored. The conditions and de...Pavement performance and economic efficiency are researched on the perpetual test pavement of Yijiang-Suzhou Express Highway in Jiangsu province, China. Test sections were continuously monitored. The conditions and developing laws of deflection, rutting and cracking are compared among the perpetual pavement with the rich binder layer （RBL）, the perpetual pavement without the RBL, and the conventional semi-rigid asphalt pavement in the past eight years after opening for traffic. Economical evaluation is conducted via life cycle cost analysis （LCCA）. Based on the performance comparison and LCCA analysis, sections with the RBL have good crack resistance, but they are not very satisfactory in the aspect of permanent deformation; the conventional semi-rigid asphalt pavement is the least economic one due to requiring more frequent maintenance. Research results show that the perpetual pavement without RBL is a more appropriate structure for the test site.展开更多
Objective:Treatment options for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer(mCRPC)have expanded rapidly in recent years.Given the significant economic burden,we sought perform a cost-effectiveness analysis(CEA)of ...Objective:Treatment options for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer(mCRPC)have expanded rapidly in recent years.Given the significant economic burden,we sought perform a cost-effectiveness analysis(CEA)of the contemporary treatment paradigm for mCRPC.Methods:We devised a treatment protocol consisting of sipuleucel-T,enzalutamide,abiraterone,docetaxel,radium-223,and cabazitaxel.We estimated number and length of treatments for each therapy using dosing schedules or progression free survival data from published clinical trials.We estimated treatment cost using billing data and Medicare reimbursement values and performed a CEA.Our analysis assumed US$100,000 per life year saved(LYS)as the threshold societal willingness to pay.Results:Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios(ICER)for strategies incorporating sipuleucel-T that were not eliminated by extended dominance exceeded the societal threshold willingnessto-pay of US$100,000 per LYS,the lowest of which was sipuleucel-T+enzalutamide+abiraterone+docetaxel at US$207,714 per LYS.Enzalutamide+abiraterone+docetaxel exhibited the most favorable ICER among strategies without sipuleucel-T at US$165,460 per LYS.Conclusion:Based on the available survival data and current costs of treatment,all treatment strategies greatly exceed a commonly assumed societal willingness-to-pay threshold of US$100,000 per LYS.Improvements in this regard can only comewith a reduction in pricing,better tailoring of treatment or significant enhancements in survival with clinical use of treatment combinations or sequences.展开更多
AIM: To analyze and calculate the relative cost of various childhood glaucoma surgical interventions per mm Hg intraocular pressure(IOP) reduction($/mm Hg).METHODS: Representative index studies were reviewed to quanti...AIM: To analyze and calculate the relative cost of various childhood glaucoma surgical interventions per mm Hg intraocular pressure(IOP) reduction($/mm Hg).METHODS: Representative index studies were reviewed to quantitate the reduction of mean IOP and glaucoma medications for each surgical intervention in childhood glaucoma. A US perspective was adopted, using Medicare allowable costs to calculate cost/mm Hg IOP reduction($/mm Hg) at 1y postoperatively.RESULTS: At 1y postoperatively, the cost/mm Hg IOP reduction was $226/mm Hg for microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy, $284/mm Hg for cyclophotocoagulation, $288/mm Hg for conventional ab-externo trabeculotomy, $338/mm Hg for Ahmed glaucoma valve, $350/mm Hg for Baerveldt glaucoma implant, $351/mm Hg for goniotomy, and $400/mm Hg for trabeculectomy.CONCLUSION: Microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy is the most cost-efficient surgical method to lower IOP in childhood glaucoma, while trabeculectomy is the least cost-efficient surgical method.展开更多
Agroforestry and beekeeping are widely promoted as prospective Nature-</span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span...Agroforestry and beekeeping are widely promoted as prospective Nature-</span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Based Income Generating Activities (NIGAs) to improve livelihoods while at </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the same time enhancing biodiversity conservation in degrading</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> agro-ecologies. These activities can diversify and increase famers’ incomes and support in</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">stinctive biota and fauna resilience. However, evidence to showcase and compare their long-term benefits is scant. We use the case of Uluguru</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Mountains in Tanzania to evaluate and compare viability of agroforestry and beekeeping projects using the Cost</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Benefit Analysis (CBA) approach. The results of analysis yielded positive NPVs for both agroforestry and beekeeping projects at discount rates not higher than 8.2% and 8.5% respectively. Overall, the comparison of economic viability between agroforestry and beekeeping projects revealed that the former was relatively more profitable than the later in terms of both the NPV and Benefit</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cost Ratio (BCR) criteria. However, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for beekeeping was slightly higher than that of agroforestry. Yet, we underscore the fact that these two projects can jointly be implemented to enhance livelihoods of farmers and support biodiversity conservation in the study </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">area </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and other parts with similar agro-ecologies in developing countries. However, farmers in these agro-ecologies need to be supported by governments and non-government development partners in terms of training and inspiration to shift from orthodox farming to sustainable NIGAs.展开更多
