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This research study evaluates the impact of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) modified asphalt binder on the mechanical performance and economical feasibility of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures. LDPE-modified mixtures were compared with conventional mixes prepared with various binders commonly used in India, i.e., VG 30, VG 40, Polymer-Modified Binder (PMB), and Crumb Rubber Modified Binder (CRMB). LDPE-modified mixtures exhibit superior mechanical performance, increasing the stiffness of AC mixtures by 171% and 125% at 25 °C and 35 °C, respectively, compared to VG 30 base binder. Additionally, the indirect tensile strength (ITS) improved by 51% over VG 30. LDPE-modified mixtures also showed improved resistance to permanent deformation, with RTIndex values up to 133.46% higher than VG 30, and higher fatigue resistance, as indicated by increased CTIndex values compared to VG 30 and CRMB. However, the CTIndex values for LDPE-modified mixtures were 26.32% and 56% lower than those for VG 40 and PMB, respectively. Pavement analysis using 3D-Move showed lesser deflections at pavement layer interfaces, resulting in higher rutting and fatigue life for LDPE-modified pavements. Furthermore, LDPE-modified pavements showed up to 57% higher fatigue life (Nf) and up to 42.33% higher rutting life (Nr) than other pavements. The economic analysis showed that the cost of LDPE-modified pavements is comparable to VG 40 and around 10% more economical than pavements containing PMB. Using LDPE also offers environmental benefits by repurposing up to 750 kg for every kilometer of single-lane pavement section having 50mm thick surface course. Overall, LDPE-modified asphalt mixtures present a sustainable and high-performance solution for asphalt pavement construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cost estimation and assessment of healthcare waste treatment systems (HCWTSs) for preventing financial and environmental damage are essential. This work reports economic analyses of treatment of hazardous–infectious waste based on WHO approach in HCWTSS of 43 hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The waste generation rate for total hospital waste in 43 HCWTSS was 4.42 ± 2.77 kg/active-bed/day. The mean of chemical, sharps, infectious, and general wastes in 43 HCWTSS were 13.79 ± 19.71, 30.29 ± 37.46, 336.28 ± 291.31, and 539.6 ± 383.13 kg/day, respectively. Economic analyses proved that general hospitals spent 1.63 times more than specialized hospitals on treating hazardous–infectious waste per year. The annual cost of treating each kilogram of hazardous healthcare waste in studied HCWTSS was 0.3 dollars. A range of total annual costs in 43 HCWTSS was limited to 7.9–118 thousand dollars. The results of ANOVA test demonstrated that the age and performance levels of hospitals significantly affect the annual capital and operating costs, respectively. Hence, improving recycling knowledge and increasing source-separated recycling should be considered to control the costs in HCWTSS. The results of this work have implications for the hospital managers in especially developing countries to evaluate previously unknown economic analyses and policies and take action to control wasted costs in HCWTSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This research study evaluates the impact of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) modified asphalt binder on the mechanical performance and economical feasibility of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures. LDPE-modified mixtures were compared with conventional mixes prepared with various binders commonly used in India, i.e., VG 30, VG 40, Polymer-Modified Binder (PMB), and Crumb Rubber Modified Binder (CRMB). LDPE-modified mixtures exhibit superior mechanical performance, increasing the stiffness of AC mixtures by 171% and 125% at 25 °C and 35 °C, respectively, compared to VG 30 base binder. Additionally, the indirect tensile strength (ITS) improved by 51% over VG 30. LDPE-modified mixtures also showed improved resistance to permanent deformation, with RT Index values up to 133.46% higher than VG 30, and higher fatigue resistance, as indicated by increased CT Index values compared to VG 30 and CRMB. However, the CT Index values for LDPE-modified mixtures were 26.32% and 56% lower than those for VG 40 and PMB, respectively. Pavement analysis using 3D-Move showed lesser deflections at pavement layer interfaces, resulting in higher rutting and fatigue life for LDPE-modified pavements. Furthermore, LDPE-modified pavements showed up to 57% higher fatigue life (Nf) and up to 42.33% higher rutting life (Nr) than other pavements. The economic analysis showed that the cost of LDPE-modified pavements is comparable to VG 40 and around 10% more economical than pavements containing PMB. Using LDPE also offers environmental benefits by repurposing up to 750 kg for every kilometer of single-lane pavement section having 50mm thick surface course. Overall, LDPE-modified asphalt mixtures present a sustainable and high-performance solution for asphalt pavement construction.

Abstract The cost estimation and assessment of healthcare waste treatment systems (HCWTSs) for preventing financial and environmental damage are essential. This work reports economic analyses of treatment of hazardous–infectious waste based on WHO approach in HCWTSS of 43 hospitals in Tehran, Iran. The waste generation rate for total hospital waste in 43 HCWTSS was 4.42 ± 2.77 kg/active-bed/day. The mean of chemical, sharps, infectious, and general wastes in 43 HCWTSS were 13.79 ± 19.71, 30.29 ± 37.46, 336.28 ± 291.31, and 539.6 ± 383.13 kg/day, respectively. Economic analyses proved that general hospitals spent 1.63 times more than specialized hospitals on treating hazardous–infectious waste per year. The annual cost of treating each kilogram of hazardous healthcare waste in studied HCWTSS was 0.3 dollars. A range of total annual costs in 43 HCWTSS was limited to 7.9–118 thousand dollars. The results of ANOVA test demonstrated that the age and performance levels of hospitals significantly affect the annual capital and operating costs, respectively. Hence, improving recycling knowledge and increasing source-separated recycling should be considered to control the costs in HCWTSS. The results of this work have implications for the hospital managers in especially developing countries to evaluate previously unknown economic analyses and policies and take action to control wasted costs in HCWTSS.

