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Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate changes in willingness for total knee replacement (TKR) surgery following a randomised control trial (RCT) of an osteoarthritis management program, and to extrapolate orthopaedic cost consequences for private health insurers (PHI). Methods: Willingness for surgery data from the RCT is analysed using a multinomial logistic regression model. A decision analytic model is used to conduct a break-even cost benefit analysis of the intervention from a PHI payer perspective. The analysis estimates the minimum probability of progression to surgery required for the intervention to be cost-neutral when considering savings limited to reduced orthopaedic costs. Cost data and orthopaedic pathway probabilities are sourced from payer data. Results: At baseline, 39% of participants in the treatment and control group were willing for surgery. At 12 months, 16% of participants in the treatment group remained willing for surgery, versus 36% in the control group. Participants in the treatment group are 2.96 (95% CI: 1.01–8.66) times more likely than those in the control group to move from initially willing for surgery, to unsure or unwilling at 12 months. The analysis indicates that the intervention is likely to be cost saving when at least 60% of initially willing participants progress to surgery over a 5-year time horizon. Conclusion: Our study estimates that an education, exercise and weight loss intervention can deliver both improved participant outcomes and a return on investment to Australian PHIs through a reduction in TKR surgery incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a semiclassical linear Boltzmann model with a non-local collision operator. We provide sharp spectral asymptotics for the small spectrum in the low temperature regime from which we deduce the rate of return to equilibrium as well as a metastability result. The main ingredients are resolvent estimates obtained via hypocoercive techniques and the construction of sharp Gaussian quasimodes through an adaptation of the WKB method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We assessed intraarticular injuries in patients after primary anterior traumatic shoulder dislocation by comparing magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) results with concomitant arthroscopic findings. Methods: All patients with primary traumatic shoulder dislocation who underwent arthroscopic surgery between 2001 and 2020 with preoperative MRA were included in this study. MRA was retrospectively compared with arthroscopic findings. Postoperative shoulder function was prospectively assessed using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (quick DASH), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), as well as the rate of return to sports. Results: A total of 74 patients were included in this study. A Hill–Sachs lesion was consistently found in the corresponding shoulders on MRA and arthroscopy in 35 cases (p = 0.007), a Bankart lesion in 37 shoulders (p = 0.004), and a superior labrum from anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion in 55 cases (p = 0.581). Of all cases, 32 patients were available for a clinical and functional follow-up evaluation. A positive correlation was found between the level of sport practiced and the Oxford Shoulder Score (redislocation subset) (p = 0.032) and between the age at the time of surgery and the follow-up SSV (p = 0.036). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between the age at the time of surgery and the Oxford Instability Score (redislocation subset) (p = 0.038). Conclusions: The results of this study show a good correlation between MRA and arthroscopy. Therefore, MRA is a valid tool for the detection of soft tissue pathologies after primary anterior traumatic shoulder dislocation and can aid in presurgical planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental innovation processes is an indispensable and pressing concern for organizational performance. This study aims to clarify the relationship between environmental performance and organizational financial performance. A further objective is to assess the effect of process innovation on the connection between environmental performance and organizational performance. The sample for the present analysis consists of active Tehran Stock Exchange companies from 2017 to 2021. This study demonstrates that there is a significant relationship between financial performance and return on assets. In addition, adding process innovation as a moderating variable to the model reveals a significant relationship between process innovation and firms' return on assets. There was no significant relationship between financial performance and return on equity, but when the process innovation variable was added to the model, a significant relationship was observed with return on equity. The findings of this study suggest that organizations and businesses should institutionalize innovation processes in their productions in order to enhance environmental and organizational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides empirical evidence to the body of knowledge in Agile methods adoption in small, medium, and large organizations in the global context. This research explores facilitators and inhibitors of Agile methods adoption in software development organizations. A survey was conducted among Agile professionals to gather survey data from 52 software organizations in seven countries across the world. This study found many facilitators of Agile adoption to be significant such as customers' dominant issues, encouragement, project champion, highly competent team, use of tools, etc. Similarly a correlation analysis revealed multiple inhibitors as significant: absence of a full set of right Agile practices, absence of customer presence, absence of tracking mechanisms during Agile progress, and failure to determine the role of the client. The present study identifies that an Agile team with high expertise and competence leads to higher quality in software, customer satisfaction along with return on investment (ROI) while a small Agile team increases ease in handling changing requirements, customer satisfaction, reduced delivery time, and increased ROI. Frequent delivery accelerates better control over work, adds to software quality, customer satisfaction, and in shortening delivery time along with increase ROI. It has also been observed that providing essential features early leads to increase in software quality and customer satisfaction. This study confirms that active customer focus leads to better control over work. Further, absence of customer decreases dealing with changing requirements, and customer satisfaction while absence of progress tracking lowers customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the economic feasibility of the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of waste corn stover. Two different cases of HTC of waste corn stover were considered for a 544 320 kg day−1 as‐received corn stover plant. Case I assumed a batch HTC process, and case II assumed a continuous HTC process. The results show that both cases were economically feasible; however, case I reached the break‐even point at 3 years whereas case II reached the break‐even point at 4 years. Case I also showed greater return on investment (5.02) than case II (3.98) at the end of the 20 year project life, including 26.6% lower total capital investment. About 73% of fixed capital cost came from investment in the reactor alone for case I, whereas 63% came from the reactor for case II. The break‐even selling price of the product was found to be $86.1/kg. A sensitivity analysis showed that the break‐even selling price of the product was the most sensitive to the variation of the cost of corn stover and the least sensitive to variation in the tipping income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodiesel production catalyzed by naturally derived catalysts such as calcium oxide (CaO) and sulfonated carbon catalysts achieved high biodiesel yield at moderate operating conditions. However, very few studies were conducted to evaluate the economic feasibility of industrial‐scale production of biodiesel catalyzed by both green catalysts of CaO and sulfonated carbon catalysts. The current study aims to assess the technical competency and economic feasibility of industrial‐scale production of biodiesel catalyzed by two processes 1.) CaO catalyst and 2.) sulfonated carbon catalyst. Process