For probabilistic programs,there is some work for qualitative and quantitative analysis about expec-tation or mean,such as expected termination time,and expected cost analysis.However,another non-trivial issue is abou...For probabilistic programs,there is some work for qualitative and quantitative analysis about expec-tation or mean,such as expected termination time,and expected cost analysis.However,another non-trivial issue is about tail bounds(i.e.,upper bounds of tail probabilities),which can provide high-probability guarantees to extreme events.In this work,we focus on the problem of tail-bound cost analysis over nondeterministic proba-bilistic programs,which aims to automatically obtain the tail bound of resource usages over such programs.To achieve this goal,we present a novel approach,combined with a suitable concentration inequality,to derive the tail bound of accumulated cost until program termination.Our approach can handle both positive and negative costs.Moreover,our approach enables an automated template-based synthesis of supermartingales and leads to an efficient polynomial-time algorithm.To show the effectiveness of our approach,we present experimental results on various programs and make a comparison with state-of-the-art tools.展开更多
BACKGROUND Laparoscopic Heller myotomy(LHM)has been the traditional surgical treatment for achalasia.Recently,peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)has demonstrated similar clinical outcomes with shorter procedure times.Stu...BACKGROUND Laparoscopic Heller myotomy(LHM)has been the traditional surgical treatment for achalasia.Recently,peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)has demonstrated similar clinical outcomes with shorter procedure times.Studies comparing the direct cost-effectiveness of POEM vs LHM are limited.AIM To compare costs of POEM vs LHM.METHODS Haider SA et al.Comparing costs:POEM vs Heller myotomy WJGE https://www.wjgnet.com 594 October 16,2023 Volume 15 Issue 10 This retrospective chart review aimed to compare the outcomes and cost of clinical care between patients who underwent POEM and LHM procedures for achalasia.The study was conducted at a tertiary academic center from January 2019 to December 2020.Clinical outcomes,including post-operative Eckardt scores and adverse events,were assessed and compared between the two groups.Direct cost variance analysis was utilized to evaluate the cost of clinical care incurred by patients undergoing POEM in the year preceding the procedure,during the index admission,and one year post-procedure,in comparison to patients undergoing LHM.RESULTS Of 30 patients were included(15 POEM and 15 LHM)in the study.Patients in the POEM group had a mean Eckardt score of 0.5±0.5 post-procedure,which was no different from patients in the LHM group(0.7±0.6,P=0.17)indicating comparative efficacy.However,the total costs of the admission for the procedure in the LHM group were on average$1827 more expensive than in the POEM group(P<0.01).Total healthcare costs one year prior to index procedure were$7777 higher in the LHM group,but not statistically different(P=0.34).The patients in the LHM group one year after the index procedure had accrued$19730.24 larger total cost,although this was not statistically different from POEM group(P=0.68).CONCLUSION Despite similar clinical outcomes,the cost of the index procedure admission for POEM was significantly lower than for LHM.The difference was primarily related to shorter time increments utilized in the operating room during the index procedure,and shorter length of hospital stay following POEM.展开更多
This paper systematically generalizes relevant theories and methods regarding mining cost control and constitutes the model for the mining cost analysis. It also comes up with the sensitivity factor analysis to conduc...This paper systematically generalizes relevant theories and methods regarding mining cost control and constitutes the model for the mining cost analysis. It also comes up with the sensitivity factor analysis to conduct mining cost control. The theories and methods have been experimented with Jiangsu Chuanshan Mining Joint-Stock Company Ltd. Case studies have been undertaken on mining cost of the company and the most sensitive factor which affects mining cost has been found accordingly. Finally the paper concludes that the focus concerning the cost control of the company should be directed at output and material costs.展开更多
The purpose of this paper is to investigate reasonable cost benefit criteria within the framework of environmental formal safety assessment （FSA）. In this study a statistical analysis of oil spill data was carried o...The purpose of this paper is to investigate reasonable cost benefit criteria within the framework of environmental formal safety assessment （FSA）. In this study a statistical analysis of oil spill data was carried out based on the report of International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds. According to the statistical study of actual oil spill from tankers, it is found that collisions and groundings are the most probable causes of the oil spills from tankers. Probability distributions of costs of oil spill and oil spill amount are investigated, and a non-linear regression formula between costs of oil spills and oil spill weight are derived. Using the regression formula, an oil spill weight dependent CATStm （Cost of Averting a Ton of oil Spilt） is proposed. Moreover in order to apply the weight dependent CATSthr to cost benefit analysis （CBA）, a new cost-effective criterion is newly proposed with considering its concrete application to environmental FSA.展开更多
An integrated pest management model of Cost/Benefit analysis strategy was constructed for stem corn borer Sesamia cretica using complementary control measures of different resistant genotypes of corn with the chemical...An integrated pest management model of Cost/Benefit analysis strategy was constructed for stem corn borer Sesamia cretica using complementary control measures of different resistant genotypes of corn with the chemical insecticide diazinon 60%. Based on Cost/Benefit analysis result, the resistant genotype （SAKHA 9433） provides maximum economic value of production at the model point where no spray of insecticide is applied. The applications of one or two sprays do not justify the use of chemical insecticide but rather result in economic loss since the reduction in borer damage value, due to diazinon use, is lower than the cost of control （spray）. However, the applications of one spray for the moderate resistant genotype （IPA 2052） and two sprays for the sensitive genotype （CML 323） during corn growing season would be of value to cover the cost of control （spray） but do not achieve similar economic value of revenue comparing with the resistant genotype.展开更多
