Hasil untuk "Costs"

Changhai Yang, Ding Li, Yuxuan Wang et al.

With the increasing share of renewable energy, green power parks face challenges such as high electricity purchasing costs and fluctuations in power quality. To address these issues, this paper proposes an integrated optimization method based on power quality responsibility modeling and a differentiated reward–penalty pricing mechanism (DRPPM). First, an integrated operation model of “source–grid–load–storage” is established. Within the pressure–state–response (PSR) framework, power quality deviations are quantified and mapped into economic costs. Then, a differentiated reward–penalty pricing mechanism is designed to dynamically adjust power quality deviations through a continuous function, guiding users toward adaptive energy consumption behavior. Finally, a green power park in Gansu Province dominated by wind and photovoltaic generation is used as a case study with four typical simulation scenarios. The results show that the proposed mechanism reduces the park’s electricity purchasing cost and increases the green power consumption ratio by up to 74.9%. Meanwhile, it effectively improves power quality indicators such as frequency, voltage, and harmonics. The study verifies the comprehensive advantages of the proposed framework in terms of economy, energy efficiency, and stability, providing a reference for low-carbon and efficient operation of high-energy-consumption green power parks.

Wu Wen, Yibin Huang, Xinxin Zhao et al.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence technology, the traditional cloud-based centralized model training and inference face significant limitations due to high transmission latency and costs, which restrict user-side in-situ Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) service requests. To this end, we propose the Edge Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (EdgeAIGC) framework, which can effectively address the challenges of cloud computing by implementing in-situ processing of services close to the data source through edge computing. However, AIGC models usually have a large parameter scale and complex computing requirements, which poses a huge challenge to the storage and computing resources of edge devices. This paper focuses on the edge intelligence model caching and resource allocation problems in the EdgeAIGC framework, aiming to improve the cache hit rate and resource utilization of edge devices for models by optimizing the model caching strategy and resource allocation scheme, and realize in-situ AIGC service processing. With the optimization objectives of minimizing service request response time and execution cost in resource-constrained environments, we employ the Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient algorithm for optimization. Experimental results show that, compared with other methods, our model caching and resource allocation strategies can effectively improve the cache hit rate by at least 41.06% and reduce the response cost as well.

Paweł Kelm, Rozmysław Mieński, Irena Wasiak

In accordance with the European common rules for the internal electricity market, suppliers offer end users contracts with dynamic energy prices. To reduce energy costs, prosumers must manage their installations with energy storage devices (ESSs). The authors propose a novel control strategy with a relatively simple simulation-based algorithm that effectively reduces daily energy costs by managing the ESS charging and discharging schedule under different types of dynamic energy tariffs. The algorithm operates in a running window mode to ensure ongoing control updates in response to the changing conditions of the prosumer’s installation operation and dynamically changing energy prices. A feature of the control system is its ability to regulate the power exchanged with the supply network in response to an external signal from a superior control system or a network operator. This feature allows the control system to participate in regulatory services provided by the prosumer to the DSO. The effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm was verified in the PSCAD V4 Professional environment and with the MS Excel SOLVER for Office 365 optimisation tool. The results showed good accuracy with respect to the cost reduction algorithm and confirmed that the additional regulatory service can be effectively implemented within the same prosumer ESS control system.

Patrícia Costa Silva, Matheus Batista Sabino, Maria Beatriz Ferreira et al.

