Hasil untuk "Costs"

Walter G. Blacconiere, Dennis M. Patten

Julio J. Rotemberg, M. Woodford

Lucian Bebchuk, Reinier H. Kraakman, George G. Triantis

Wenbin Ye, YanZhou Duan, Jun Yuan et al.

Abstract In the field of engineering, the utilization of surrogate models to replace computationally intensive simulation software has become a widely adopted approach. However, when addressing complex engineering problems, the costs of simulations can escalate significantly, making it challenging for simulation data to fulfill the training requirements of surrogate models. Recognizing that designers accumulate valuable design knowledge throughout the design process, this knowledge inherently governs the mapping rules between design parameters and performance metrics. This paper introduces a novel method for constructing surrogate models by integrating limited simulation data with engineering knowledge through Bayesian neural networks (B-DaKnow). In B-DaKnow, neural networks employ variational inference and automatic differentiation to amalgamate simulation data and engineering knowledge while optimizing weights and biases via evolutionary algorithms. The proposed methodology is validated using ten benchmark functions and three engineering cases. The experimental results demonstrate that: (1) the incorporation of diverse engineering knowledge enhances prediction accuracy in B-DaKnow to varying degrees; (2) in tackling complex engineering challenges, B-DaKnow exhibits superior performance compared to alternative algorithms; (3) B-DaKnow demonstrates commendable robustness, as evidenced by only slight fluctuations in prediction results across different problems.

Tiffany P Quock, Eunice Chang, Ashis K Das et al.

Aim: Recent evidence regarding the healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and associated costs of acromegaly is limited. Materials & methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional administrative claims analysis (IQVIA Pharmetrics Plus) identified patients (≥18 years) with acromegaly between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2022. HCRU and costs over 1 year were compared in patients with acromegaly and matched patients without acromegaly (age, sex, insurance type, year). Among patients with acromegaly, annual total healthcare costs of comorbidities and procedures consistent with high-risk comorbidities were reported. Costs were adjusted to 2023 USD. Results: Among 2289 patients with acromegaly and 2289 matched patients without acromegaly, mean age was 49.8 years and 51.6% were female. Patients with acromegaly had a significantly (p < 0.001) higher comorbidity burden than patients without acromegaly. A significantly (p < 0.001) greater proportion of patients with acromegaly versus patients without acromegaly had inpatient hospitalizations (20.1 vs 4.9%) and emergency department visits (23.9 vs 15.7%). Total mean healthcare costs were also significantly higher for patients with acromegaly than patients without acromegaly ($51,888 vs $10,601). The majority of acromegaly-related healthcare costs ($30,985) were attributable to acromegaly therapy ($25,895). Hypertension (42.8%) was the most common high-risk comorbidity associated with acromegaly. The costliest high-risk comorbidity was congestive heart failure, with a mean cost difference of $38,123 (p < 0.05) between patients with acromegaly with and without hypertension. Conclusion: Patients with acromegaly had higher HCRU and costs than matched patients without acromegaly, and the presence of acromegaly with high-risk comorbidities was associated with a substantial HCRU and cost burden. This high burden of illness may be alleviated with better disease control.