Background: Lack of evidence about the long-term economic benefits of interventions targeting underserved perinatal populations can hamper decision making regarding funding. To optimize the quality of future research, we examined what methods and costs have been used to assess the value of interventions targeting pregnant people and/or new parents who have poor access to healthcare. Methods: We conducted a scoping review using methods described by Arksey and O'Malley. We conducted systematic searches in eight databases and web-searches for grey literature. Two researchers independently screened results to determine eligibility for inclusion. We included economic evaluations and cost analyses of interventions targeting pregnant people and/or new parents from underserved populations in twenty high income countries. We extracted and tabulated data from included publications regarding the study setting, population, intervention, study methods, types of costs included, and data sources for costs. Results: Final searches were completed in May 2024. We identified 103 eligible publications describing a range of interventions, most commonly home visiting programs (n = 19), smoking cessation interventions (n = 19), prenatal care (n = 11), perinatal mental health interventions (n = 11), and substance use treatment (n = 10), serving 36 distinct underserved populations. A quarter of the publications (n = 25) reported cost analyses only, while 77 were economic evaluations. Most publications (n = 82) considered health care costs, 45 considered other societal costs, and 14 considered only program costs. Only a third (n = 36) of the 103 included studies considered long-term costs that occurred more than one year after the birth (for interventions occurring only in pregnancy) or after the end of the intervention. Conclusions: A broad range of interventions targeting pregnant people and/or new parents from underserved populations have the potential to reduce health inequities in their offspring. Economic evaluations of such interventions are often at risk of underestimating the long-term benefits of these interventions because they do not consider downstream societal costs. Our consolidated list of downstream and long-term costs from existing research can inform future economic analyses of interventions targeting poorly served pregnant people and new parents. Comprehensively quantifying the downstream and long-term benefits of such interventions is needed to inform decision making that will improve health equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a comprehensive analysis is done on a dual rotor wind turbine (DRWT) in co‐rotating arrangement. First, a co‐rotating dual rotor is designed and its performance is analyzed by blade element momentum theory simulation. Later, the designed co‐rotating DRWT is manufactured and then tested in the field by mounting the wind turbine on a truck. Running the truck steadily at different speeds while logging the performance parameters of the wind turbine, the power curve of the DRWT is obtained. Then, using the power curve of the co‐rotating DRWT and the actual wind measurement data from Çatalca Istanbul, the annual electricity generation of the designed turbine is calculated. The present techno‐economic analysis states that the co‐rotating DRWTs are more efficient compared to single rotor wind turbines (SRWTs), in accordance with the literature. Analyses show that with DRWT, around 22% higher power generation can be achieved. Additionally, the payback period for DRWT was found to be less than 1 year. The marketing strategy for introducing the product emphasizes identifying and targeting early adopters and influencers within the market. The present techno‐economic analysis states that the co‐rotating DRWTs are more efficient compared to SRWTs, in accordance with the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system has attracted increasing attention due to its potential outstanding performance in thermodynamics, economics, and the environment. However, the conventional CCHP systems are carbon-intensive. To solve this issue, a low-carbon-emission CCHP system (LC-CCHP) is firstly proposed in this work by integrating a sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming (SE-SMR) process. In the LC-CCHP system, CO2 is continuously captured by the calcium loop so that low-carbon energy can be generated. Then, the LC-CCHP system thermodynamic model, mainly consisting of a dual fluidized bed reactor which includes the SE-SMR reactor and a CaCO3 calcination reactor, a hydrogen gas turbine, a CO2 reheater, and a lithium bromide absorption chiller, is built. To prove that the LC-CCHP model is reliable, the system major sub-unit model predictions are compared against data from the literature in terms of thermodynamics and economics. Finally, the effects of reforming temperature (Tref), the steam-to-carbon mole ratio (S/C), the calcium-to-carbon mole ratio (RCC), the equivalent ratio for gas turbine (RAE), and the hydrogen separation ratio (Sfg) on total energy efficiency ( η t e n ), total exergy efficiency ( η t e x ), and carbon capture capability ( R c m ) are detected. It is found that the minimum exergy efficiency of 64.5% exists at the calciner unit, while the maximum exergy efficiency of 78.7% appears at the gas turbine unit. The maximum energy efficiency and coefficient of performance of the absorption chiller are 0.52 and 1.33, respectively. When T r e f = 600 °C, S / C = 4.0 , R C C = 7.62 , R A E = 1.20 , and S f g = 0.27 , the η t e n , η t e x , and R c m of the system can be ~61%, ~68%, and ~96%, and the average specific cost of the system is 0.024 USD/kWh, which is advanced compared with the parallel CCHP systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system has attracted increasing attention due to its potential outstanding performance in thermodynamics, economics, and the environment. However, the conventional CCHP systems are carbon-intensive. To solve this issue, a low-carbon-emission CCHP system (LC-CCHP) is firstly proposed in this work by integrating a sorption-enhanced steam methane reforming (SE-SMR) process. In the LC-CCHP system, CO2 is continuously captured by the calcium loop so that low-carbon energy can be generated. Then, the LC-CCHP system thermodynamic model, mainly consisting of a dual fluidized bed reactor which includes the SE-SMR reactor and a CaCO3 calcination reactor, a hydrogen gas turbine, a CO2 reheater, and a lithium bromide absorption chiller, is built. To prove that the LC-CCHP model is reliable, the system major sub-unit model predictions are compared against data from the literature in terms of thermodynamics and economics. Finally, the effects of reforming temperature (Tref), the steam-to-carbon mole ratio (S/C), the calcium-to-carbon mole ratio (RCC), the equivalent ratio for gas turbine (RAE), and the hydrogen separation ratio (Sfg) on total energy efficiency (ηten), total exergy efficiency (ηtex), and carbon capture capability (Rcm) are detected. It is found that the minimum exergy efficiency of 64.5% exists at the calciner unit, while the maximum exergy efficiency of 78.7% appears at the gas turbine unit. The maximum energy efficiency and coefficient of performance of the absorption chiller are 0.52 and 1.33, respectively. When Tref=600 °C, S/C=4.0, RCC=7.62, RAE=1.20, and Sfg=0.27, the ηten, ηtex, and Rcm of the system can be ~61%, ~68%, and ~96%, and the average specific cost of the system is 0.024 USD/kWh, which is advanced compared with the parallel CCHP systems.