The paper analyzes the external economy of pollution, Two different cost models of enterprises are established From the point of enterprises and the government, the measures of eliminating the externalily are discusse...The paper analyzes the external economy of pollution, Two different cost models of enterprises are established From the point of enterprises and the government, the measures of eliminating the externalily are discussed, and the limits the measures are analyzed.展开更多
A combination of solar hot water system with the economizer for heating the water that circulates in the hot water storage tank is presented with the objective to reduce and analyze the cost of investment. The solar c...A combination of solar hot water system with the economizer for heating the water that circulates in the hot water storage tank is presented with the objective to reduce and analyze the cost of investment. The solar collector area will be affected to the investment cost of the solar hot water system. A combined system can be reduced the cost of solar collector by using the waste heat from the economizer to produce the hot water for reaching the requirement of the industry. In this paper the economizer installs in the boiler stack of the industry and produces hot water at 60 ℃ of 5,400 liter per day and the solar hot water system produces the hot water at the same temperature of 6,100 liter per day. The analysis is proposed by determining the solar collector plate area from the data and calculation. Investment cost of the system is 151,000 baht for the solar hot water system of 110,000 baht and the economizer of 410,000 baht for producing the total hot water of 115,000 liter per day.展开更多
Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) provides a systematic approach to assess the total cost associated with owning, operating, and maintaining assets throughout their entire life. BIM empowers architects and designers to ...Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) provides a systematic approach to assess the total cost associated with owning, operating, and maintaining assets throughout their entire life. BIM empowers architects and designers to perform real-time evaluations to explore various design options. However, when integrated with LCCA, BIM provides a comprehensive economic perspective that helps stakeholders understand the long-term financial implications of design decisions. This study presents a methodology for developing a model that seamlessly integrates BIM and LCCA during the conceptual design stage of buildings. This integration allows for a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the design process, ensuring that the development aligns with the principles of low carbon emissions by employing modular construction, 3D concrete printing methods, and different building design alternatives. The model considers the initial construction costs in addition to all the long-term operational, maintenance, and salvage values. It combines various tools and data through different modules, including energy analysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to execute a comprehensive assessment of the financial implications of a specific design option throughout the lifecycle of building projects. The development of the said model and its implementation involves the creation of a new plug-in for the BIM tool (i.e., Autodesk Revit) to enhance its functionalities and capabilities in forecasting the life-cycle costs of buildings in addition to generating associated cash flows, creating scenarios, and sensitivity analyses in an automatic manner. This model empowers designers to evaluate and justify their initial investments while designing and selecting potential construction methods for buildings, and enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions by assessing different design alternatives based on long-term financial considerations during the early stages of design.展开更多
Excessive consumption of refined grains harms human health and ecosystem viability.Whole grains,as a healthy and sustainable alternative to refined grains,can benefit individual health by providing dietary fiber,B vit...Excessive consumption of refined grains harms human health and ecosystem viability.Whole grains,as a healthy and sustainable alternative to refined grains,can benefit individual health by providing dietary fiber,B vitamins,and bioactive substances.Additionally,they aid in improving the environment due to their higher extraction rate and lower carbon emission during the processing stage.However,few studies have attempted to evaluate the economic and social benefits of increasing the amount of whole grain in grain intake.This paper estimates the potential savings in healthcare costs and reduced food carbon footprints(CFs)that could result from a shift toward whole grain consumption following the Chinese Dietary Guidelines(CDG).We investigate hypothetical scenarios where a certain proportion(5–100%)of Chinese adults could increase their whole grain intakes as proposed by CDG to meet the average shortfall of 30.2 g.In that case,the healthcare costs for associated diseases(e.g.,type2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),cardiovascular disease(CVD),and colorectal cancer(CRC))are expected to reduce by a substantial amount,from USD 2.82 to 56.37 billion;the carbon emission levels are also projected to decrease by0.24–5.72 million tons.This study provides compelling evidence that advocating for the transition towards greater consumption of whole grain products could benefit individual health,the environment,and society,by reducing both healthcare costs and carbon emissions.展开更多