Lettuce is among the 10 most valued vegetables for fresh consumption in Brazil. The use of rock powder in lettuce crops for soil acidity correction or fertilization is an option for reducing production costs. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of rock powder rates mica schist and irrigation water depths on the development and production characteristics of lettuce crops. The study was conducted in the experimental area of the State University of Goiás, using pelletized seeds of the lettuce cultivar Crespa Vanda. A randomized block experimental design with four replications was used, in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement composed of four irrigation water depths: 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and four rock powder rates: 6, 8, 10, and 12 tons per hectare (t ha⁻¹), associated with mineral soil fertilizer application, totaling 16 treatments and 64 experimental plots. The variables evaluated were plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, head diameter, total fresh weight, commercial fresh weight, leaf area index, useful leaf area, estimated yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and water use efficiency. The data were subjected to regression analysis and principal component analysis. The variables studied exhibited predominantly low to medium coefficients of variation in all treatments, confirming the homogeneous conditions and precision of the study. The treatment with the highest rock powder rate (12 t ha⁻¹) provided the best results regarding agronomic effects for all lettuce crop variables evaluated. This rate provided better plant growth and development, resulting in improved response for production variables that are agronomically and economically relevant. The highest water use efficiency was found for the water depth of 50% ETc; however, the best lettuce production results were found for the irrigation water depth of 100% ETc. This water depth highlighted the strong correlation of commercial and total fresh weights with commercial and total production, as they are production components of the crop.

Peter G Noordzij, Lisette M Vernooij, Olaf L Cremer et al.

Purpose Postoperative complications increase mortality, disability and costs. Advanced understanding of the risk factors for postoperative complications is needed to improve surgical outcomes. This paper discusses the rationale and profile of the BIGPROMISE (biomarkers to guide perioperative management and improve outcome in high-risk surgery) cohort, that aims to investigate risk factors, pathophysiology and outcomes related to postoperative complications.Participants Adult patients undergoing major surgery in two tertiary teaching hospitals. Clinical data and blood samples are collected before surgery, at the end of surgery and on the first, second and third postoperative day. At each time point a panel of cardiovascular, inflammatory, renal, haematological and metabolic biomarkers is assessed. Aliquots of plasma, serum and whole blood of each time point are frozen and stored. Data on severe complications are prospectively collected during 30 days after surgery. Functional status is assessed before surgery and after 120 days using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0. Mortality is followed up until 2 years after surgery.Findings to date The first patient was enrolled on 8 October 2021. Currently (1 January 2024) 3086 patients were screened for eligibility, of whom 1750 (57%) provided informed consent for study participation. Median age was 66 years (60; 73), 28% were female, and 68% of all patients were American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status class 3. Most common types of major surgery were cardiac (49%) and gastro-intestinal procedures (26%). The overall incidence of 30-day severe postoperative complications was 16%.Future plans By the end of the recruitment phase, expected in 2026, approximately 3000 patients with major surgery will have been enrolled. This cohort allows us to investigate the role of pathophysiological perioperative processes in the cause of postoperative complications, and to discover and develop new biomarkers to improve risk stratification for adverse postoperative outcomes.Trial registration number NCT05199025.

Obaidullah Mohiuddin, Adam P. Harvey, Maria Teresa Orta Ledesma et al.

Over the past two decades, interest in pollutant removal by yeasts has grown substantially. Yeasts can remove high amounts of pollutants at low production costs under non-sterile conditions. This work presents a compilation of the studies carried out regarding the potential application of yeasts in the treatment of wastewater. For example, a summary is presented on data about various yeast strains that are used to treat wastewater. The study will help the decision-making process for the selection of yeast for a type of wastewater and support research efforts by acquiring an overview of advancements in this area. Yeast treatment is versatile and has outstanding adaptability to varying treatment conditions. The effectiveness of yeast in treating wastewater is influenced by multiple factors. Yeast technology could potentially be retrofitted to existing activated sludge processes or be used instead of bacteria. Within its characteristics, we can observe tolerance to low pH (3.0–5.0), high salinity, high organic loads, antibiotics, and survive in up to 12% v/v alcohol mixtures. In fact, using low pH for yeast cultivation reduces bacterial contamination and supports yeast domination under non-sterile conditions. Laboratory-scale trials for yeast wastewater treatment have shown improvement over the past two decades; however, efficiencies differ according to the type of wastewater. In general, yeast offers several benefits compared to traditional microbial treatment methods, especially in its capacity to effectively process diverse organic carbon sources. However, it still must be proven to be an effective technology at an industrial scale.How to cite: Mohiuddin O, Harvey A, Orta Ledesma MT, et al. Bioremediation of waste by yeast strains. Electron J Biotechnol 2024;69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2024.01.005.