simulations via Aspen Hysys were carried out to perform material and energy balances for both process configurations designed earlier with respect to the base catalyst (CaO) and acid catalyst (sulfonated carbon) used. Economic analysis was initiated after the equipment sizing and costing had been carried out. Total capital investment, total manufacturing cost, and key performances of the rate of return, payback time, breakeven point, and net profit after‐tax rate were calculated for each process. Based on the economic analysis, the computed return on investment (ROI) is 105.36%, and it has a low payback period of 0.94 year to offset its original investment. The discounted cumulative profit (NPV) analysis shows that breakeven was achieved in the 3rd year. On the other hand, for the plant that utilizes sulfonated carbon in the transesterification reaction, the computed ROI is 14.02% with a payback period of 7.13 years, and the breakeven was achieved in the 9th year. In conclusion, the manufacturing plant of transesterification reaction catalyzed by CaO catalyst appeared as the most promising pathway either technically or economically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent efforts to shift the control and leadership of health research on African issues to Africa have led to increased investments for scientific research capacity strengthening (RCS) on the continent and a greater demand for accountability, value for money and demonstration of return on investment. There is limited literature on monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of RCS systems and there is a clear need to further explore whether the M&E frameworks and approaches that are currently used are fit for purpose. The M&E approaches taken by four African RCS consortia funded under the Developing Excellence in Leadership, Training and Science in Africa (DELTAS) I initiative were assessed using several methods, including a framework comparison of the M&E approaches, semi-structured interviews and facilitated discussion sessions. The findings revealed a wide range in the number of indicators used in the M&E plans of individual consortium, which were uniformly quantitative and at the output and outcome levels. Consortia revealed that additional information could have been captured to better evaluate the success of activities and measure the ripple effects of their efforts. While it is beneficial for RCS consortia to develop and implement their own M&E plans, this could be strengthened by routine engagement with funders/programme managers to further align efforts. It is also important for M&E plans to consider qualitative data capture for assessment of RCS efforts. Efforts could be further enhanced by supporting platforms for cross-consortia sharing, particularly when trying to assess more complex effects. Consortia should make sure that processes for developmental evaluation, and capturing and using the associated learning, are in place. Sharing the learning associated with M&E of RCS efforts is vital to improve future efforts. Investing and improving this aspect of RCS will help ensure tracking of progress and impact of future efforts, and ensure accountability and the return on investment. The findings are also likely applicable well beyond health research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding the causality nexus between the various dimensions of corporate governance (ownership structure, dividend policy) and financial performance (return on equity, return on assets, Tobin's Q), the empirical results are mixed. Therefore, this study tries to examine the existence and the direction of causal relationship between these major indicators in an emerging economy, namely Tunisia for a sample of 375 firm-years observations during the period 1996–2020. This study applies a bootstrap panel Granger non-causality test which takes into account cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity issues. Results show the existence of both unidirectional and bidirectional significant causal link between the pair of used variables. Overall, when comparing between Kónya and Dumitrescu and Hurlin approaches, the findings highlight and confirm the convergence of the direction of causality between all variables used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inside-out and all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repairs are widely performed. However, it remains unclear which method promotes greater clinical outcomes. This study compared inside-out versus all-inside arthroscopic meniscal repair in terms of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), failures, return to play, and symptoms. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently performed the literature search by accessing the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus in February 2023. All clinical studies which investigated the outcomes of all-inside and/or inside-out meniscal repair were considered. Results: Data from 39 studies (1848 patients) were retrieved. The mean follow-up was 36.8 (9 to 120) months. The mean age of the patients was 25.8 ± 7.9 years. 28% (521 of 1848 patients) were women. No difference was found in PROMs: Tegner Activity Scale (P = 0.4), Lysholm score (P = 0.2), and International Knee Document Committee score (P = 0.4) among patients undergoing meniscal repair with all inside or inside-out techniques. All-inside repairs showed a greater rate of re-injury (P = 0.009) but also a greater rate of return to play at the pre-injury level (P = 0.0001). No difference was found in failures (P = 0.7), chronic pain (P = 0.05), reoperation (P = 0.1) between the two techniques. No difference was found in the rate of return to play (P = 0.5) and to daily activities (P = 0.1) between the two techniques. Conclusion: Arthroscopic all-inside meniscal repair may be of special interest in patients with a particular interest in a fast return to sport, while, for less demanding patients, the inside-out suture technique may be recommended. High-quality comparative trials are required to validate these results in a clinical setting. Level of Evidence: Level III, systematic review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pekandangan Tengah Village, Bluto subdistrict, Sumenep Regency is a village that produces herbal chilies which have a very high selling value. The price per kilogram of herbal chilies is IDR. 75,000,-. Average production per household is 30 to 1,000 kg depending on the area of land owned. However, buyers of herbal chilies produced by the people of Central Pekandangan village are made by middlemen or agents. The existence of BUMDes Bina Sejahtera does not play a role as an agent or intermediary even though it can be implemented through the BUMDes supervisor himself, namely the village head. This study aims to see or measure the financial performance of BUMDes Bina Sejahtera in Pekandangan Tengah village, Bluto sub-district, Sumenep district, which is expected to be able to improve village welfare through contributions to village original income obtained from BUMDes contributions. This research is a qualitative and quantitative descriptive study by looking at the economic potential of the village and the performance of BUMDes through the ROE (return on equity) ratio. Samples were taken from herbal chili farmers as many as 10 people by purposive sampling and 1 BUMDes. The results of this study indicate that the income of herbal chili farmers is quite good but their sales are through middlemen or agents, while the performance of BUMDes with ROE benchmarks below 2% per year has not contributed to the village's original income (PADes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Copernicus Sentinel-3 Surface Topography Mission (STM) Land Altimetry provides valuable surface elevation information over inland waters, sea ice, and land ice, thanks to its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) altimeter and its orbit that covers high-latitude polar regions. To ensure that these measurements are reliable and to maximise the return on investment, adequate validation of the geophysical retrieval methods, processing algorithms, and corrections must be performed using independent observations. The EU-ESA project St3TART (started July 2021) aims to generalise the concept of Fiducial Reference Measurements (FRMs) for the Copernicus Sentinel-3 STM. This work has gathered existing data, made new observations during field campaigns, and ensured that these observations meet the criteria of FRM standards so that they can be used to validate Sentinel-3 STM Land Altimetry products operationally. A roadmap for the operational provision of the FRM, including the definition, consolidation, and identification of the most relevant and cost-effective methods and protocols to be maintained, supported, or implemented, has been developed. The roadmap includes guidelines for SI traceability, definitions of FRM measurement procedures, processing methods, and uncertainty budget estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study was done in 2021 in three districts of West Gojjam Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia to determine the effect of honeybee pollination on Citrullus lanatus utilizing three treatments (honeybee-pollination, open-pollination, and self-pollination). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design using three replications. The pollination effect on watermelon fruit was studied utilizing physicochemical parameters, sensory attributes, and economic feasibility studies. Excel and SAS software (version 9.0) was employed to analyse the data. A total of five different types of major pollinators were observed visiting watermelon flowers. The major pollinators were honeybees, mason bees, butterflies, carpenter bees, and carder bees. Honeybee was responsible for about 84.1% of the watermelon yield increment. This study shows, the majority of the physicochemical attributes were non-significant (p > 0.05) between Bahir Dar and Amarit experimental sites, but both of them were greater than Denbun experimental site. Honeybee-pollinated plants significantly outperformed open-pollinated and self-pollinated plants by the most physicochemical parameters, whereas open-pollinated plants significantly exceeded self-pollinated plants in half of the physicochemical parameters. Besides, the panel of consumers favoured open-pollinated and honeybee-pollinated fruits over self-pollinated fruits. However, due to the highest acceptable value of the Marginal Rate of Return, open-pollination was the most economically likely pollination method. As a result, employing pollination as part of a crop extension package will be better to improve watermelon production through the most cost-effective open-pollination approach. Furthermore, it is better to establish a multidisciplinary consultation forum to highlight the importance of pollinators on watermelon output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of the agrifood industry is key to mitigating the impact of climate change, as it is one of the industrial sectors with the highest energy consumption. The optimisation of photovoltaic systems in agroindustries faces problems such as the fluctuation of energy prices or the evident seasonal nature of some producers. This paper provides a global view of the profitability and optimal sizing of photovoltaic (PV) systems in the new energy context. For this purpose, almost 4 million cases were analysed, including different consumption patterns, energy prices, etc. Some general conclusions can be drawn from the results. First, the adaptation to the new context requires adjustments in the sizing of PV systems in all industries analysed, which is also associated with changes in the return on investment. Second, seasonality strongly conditions the optimal size of PV installations, the return on the investment and the potential savings. Finally, in the face of future energy price variations, the ratio "Savings/payback" seems to be an appropriate reference for sizing, combining savings and profitability. In addition, they may justify special subsidies to seasonal industries. The conclusions of this paper should be considered to optimise the design of PVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-stage growth model (Danielson, 1998) empowers analysts to quantify the growth expectations supporting a firm's stock price. This article merges that two-stage growth model with the AIRR model developed by Magni (2010, 2013). The new model simplifies the calculation of the firm's expected competitive advantage period and the expected annual growth rate. The new model can be used to quantify expectations for both dividend and non-dividend paying firms and when the return on new investments or the required return on equity might not be constant in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot pepper is one of the most important vegetables and spice crops cultivated in many parts of the world including Ethiopia. The crop is known for its nutritional value and as spice. It's productivity is low due to low availability of soil nutrients. Much research was conducted to investigate the response of pepper to inorganic fertilizers such as DAP and Urea. However, information about the effect of Blended fertilizers such as NPSB and its combination with Urea is scanty. This research was therefore conducted to investigate the response of hot pepper to blended NPSB and urea fertilizer rates at Kobo, North Wollo. Four rates of NPSB (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha−1) and four rates of urea (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha−1) in factorial combination were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that the interaction effect of NPSB and urea was significant on many of the parameters considered. Treatments that received fertilizer combination of 300 kg NPSB ha−1 and 150 kg urea ha−1 gave the tallest plants (79.76 cm) and maximum number of pods per plant (45.50), while Treatments that received fertilizer combination of 200 kg NPSB ha−1 and 150 kg urea ha−1 gave the highest total pod fruit yield (30.08t ha−1) and maximum marketable yield (29.48 t ha−1) in the study area. Application of combined 200 kg ha−1 NPSB and 150 urea kg ha−1is recommended for production of hot pepper at Kobo and similar agroecologies as the highest net benefit (3548.86 US$) with relatively high marginal rate of return (2258.91%) were recorded. However, as the present study was done only in one location for one season, it would be worthwhile to repeat it in order to arrive at a sound conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Judgment 582/2023 of 20 April held that an investment agreement clause guaranteeing a new shareholder a minimum investment return constitutes prohibited financial assistance. The Supreme Court therefore confirms that the restrictive interpretation of a prohibitive rule does not extend, in particular, to interpreting the forms in which prohibitive financial assistance can be granted, which are open-ended under the Spanish Companies Law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grant-making foundations commonly use financial returns on investment in support of a public purpose. Recently, more attention has been given in academic research to the role of foundations as sustainable investors. According to the concept of socially responsible investing (SRI), foundations should integrate their social purposes into their investment strategies. However, foundations are also required to comply with national legal frameworks. Our research interest lies in those investment funds that are specifically developed for foundations in Germany. In this study, we answer two research questions: First, what are the characteristics of the market for foundation investment funds in Germany? Second, to what extent are foundation investment funds useful for foundations pursuing an SRI strategy? We build on a full sample comprising all 52 German foundation investment funds that are currently available and then use data from MSCI to apply a sustainability rating for these funds. With these data, we evaluate the financial performance of foundation investment funds in relation to their sustainability ratings. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) was used to reduce complexity in the dataset and detect similarities among a set of objects. Our findings differentiate between two distinct clusters of foundation investment funds. The first "discrete" cluster represents the majority of funds, and these funds are generally smaller with lower performance and lower levels of SRI conformity. The funds in the second "attached" cluster are generally larger, more diversified, and have higher performance. Finally, we call for further research offer implications for both fund managers and foundation asset managers. Plain Language Summary: Shortcommings in sustainable investing through foundation investment funds Grant-making foundations commonly use financial returns on investment in support of a public purpose. Recently, more attention has been given in academic research to the role of foundations as sustainable investors. According to the concept of socially responsible investing (SRI), foundations should integrate their social purposes into their investment strategies. However, foundations are also required to comply with national legal frameworks. Analyzing the performance of specific foundation investment funds in Germany we find two distinct clusters. The first "discrete" cluster represents the majority of funds, and these funds are generally smaller with lower performance and lower levels of SRI conformity. The funds in the second "attached" cluster are generally larger, more diversified, and have higher performance. This study highlights the need for foundations to develop their own SRI investment policies and thoroughly check the investment vehicles they use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leadership training is typically provided to select people in an organization such as senior leaders or high potential employees, while followership training is rarely given to anyone. Based on research and two decades of experience offering both leadership and followership training organization-wide, we have noticed that the best results happen when everyone is given training in both. In this article, we summarize 10 compelling insights that inform, explain, and support providing training to everyone, everywhere, and all at once. These insights include obtaining a higher return on investment from leadership training, enhancing culture change, increasing the speed and depth of skill acquisition, boosting organizational capacity, and supporting equity through giving people who otherwise might be left out a chance to develop and grow into management roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tissue expanders (TEs) are temporary devices used in breast reconstruction, which are generally removed within 1 year. There is a paucity of data regarding the potential consequences when TEs have longer indwelling times. Thus, we aim to determine whether prolonged TE implantation length is associated with TE-related complications. Methods This is a single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent TE placement for breast reconstruction from 2015 to 2021. Complications were compared between patients who had a TE for >1 year and <1 year. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used to evaluate predictors of TE complications. Results A total of 582 patients underwent TE placement and 12.2% had the expander for >1 year. Adjuvant chemoradiation, body mass index (BMI), overall stage, and diabetes predicted the duration of TE placement (p ≤ 0.006). Rate of return to the operating room was higher in patients who had TEs in place >1 year (22.5 vs 6.1%, p < 0.001). On multivariate regression, prolonged TE duration predicted an infection requiring antibiotics, readmission, and reoperation (p < 0.001). Reasons for longer indwelling times included need for additional chemoradiation (79.4%), TE infections (12.7%), and requesting a break from surgery (6.3%). Conclusion Indwelling TEs for >1 year are associated with higher rates of infection, readmission, and reoperation even when controlling for adjuvant chemoradiation. Patients with diabetes, a higher BMI, advanced cancer stage, and those requiring adjuvant chemoradiation should be advised they may require a TE for a longer time interval prior to final reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different capital structures and their impact on firm performance are one of the most studied topics in the finance literature. This study is an attempt to assess the impact of financial structure on profitability of agricultural enterprises in the Republic of Serbia, with the aim of evaluating the importance and nature of the contribution of the total, short-term and long-term aspects of debt to the success of the company. The financial performance of the selected sample of 38 medium and large agricultural enterprises in the Republic of Serbia was analysed in the period from 2018 to 2021. The findings of this paper indicate that total debt and short-term debt significantly determine the return on equity, while the effect of long-term debt is insignificant. The nature of the impact of all three aspects of financial structure is negative. The inclusion of size and growth of sales in the regression models showed that only annual sales growth significantly positively determines profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To facilitate return to work (RTW) in patients with stroke, a health and employment support (HES) program was started at Rosai hospitals in Japan. This study aimed to determine the rate of RTW in patients with stroke under this support program. We collected demographic and clinical data of patients with stroke from the implementation reports of the HES program. The program provided coordinated dual support, such as acute medical treatments, and stroke and vocational rehabilitation on the medical side, and management and support on the workplace side. The primary endpoint was RTW. Successful and unsuccessful RTW were examined using the χ2 test. The RTW rate curves were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. We enrolled 483 patients; 355 (73%) and 128 (27%) patients had successful and unsuccessful RTW, respectively. Stroke types, neurological findings, and activities of daily living were significant factors for RTW. The Kaplan–Meier method revealed that left hemiplegia, right hemiplegia, and neuropsychological deficits, except for combined disability (hemiplegia with neuropsychological deficits), had similar RTW curves with an RTW rate of > 70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research focuses on bank capitalization and macroeconomic stability, including corruption and the shadow economy. A well-capitalized banking system and a low corruption level are important for maintaining macroeconomic stability and reducing the size of the shadow economy. The paper is aimed at assessing the relationship between bank capitalization and macroeconomic stability, which includes corruption and shadow economy through canonical analysis. The research is conducted on the basis of financial and economic reporting of 35 countries with different levels of socio-economic development during 2010–2021 based on data from the World Bank and the European Central Bank. The main input blocks macroeconomic stability – corruption – shadow economy are characterized. During the research, the following tools were used: – methods of grouping, analysis and comparison in determining the characteristics of the elements of the chain «level of capitalization of the banking system – macroeconomic stability – corruption – shadow economy»; – factor analysis by applying the method of principal components in the selection of statistically significant indicators of the bank capitalization level and macroeconomic stability. The quantitative assessment of the bank capitalization level revealed the following dependencies: there is a strong correlation between return on assets and the level of non-performing loans, return on assets and return on equity. Using the principal components method, the following statistically significant indicators of macroeconomic stability were identified: GDP, Gini index, corruption perception index, corruption control index, and political stability index. Research, based on the canonical analysis, determined that 71.1 % of changes in macroeconomic stability indicators are explained by fluctuations in the level of bank capitalization. The level of non-performing loans has a negative impact on macroeconomic stability, while the volatility of return on assets and return on equity has a greater positive impact on the development of the country’s economy. The obtained results can be used by banks in the development of their resource and management policies, in the analysis of the volatility of capitalization level, by state bodies in the development of national policies of the country’s economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Return on Investment (ROI), whereby the ratio of costs to benefits is assessed, is encouraged in-order to justify the value of Quality Improvement (QI) programmes. We previously performed a literature review to develop a ROI conceptual framework for QI programmes. We concluded that, QI-ROI is conceptualised as any monetary and non-monetary benefit. In the current study, we explored if this finding is shared by mental healthcare leaders. We also investigated the stability of this