It is well established that hydrogen has the potential to make a significant contribution to the world energy production.In U.S.,majority of hydrogen production plants implement steam methane reforming(SMR) for centra...It is well established that hydrogen has the potential to make a significant contribution to the world energy production.In U.S.,majority of hydrogen production plants implement steam methane reforming(SMR) for centralized hydrogen production.However,there is a wide lack of agreement on the nascent stage of using hydrogen as fuel in vehicles industry because of the difficulty in delivery and storage.By performing technological and economic analysis,this work aims to establish the most feasible hydrogen production pathway for automotives in near future.From the evaluation,processes such as thermal cracking of ammonia and centralized hydrogen production followed by bulk delivery are eliminated while on-site steam reforming of methanol and natural gas are the most technologically feasible options.These two processes are further evaluated by comprehensive economic analysis.The results showed that the steam reforming(SR) of natural gas has a shorter payback time and a higher return on investment(ROI) and internal rate of return(IRR).Sensitivity analysis has also been constructed to evaluate the impact of variables like NG feedstock price,capital of investment and operating capacity factor on the overall production cost of hydrogen.Based on this study,natural gas is prompted to be the most economically and technologically available raw material for short-term hydrogen production before the transition to renewable energy source such as solar energy,biomass and wind power.展开更多
Postoperative complications(PC)are a basic health outcome,but no surgery service in the world records and/or audits the PC associated with all the surgical procedures it performs.Most studies that have assessed the co...Postoperative complications(PC)are a basic health outcome,but no surgery service in the world records and/or audits the PC associated with all the surgical procedures it performs.Most studies that have assessed the cost of PC suffer from poor quality and a lack of transparency and consistency.The payment system in place often rewards the volume of services provided rather than the quality of patients’clinical outcomes.Without a thorough registration of PC,the economic costs involved cannot be determined.An accurate,reliable appraisal would help identify areas for investment in order to reduce the incidence of PC,improve surgical results,and bring down the economic costs.This article describes how to quantify and classify PC using the Clavien-Dindo classification and the comprehensive complication index,discusses the perspectives from which economic evaluations are performed and the minimum postoperative follow-up established,and makes various recommendations.The availability of accurate and impartially audited data on PC will help reduce their incidence and bring down costs.Patients,the health authorities,and society as a whole are sure to benefit.展开更多
China has put great efforts into air pollution control over the past years and recently committed to its most ambitious climate target.Cost and benefit analysis has been widely used to evaluate the control policies in...China has put great efforts into air pollution control over the past years and recently committed to its most ambitious climate target.Cost and benefit analysis has been widely used to evaluate the control policies in terms of past performance,future reduction potential,and direct and indirect impacts.To understand the cost and benefit analysis for air pollution control in China,we conducted a bibliometric review of more than 100 studies published over the past two decades,including the current research progress,most commonly adopted methods,and core findings.The control target in cost and benefit analysis has shifted in three stages,from individual and primary pollution control,moving to joint prevention of multiple and secondary pollutants,and then towards synergistic control of air pollution and carbon.With the expansion of the research scope,the integrated assessment model has gradually demonstrated the necessity for long-term ex-anti policy simulation,especially for dealing with complex factors.To ensure long-term air quality,climate,public health,and sustainable economic development,substantial evidence from published studies has suggested that China needs to continue its efforts in the upstream adjustment of the energy system and industrial structure with multi-regional and-sector collaboration.This cost and benefit review paper provides decision-makers with the fundamental information and knowledge gaps in air pollution control strategies in China,and direction for facing future challenges.展开更多
The shortage of natural aggregates is becoming a severe problem in the pavement industry globally.To address this issue,in this study,an effort was made to use reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP)and coal gangue(CG)as coar...The shortage of natural aggregates is becoming a severe problem in the pavement industry globally.To address this issue,in this study,an effort was made to use reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP)and coal gangue(CG)as coarse and fine aggregate,respectively for producing the hot mix asphalt(HMA).As the replacement of natural aggregate,there were seven types of HMA containing 20%and 40%RAP coarse aggregate content,and 10%and 25%CG fine aggregate content were designed and prepared.In addition,Marshall Stability test,rutting resistance test,immersion Marshall test,freezing-thaw splitting test,moisture-induced sensitivity test,and low-temperature semicircle bending test were conducted.The results show that the properties of the asphalt mixture containing both RAP and CG meet the Chinese specification through it is slightly lower than the virgin asphalt mixture.Furthermore,the addition of 40%RAP coarse aggregate and 25%CG fine aggregate to asphalt mixes can significantly reduce manufacturing costs,energy consumption,and CO_(2)emissions by 29.4%,19.8%,and 21.9%,respectively,compared to the virgin asphalt mixture.The finding of this study contributes to current knowledge by investigating the feasibility of jointly using the RAP and CG in asphalt mixture,which could be interested by both industry and academic society.展开更多
基金funded by National Institute for Health Research(NIHR)(RP-PG-1212-20019)。
文摘To the editor:Peer workers-people with personal experiences of using mental health services,trained to provide support to others currently using similar services--are increasingly integrated into the workforce of mental health systems internationally.