Abstract This present study investigates the heat-assisted extraction (HAE) of bioactive antioxidants from Enantia chlorantha stem bark (ECSB). The effects of process parameters of operating temperature (OT: 35–55 °C), extraction time (ET: 100–200 min) and solid: liquid ratio (S/L: 1:20–1:50 g/mL) are determined on the total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) and extract yield (EY) using the D-Optimal design. Multi-criteria optimization is also conducted to determine the HAE optimum conditions. The integrated process for E. chlorantha stem bark extracts (ECBEs) production is thereafter designed with the optimum HAE conditions and techno-economically analysed. Three industrial ECBEs production setups (5, 100 and 1000 L extractor capacities) are analysed for probable scale-up and the risk & sensitivity analyses are conducted via Monte Carlo simulation. The HAE parameters affect the extraction process significantly. The OT, ET and S/L that maximize the TPC, AA and EY simultaneously are: OT = 54.10 °C, ET = 120.16 min and S/L = 1:50 g/mL. The 1000 L plant extractor setup is the most economical capacity having the least unit production cost (UPC) of 763.52 US$/kg ECBEs. The certainty of achieving 763.52 US$/kg ECBEs for the 1000 L capacity is 55.43% and the only variable with negative contribution (− 37.9%) on ECBEs UPC is the extract recovery variable.

In this study, effects of the combination of meter replacement and active leakage control on real and apparent losses are investigated. Generally, water meter replacement campaigns, SCADA system operation, data analysis studies and physical leak detection activities are carried out by different units in water utilities. Within the scope of this study, the studies carried out by different units of the water utility were carried out in an integrated manner in the same period and the obtained data sets were analysed together. Thus, water losses, which were at the level of 52% in the pilot study area (PSA), were reduced to 35%. When the volumes of water supplied to the system before and after the study are compared, the volumes after the study were decreased. Also, water losses in the PSA have been reduced by 17%. HIGHLIGHTS Reducing water losses is not only a revenue problem, it also results in wasting sources.; Effects of integrated management techniques on water losses are investigated.; The application in this study by different water utilities will contribute to the management of water losses in WDS.; The importance of regular active leakage control studies has been proved.; As a result of the study, water losses were reduced by 17%.;