conceptualisation against influencing factors and potential for disinvestment. Methods: We performed qualitative interviews with leaders in an NHS mental health organisation. There were 16 participants: nine board members and seven senior leaders. The interviews were held online via Microsoft Teams and lasted an hour on average. We performed deductive-inductive analysis to seek data from our initial ROI framework and any new data. Results: We found that in mental healthcare, QI-ROI is also conceptualised as any valued monetary and non-monetary benefits. There was a strong emphasis on benefits to external partners and a de-emphasis of benefit monetisation. This conceptualisation was influenced by the 1) perceived mandates to improve quality and manage scarce resources, 2) expectations from QI, 3) health and social care values, 4) ambiguity over expectations, and 5) uncertainty over outcomes. Uncertainty, ambiguity, and potential for disinvestment posed a threat to the stability of this conceptualisation but did not ultimately change it. Health and social care values supported maintaining the QI-ROI as any benefit, with a focus on patients and staff outcomes. Socio-political desires to improve quality were strong drivers for QI investment. Conclusion: Mental healthcare leaders primarily conceptualise QI-ROI as any valued benefit. The inclusion of externalised outcomes which are hard to attribute may be challenging. However, mental healthcare services do collaborate with external partners. The de-emphases of benefit monetisation may also be controversial due to the need for financial accountability. Mental healthcare leaders recognise the importance of efficiency savings. However, they raised concerns over the legitimacy and utility of traditional ROI as a tool for assessing QI value. Further research is needed to bring more clarity on these aspects of the QI-ROI concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The business activity for wealth generation is the goal of any business and point of analysis of its viability in the costing of a project, when the return on investment remains an essential focus. This work evaluated the feasibility for environmental investment by the acquisition of a ETE - Effluent Treatment Station, when by normative requirements it is not allowed to discard the water used in the operational process in the sewage network without treatment. The re-use of treated water that generates savings in the consumption of drinking water is the basis for calculating the return on investment. In another analysis the consumer's awareness about the price of the product is discussed, which includes a portion destined to socio-environmental projects made feasible and disclosed in the financial statements. In this analysis the environmental accounting demonstrates the transparency showing how much the company is committed to the sustainability, without losing the viability of the investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper's aim is to identify if Corporate Social Responsibility has an impact on the financial performance of non-financial companies listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. For which, an index of corporate social responsibility is constructed using 12 indicators that include distinctives, certifications, adhesions, or actions of social responsibility in a sample of 101 companies for the period 2017 - 2019. The return on assets (ROA) and the return on equity (ROE) were the variables used to measure financial performance. The relationship between the variables was examined by means of a regression analysis with the panel corrected standard errors (PCSE) technique. The results were consistent with previous studies that indicate that there is a positive relationship between the variables. The foregoing is relevant for managers of Mexican companies since it provides evidence regarding the benefits of being a socially responsible company in an emerging country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There exists a considerable amount of evidence regarding short-term outcomes of shoulder arthroscopy in athletes; however, mid- to long-term data are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to evaluate studies assessing mid- to long-term outcomes and rates of return to sport in athletes undergoing primary shoulder arthroscopy. A search for the systematic review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase on 14 March 2023. Study parameters, as well as their respective outcomes, were described in detail and compiled into diagrams. Five studies were included, which contained data on a total of 307 shoulders in patients with mean ages ranging from 20.3 to 26.9 years and mean follow-up times ranging from 6.3 to 14 years. The arthroscopic Bankart repair was the primary surgical intervention performed in all five studies. The overall rate of return to sport was 84% (range, 70–100%) across the studies. The rate of return to sport at pre-injury level was 65.2% (range, 40–82.6%) across four studies. The overall rate of recurrent instability was 17.3%, with redislocation specifically occurring in 13.7% of patients across all studies. The overall rate of revision surgery was 11.1%. Athletes who underwent primary shoulder arthroscopy demonstrated favorable outcomes and a high rate of RTS at a minimum follow-up of 5 years. However, rates of recurrent instability, redislocation, and revision surgery occurred at less than favorable numbers, which emphasizes the importance of proper patient selection when considering candidates for arthroscopic versus open repairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crentz) is one of the most important root crops in tropical regions of the world. However, little or no study was carried out to determine the optimum rates of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) for better cassava root yield. N and K fertilizers are the major factors limiting the growth and yield of cassava. Thus, this experiment evaluated the effect of N and K fertilizer rates on the growth, and yield of cassava. Four levels of N (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha−1) and three levels of K (0, 60, and 120 kg K ha−1) were arranged in factorial combination in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that the main effects of N fertilizer influenced all the studied parameters, while the main effect of K affected number of tubers per plant and tuber diameter. Interaction effect of N and K influenced fresh tuber yield of cassava. The highest fresh tuber yield of cassava was achieved from 92 kg N ha−1, whereas the lowest fresh tuber yield of cassava was obtained from the control plant. The economic analysis showed that higher net benefit and marginal rate of return were obtained from the application of 92 kg N ha−1, reflecting that it could be an optimum N for cassava yield in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) are one of the primary reasons for people to stop donating blood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of newly developed online communications on the rate of return of whole‐blood (WB) and plasma donors who experienced a VVR. Study Design and Methods: First‐time and experienced WB and plasma donors who had a VVR without a loss of consciousness in the previous 3 days were randomly allocated to receive (a) an SMS sent 1–4 days post‐VVR (n = 2303), (b) an email sent 6–10 days post‐VVR (n = 2360), (c) both the SMS and the email (n = 2248), or (d) business‐as‐usual donor retention communications (control; n = 2557). Donation data were extracted to determine subsequent donation attempts. Results: For return within 3 months, WB donors in the Email Only condition had significantly increased odds of returning (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.01–1.56). Subgroup analysis within WB donors showed increased odds of return for women sent the SMS and Email (OR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.14–1.96) or the Email Only (OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.10–1.89), and for first‐time donors sent the Email Only (OR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.07–2.05). At 6 months, only first‐time WB donors in the Email Only condition had significantly increased odds of returning (OR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.01–1.69). No significant effects of the intervention were found for immediate or intermediate return for plasma donors. Discussion: Sending an email addressing common donor concerns regarding VVRs increases WB donor retention, but additional strategies are needed for the effects to last and to retain plasma donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total factor productivity growth contributed 38% of Indonesia's agricultural output growth from the mid‐1970s to the mid‐2000s. This study uses time series data analysed with an error correction mechanism to examine the contribution that Indonesian publicly funded agricultural research made to this outcome, allowing for other possible determinants of productivity growth, including international agricultural research, extension, government price policy and weather. The results imply a 27% real annual rate of return from a marginal increase in Indonesian agricultural research expenditure. Indonesia's public agricultural research explains virtually all of its agricultural total factor productivity growth between 1975 and 2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of viral keratitis has been on the rise. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the application effect of continuous care for patients with viral keratitis. METHODS: A total of 148 patients with viral keratitis admitted to the ophthalmology department of the authors' hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected and divided into the observation group and the control group via the random number table method, with 74 cases in each group. Continuous care was conducted following routine discharge guidance for patients in the observation group, while routine discharge guidance only was provided for the control group. The patients in both groups were continuously observed for one year. The medication compliance, return visit rate, recurrence rate, nursing satisfaction, and quality of life between the two groups were compared and analyzed after one year. RESULTS: The medication compliance was higher in the observation than in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The rate of return visits at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year in the observation group were higher than those in the control group and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups at 1 week was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), while the recurrence rate at 1, 3, and 6 months, and 1 year in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The total score of the quality of life in the observation group was higher than in the control group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Continuous care had a good application effect on patients with viral keratitis, which could potentially effectively improve medication compliance and the rate of return visits, reduce recurrence rate, and improve patient satisfaction and their quality of life. Accordingly, the results of this study present high clinical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

System of Rice Intensification (SRI) practices are expected to be used in location-specific ways and thus will vary somewhat across countries and regions. This study undertook to identify a 'best-bet' version of SRI for conditions in northwestern Nigeria, considering what is feasible for farmer use. Two years of experimental data from 260 farmer-managed rice plots evaluating four of the SRI practices in Zamfara State were analyzed. The variables evaluated were seedling age at transplanting, plant density, irrigation schedule, and fertilizer application. Farm budget analysis showed that the best-bet SRI practices most productive given the natural environment and farming system were transplanting 11-day-old seedlings at 25 cm × 25 cm spacing, with alternate wetting-and-drying of fields, as well as providing full compost plus some inorganic fertilization. Net economic returns were found to be highest with best-bet SRI practices and ranged from USD 1450–2120 ha−1. While rice production was profitable under both SRI and more conventional management, the return on investment was at least 40% higher with SRI practices than with the other practices evaluated. Based on our data and analysis, we recommend that the Nigerian government and its development partners prioritize and expand the testing and promotion of SRI in the northwest and other regions of the country. This initiative can significantly enhance farmers' incomes and, ultimately, bolster food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's coalbed methane (CBM) industry is in an extremely important "climbing period" and "strategic opportunity period", which can be generally characterized by "three low and one small": low degree of exploration and development, low adaptability of main technology, low return on investment and small development scale. Under the "carbon peak and neutrality" background, the development status of CBM industry is systematically combed. The resources, technology, management problems and reasons are analyzed. Strategies and countermeasures to accelerate the industrial development are put forward according to the factors such as efficient development of resources, major technical breakthrough, talent team training, policy formulation and implementation, return on investment and so on. The existing problems are as follows: (a) The overall occurrence conditions in China are complicated and the development is difficult compared with the other countries. (b) The research precision accuracy of CBM resource conditions is not enough. (c) The adaptability of technology is poor. (d) The management mode is not suitable. In view of these problems, this paper puts forward the "two steps" development strategy and the technical and management countermeasures of "five in one". The corresponding "five in one" technology and management countermeasures are the formulation and implementation of relevant safeguard measures in accordance with the principle of collaborative innovation in five aspects: resources, technology, talents, policies and investment. Through the above measures, the dream and grand blueprint of CBM industry shall be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hip abductor tear (HAT) is an increasingly diagnosed cause of refractory lateral hip pain and dysfunction, affecting 10–25% of the general population. Purpose: (1) to determine the rate of return to activity and to assess the physical and recreational activity of patients undergoing open hip abductor repair (oHATr) and (2) to describe the modification or initiation of new sports disciplines. Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 28 patients (29 hips) who underwent an oHATr were prospectively analyzed at a midterm follow-up of 3.5 (range 2–5) years. The sports and recreational activity levels, as well as type of sports practiced before and after surgery, and The Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12) were assessed via questionnaire. Results: At the final follow-up, all patients were active in sports after surgery. The duration and frequency of sports activities showed a slight decrease (48–42 min per week and 3.2–2.9 sessions per week, respectively) (p = 0.412 and 0.135, respectively). The VR-12 had a score of 45 (13.12–63.18) points for the physical component and 41 (32–53.8) points for the mental component. 100% of the patients would undergo the surgery again. 95% of patients were satisfied with the overall results of the surgical outcome, with 98% satisfied with their hip pain relief and ability to undertake daily and work activities. Moreover, 94% were satisfied with their ability to return to recreational activities. The failure rate in our cohort was approximately 14%. Conclusion: All patients who underwent an oHATr were able to return at least to one type of sport. This cohort was highly satisfied with their sports involvement and recreational activity achievement. In addition, 88% of patients reported that oHATr improved sports activity. There was a shift from higher to lower impact sports. Furthermore, just 3 hips present a retear after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the financial sustainability of retail food SMEs for the 2016–2021 period, in Romania, from the perspective of financial equilibrium and performance. A multivariate analysis was used, including a correlation analysis, a principal component analysis (PCA), and a cluster analysis. The empirical results show a positive link between the financial performance and financial equilibrium indicators. We employed the PCA in order to build a composite financial index using financial equilibrium indicators (ratios of liquidity, solvency, collection, and payment period) and financial performance indicators (Return