Sylvester William Chisale, Samuel Eliya, John Taulo

Interrupted power supply and poor access to electricity (15%) have been persistent problems in Malawi for decades. Diversification of resources is required to solve the challenges. Therefore, this study is aimed at conducting a techno-economic analysis of a hybrid system to ensure electricity reliability, bill reduction, and reduced grid demand at a school. The study investigated six hybrid system scenarios that had various combinations of the grid, diesel, solar PV, wind, biogas, and battery. The HOMER Pro model was used to determine the best system combination. Six scenarios were examined further using the CRITIC-PROMETHEE II approaches. The best system configuration included grid, solar PV, and biogas electricity. Biogas generation is mainly from human excreta. The study also investigated the effect of the 2022 inflation rate on the financial performance of the system, which had shown a sharp increase in capital, replacement, O&M costs, and payback time. The proposed system’s levelized cost of electricity is 0.095 $/kWh, which is less than Malawi’s grid’s levelized cost of 0.11 $/kWh. Environmentally, the system could help to reduce greenhouse emissions, including those from the sewage system. Therefore, schools and governments should invest in alternative energy generation.

Diego Ponce, Alexander Aguila Téllez, Narayanan Krishnan

The growth in the demand for electrical energy, which is driven by the constant growth of the metropolises and the expansion of the productive capacities of the industrial sector, entails the inevitable development of the electrical system to satisfy all the required demands in a convenient, efficient, and reliable manner. In this scenario, power distribution companies will continue to need to expand their electrical systems in the short and medium term to obtain the lowest investment and operating prices for the period considered in the analysis horizon. The expansion of the system can be projected statically or dynamically, which depends on the criteria that each distributor, in turn, applies in their expansion projects. Multi-criteria decision making can provide deeper analysis perspectives considering infinite possibilities for optimal network sizing and the technical, operational, quality of service, and even system reliability factors. This research proposes a multi-criteria decision technique based on the CRITIC method to determine the optimal design of an electrical distribution system. For this purpose, several design scenarios are defined with different types of electrical conductors, and the power flows are calculated in each. From these simulations, the results obtained in voltage profiles, namely active and reactive power losses, current levels, and the costs associated with the conductors used, are recorded. With the multi-criteria technique, the winning alternative is the design scenario containing the best joint solutions for the analysis variables. The proposed methodology is validated in an IEEE 34-bar test system. The Matpower tool, available through Matlab, generates power flows for each proposed design case. The results obtained in the analysis variables are generated and stored in a decision matrix of 210 alternatives. The proposed method represents a novel and powerful alternative for design proposals of distribution systems considering quality, efficiency, and cost criteria.

Fortune O. Alabi, Hadaya A. Alkhateeb, Mukudzeishe T. Zibanayi et al.

Abstract Background Despite the evidence-based guidelines promoted by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), the overuse of prescription drugs to manage COPD, particularly inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), remains a persistent challenge. In this real-world study, we evaluated how patients with COPD were divided into ABCD groups based on the 2017 GOLD guidelines, determined the rate of adherence to the GOLD treatment recommendations, described the rate of ICS usage, and determined the rate of triple therapy (TT) prescription. Methods The charts of 2291 patients diagnosed with COPD were retrospectively analyzed, of which 1438 matched the eligibility criteria. Results The average patient age was 69.6 ± 10.9 years; 52% of patients were female. The average COPD assessment test (CAT) score was 18.3 ± 9.1. The ABCD breakdown was as follows: group A 19.5%, group B 64.1%, group C 1.8%, and group D 14.6%. All groups, except group D, showed discordance in COPD treatment relative to the proposed GOLD guidelines. Only 18.9% of group A and 26% of group B were treated in concordance with the guidelines. TT was primarily used in group D (63.3%) and overused in groups A (30.6%) and B (47.8%). ICS was overused in all groups, particularly in groups A (56.2%) and B (67.3%). Conclusion Studies from the last decade have consistently revealed a lack of conformity between what physicians prescribe and what GOLD guidelines recommend. The excessive usage of ICS, which continues despite all the associated adverse effects and the attributable costs, is concerning. The awareness of GOLD guidelines among primary care physicians (PCPs) and respiratory specialists needs to be improved.