文摘BACKGROUND Although substantial evidence supports the advantages of cold snare polypectomy(CSP)in terms of polypectomy efficacy and reduced postoperative adverse events,few studies have examined the cost differences between CSP and traditional endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)for the treatment of intestinal polyps.AIM To compare the efficacy-cost of EMR and CSP in the treatment of intestinal polyps.METHODS A total of 100 patients with intestinal polyps were included in the retrospective data of our hospital from April 2022 to May 2023.According to the treatment methods,they were divided into EMR(n=46)group and CSP(n=54)group.The baseline data of the two groups were balanced by 1:1 propensity score matching(PSM),and the cost-effectiveness analysis was performed on the two groups after matching.The recurrence rate of the two groups of patients was followed up for 1 year,and they were divided into recurrence group and non-recurrence group according to whether they recurred.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen out the influencing factors affecting the recurrence of intestinal polyps after endoscopic resection.RESULTS Significant disparities were observed in the number of polyps and smoking background between the two groups before PSM(P<0.05).Following PSM,the number of polyps and smoking history were well balanced between the EMR and CSP groups.The direct cost incurred by the CSP group was markedly higher than that incurred by the EMR group.Concurrently,the cost-effectiveness ratio in the CSP group was substantially reduced when juxtaposed with that in the EMR group(P<0.05).Upon completion of the 1-year follow-up,the rate of recurrence after endoscopic intestinal polypectomy was 38.00%.Multivariate methods revealed that age≥60 years,male sex,number of polyps≥3,and pathological type of adenoma were risk factors for recurrence after endoscopic intestinal polypectomy(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION CSP was more cost-effective for the treatment of intestinal polyps.An age≥60 years,male sex,having a number of polyps≥3,and pathological type of adenoma are independent influencing factors for recurrence.
基金The Science and Technology Project of Jiangsu Provincial Communications Department(No.7621000078)
文摘Pavement performance and economic efficiency are researched on the perpetual test pavement of Yijiang-Suzhou Express Highway in Jiangsu province, China. Test sections were continuously monitored. The conditions and developing laws of deflection, rutting and cracking are compared among the perpetual pavement with the rich binder layer （RBL）, the perpetual pavement without the RBL, and the conventional semi-rigid asphalt pavement in the past eight years after opening for traffic. Economical evaluation is conducted via life cycle cost analysis （LCCA）. Based on the performance comparison and LCCA analysis, sections with the RBL have good crack resistance, but they are not very satisfactory in the aspect of permanent deformation; the conventional semi-rigid asphalt pavement is the least economic one due to requiring more frequent maintenance. Research results show that the perpetual pavement without RBL is a more appropriate structure for the test site.
文摘Objective:Treatment options for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer(mCRPC)have expanded rapidly in recent years.Given the significant economic burden,we sought perform a cost-effectiveness analysis(CEA)of the contemporary treatment paradigm for mCRPC.Methods:We devised a treatment protocol consisting of sipuleucel-T,enzalutamide,abiraterone,docetaxel,radium-223,and cabazitaxel.We estimated number and length of treatments for each therapy using dosing schedules or progression free survival data from published clinical trials.We estimated treatment cost using billing data and Medicare reimbursement values and performed a CEA.Our analysis assumed US$100,000 per life year saved(LYS)as the threshold societal willingness to pay.Results:Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios(ICER)for strategies incorporating sipuleucel-T that were not eliminated by extended dominance exceeded the societal threshold willingnessto-pay of US$100,000 per LYS,the lowest of which was sipuleucel-T+enzalutamide+abiraterone+docetaxel at US$207,714 per LYS.Enzalutamide+abiraterone+docetaxel exhibited the most favorable ICER among strategies without sipuleucel-T at US$165,460 per LYS.Conclusion:Based on the available survival data and current costs of treatment,all treatment strategies greatly exceed a commonly assumed societal willingness-to-pay threshold of US$100,000 per LYS.Improvements in this regard can only comewith a reduction in pricing,better tailoring of treatment or significant enhancements in survival with clinical use of treatment combinations or sequences.
文摘AIM: To analyze and calculate the relative cost of various childhood glaucoma surgical interventions per mm Hg intraocular pressure(IOP) reduction($/mm Hg).METHODS: Representative index studies were reviewed to quantitate the reduction of mean IOP and glaucoma medications for each surgical intervention in childhood glaucoma. A US perspective was adopted, using Medicare allowable costs to calculate cost/mm Hg IOP reduction($/mm Hg) at 1y postoperatively.RESULTS: At 1y postoperatively, the cost/mm Hg IOP reduction was $226/mm Hg for microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy, $284/mm Hg for cyclophotocoagulation, $288/mm Hg for conventional ab-externo trabeculotomy, $338/mm Hg for Ahmed glaucoma valve, $350/mm Hg for Baerveldt glaucoma implant, $351/mm Hg for goniotomy, and $400/mm Hg for trabeculectomy.CONCLUSION: Microcatheter-assisted circumferential trabeculotomy is the most cost-efficient surgical method to lower IOP in childhood glaucoma, while trabeculectomy is the least cost-efficient surgical method.