on Assets and Return on Equity). The results show that financial equilibrium and performance are the two main dimensions which the financial sustainability index (FSI) was constructed on. Taking into account the dimensions of financial sustainability, the analyzed SMEs were clustered in four homogeneous clusters. The research findings clearly demonstrated that the retail food SMEs with a good/acceptable financial sustainability also have a good/acceptable financial balance and performance situation. Furthermore, a significant part of the analyzed SMEs faces difficulties regarding financial sustainability, being characterized by the lowest values of FSI, determined by both an uncertain situation in terms of liquidity, leading to a financial disequilibrium, and a negative financial performance. Therefore, this research emphasizes some specific measures that need to be taken to boost financial sustainability of these businesses in the retail food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical results of revision Bankart repair versus the Latarjet procedure for failed Bankart repair. Methods: A literature search was performed in databases, such as Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus Library. The studies were appraised using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies tool. Studies for failed Bankart repair with revision Bankart repair or Latarjet procedure were included. The pain VAS, ROWE score, rate of return to sports and preinjury level of sports, recurrent instability, range of motion, and complications were compared. Additionally, the pain VAS, ROWE score, forward flexion, and external rotation at side were subjected to a meta-analysis. Results: Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review. The functional outcomes in terms of the ROWE score, recurrent instability, return to sports, and the preinjury level of sports was better in the Latarjet procedure group than those in the revision Bankart repair group (ROWE score, 91 vs. 86.7; recurrent instability rate, 3.5% vs. 14.4%; return to sports rate, 100% vs. 87.9%; return to preinjury level of sports rate, 89.9% vs. 74.9%; all P < 0.001). However, the results of postoperative pain and the postoperative limitation of external rotation at side were worse in the Latarjet procedure group than those in the revision Bankart repair group (pain VAS, 1.4 vs. 0.8; postoperative external rotation at side, 38° vs. 60°; all P < 0.001). In addition, the majority of the complications occurred in the Latarjet procedure group. In the meta-analysis, the postoperative ROWE score was significantly higher in the Latarjet procedure group than that in the revision Bankart group (revision Bankart repair: 95% CI 88.9–80.9, I2 = 65.70; Latarjet procedure: 95% CI 95.8–88.1, I2 = 93.37; P = 0.014). However, the pain VAS, forward flexion, and external rotation at side did not reach the significant level in the meta-analysis. Conclusion: Compared with revision Bankart repair, the Latarjet procedure for failed Bankart repair showed better ROWE scores, stability, and return to sports or preinjury level of sports; however, the postoperative pain and the limitation of external rotation at side were worse with more complications. IRB No: KUMC 2022–01-024. Level of evidence: Level IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: All-inside anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair using anchors is frequently used to manage chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) with satisfactory functional outcomes. It remains unclear whether there are differences in the functional results between the use of one or two double-loaded anchors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 59 CLAI patients who underwent an all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair procedure from 2017 to 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to the number of anchors used. In the one-anchor group (n = 32), the ATFL was repaired with one double-loaded suture anchor. In the two-anchors group (n = 27), the ATFL was repaired with two double-loaded suture anchors. At the last follow-up time point, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Karlsson Ankle Function Score (KAFS), Anterior Talar Translation (ATT), Active Joint Position Sense (AJPS), and the rate of return to sports in both groups were compared. Results: All the patients were followed up for at least 24 months. Improvement in the functional results (VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, ATT, and AJPS) were recorded at the final follow-up time point. No significant differences were observed regarding VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, ATT, and AJPS between the two groups. Conclusion: In patients with CLAI undergoing all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair, the use of either one or two double-loaded suture anchors produces comparable and predictably good functional outcomes. Level of evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of the modern refineries are founded on converting/upgrading the heavy bases of low value to lighter products by higher added value like gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel. In this work, some process configurations in heavy refinery cracking, converting and treating are technically and economically evaluated. In this purpose, four process configurations for refinery plants are suggested. These processes are evaluated and analyzed to obtain the most optimal configurations with the aim of achieving the most valuable refinery products. The difference of the processes is in heavy residue conversion and processing. These processes are included the Asphalt Air Blowing Unit (AABU, Type 1), Delayed Coker Unit (DCU, Type 2), Heavy Residue Hydro-Conversion (HRH, Type 3) and Solvent De-Asphalting (SDA, Type 4). The units are common in mentioned refineries cases and just ABU, HCU, DCU, HRH and SDA are different. In economic consideration, the payout period is considered as one of the standard methods of assessing the economic projects and economically estimating them. As results, the highest rate of gasoline is recorded in the refinery type of DCU unit and the highest amount of LPG/C4/C3, kerosene and gasoline production observed in refinery type of HRH unit. The construction of refinery with ABU unit has minimum investment (980 million $) and highest rate of return (19.4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stock portfolio optimization is always an interesting and attractive research problem due to the variety of stock markets. To find a useful stock portfolio, metaheuristic-based approaches have been presented to obtain diverse group stock portfolios (DGSPs) by considering the diversity of stock portfolios in the past. However, in the existing DGSP algorithms, two problems remain to be solved. The first is how to set a suitable group size, and the second is that the evolution process is time-consuming. To solve these problems, in this paper, an approach using grouping genetic algorithms (GGAs) was proposed for optimizing a DGSP. For setting a suitable group size, the proposed approach utilized two attributes of group stocks, including the return on equity and the price/earnings ratio. Then, to derive better stock groups, a cluster validation factor was designed, which was used as part of a fitness function. To solve the time-consumption problem, using the designed temporary chromosome, the number of stock portfolios that need to be evaluated could be reduced in the proposed approach to speed up the evolution process. Finally, experiments on two real stock datasets containing 31 and 50 stocks were conducted to show that the proposed approach was effective and efficient. The results indicated that the proposed approach could not only achieve similar returns but also accelerate the evolution process when compared with the existing algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Precision oncology medicines represent a paradigm shift compared to non-precision oncology medicines in cancer therapy, in some situations delivering more clinical benefit, and potentially lowering healthcare costs. We determined whether employing a companion diagnostic (CDx) approach during oncology medicines development delivers effective therapies that are within the cost constraints of current health systems. R&D costs of developing a medicine are subject to debate, with average estimates ranging from $765 million (m) to $4.6 billion (b). Our aim was to determine whether precision oncology medicines