The article presents energy, economic and environmental analyses of the possibilities of using alternative, high-efficiency sources of heat and energy for the multi-family residential building located in Wrocław, Poland, in the temperate climate zone characteristic of Central Europe. For conventional, alternative and hybrid heating systems based on renewable energy sources, comparative analyses of final energy demand, demand for non-renewable primary energy, CO2 emissions, investment costs and life cycle costs were carried out. The detailed comparative analyses of the research results led to the formulation of conclusions and recommendations which may serve as guidelines for designers of multi-family residential buildings and investors. The solutions of heating and hot water preparation systems recommended in the article will enable the design and construction of buildings with no negative impact on the environment. Taking into account the economic and environmental analyses, the optimal sources of heat and energy are alternative heating systems based on highly efficient heat pumps supplied from a photovoltaic installation. Such solutions, however, have both technical and legal limitations related to the possibility of their implementation and are generally associated with higher investment costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the level of comfort and development and locating in an dry and desert areas has led to decrease in renewable sources of drinking water in eastern Iran Specially in Sistan and Balochestan. Access to drinking water in this area is difficult and its price is high (4 US$ per cubic meter). In this article, two scenarios have been investigated in order to supply sustainable drinking water. (1) Usage of available brackish water resources through brackish water Reverse Osmosis desalination system and (2) Usage of Oman Sea water resources through Sea water Reverse Osmosis desalination system and fresh water transfer by pipeline. Results show that the average prime cost of drinking water is (0.94 US$) and (2.58 US$) per cubic meter in the first and second scenarios, respectively. Also, the average period of return in the first scenario is (3.3 Year) and in the second scenario is (9.59 Year). More investigations show that the sea water desalination units construction and pipeline transmission is economicaly feasible up to 300 Km from the coastline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fiber crop in Pakistan with significant economic importance. Transgenic, insect-resistant cotton (carrying a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)) was inducted in the cotton-based cropping systems of Pakistan during 2002, and is now sown in >90% of cotton fields in the country. However, concerns are rising that Bt cotton would decrease the productivity of winter crops (sown after cotton), leading to decreased system productivity. This two-year field study determined the impacts of transgenic (Bt) and non-transgenic (non-Bt) cotton genotypes on the productivities of winter crops (i.e., wheat, Egyptian clover, and canola), and the overall productivities of the cropping systems including these crops. Four cotton genotypes (two Bt and two non-Bt) and three winter crops (i.e., wheat, Egyptian clover, and canola) were included in the study. Nutrient availability was assessed after the harvest of cotton and winter crops. Similarly, the yield-related traits of cotton and winter crops were recorded at their harvest. The productivities of the winter crops were converted to net economic returns, and the overall economic returns of the cropping systems with winter crops were computed. The results revealed that Bt and non-Bt cotton genotypes significantly (p < 0.05) altered nutrient availability (N, P, K, B, Zn, and Fe). However, the yield-related attributes of winter crops were not affected by cotton genotypes, whereas the overall profitability of the cropping systems varied among the cotton genotypes. Economic analyses indicated that the Bt cotton–wheat cropping system was the most profitable, with a benefit–cost ratio of 1.55 in the semi-arid region of Pakistan. It is concluded that Bt cotton could be successfully inducted into the existing cropping systems of Pakistan without any decrease to the overall productivity of the cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productivity is the primary output of any solar still system, hence solar still technology needs to be improved continuously in order to reduce the price of distillate water. In the current work, we compared the tubular solar still (TSS) with the conventional solar still of the same size and material while conducting experiments and improving performance when implementing a solar water heater. The experiment was conducted in Nagpur, India, in May 2022, at Longitude 21.124419, Latitude 79.002072. Three different water depths, respectively, 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm, were used in the experiment to compare TSS using active solar still with TSS using passive solar still. As part of the investigation, the TSS solar water heater produced the most freshwater, at a rate of 8.76 L/m2, compared to the CTSS solar still, which produced 6.02 L/m2 of water at a depth of 1 cm. For water depths of 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm, respectively, the ATSS increased freshwater highest production at 1 cm depth by 45.51%, in comparison to the CTSS. The costs of producing freshwater, ATSS and CTSS, are 0.015 $/L and 0.011 $/L, respectively. As compared to ATSS, the exergy and thermal efficiency of CTSS at 1 cm of water depth is increased by 130.32% and 24.90%due to the absorber area which is inversely correlated with the hourly thermal efficiency, and the absorber area directly correlated with the still output for the exergy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New technologies in hip and knee arthroplasty are commonly evaluated using cost-effectiveness analyses and similar economic assessments. There is a wide variation in the methodology of these studies, introducing the potential for bias. The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between potential financial conflicts of interest (COI) and the outcomes of economic analyses. We hypothesized that authors' COI and industry funding would be associated with conclusions favorable to a new technology. Economic analyses making cost-effectiveness or economic implementation claims on patient-specific instrumentation, robotics, and implants used in hip and knee arthroplasty published from 2010 to 2022 were identified. Papers were evaluated to determine if conclusions were favorable to the new technology being studied. Fisher's exact test was utilized to determine the relationship between the presence of COI and an article's conclusions. Of 43 eligible articles, 76.7% were cost-effectiveness analyses, 23.2% were cost analyses, and 67.4% of articles had conclusions favorable to a technology. Of the 29 articles with favorable conclusions, 26 had an author with a financial COI (89.7%), and 14 had industry funding (48.3%). Of the 33 articles with a financial COI, 26 (78.8%) had favorable conclusions, and of the 16 articles with industry funding, 14 (87.5%) had favorable conclusions. Fisher's exact test revealed a statistically significant association between an article having favorable conclusions and the presence of an author's COI or industry funding (odds ratio, 13.5; 95% CI [confidence interval], 2.3 to 79.9; P =.003). Financial COIs were present in 79.1% of lower extremity arthroplasty economic analyses on technologies and were associated with an article having conclusions favorable to the new technology. Surgeons and decision-makers should be aware of the variability and assumptions in these studies and the potential bias of the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large amount of low‐grade thermal energy from reclaimed water is not fully utilized. It can be used as a good heat supplement for district heating. A novel district heating system coupled with a reclaimed water source heat pump (RWSHP) is proposed in this article. The models of energy efficiency, economic feasibility, environmental benefits, and application suitability are established to analyze three typical systems including the traditional district heating system (TDHS), the direct heating system using RWSHP (D‐RWSHP), and the traditional district heating system coupled with RWSHP (T‐RWSHP). The results show that the energy consumption and operating costs of T‐RWSHP are lower than those of TDHS. T‐RWSHP can achieve longer distance heating than D‐RWSHP. Under design conditions, the annual energy consumption of T‐RWSHP can be reduced by 11.36% and the annual operating costs can be reduced by 5.8 CNY m−2 compared with TDHS. Taking the Yanqing wastewater treatment plant as an example, the heating area of D‐RWSHP is only 2% of that of T‐RWSHP. According to the sensitivity analysis, the energy consumption, operating costs, and CO2 emissions of the system decrease greatly with the increase of temperature difference between the influent and effluent reclaimed water of RWSHP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents energy, economic and environmental analyses of the possibilities of using alternative, high-efficiency sources of heat and energy for the multi-family residential building located in Wrocław, Poland, in the temperate climate zone characteristic of Central Europe. For conventional, alternative and hybrid heating systems based on renewable energy sources, comparative analyses of final energy demand, demand for non-renewable primary energy, CO2 emissions, investment costs and life cycle costs were carried out. The detailed comparative analyses of the research results led to the formulation of conclusions and recommendations which may serve as guidelines for designers of multi-family residential buildings and investors. The solutions of heating and hot water preparation systems recommended in the article will enable the design and construction of buildings with no negative impact on the environment. Taking into account the economic and environmental analyses, the optimal sources of heat and energy are alternative heating systems based on highly efficient heat pumps supplied from a photovoltaic installation. Such solutions, however, have both technical and legal limitations related to the possibility of their implementation and are generally associated with higher investment costs.

This study evaluated different concentrations of inclusion of betaine supplied in the drinking water for the control of acute heat stress in broiler chickens Ross 308 Line and its effect on the productive parameters and economic benefit in two production cycles. In two poultry houses, the experiment began with 2672 and 2304 broiler chickens that were distributed in the third week in 16 quadrants with four pseudo-replicates of 167 and 144 chickens each quadrant. Three treatments of betaine (1.5, 2 and 2.5 g/l) and one control treatment (without betaine) distributed at random were supplied in the drinking water during the last week of breeding (seven week). The supply of 1.5 g/l (T2) of betaine level showed the highest average weight (2441 ± 52.2 g) and lowest mortality (2.96%) during the first cycle, whereas T4 exhibited highest average weight (2925 ± 60.2 g) and lowest mortality (3.43%) during the second cycle. All treatments revealed acute thermal stress with no significant differences in body temperature. In the economic analysis T2 and T4 showed the highest net income with about 60.44% and 67.36% with reasonable cost-benefit ratio (1.42 and 1.93) during first and second cycle, respectively. This study suggests the supply of betaine between 1.5-2.5 g/l in the water during the last week of rearing period in Mediterranean areas along with good management practice to mitigate the acute thermal stress in commercial chicken broilers Line Ross 308. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, a solar-driven organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system was thermodynamically, economically and environmentally investigated. A focal point concentrator with two different cavity-shape receivers was investigated as the ORC heat source. More specifically, the cylindrical and the hemispherical cavity receivers were examined and compared as the most usual and promising choices. MWCNT/oil nanofluid and R113 were used as the solar heat transfer fluid and ORC working fluid respectively. The main aim of this research is an investigation of different cavities in the solar dish and the investigation of the impact of the use of nanofluids in the solar system by different points of view. The results of this work showed that the hemispherical cavity receiver with nanofluid is the most efficient choice with 21.4% system efficiency, while the use of pure thermal oil in the hemispherical cavity leads to 18.9%. On the other hand, the use of the cylindrical cavity leads to 17.8% and 15.8% system efficiency with nanofluid and pure thermal oil respectively. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) was 0.077 €/kWh and 0.076 €/kWh for the cylindrical and hemispherical cavity receiver respectively. Moreover, it was concluded that the solar ORC system with the hemispherical cavity receiver as the ORC heat source had resulted in more positive environmental influence related to the cylindrical one.