Julia Hartmann, Noah Henschel, Kristina Bartmann et al.

The currently accepted methods for neurotoxicity (NT) testing rely on animal studies. However, high costs and low testing throughput hinder their application for large numbers of chemicals. To overcome these limitations, in vitro methods are currently being developed based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) that allow higher testing throughput at lower costs. We applied six different protocols to generate 3D BrainSphere models for acute NT evaluation. These include three different media for 2D neural induction and two media for subsequent 3D differentiation resulting in self-organized, organotypic neuron/astrocyte microtissues. All induction protocols yielded nearly 100% <i>NESTIN</i>-positive hiPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (hiNPCs), though with different gene expression profiles concerning regional patterning. Moreover, gene expression and immunocytochemistry analyses revealed that the choice of media determines neural differentiation patterns. On the functional level, BrainSpheres exhibited different levels of electrical activity on microelectrode arrays (MEA). Spike sorting allowed BrainSphere functional characterization with the mixed cultures consisting of GABAergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic neurons. A test method for acute NT testing, the human multi-neurotransmitter receptor (hMNR) assay, was proposed to apply such MEA-based spike sorting. These models are promising tools not only in toxicology but also for drug development and disease modeling.

Rui C. Martins, Ângelo Sacras, Sanja Jovanovic et al.

Photocatalytic oxidation is promising technology for removal of recalcitrant pollutants from water. Solar energy can be an interesting radiation source since the operating costs can be lower. However, the use of powder photocatalyst is a major drawback of the technology since suitable separation technologies are required and catalysts recovery is difficult. This work aims to test the suitability of using polymeric supports to immobilize TiO 2 in the reactor and apply it for parabens removal from water by solar photocatalytic oxidation. Polyurethanes (PU) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes were prepared and modified with TiO 2. While PU materials are only able to adsorb (35% in 1 h) parabens whichever the modification applied, modified PDMS was able to promote parabens photocatalytic oxidation removing 20% in 1 h under solar energy. Plasma/UV modification was able to active PDMS membranes (16% of methyl paraben (MP) removal) and further entrapment of TiO 2 in the polymeric matrix did not improve the process (18% of MP removal). Thus, only the superficial TiO 2 was active. Results show that PDMS is suitable material to support TiO 2 aiming photocatalytic wastewater treatment process using the Sun as a clean and renewable energy source.

Alena Worschech, Uli Schlachter, Henning Wigger et al.

Flexible energy plants are one of the key requirements for future energy systems with high levels of fluctuating renewable energy. In the course of the transition to sustainable energy systems, regulatory frameworks and tax systems should promote carbon-reduced flexible power plants in a timely manner.This paper considers hybrid systems consisting of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and Power-to-Heat (PtH) modules which can contribute to a more flexible energy system by providing Frequency Containment Reserve (FCR). Contrary to many papers, this contribution explicitly focuses on taxes for FCR providing power plants, which are incurred annually or based on energy consumption. Additionally, regulatory frameworks are investigated, meaning requirements for FCR provision and conditions for energy trading. The effects of these factors on the economic efficiency of hybrid power plants providing FCR are analysed.The regulatory framework conditions and tax systems from three countries are analysed: Germany, France and Austria. For each of these countries four scenarios are simulated in which the net present values (NPV) are calculated considering the corresponding national tax systems and framework conditions. Additionally, operational strategies using the degrees of freedom (DoF) are examined regarding their influence on the economic performance.The comparison shows a huge influence of taxes on the profitability of the hybrid system. Framework conditions mostly play a minor role in this context. Compared to a benchmark scenario with uniform framework conditions and without taxes, on average the NPV decreases more rapidly considering taxes (−107 k€ in France to −710 k€ in Austria) than considering country specific framework conditions (−122 k€ in France to −308 k€ in Austria). Since framework conditions mostly determine the size of the battery capacity, they primarily affect the investment costs. Additionally, the longer the time slices and the earlier the gate closure is, the more often the hybrid systems violate requirements for FCR provision.