文摘Agroforestry and beekeeping are widely promoted as prospective Nature-</span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Based Income Generating Activities (NIGAs) to improve livelihoods while at </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the same time enhancing biodiversity conservation in degrading</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> agro-ecologies. These activities can diversify and increase famers’ incomes and support in</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">stinctive biota and fauna resilience. However, evidence to showcase and compare their long-term benefits is scant. We use the case of Uluguru</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Mountains in Tanzania to evaluate and compare viability of agroforestry and beekeeping projects using the Cost</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Benefit Analysis (CBA) approach. The results of analysis yielded positive NPVs for both agroforestry and beekeeping projects at discount rates not higher than 8.2% and 8.5% respectively. Overall, the comparison of economic viability between agroforestry and beekeeping projects revealed that the former was relatively more profitable than the later in terms of both the NPV and Benefit</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cost Ratio (BCR) criteria. However, the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for beekeeping was slightly higher than that of agroforestry. Yet, we underscore the fact that these two projects can jointly be implemented to enhance livelihoods of farmers and support biodiversity conservation in the study </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">area </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">and other parts with similar agro-ecologies in developing countries. However, farmers in these agro-ecologies need to be supported by governments and non-government development partners in terms of training and inspiration to shift from orthodox farming to sustainable NIGAs.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.61802254,62072299,and 61772336)。
文摘For probabilistic programs,there is some work for qualitative and quantitative analysis about expec-tation or mean,such as expected termination time,and expected cost analysis.However,another non-trivial issue is about tail bounds(i.e.,upper bounds of tail probabilities),which can provide high-probability guarantees to extreme events.In this work,we focus on the problem of tail-bound cost analysis over nondeterministic proba-bilistic programs,which aims to automatically obtain the tail bound of resource usages over such programs.To achieve this goal,we present a novel approach,combined with a suitable concentration inequality,to derive the tail bound of accumulated cost until program termination.Our approach can handle both positive and negative costs.Moreover,our approach enables an automated template-based synthesis of supermartingales and leads to an efficient polynomial-time algorithm.To show the effectiveness of our approach,we present experimental results on various programs and make a comparison with state-of-the-art tools.
文摘BACKGROUND Laparoscopic Heller myotomy(LHM)has been the traditional surgical treatment for achalasia.Recently,peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)has demonstrated similar clinical outcomes with shorter procedure times.Studies comparing the direct cost-effectiveness of POEM vs LHM are limited.AIM To compare costs of POEM vs LHM.METHODS Haider SA et al.Comparing costs:POEM vs Heller myotomy WJGE https://www.wjgnet.com 594 October 16,2023 Volume 15 Issue 10 This retrospective chart review aimed to compare the outcomes and cost of clinical care between patients who underwent POEM and LHM procedures for achalasia.The study was conducted at a tertiary academic center from January 2019 to December 2020.Clinical outcomes,including post-operative Eckardt scores and adverse events,were assessed and compared between the two groups.Direct cost variance analysis was utilized to evaluate the cost of clinical care incurred by patients undergoing POEM in the year preceding the procedure,during the index admission,and one year post-procedure,in comparison to patients undergoing LHM.RESULTS Of 30 patients were included(15 POEM and 15 LHM)in the study.Patients in the POEM group had a mean Eckardt score of 0.5±0.5 post-procedure,which was no different from patients in the LHM group(0.7±0.6,P=0.17)indicating comparative efficacy.However,the total costs of the admission for the procedure in the LHM group were on average$1827 more expensive than in the POEM group(P<0.01).Total healthcare costs one year prior to index procedure were$7777 higher in the LHM group,but not statistically different(P=0.34).The patients in the LHM group one year after the index procedure had accrued$19730.24 larger total cost,although this was not statistically different from POEM group(P=0.68).CONCLUSION Despite similar clinical outcomes,the cost of the index procedure admission for POEM was significantly lower than for LHM.The difference was primarily related to shorter time increments utilized in the operating room during the index procedure,and shorter length of hospital stay following POEM.
文摘This paper systematically generalizes relevant theories and methods regarding mining cost control and constitutes the model for the mining cost analysis. It also comes up with the sensitivity factor analysis to conduct mining cost control. The theories and methods have been experimented with Jiangsu Chuanshan Mining Joint-Stock Company Ltd. Case studies have been undertaken on mining cost of the company and the most sensitive factor which affects mining cost has been found accordingly. Finally the paper concludes that the focus concerning the cost control of the company should be directed at output and material costs.