Na Li,1,2,* Huanrui Zheng,1,2,* Bin Zheng,1,2 Chaoxin Chen,1,2 Hongfu Cai,1,2 Maobai Liu1,2 1Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China; 2School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Maobai LiuDepartment of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail liumaobai@163.comObjective: This review aimed to assess the quality of available evidence on the economic evaluations of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and provide evidence to improve the efficiency of healthcare resources.Materials and Methods: Literature search was performed using some electronic databases (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials). Final search was performed in December 2019. Study characteristics and results were recorded and compared. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklists. We did not elaborate the restrictions on the target population. We included patients with squamous or non-squamous NSCLC and metastatic or advanced cancer.Results: Of 98 papers considered, 21 were chosen for this review. Most of them are cost-effectiveness analysis. Comparative regimens consisted of either immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor plus chemotherapy, or chemotherapy alone. Fourteen, four, and three studies were about pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and atezolizumab, respectively. The methods mostly used in these studies were modeling and sensitivity analysis. All studies used quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and life years (LY) as outcomes. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries. Based on the willingness to pay threshold, atezolizumab, and pembrolizumab were found to be cost-effective in one and 10 studies, respectively. None of the studies concluded that nivolumab was cost-effective. For quality assessment, all studies fulfilled more than 50% of the CHEERS checklist.Conclusion: The included studies indicated that pembrolizumab regimens are cost-effective as first-line treatment for patients with NSCLC in developed countries. Nivolumab and atezolizumab are likely to be cost-effective as second-line treatment but not as first-line treatment.Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer, economic analyses, immune checkpoint inhibitors, systematic review, PD-L1 positive

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important fiber crop in Pakistan with significant economic importance. Transgenic, insect-resistant cotton (carrying a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)) was inducted in the cotton-based cropping systems of Pakistan during 2002, and is now sown in >90% of cotton fields in the country. However, concerns are rising that Bt cotton would decrease the productivity of winter crops (sown after cotton), leading to decreased system productivity. This two-year field study determined the impacts of transgenic (Bt) and non-transgenic (non-Bt) cotton genotypes on the productivities of winter crops (i.e., wheat, Egyptian clover, and canola), and the overall productivities of the cropping systems including these crops. Four cotton genotypes (two Bt and two non-Bt) and three winter crops (i.e., wheat, Egyptian clover, and canola) were included in the study. Nutrient availability was assessed after the harvest of cotton and winter crops. Similarly, the yield-related traits of cotton and winter crops were recorded at their harvest. The productivities of the winter crops were converted to net economic returns, and the overall economic returns of the cropping systems with winter crops were computed. The results revealed that Bt and non-Bt cotton genotypes significantly (p < 0.05) altered nutrient availability (N, P, K, B, Zn, and Fe). However, the yield-related attributes of winter crops were not affected by cotton genotypes, whereas the overall profitability of the cropping systems varied among the cotton genotypes. Economic analyses indicated that the Bt cotton–wheat cropping system was the most profitable, with a benefit–cost ratio of 1.55 in the semi-arid region of Pakistan. It is concluded that Bt cotton could be successfully inducted into the existing cropping systems of Pakistan without any decrease to the overall productivity of the cropping system.

Abstract Background The World Health Organisation recommended dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens are available but not reimbursed through the public reimbursement system in China. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DTG (DTG + TDF/3TC) compared to efavirenz (EFV + TDF/3TC) in treatment-naive and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r + TDF/3TC) in first-line ART failure HIV-1-infected patients in China. Methods A dynamic Markov model comprising of 5 response states and 6 CD4+ count-based health states was used. Efficacy, estimated as probability of virologic suppression (HIV RNA

Background: Nosocomial infections (NIs) are among the main preventable healthcare adverse events. Like all countries, Canada and its provinces are affected by NIs. In 2004, Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) of Quebec instituted a mandatory surveillance NI program for the prevention and control (NIPC) in the hospitals of the province. One target of the MSSS 2015–2020 action plan is to assess the implementation, costs, effects, and return on investment of NIPC measures. This project goes in the same way and is one of the first major studies in Canada to evaluate the efficiency of the NIPC measures. Three objectives will be pursued: evaluate the cost of implementing clinical best practices (CBPs) for infection control; evaluate the economic burden attributable to NIs; and examine the cost-effectiveness of the NIPC by comparing the costs of CBPs against those of NIs.Methods: This project is based on an infection control intervention framework that includes four CBPs: hand hygiene; hygiene and sanitation; screening; and additional precautions. Four medical and surgical units in two hospitals (nonUniversity, University) in the province of Quebec will be studied. The project has four components. Component 1 will construct and content validate an observation grid for measuring the costs of CBPs. Component 2 will estimate CBP costs via 2-week prospective observations of health workers, conducted every 2 months over a 1-year period. Component 3 will evaluate, through a matched case-control study, the economic burden of the four most monitored NIs in Quebec (C-difficile, MRSA, VRE, and CPGNB). Archival patient data will be collected retrospectively. Component 4 will determine the optimal breakeven point for CBPs associated with NIPC.Discussion: This project will produce evidence of the economic analysis of NIPC and give health stakeholders an overview of NIPC cost-effectiveness. It will meet the objectives of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and the MSSS action plan to analyze the efficiency of NIPC preventive measures. To our knowledge, this is the first such exercise in Quebec and Canada. It will provide governments with a decision support tool through a major empirical study that could be replicated nationally to capture the financial benefits of NIPC.