J. Pretty, C. Brett, D. Gee et al.

Robert A. Korajczyk, Ronnie Sadka

S. Woolhandler, T. Campbell, D. Himmelstein

Joel Hasbrouck

A. Wimo, B. Winblad, L. Jönsson

S. E. Bebinov, L. S. Trofimova

Introduction. The theoretical basis for the development of indicators for improving the training and retraining of road transport personnel is aimed, first of all, at ensuring the results of transportation and technical operation activities corresponding to the output in road transport. The studied indicators should take into account the amount of labor costs of all types of workers ensuring the operation of rolling stock. Training and retraining of personnel largely determine the safety of the transportation process and must comply with the existing operating conditions of rolling stock. The purpose of this article is to theoretically substantiate the indicators for improving the training and retraining of specialists and personnel of road transport, as an element of the “personnel-bus-road-operating environment” (PADS) system to ensure the planned production of rolling stock in accordance with the requirements of the municipal contract for regular passenger transportation and luggage, taking into account operating conditions.Materials and methods. The theoretical basis for the development of indicators for improving the training and retraining of personnel is based on a systematic analysis of professional and qualification requirements, as well as the theory of current planning of the work of motor transport enterprises, taking into account the probabilistic nature of operating conditions under the influence of the external environment. As a result, structural connections between the driver, mechanic and technical condition inspector were identified as elements of the new PADS system.The parameters of the developed mathematical model of personnel activities and the costs of their training and retraining are determined using methods of mathematical statistics and expert assessments. The content of the new approach is to integrate the production of rolling stock with professional and qualification requirements for personnel.Results. This study focuses on fulfilling the municipal contract for regular transportation of passengers and luggage, i.e. to obtain the planned mileage, it is necessary to take into account the joint activities of groups of personnel and in each group of an individual employee.Discussion and conclusion. The scientific novelty and main results of the study consist in the theoretical substantiation of indicators for improving the training and retraining of passenger road transport personnel, as an element of the PADS system, to ensure the planned production of rolling stock, taking into account operating conditions.Based on the results of the study, the indicators of training and retraining of personnel of automobile passenger transport, ensuring the fulfillment of the contract, are grouped in accordance with their levels and periods of formation.A mathematical model that determines the planning of the results of fulfilling the terms of the contract by each employee has been developed. Further research will be aimed at experimentally determining the values of the identified indicators.

Luyao Zhang, Luyao Zhang, Pai Wang et al.

There has been a major increase in Type 2 diabetes and obesity in many countries, and this will lead to a global public health crisis, which not only impacts on the quality of life of individuals well but also places a substantial burden on healthcare systems and economies. Obesity is linked to not only to type 2 diabetes but also cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and certain cancers, also resulting in increased medical costs and diminished quality of life. A number of studies have linked changes in gut in obesity development. Dysbiosis, a deleterious change in gut microbiota composition, leads to altered intestinal permeability, associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Many factors affect the homeostasis of gut microbiota, including diet, genetics, circadian rhythms, medication, probiotics, and antibiotics. In addition, bariatric surgery induces changes in gut microbiota that contributes to the metabolic benefits observed post-surgery. Current obesity management strategies encompass dietary interventions, exercise, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery, with emerging treatments including microbiota-altering approaches showing promising efficacy. While pharmacotherapy has demonstrated significant advancements in recent years, bariatric surgery remains one of the most effective treatments for sustainable weight loss. However, access to this is generally limited to those living with severe obesity. This underscores the need for non-surgical interventions, particularly for adolescents and mildly obese patients. In this comprehensive review, we assess longitudinal alterations in gut microbiota composition and functionality resulting from the two currently most effective anti-obesity treatments: pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Additionally, we highlight the functions of gut microbiota, focusing on specific bacteria, their metabolites, and strategies for modulating gut microbiota to prevent and treat obesity. This review aims to provide insights into the evolving landscape of obesity management and the potential of microbiota-based approaches in addressing this pressing global health challenge.

Ali A. Ali, Ghassan Hameed Abdul-Majeed, Abdalellah O. Mohmmed

   The solubility of asphaltenes in crude oils is predominantly influenced by variations in temperature, pressure, and oil composition. These alterations can precipitate asphaltene deposition, resulting in diminished permeability, obstruction of wells and auxiliary surface facilities, and ultimately, a reduction or cessation of production. Therefore, it is imperative for upstream and downstream processing engineers to comprehend and predict asphaltene phase behavior to implement effective preventative and remedial strategies and minimize costs. Asphaltene precipitation can be predicted through the application of solubility and colloidal theories. In this study, cubic equations of state and cubic-plus-association equations of state are utilized as solubility theory-based methodologies. The advanced versions of the Peng-Robinson (APR78) and Soave-Redlich-Kwong (ASRK) cubic equations of state are compared with cubic-plus-association (CPA) equations of state using Multiflash software to predict fluid and asphaltene phase behavior. The simulation results demonstrate a strong correlation between the ASRK model and the CPA model, with a minor deviation from the results of the APR78 model. This observation suggests that these models can effectively predict asphaltene behavior and yield acceptable results when compared to experimental data for fluid and asphaltene. Considering the likelihood of asphaltene deposition within wells, hence, it is recommended to develop a model to determine the locations and quantities of deposition.