Hyekyoung Hwang, Tae-Sul Seo, Yong-Hee Han et al.

Open access is a paradigm whereby the electronic versions of scholarly publications are made freely accessible without any restrictions. It is actively promoted globally and is also promoted domestically in accordance with this global trend. However, there is a growing need to evaluate existing activities and to seek policies for the steady spread of open access. This study examines the necessity of switching to a national repository from existing institutional repositories through policy direction analysis of open repositories. We examined domestic open access policies by analysing various overseas cases and the situation in South Korea. Finally, we determined the validity of investment in a national repository by analysing its social and economic impacts using the modified Solow-Swan model. The main parameters for applying the modified Solow-Swan model were estimated, and the domestic research and development expenditure was predicted via a regression method. Then, we applied a range of rate of returns to research and development (10% to 50%) to various scenarios and examined the effects of increasing accessibility and efficiency by 1% to 10%. We found that the implementation of a national open access repository in South Korea would have a substantial impact (to the tune of 147 billion won), without considering the potential costs of such a repository. Based on the estimates of the social and economic impact of a national repository, the implementation of a national open access repository in South Korea is economically viable. Besides having beneficial social and economic impacts, a national repository is expected to enhance awareness of open access among Korean researchers and institutions.

Jens Reimer, Tobias Vogelmann, Daniel Trümper et al.

Abstract Background Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a substance use disorder with a chronic course associated with comorbid mental and somatic disorders, a high burden of psychosocial problems and opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) as a standard treatment. In the US, OUD imposes a significant economic burden on society, with annual societal costs estimated at over 55 billion dollars. Surprisingly, in Europe and especially in Germany, there is currently no detailed information on the healthcare costs of patients with OUD. The goal of the present research is to gather cost information about OUD patients in OMT with a focus on maintenance medication and relapses. Methods We analysed health claims data of four million persons covered by statutory health insurance in Germany, applying a cost-of-illness approach and aimed at examining the direct costs of OMT patients in Germany. Patients with an ICD-10 code F11.2 and at least one claim of an OMT medication were stratified into the treatment groups buprenorphine, methadone or levomethadone, based on the first prescription in each of the follow-up years. Costs were stratified for years with and without relapses. Group comparisons were performed with ANOVA. Results We analysed 3165 patient years, the total annual sickness funds costs were on average 7470 € per year and patient. Comparing costs of levomethadone (8400 €, SD: 11,080 €), methadone (7090 €, SD: 10,900 €) and buprenorphine (6670 €, SD: 7430 €) revealed significant lower costs of buprenorphine compared to levomethadone (p < 0.0001). In years with relapses, costs were higher than in years without relapses (8178 € vs 7409 €; SD: 11,622, resp. 10,378 €). In years with relapses, hospital costs were the major cost driver. Conclusions The present study shows the costs of OUD patients in OMT for the first time with a German dataset. Healthcare costs for patients with an OUD in OMT are associated with more than two times the cost of an average German patients. Preventing relapses might have significant impact on costs. Patients in different OMT were dissimilar which may have affected the cost differences.

Bijelić Branislav, Đorđević Dejan

The implementation of spatial plans in the Republic of Srpska is certainly the weakest phase of the process of spatial planning in this entity. It is particularly evident in the case of the Spatial Plan of the Republic of Srpska until 2015 which is the highest strategic spatial planning document in the Republic of Srpska. More precisely, the implementation of spatial plans has been defined as the carrying out of spatial planning documents, i.e. planning propositions as defined in the spatial plans. For the purpose of this paper, a quantitative analysis of the implementation of the planning propositions envisioned by this document has been carried out. The difference between what was planned and what was implemented at the end of the planning period (ex-post evaluation of planning decisions) is presented in this paper. The weighting factor is defined for each thematic field and planning proposition, where the main criterion for determining the weighting factor is the share of the planning proposition and thematic field in the estimated total costs of the plan (financial criterion). The paper has also tackled the issue of the implementation of the Spatial Plan of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the period 1981 - 2000, as well as of the Spatial Plan of the Republic of Srpska 1996 - 2001 - Phased Plan for the period 1996 - 2001, as the previous strategic spatial planning documents of the highest rank covering the area of the Republic of Srpska. The research results have proven primary hypothesis of the paper that the level of the implementation of Spatial Plan of the Republic of Srpska until 2015 is less than 10%.