文摘The purpose of this paper is to investigate reasonable cost benefit criteria within the framework of environmental formal safety assessment （FSA）. In this study a statistical analysis of oil spill data was carried out based on the report of International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds. According to the statistical study of actual oil spill from tankers, it is found that collisions and groundings are the most probable causes of the oil spills from tankers. Probability distributions of costs of oil spill and oil spill amount are investigated, and a non-linear regression formula between costs of oil spills and oil spill weight are derived. Using the regression formula, an oil spill weight dependent CATStm （Cost of Averting a Ton of oil Spilt） is proposed. Moreover in order to apply the weight dependent CATSthr to cost benefit analysis （CBA）, a new cost-effective criterion is newly proposed with considering its concrete application to environmental FSA.
文摘An integrated pest management model of Cost/Benefit analysis strategy was constructed for stem corn borer Sesamia cretica using complementary control measures of different resistant genotypes of corn with the chemical insecticide diazinon 60%. Based on Cost/Benefit analysis result, the resistant genotype （SAKHA 9433） provides maximum economic value of production at the model point where no spray of insecticide is applied. The applications of one or two sprays do not justify the use of chemical insecticide but rather result in economic loss since the reduction in borer damage value, due to diazinon use, is lower than the cost of control （spray）. However, the applications of one spray for the moderate resistant genotype （IPA 2052） and two sprays for the sensitive genotype （CML 323） during corn growing season would be of value to cover the cost of control （spray） but do not achieve similar economic value of revenue comparing with the resistant genotype.
文摘The paper analyzes the external economy of pollution, Two different cost models of enterprises are established From the point of enterprises and the government, the measures of eliminating the externalily are discussed, and the limits the measures are analyzed.
文摘A combination of solar hot water system with the economizer for heating the water that circulates in the hot water storage tank is presented with the objective to reduce and analyze the cost of investment. The solar collector area will be affected to the investment cost of the solar hot water system. A combined system can be reduced the cost of solar collector by using the waste heat from the economizer to produce the hot water for reaching the requirement of the industry. In this paper the economizer installs in the boiler stack of the industry and produces hot water at 60 ℃ of 5,400 liter per day and the solar hot water system produces the hot water at the same temperature of 6,100 liter per day. The analysis is proposed by determining the solar collector plate area from the data and calculation. Investment cost of the system is 151,000 baht for the solar hot water system of 110,000 baht and the economizer of 410,000 baht for producing the total hot water of 115,000 liter per day.
文摘Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) provides a systematic approach to assess the total cost associated with owning, operating, and maintaining assets throughout their entire life. BIM empowers architects and designers to perform real-time evaluations to explore various design options. However, when integrated with LCCA, BIM provides a comprehensive economic perspective that helps stakeholders understand the long-term financial implications of design decisions. This study presents a methodology for developing a model that seamlessly integrates BIM and LCCA during the conceptual design stage of buildings. This integration allows for a comprehensive evaluation and analysis of the design process, ensuring that the development aligns with the principles of low carbon emissions by employing modular construction, 3D concrete printing methods, and different building design alternatives. The model considers the initial construction costs in addition to all the long-term operational, maintenance, and salvage values. It combines various tools and data through different modules, including energy analysis, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to execute a comprehensive assessment of the financial implications of a specific design option throughout the lifecycle of building projects. The development of the said model and its implementation involves the creation of a new plug-in for the BIM tool (i.e., Autodesk Revit) to enhance its functionalities and capabilities in forecasting the life-cycle costs of buildings in addition to generating associated cash flows, creating scenarios, and sensitivity analyses in an automatic manner. This model empowers designers to evaluate and justify their initial investments while designing and selecting potential construction methods for buildings, and enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions by assessing different design alternatives based on long-term financial considerations during the early stages of design.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72203214 and 72061147002)China Scholarship Council(CSC)(201913043)。
文摘Excessive consumption of refined grains harms human health and ecosystem viability.Whole grains,as a healthy and sustainable alternative to refined grains,can benefit individual health by providing dietary fiber,B vitamins,and bioactive substances.Additionally,they aid in improving the environment due to their higher extraction rate and lower carbon emission during the processing stage.However,few studies have attempted to evaluate the economic and social benefits of increasing the amount of whole grain in grain intake.This paper estimates the potential savings in healthcare costs and reduced food carbon footprints(CFs)that could result from a shift toward whole grain consumption following the Chinese Dietary Guidelines(CDG).We investigate hypothetical scenarios where a certain proportion(5–100%)of Chinese adults could increase their whole grain intakes as proposed by CDG to meet the average shortfall of 30.2 g.In that case,the healthcare costs for associated diseases(e.g.,type2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),cardiovascular disease(CVD),and colorectal cancer(CRC))are expected to reduce by a substantial amount,from USD 2.82 to 56.37 billion;the carbon emission levels are also projected to decrease by0.24–5.72 million tons.This study provides compelling evidence that advocating for the transition towards greater consumption of whole grain products could benefit individual health,the environment,and society,by reducing both healthcare costs and carbon emissions.