María Teresa Gómez-Villarino, María del Mar Barbero-Barrera, Ignacio Cañas et al.

The wine industry requires a considerable amount of energy, with an important fraction corresponding to the cooling and ventilation of above-ground aging warehouses. The large investments made in aging facilities can compromise the viability and competitiveness of wineries if their design is not optimized. The objective of this study was to provide guidance for the efficient design of new above-ground warehouses. To this end, multiple construction solutions (structure, envelopes, levels of integration, etc.) were characterized, and their costs and the resulting interior environments were analyzed. The results offer a comprehensive view of potential construction solutions and benchmark price ranges for viable and profitable designs. With a total cost of 300 EUR/m², an average damping of 98% per day can be achieved. Increasing the costs does not imply better effectiveness. A double enclosure with internal insulation—with or without an air chamber—can achieve excellent results. Greater integration as a result of several enclosures being in contact with other rooms and/or the terrain allows for a high effectiveness to be achieved without air conditioning. Perimeter glazing and ventilation holes can reduce the effectiveness of the construction, resulting in greater instability and a lower damping capacity.

A. Gassmann, Y. Carrière, B. Tabashnik

A. Alene, V. Manyong, G. Omanya et al.

P. Rudebeck, M. Walton, Angharad N Smyth et al.

T. Notteboom, B. Vernimmen

K. Sievert, Bastian Amend, U. Nagele et al.

ObjectiveBladder cancer (BC) has the highest lifetime treatment costs per patient of all cancers. The high recurrence rate and ongoing invasive monitoring requirement are the key contributors to the economic and human toll of this disease. The purpose of this paper was to utilize the recent literature to identify opportunities for improving the benefits and costs of BC care.MethodsA PubMed search was performed of recent publications concerning (BC) cost-effectiveness. We reviewed studies, reviews, opinion papers and cost-effectiveness analyses, focusing primarily on non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (Ta/T1; NMIBC).ResultsNew diagnostic tools such as urine markers may assist in more cost-effectively detecting BC at an earlier stage, however, these markers cannot replace the cystoscopy, which is the current standard of care. A photodynamic diagnostic tool (PDD) using hexylaminolevulinate (Hexvix®) enhances tumor visibility and improves transurethral resection of bladder cancer (TURB) results, potentially reducing recurrence rates and lowering treatment costs. While the importance of BC research has been acknowledged, research investment has been continuously reduced during the last 5 years.ConclusionsThe economic burden of BC is well-characterized in the literature. This study suggests that new technologies (i.e., urine-based tests, PDD) and therapeutic regimes (intravesical chemotherapy, adjuvant immunotherapy) have significant potential to improve the diagnosis, treatment and on-going monitoring of BC patients, with potential improvements in clinical outcomes and concurrent cost-savings. A renewed interest and investment in BC research are required to ensure future advancements.

Christian Rosenberg Petersen, Søren Fæster, Jakob Ilsted Bech et al.

Abstract Leading edge erosion of wind turbine blades is one of the most critical issues in wind energy production, resulting in lower efficiency, as well as increased maintenance costs and downtime. Erosion is initiated by impacts from rain droplets and other atmospheric particles, so to protect the blades, special protective coatings are applied to increase their lifetime without adding significantly to the weight or friction of the blade. These coatings should ideally absorb and distribute the force away from the point of impact; however, microscopic defects, such as bubbles, reduce the mechanical performance of the coating, leading to cracks and eventually erosion. In this work, mid‐infrared (MIR) Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is investigated for non‐destructive, contactless inspection of coated glass‐fiber composite samples to identify subsurface coating defects. The samples were tested using rubber projectiles to simulate rain droplet and particle impacts. The samples were subsequently imaged using OCT, optical microscopy, and X‐ray tomography. OCT scanning revealed both bubbles and cracks below the surface, which would not have been detected using ultrasonic or similar non‐destructive methods. In this way, OCT can complement the existing quality control in turbine blade manufacturing, help improve the blade lifetime, and reduce the environmental impact from erosion.