М. V. Lesnikova

The national system for workforce training in professional-technical education institutions (PTEI) fulfill less than the third part of its key tasks: supply of the domestic economy with the skilled staff in conformity with the labor market needs, balancing of demand and supply of the workforce with due consideration to priority areas of the economic development. The main source of data on the labor market is statistical information collected by the State Employment Service. According to experts, the State Employment Service does not adequately provide the real picture across the labor market, because it administers mostly vacancies with low salary rates or ones not demanding high professional qualifications. Considering the above said, modernization of the education statistics on professional-technical education (PTE) is greatly important as a means for regulating interactions between the market of education services and the labor market. As of 01.01.2017, the PTEI network covered 810 education institutions (not including PTEI in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, located in the antiterrorist operation area), with quite even distribution of PTE institutions across the regions. Drawbacks of the professional education system, not properly adapted to future needs of the domestic economy, resulted in low competitiveness of most part of the youth at the labor market due to lack of professional competencies or lack of the required qualifications and skills. The scopes and professional and qualifications structures of professional training in PTE I are, by large, do not correspond with the employers’ needs. The main indicator reflecting the correspondence of the scopes and the professional and qualifications structure of PTEI graduates to the needs of domestic labor market is the integral coefficient of balance between demand and supply of the workforce trained in PTEI. The key components in the new model for statistical reporting on PTE are as follows: setting the conformity between the nomenclature of definitions (terms) for statistical reporting forms on PTE with definitions (terms) adopted in the Law of Ukraine “On Education”; inclusion of the indicator on PTE costs, by profession (or groups of professions) and source of financing; inclusion of the indicators reflecting the observance of PTE standards for persons with special needs, considering their individual mental, intellectual, physical and sensor abilities. The essential mechanisms for solutions of problems related with PTE development in Ukraine involve building up the institutional framework to implement the new innovative model for regulation of professional training by the principle of public-private-government partnership, i. e. engaging all the resources available with stakeholders and their as more extensive as possible adaptation of foreign (international) approaches and analogues that have proved their durable effectiveness.

Helena Grunfeld, Maria Lee Hoon Ng

Open distance learning (ODL) has long been an important option for formal and non-formal education (NFE) in most developed and developing countries, but less so in post-conflict countries, including Cambodia. However, in Cambodia there is now greater awareness that ODL can complement traditional face-to-face educational approaches, particularly as there is a shortage of teachers in the country. Thus, understanding how ODL can achieve learning and other objectives has important implications for both formal education and NFE. If it can be found to be effective, ODL has the potential of reaching a large number of people at comparatively lower average costs. This paper reports on a project where the same content was taught to farmers in Cambodia via traditional face-to-face and via ODL and compares outcomes between the different training methods. Exploring the extent to which farmers had adopted new farm practices taught in the course, our results indicate that the outcomes did not vary considerably between those trained using the different approaches.