are cheaper to bring from R&D to market; a secondary goal was to determine whether precision oncology medicines have a greater return on investment (ROI). Method: Data on oncology medicines approved between 1997 and 2020 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were analysed from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings. Data were compiled from 10-K, 10-Q, and 20-F financial performance filings on medicines' development costs through their R&D lifetime. Clinical trial data were split into clinical trial phases 1–3 and probability of success (POS) of trials was calculated, along with preclinical costs. Cost-of-capital (CoC) approach was applied and, if appropriate, a tax rebate was subtracted from the total. Results: Data on 42 precision and 29 non-precision oncology medicines from 56 companies listed by the National Cancer Institute which had complete data available were analysed. Estimated mean cost to deliver a new oncology medicine was $4.4b (95% CI, $3.6–5.2b). Costs to bring a precision oncology medicine to market were $1.1b less ($3.5b; 95% CI, $2.7–4.5b) compared to non-precision oncology medicines ($4.6b; 95% CI, $3.5–6.1b). The key driver of costs was POS of clinical trials, accounting for a difference of $591.3 m. Additional data analysis illustrated that there was a 27% increase in return on investment (ROI) of precision oncology medicines over non-precision oncology medicines. Conclusion: Our results provide an accurate estimate of the R&D spend required to bring an oncology medicine to market. Deployment of a CDx at the earliest stage substantially lowers the cost associated with oncology medicines development, potentially making them available to more patients, while staying within the cost constraints of cancer health systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the current study is to identify the impact of financial flexibility in achieving financial recovery, through the use and employment of indicators of financial flexibility in achieving financial recovery for commercial banks listed in the Iraq Stock Exchange. Theoretical framework: Financial flexibility is seen as multiple patterns that reflect the work of the characteristics and rules of each job, but it crystallizes around a specific topic, which is the ability of financial institutions to respond to environmental changes and fluctuations through their ability to take actions and decisions that direct and restore the functions of institutions and resources in a manner consistent with the development of goals and strategic vision of the management, thus achieving financial recovery and achieving an increase in the economic activity of the financial institution during the period of time through an increase in the value of assets. Design and methodology: Multiple linear regression and statistical program (SPSS 26) were relied upon by analyzing the relationship between financial flexibility and financial recovery of Iraqi commercial banks during the fiscal period (2009-2020). Results: The results showed that there is a statistically significant effect of indicators of financial flexibility on indicators of financial recovery of Iraqi commercial banks. Recommendations: The need for commercial banks to utilize a culture and philosophy of financial flexibility, because of its effective role in facing banking risks and achieving financial recovery for them, as this culture makes commercial banks able to confront them with financial crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the technical and economical pre-feasibility of electrochemical reduction from CO2 to ethanol is unknown. This creates the challenge of mitigating the environmental impact of greenhouse gases. This study presents a model to obtain fuel alcohol from carbon dioxide with Aspen Plus V11 simulation software, utilizing both, the experimental parameters established by Yuan (1), and the scaling of an industrial plant which processes 226.12 tonne of CO2 per day. The kinetic equation for the liquid phase of r_(CO_2 )=460.24 s-1 was determined as well as its conditions of operations, allowing the acquisition of 98.74% of conversion, 8.85% of selectivity, 99% v/v ethanol flow at 4,390.18 kg/h and hydrogen Flow at 1,828.96 kg/h. From the cost estimation, the viability of the project was determined with a 85.18% IRR and an investment return of 2.20 years after initiating the project. In conclusion, the use of an electrochemical process to produce fuel alcohol from carbon dioxide was found to be viable economically and industrially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental, social and economic transformation changes stakeholder expectations. Now, companies are dealing with a much more responsible and demanding stakeholder group. Companies also develop many innovative applications to meet changing expectations. Integrated reporting as a new generation reporting tool is among these innovations. The goal of this study is to analyze whether integrated reports have an impact on the financial performance of reporting companies. Companies listed in BIST Bank index are included in the scope of the review. Panel Data Analysis is preferred as a method. Return on assets and return on equity are used as financial performance indicators. As a result of the analysis made for the years 2015-2021, there is no effect of integrated reporting on financial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing demographic change in most developed countries consists of two coinciding independent developments that differ in structure and persistence: A slow, monotonic and (presumably) permanent longevity effect caused by an increasing life expectancy; and a more rapidly changing, non-monotonic and less permanent cohort effect caused by fluctuations in the size of cohorts. This paper shows the longevity effect has a positive impact on the rates of return households generate within a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) pension system. The cohort effect, by contrast, results in winners and losers in PAYG systems. The paper additionally shows that the type of PAYG pension system alters the results significantly. Taking the remarkable demographic change in Germany as an example, a large-scale overlapping generation model quantifies rates of return within the PAYG pension system for every cohort. The results show that the two effects combined cause return differentials of almost 1.3 percentage points between generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions among metadata, content discoverability, and content usage have been undervalued by publishers for years. Despite the regular exhortations by librarians to encourage publishers to develop a good metadata program, it remains very difficult for them to make a robust business case for a positive return on investment from metadata creation and maintenance. However, with the ever-growing body of open access research and the production of datasets, blogs, websites, and other unique research outputs, it is an ideal time to revisit how metadata directly affects discovery and usage in the scholarly communications ecosystem. Certain pieces of metadata make demonstrable differences for helping or hindering end-user engagement, can increase or suppress usage, and, therefore, can be one of the keys to driving the business case for supporting open access and non-traditional scholarly outputs. Better metadata is key to gathering robust analytics on user-engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lymphoma Diagnostic Pathway (LDP) was developed based upon clinical best practice guidelines and implemented in large urban centers where lymphoma treatment is provided in Alberta, Canada. A return-on-investment analysis of the implementation of this care pathway was conducted to inform future sustainability and expansion. A cohort design with propensity score matching and difference-in-difference estimation methods were used comparing both cost and return (reduced health service utilization) between patients who were diagnosed within the LDP and those who were diagnosed outside the LDP. LDP resulted in $1800 avoided HSU costs per patient. The LDP has been found to be cost-saving with an ROI of 5.3 (ranging from 3.95–8.97) – for every $1 invested, LDP resulted in a $5.30 return for the health system due to capacity improvements in ED, inpatient, outpatient, and a reduction in GP service utilization. Further study of implementation including patient/provider satisfaction and uptake is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]