This study provides comprehensive energy, exergy, and economic evaluations and optimizations of a novel integrated fuel cell/geothermal-based energy system simultaneously generating cooling and electricity. The system is empowered by geothermal energy and the electricity is mainly produced by a dual organic cycle. A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer is employed to generate the oxygen and hydrogen consumed by a proton exchange membrane fuel cell utilized to support the network during consumption peak periods. This fuel cell can be also used for supplying the electricity demanded by the network to satisfy the loads at different times. All the simulations are conducted using Engineering Equation Solver software. To optimize the system, a multi-objective optimization method based on genetic algorithm is applied in MATLAB software. The objective functions are minimized cost rate and maximized exergy efficiency. The optimum values of exergy efficiency and cost rate are found to be 62.19% and 18.55$/h, respectively. Additionally, the results reveal that combining a fuel cell and an electrolyzer can be an effective solution when it comes to electricity consumption management during peak load and low load periods. • Proposed an innovative geothermal-PEMFC system. • Use PEM fuel cell as energy storage. • The multi-objective optimization method was performed using evolutionary algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify the existing evidence evaluating the cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy treatments for people with neurological disorders. Methods: Multiple databases were searched from database inception until July 2018. Studies estimating the cost-effectiveness as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, cost per quality-adjusted life year, cost per disability-adjusted life year and cost per other measurable results were included. Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, and Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list were used for rating the quality of the evidence. Results: Ten studies involving 1462 participants were included. Aerobic training, progressive strength training, and a pragmatic physiotherapy program (combination of stretching, strength, and balance training) were reported as potentially cost-effective for older adults with vascular cognitive impairment, falls prevention in Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis respectively. Physiotherapy as an adjuvant for pain control was also reported as cost-effective for reflex sympathetic dystrophy. One study testing extra physiotherapy-by-physiotherapy assistant in cerebral palsy and two studies testing extra therapy using a robotic arm and Wii therapy for hand rehabilitation in stroke were reported as not cost-effective. Conclusions: There are limited studies that have evaluated the cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy treatments in neurological disorders. Three studies that combined extra physiotherapy-by-physiotherapy assistant and novel interventions with conventional physiotherapy were found not cost-effective. Progressive muscle strengthening exercise over a period of 6-month is reported to be cost-effective for falls prevention in people with Parkinson's disease Aerobic training is reported as potentially cost-effective for older adults with vascular cognitive impairment Physiotherapy given as an adjuvant treatment is reported to be potentially cost-effective for reflex sympathetic dystrophy of less than 1-year duration One study reported physiotherapy involving static stretching, aerobic exercise, strengthening exercise, and balance training as cost-effective for people with multiple sclerosis Additional physiotherapy-by-physiotherapy assistant or family member for improving motor development in cerebral palsy and the use of novel physiotherapy techniques such as robotics or Wii plus conventional physiotherapy for improving arm function in stroke are found not cost-effective Group therapy for improving physical activity in mild Alzheimer's disease is found not cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose scope of this paper is to analyse the economic aspects of making 3D printing components for the development of machine for experimental devices or stands used in laboratory or industrial activity. The author of this paper intends to make a clarification related to the approach of the productive economic aspects through the production of components through the additive technology of SLA type. The work is structured in 5 chapters. For the generation of the constructive elements, a laser printer will be used, where the components will be generated on the bottom-up principle. The analysis will be carried out both from a constructive and functional point of view, taking into account possibilities of component design and their realization. The next chapter is allocated to analysing how to perform the printer's command program and to check the part structure. Part of this chapter is devoted to the way and role of the elements of orientation and support of the component that is being made. The fourth chapter presents the economic calculation program made with practical applications related to the parts generated in the previous chapter. The last chapter is allocated to the conclusions and comparisons from the technological-economic point of view compared with other specific technologies for generating the analysed parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work represents a theoretical investigation of a ground coupled heat pump system that is used for domestic heating and cooling purposes of a typical residential house in Tafilah-Jordan. The system is designed to provide heating and cooling loads of 7.39, 7.27 KW respectively. The designed system consists of a ground buried heat exchanger (1.5m depth, 6.5m length, and 2.2cm diameter), indoor heat exchanger, and a 2 HP compressor. The system has been analyzed economically and it was found that the ground coupled heat pump system reduces energy consumption and has a payback period for of 1.5 years.