Wardah Naim, Trevor Tombe

If anything is to blame for a higher dollar having negative effects on the Central Canadian manufacturing sector, you are not likely to find it in any “Dutch Disease” supposedly caused by Alberta’s oil sands. Contrary to popular belief, the higher value of the Canadian dollar may even help Central Canadian manufacturers grow stronger, cut costs, and create jobs. The idea that a booming, commodity-driven dollar is hurting Canadian goods exports, afflicting the country with so-called Dutch Disease, may be popular among certain politicians, including federal Opposition leader Thomas Mulcair and former Premier of Ontario Dalton McGuinty, but is not supported by the facts. It turns out that the simple economic theory these politicians have in mind is incomplete. A more thorough, data-driven look at the nation’s manufacturing sector reveals that Canadian businesses rely very heavily on imported materials and equipment as inputs in the manufacturing process. Canadian industry overall has one of the highest import ratios for such intermediate goods in the OECD, roughly twice as high as that of the U.S., the European Union and Japan. Compared to all other sectors, manufacturers are the heaviest users of imported materials and equipment, with more than 40 per cent of their inputs coming from other countries. A higher dollar may make it more expensive for foreign buyers to purchase Canadian manufactured goods, but that effect appears to be more than offset by the savings that Canadian producers enjoy with a higher dollar that makes possible cheaper imported-inputs and lower cost of production, which have a lowering effect on prices. The net result is that Canadian manufacturers actually get more benefit from a higher dollar, and the regions that get the biggest boost from it are the Central Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Policy-makers looking to aid the Canadian economy as a whole, and the manufacturing sector in particular, should stop worrying about Dutch Disease and, rather, welcome a higher Canadian dollar. But more than that, they should design policies that are better tailored for an economy that relies so heavily on imported intermediate inputs. Policy efforts would be far better put to eliminating tariffs and other trade barriers that make imported inputs more expensive, and thus hamper Canadian competitiveness. Policies should also focus on improving productivity, by inviting foreign investment, rather than subtly discouraging it through vehicles such as the Investment Canada Act. And certainly, anything that forces businesses to “buy local,” as Ontario’s Green Energy Act requires, will only stand in the way of Canadian businesses taking advantage of our higher dollar by importing lower-cost inputs from abroad. If policy-makers want to help Canadian factories, they shouldn’t complain about Alberta but instead focus on improving their domestic economic policies instead.

Silva Mežnarić, Paul Stubbs

The paper explores the social impacts of emigration and rural-urban migration in Croatia, focusing on the period from 1991 to 2011. In this period, Croatia has experienced conflict and post-conflict-induced population movements, followed by a period of normalization of migration flows. The paper explores, in detail, labour migration and impacts on labour markets, in the context of skills shortages in Croatia. The role of remittances and social security agreements are also addressed. The paper addresses the problems of institutional support and of migration policy, making a series of recommendations for policy makers to minimize the social costs of migration and, instead, ensure that migration contributes to social development.

Scholten Pieter, Grubben Marina JAL, Timmer Robin et al.

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Acute left-sided colonic obstruction is most often caused by malignancy and the surgical treatment is associated with a high mortality and morbidity rate. Moreover, these operated patients end up with a temporary or permanent stoma. Initial insertion of an enteral stent to decompress the obstructed colon, allowing for surgery to be performed electively, is gaining popularity. In uncontrolled studies stent placement before elective surgery has been suggested to decrease mortality, morbidity and number of colostomies. However stent perforation can lead to peritoneal tumor spill, changing a potentially curable disease in an incurable one. Therefore it is of paramount importance to compare the outcomes of colonic stenting followed by elective surgery with emergency surgery for the management of acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction in a randomized multicenter fashion.</p> <p>Methods/design</p> <p>Patients with acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction eligible for this study will be randomized to either emergency surgery (current standard treatment) or colonic stenting as bridge to elective surgery. Outcome measurements are effectiveness and costs of both strategies. Effectiveness will be evaluated in terms of quality of life, morbidity and mortality. Quality of life will be measured with standardized questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-CR38, EQ-5D and EQ-VAS). Morbidity is defined as every event leading to hospital admission or prolonging hospital stay. Mortality will be analyzed as total mortality as well as procedure-related mortality. The total costs of treatment will be evaluated by counting volumes and calculating unit prices. Including 120 patients on a 1:1 basis will have 80% power to detect an effect size of 0.5 on the EORTC QLQ-C30 global health scale, using a two group t-test with a 0.05 two-sided significance level. Differences in quality of life and morbidity will be analyzed using mixed-models repeated measures analysis of variance. Mortality will be compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank statistics.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The Stent-in 2 study is a randomized controlled multicenter trial that will provide evidence whether or not colonic stenting as bridge to surgery is to be performed in patients with acute left-sided colonic obstruction.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN46462267.</p>