基金support from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)Lighten R&D Consultancy Ltd for providing advices
文摘It is well established that hydrogen has the potential to make a significant contribution to the world energy production.In U.S.,majority of hydrogen production plants implement steam methane reforming(SMR) for centralized hydrogen production.However,there is a wide lack of agreement on the nascent stage of using hydrogen as fuel in vehicles industry because of the difficulty in delivery and storage.By performing technological and economic analysis,this work aims to establish the most feasible hydrogen production pathway for automotives in near future.From the evaluation,processes such as thermal cracking of ammonia and centralized hydrogen production followed by bulk delivery are eliminated while on-site steam reforming of methanol and natural gas are the most technologically feasible options.These two processes are further evaluated by comprehensive economic analysis.The results showed that the steam reforming(SR) of natural gas has a shorter payback time and a higher return on investment(ROI) and internal rate of return(IRR).Sensitivity analysis has also been constructed to evaluate the impact of variables like NG feedstock price,capital of investment and operating capacity factor on the overall production cost of hydrogen.Based on this study,natural gas is prompted to be the most economically and technologically available raw material for short-term hydrogen production before the transition to renewable energy source such as solar energy,biomass and wind power.
文摘Postoperative complications(PC)are a basic health outcome,but no surgery service in the world records and/or audits the PC associated with all the surgical procedures it performs.Most studies that have assessed the cost of PC suffer from poor quality and a lack of transparency and consistency.The payment system in place often rewards the volume of services provided rather than the quality of patients’clinical outcomes.Without a thorough registration of PC,the economic costs involved cannot be determined.An accurate,reliable appraisal would help identify areas for investment in order to reduce the incidence of PC,improve surgical results,and bring down the economic costs.This article describes how to quantify and classify PC using the Clavien-Dindo classification and the comprehensive complication index,discusses the perspectives from which economic evaluations are performed and the minimum postoperative follow-up established,and makes various recommendations.The availability of accurate and impartially audited data on PC will help reduce their incidence and bring down costs.Patients,the health authorities,and society as a whole are sure to benefit.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2019YFC0214805)the National Social Science Foundation of China(No.21AZD060)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.71810107001 and 72073003)the 111 Project Urban Air Pollution and Health Effects(No.B20009),Peking University。
文摘China has put great efforts into air pollution control over the past years and recently committed to its most ambitious climate target.Cost and benefit analysis has been widely used to evaluate the control policies in terms of past performance,future reduction potential,and direct and indirect impacts.To understand the cost and benefit analysis for air pollution control in China,we conducted a bibliometric review of more than 100 studies published over the past two decades,including the current research progress,most commonly adopted methods,and core findings.The control target in cost and benefit analysis has shifted in three stages,from individual and primary pollution control,moving to joint prevention of multiple and secondary pollutants,and then towards synergistic control of air pollution and carbon.With the expansion of the research scope,the integrated assessment model has gradually demonstrated the necessity for long-term ex-anti policy simulation,especially for dealing with complex factors.To ensure long-term air quality,climate,public health,and sustainable economic development,substantial evidence from published studies has suggested that China needs to continue its efforts in the upstream adjustment of the energy system and industrial structure with multi-regional and-sector collaboration.This cost and benefit review paper provides decision-makers with the fundamental information and knowledge gaps in air pollution control strategies in China,and direction for facing future challenges.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province of China(Grant No.20202BABL214046)lthe Natural Science Foundation of Uygur Autonomous Region of China(Grant No.2020D01A92)l the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2020M683709XB).
文摘The shortage of natural aggregates is becoming a severe problem in the pavement industry globally.To address this issue,in this study,an effort was made to use reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP)and coal gangue(CG)as coarse and fine aggregate,respectively for producing the hot mix asphalt(HMA).As the replacement of natural aggregate,there were seven types of HMA containing 20%and 40%RAP coarse aggregate content,and 10%and 25%CG fine aggregate content were designed and prepared.In addition,Marshall Stability test,rutting resistance test,immersion Marshall test,freezing-thaw splitting test,moisture-induced sensitivity test,and low-temperature semicircle bending test were conducted.The results show that the properties of the asphalt mixture containing both RAP and CG meet the Chinese specification through it is slightly lower than the virgin asphalt mixture.Furthermore,the addition of 40%RAP coarse aggregate and 25%CG fine aggregate to asphalt mixes can significantly reduce manufacturing costs,energy consumption,and CO_(2)emissions by 29.4%,19.8%,and 21.9%,respectively,compared to the virgin asphalt mixture.The finding of this study contributes to current knowledge by investigating the feasibility of jointly using the RAP and CG in asphalt mixture,which could be interested by both industry and academic society.