Purpose of Review: Summarize insights into the economic impact of global hepatitis B treatment policies. Recent Findings: With the highly effective antiviral treatment, entecavir and recently tenofovir, coming off patent, hepatitis B treatment is now very inexpensive and may save costs in the long run. In the USA alone, dramatic increases in screening and treatment would prevent between 80 and 100 thousand cases of cirrhosis, 50 and 60 thousand cases of liver cancer, and 80 to 100 thousand HBV-related deaths over the next 50 years. Summary: Cost-effectiveness analyses can provide information in the form of what a proper course of action will cost, and what the benefits will be in terms of health impact. Since the sharp reduction in antiviral drug pricing, the focus should be on treating patients with generic antivirals to ensure that the chronic hepatitis B care and treatment efforts are highly cost-effective and even cost-saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines three distinct examples of interventions in nonclinical settings selected to highlight the challenges and opportunities for evaluating cost-effectiveness in the field of health psychology and behavioral medicine. Nonclinical settings are defined as those involving systems outside of traditional medical/clinical settings, and include interventions tested in clinical settings that can also be implemented in nonclinical settings. The examples in this paper reflect the use of a varying degree of existing cost-effectiveness data and previous health economic analyses. First, the Chronic Disease Self- Management Program model reflects an intervention protocol designed to increase patients' confidence and mastery in their ability to manage their conditions that has been shown to be cost effective for a variety of chronic disease conditions. Second, the cost and cost-effectiveness of tobacco quitlines (e.g., National Tobacco Quit Line) has been the subject of several preliminary cost-effectiveness examinations and has proven to have significant reach and impact on tobacco-related behaviors. Finally, environmental interventions for promoting walking and physical activity in community-based contexts (e.g., PATH trial) are presented and have been shown to be highly relevant for demonstrating cost-effectiveness. Overall, the disciplines of health psychology and behavioral medicine are in a unique position to develop, implement, and evaluate a broader range of interventions in more diverse environments than costeffectiveness applications in more traditional, clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health care remains the most expensive sector in the U.S. economy, now accounting for nearly 1 in every 5 dollars spent. The purpose of health care is to improve the health of populations. However, formal medical care is one of many alternatives for improving health. In order to make better use of scarce resources, cost-effectiveness methodologies have been developed to evaluate how to produce the most health within the constraints of available resources. Standardized cost-effectiveness methodologies are now commonly used in the evaluation of medical therapies and new technologies. However, these methods have rarely been employed for the evaluation of behavioral interventions. Behavioral interventions often use measures that are not generally applied in other areas of health outcomes research. A consequence of neglecting to employ standardized cost-effectiveness analysis is that behavioral, psychological, and environmental interventions may be left out of resource allocation discussions. The purpose of this paper is to review standardized approaches to cost-effectiveness analysis and to encourage their use for the evaluation of behavioral intervention programs. Application of standardized methods of cost-effectiveness analysis will allow direct comparisons between investing in behavioral interventions programs in comparison to a wide range of other alternatives. The methods are general and can be used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of social and environmental interventions in addition to traditional medical and surgical treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scope of this research is to analyse the economic aspects of the 3D printing parts for making parts and functional sub-assemblies for different machinery. The author intends in this work to make a clarification on the economic approaches of processing FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) and DLP (Digital Light Processing) materials which can be used for generating mechanically required items. The paper it is structured in 5 chapters. In the first chapter, there is an ordering of the materials based on the literature, but also from its own experience in generating parts by 3D printing. Synthesis is made both in terms of physical and mechanical properties, but also from the point of view of economic as well. It should be shown that the comparison will also be made from the point of view of 3D printing generation since two different printing processes are used both as the principle of generation and the way of obtaining the 3D parts. For generating, two printers will be used, which both constructively and functionally will be analysed, both as functionality and as component design possibilities. The second chapter affected to the ordering of technological parameters of 3D generation by printing the parts with defining the main technical parameters of generation of the parts. This step is important both to ensure the assembly conditions of the components, but also to the fact that the materials used to make the parts produce different comportment after the three directions in terms of contractions and the variation of the dimensions. The third chapter analyses the main ways of generating the parts with the presentation of some of the domain-specific elements generated by 3D printing with FDM and DLP. In the fourth chapter is presented the economic calculation program made with practical applications related to the parts generated in the previous chapter. The last chapter is allocated to the conclusions and comparisons from the technologicaleconomical point of view compared to other specific technologies for generating the analysed parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Rotavirus vaccine is not used in many countries globally. • Surveillance and economic data are key for rotavirus vaccine policy decisions. • Countries should monitor rotavirus before and after vaccine is introduced. • Countries should monitor rotavirus vaccine safety. Abstract While rotavirus vaccines are available, safe, and effective, many countries are not yet widely using these vaccines. Surveillance for rotavirus disease and potential vaccine adverse events is critical for country decision making about rotavirus vaccine. This special issue shares rotavirus and intussusception disease surveillance data and rotavirus vaccine cost-effectiveness analyses from countries that have yet to introduce rotavirus vaccines into their routine infant immunization programs. The studies highlight the substantial burden of rotavirus disease and the cost-effectiveness of rotavirus vaccine in a broad set of countries without rotavirus vaccine in their routine immunization programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To characterize the olive oil production costs and determine the optimal size of olive oil farm, a total of 130 farmers were interviewed in the region. The obtained data was subjected to regression analysis to formulate a mathematical model suitable for predicting the optimal farm size. Olive oil variable and fixed production costs for the five groups of farm sizes at Lattakia regions were calculated. Descriptive economic analysis indicated that the lowest average cost for producing 1 kg of olive oil was 676.9 SP and the highest one was 917.7SP. Also, the results indicated that the economically efficient farm size was 32.9 Dunum which represents only 29.1% of the current farm sizes in the region, therefore, decision makers should draw the land uses policies in their future plans, so that, to integrate land areas in such a way to approach the border of 32.9 Dunum.

Solar plants suffer of partial shading and mismatch problems. Without considering the generation of hot spots and the resulting security issues, a monitoring system for the health of a PV plant should be useful to drive a dynamic reconfiguration system (DRS) to solve bottlenecks due to different panels’ shading. Over the years different DRS architectures have been proposed, but no suggestions about costs and benefits have been provided. Starting from technical subjects such as differences of the topologies driving the hardware complexity and number of components, this paper identifies the cost of DRS and its lifetime, and based on these issues it provides an economic analysis for a 6 kWp PV plant in different European Union countries, in which the dissimilar incentive policies have been considered.

