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This study addresses the pivotal challenge of transitioning from nuclear to renewable energy sources, considering the distinctive energy landscape of South Korea characterized by high land costs and high dependence on nuclear energy. Amidst global momentum toward sustainable and carbon-neutral energy, South Korea's Renewable Energy 3020 Implementation Plan aims to achieve 20% of power generation from renewables by 2030. Shifting away from nuclear energy, however, may lead to rising energy costs, supply disruptions, and environmental ramifications. Furthermore, achieving grid parity between renewable energy and nuclear power by the late 2030s is unlikely, in contrast to earlier projections. This is primarily due to the comparatively lower production cost of nuclear energy. To expedite the shift toward renewable energy, our study suggests transitioning from the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) to a Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) system. This change would offer voluntary incentives for investment in renewable energy. Additionally, we compute Feed-in-Tariff subsidies required to achieve grid parity by 2030, concluding that the amount of subsidies required to reach grid parity by 2030 is 54% of retail electricity price. This research offers valuable insights for policy formulation and energy transition planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dwindling international funding for HIV&AIDS, limited domestic resources and the growing need for HIV&AIDS services in low-income countries make the cost-minimization of HIV&AIDS services essential to address the shortage of funds. Previous HIV/AIDS studies have addressed the budget constraints using quantitative methods in economic evaluation. Transaction cost analysis in HIV&AIDS service implementation--guided by the Transaction cost economics (TCE) theory sources of costs--asset specificity, service measurability, and opportunism--have not been sufficiently analyzed in the literature, nor have qualitative approaches been applied. Guided by TCE theory, this study (1) characterized transaction complexity levels needed in HIV&AIDS prevention services to safeguard asset specificity and services measurability and avoid opportunism in Uganda, (2) compared the relative transaction costs across three modes of HIV&AIDS prevention services, and (3) assessed whether the HIV&AIDS prevention services mode with the least transactions costs matched the proposition of the transaction (TCE) theory to guide HIV&AIDS transactions design. Data was collected from October to December 2020 from three dominant HIV&AIDS prevention services modes in Rakai, Lira and Mukono in Uganda. These modes were: (1) "Public sector provision" mode, (2) Community-led HIV&AIDS Initiative--CHAI mode, and (3) Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe--DREAMS mode. These modes corresponded to respective TCE theory provision mode constructs: "Internal integration," "Partnership," and "Contracting out." In each HIV& AIDS prevention services mode, the study conducted key informant interviews, a review of documents, and a focus group discussion. Transaction cost data were analyzed across the three modes based on TCE theory's sources of transaction costs (aspect specify, service measurability and opportunism). Safeguarding asset specificity and services measurability in Uganda required transactions characterized by mixed-level complexity whilst avoiding opportunism required transactions characterized by high-level complexity. Based on these transaction characteristics requirements, the "partnership" (CHAI) was HIV&AIDS prevention service mode most matching the TCE theory for cost minimization in Uganda. The evidence further suggested that CHAI had the least complex transactions to safeguard asset specificity, deal with HIV&AIDS service measurability, avoid opportunism, and hence the lowest transaction cost levels. The "partnership" (CHAI) was the least costly in dealing with asset specificity, service measurability and opportunism in Uganda and was the most aligned with the proposition of the TCE theory. The findings imply that the TCE theory can be used to guide HIV&AIDS prevention services provision in Uganda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Iran, blood products were being delivered to healthcare centers without charge. For optimum usage and reducing wastage, the tariff was set on October 23, 2015. Thus, hospitals must pay for blood products to blood transfusion services and then the expenses are paid to healthcare centers by the insurance. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the effects of the tariff policy on utilization pattern of blood products in healthcare centers of Fars province, Iran. Design: This is a retrospective study which analyzes the recorded data. Methods: Throughout this retrospective study, the number of units requested, delivered, returned, and return/delivery ratio of RBC, FFP, cryoprecipitate, and platelet were examined before and after the tariff in different cities of Fars province of Iran. Results: After the tariff, return/delivery ratios of FFP, cryoprecipitate, and platelet increased in comparison with before tariff but were not statistically significant which means the return of unused units was increased after imposing tariff. Conclusion: The results of this investigation showed that tariff may lead to more return of FFP, cryoprecipitate, and platelet units to the transfusion services of Fars province. More research must be performed to further approve it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular illnesses (CVDs), particularly Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), are major global health burdens, with a growing incidence in Pakistan. The development of PCSK9 inhibitors offers encouraging advantages in lowering LDL cholesterol and lowering cardiovascular risk, even though conservative treatments are still essential. However, access to them is severely hampered by their high cost, especially in environments with little resources. The financial limitations and scarcity of healthcare resources while examining the difficulties in obtaining PCSK9 inhibitors in Pakistan is essential. In order to develop solutions for affordability and fair access, it emphasizes the urgent need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, including governmental action, healthcare sector involvement, and pharmaceutical company engagement. It also emphasizes the need for data-specific research and the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in conventional treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]