During the period immediately after World War II, planning in North America and Europe followed highly centralized, top-down, command-and-control approaches that were based on the rational-comprehensive model of planning, which implies an all-knowing, all-powerful government. Part and parcel of this approach was the government’s control of development land and its value. Beginning in the 1970s, as the precepts of an all-knowing, interventionist state clashed with the reality of uncontrollable global forces driven by multinationals and international finance, it became clear that planning had become a market-driven process, a “servant of the market”, and that inflexible, detailed plans would not work in most real-life situations. Consequently, such plans were either ignored or overridden. This crisis of planning spurred a search for alternatives based on public-private partnerships, negotiation, and flexibility including ways to transfer increased land values to the public trough the development process. This approach is generally known as Land Value Recapture (LVR). This paper presents an example of LVR in the US, a rather unique example in the US. It concludes by suggesting that the belief that the increase in land values is not the result of the landowner’s activities, and are therefore “unearned” and should be recaptured for the public benefit, is not part of the American planning culture. LVR, then, might have a hard time supplanting other market-based regulatory strategies that are voluntary for developers and less restrictive of property rights for the landowner.

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the cost effectiveness of dolutegravir + abacavir/lamivudine (DTG + ABC/3TC) compared with raltegravir + abacavir/lamivudine (RAL + ABC/3TC) and ritonavir-boosted darunavir + abacavir/lamivudine (DRV/r + ABC/3TC) in HIV-1–infected treatment-naive patients in Russia. Methods A dynamic Markov model was developed with five response states and six CD4+-based health states. Efficacy estimated as probability of viral suppression (HIV RNA <50 copies/ml) at 48 weeks was obtained from a published network meta-analysis. Baseline cohort characteristics and health state utilities were informed using DTG phase 3 clinical trials. Health care resource use was obtained from literature and costed using published unit costs. Costs (presented in Russian rubles) included antiretroviral drug costs; HIV management costs such as routine care; costs of treating cardiovascular conditions, opportunistic infections, and drug-related adverse effects; and mortality costs. A patient lifetime analysis was conducted using the societal perspective. Outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), life-years, incremental cost per QALY ratio, and incremental cost per responder. Results The viral suppression rate among patients receiving DTG + ABC/3TC was 71.7% compared with 65.2% for RAL + ABC/3TC and 59.6% for DRV/r + ABC/3TC. The mean duration of response per patient was 116.6 months for DTG + ABC/3TC, 108.6 months for RAL + ABC/3TC, and 98.9 months for DRV/r + ABC/3TC. Total discounted costs for treatment over patient lifetime were RUB 2.89, 5.32, and 4.38 million for DTG + ABC/3TC, RAL + ABC/3TC, and DRV/r + ABC/3TC, respectively. Lifetime discounted QALYs were 12.73 for patients on DTG + ABC/3TC and 12.72 each for patients on RAL + ABC/3TC and DRV/r + ABC/3TC. DTG + ABC/3TC thus dominated the other two alternatives. Conclusions With lower costs, higher response rates, and comparable QALYs, DTG + ABC/3TC can be considered as a cost-effective alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Changing the high temperature heat supply of energy intensive industries from today’s mostly fossil sources to nuclear or renewable sources offers the opportunity of massive reductions of greenhouse gas emissions. Even though the high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) as well as the solar tower is technically capable to supply heat at the required high temperature level, it is uncertain whether these technologies can compete with the fossil energy supply. Therefore, the aim of this paper is the assessment of the economic competitiveness of process heat supply by HTGR or solar tower to fossil fired processes using steam methane reforming as industrial example process. Applying a self-developed optimization model, energy economic analyses are conducted for nuclear, solar and fossil energy supply systems. The results are benchmarked with the Hydrogen Economic Evaluation Program (HEEP) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and compared to literature values. The analyses show that hydrogen generation costs of the solar tower system are higher than those of the HTGR system. Both technologies benefit from the support of a fossil heater, as the hydrogen generation costs can be significantly reduced even with a small amount of burned natural gas. Nevertheless, a steam methane reforming process run by HTGR or by solar tower is not yet competitive to the natural gas fired hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal-to-liquids (CTL) technology has been developed steadily for producing gasoline and diesel fuels as the demand for energy security issue and liquid fuels in China outpaces production capacities. In this light, given the importance of CO2 emissions in climate change, carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is considered as an integral part of CTL processes. In this study, CTL coupling with CCS technology (CTL-CCS) were simulated using the Aspen Plus software. Based on it, this study conducted exergy and economic analyses to the CTL-CCS system for five different coal types, including anthracite, meager, lean, coking and gas. Results show that the exergy utilization ratios ranged from 40.3% to 43.7%, revealing only a limited effect of the choice of coal type; although anthracite, meager, and gas coal were marginally better. Results also indicate the largest sources of exergy loss to be firstly from gas generation and secondly from the combined process of synthesis and separation. The economic analysis compared the cost, net present value, internal rate of return, and payback period. The cost of liquid fuel produced by CTL-CCS system was in the range from 4117 to 5627 yuan RMB/t, indicating economic feasibility. The system using lean coal revealed the best economic performance, while those using coking coal and gas coal were the second best performers. This research suggests that gas coal can achieve relatively reasonable values for both the exergy utilization ratio and cost in comparison to other coal types processed through a coupled CTL-CCS system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaporative pre-cooling with wetted-medium can improve heat exchange of natural draft dry cooling towers (NDDCTs) in hot days (usually in summer). However, the media introduce extra pressure drop which reduces the air flow of a NDDCT, and as a result, impairs the tower performance. Scholars studied the effect of evaporative pre-cooling on performance of cooling tower through experiments or simulations by taking into account both the benefit of evaporative pre-cooling and the disadvantage of extra pressure loss. They found that the performance of NDDCTs can be improved by wetted-medium evaporative pre-cooling when the ambient air is hot and dry. Nevertheless, whether the pre-cooling proposal will bring potential increase in the revenue for the owner of the power plants employing NDDCTs requires further study. To this end, the current study investigates the benefit of NDDCT with wetted-medium pre-cooling through calculating the electricity production and water consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]