Lanxess sees continuing positive effects of cost savings

2006 ◽  
Vol 2006 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-10
Keyword(s):  
Cost Savings ◽  
Positive Effects

scholarly journals Systematic Review of Peer-Reviewed Literature on Global Condom Promotion Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 2262
Author(s):  
William D. Evans ◽  
Alec Ulasevich ◽  
Megan Hatheway ◽  
Bidia Deperthes
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Health Care Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Unintended Pregnancies ◽  
Donor Support

Background: Globally, 1.7 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2018. Condoms are inexpensive, cost-effective, reduce HIV/STI incidence, morbidity, mortality, and unintended pregnancies, and result in health care cost savings. Given the rapid increase in at-risk adolescent and young adult (AYA) populations in countries with high HIV/STI prevalence as well as the reductions in donor support, promoting consistent condom use remains crucial. We synthesized all peer-reviewed literature on condom promotion programs with a focus on promotion in low and lower middle income (LMIC) countries and with AYA users. Methods: We systematically reviewed the published literature. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methods, we identified 99 articles published between 2000–2019. Results: Condom promotion programs were generally effective in changing attitudes, social norms, and beliefs in favor of condom use, and 85% demonstrated positive effects on multiple condom use measures. Programs targeting AYA were at least equally as effective as those targeting others and often showed greater use of best practices, such as mass media (66%) and audience segmentation (31%). We also saw differences between programs in the intervention strategies they used and found greater effects of marketing strategies on AYA compared to the overall sample. Conclusion: Condoms remain essential to prevention, and donor support must be maintained to combat the HIV/STI epidemic.

Measuring the Effects of Information Systems on the Performance of Operating Rooms (OR)

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-36
Author(s):  
Elad Harison ◽  
Egon Berghout
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Operating Rooms ◽  
Performance Model ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Personnel Planning ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

The paper applies various qualitative and quantitative methods to measure the influence of information technology on the performance of operating rooms (ORs). It provides a comprehensive set of indicators to evaluate the impact of IT on the quality, efficiency and performance of ORs. This set of indicators was further enriched by conducting interviews with hospital professionals. The result is a new set of performance indicators, divided into five major categories: productivity, efficiency, quality, cost savings and employee satisfaction. This set of indicators serves as a basis for a weighed performance model that can be applied as a useful tool for selecting new OR information systems. Additionally, the model can be used for improving existing applications. The research identifies time registration, integration with the medical and financial systems of the hospital and production of activity queries and reports as the most common functions of ORs systems. However, despite their potential to contribute to productivity, efficiency and quality of ORs, automatic conflict recognition, material and personnel planning are less frequently applied by hospitals. Finally, the paper highlights the links between efficient use of OR systems, larger volumes of operations and higher occupation rates, and assists in identifying positive effects of systems used in ORs on their performance.

Measuring the Effects of Information Systems on the Performance of Operating Rooms (OR)

2012 ◽  
pp. 63-83
Author(s):  
Elad Harison ◽  
Egon Berghout
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Operating Rooms ◽  
Performance Model ◽  
Quality Cost ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Personnel Planning ◽  
And Performance

The paper applies various qualitative and quantitative methods to measure the influence of information technology on the performance of operating rooms (ORs). It provides a comprehensive set of indicators to evaluate the impact of IT on the quality, efficiency and performance of ORs. This set of indicators was further enriched by conducting interviews with hospital professionals. The result is a new set of performance indicators, divided into five major categories: productivity, efficiency, quality, cost savings and employee satisfaction. This set of indicators serves as a basis for a weighed performance model that can be applied as a useful tool for selecting new OR information systems. Additionally, the model can be used for improving existing applications. The research identifies time registration, integration with the medical and financial systems of the hospital and production of activity queries and reports as the most common functions of ORs systems. However, despite their potential to contribute to productivity, efficiency and quality of ORs, automatic conflict recognition, material and personnel planning are less frequently applied by hospitals. Finally, the paper highlights the links between efficient use of OR systems, larger volumes of operations and higher occupation rates, and assists in identifying positive effects of systems used in ORs on their performance.

Beyond artificial intelligence: why companies need to go the extra step

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Lichtenthaler
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Human Intelligence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Extra Step ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Advanced Analytics

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to underscore the need for developing a meta-intelligence in companies based on a conceptual framework for combining artificial and human intelligence. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper, which draws on the insights from extant theoretical and empirical research. Findings In light of a growing trend towards artificial intelligence (AI), most companies face substantial difficulties, which often derive from an excessive emphasis on merely replacing human intelligence by means of AI. To capture the complementary benefits of artificial and human intelligence beyond mere cost savings, firms do not only need to enhance their advanced analytics while continuing to develop their human intelligence. Rather, they additionally need a meta-intelligence for transforming their intelligence architecture in line with corporate strategy. Consequently, the firms need intelligence3 – comprising AI, human intelligence and the meta-intelligence. Originality/value The new concept of a meta-intelligence for renewing and recombining artificial and human intelligence helps to reconcile diverse findings in prior research. Without this meta-intelligence, most AI initiatives will be isolated endeavors, which may have positive effects but likely will not live up to the expectations.

Sludge digestion instead of aerobic stabilisation – a cost benefit analysis based on experiences in Germany

2013 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 430-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Gretzschel ◽  
Theo G. Schmitt ◽  
Joachim Hansen ◽  
Klaus Siekmann ◽  
Jürgen Jakob
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Operation Costs ◽  
Break Even Point

As a consequence of a worldwide increase of energy costs, the efficient use of sewage sludge as a renewable energy resource must be considered, even for smaller wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with design capacities between 10,000 and 50,000 population equivalent (PE). To find the lower limit for an economical conversion of an aerobic stabilisation plant into an anaerobic stabilisation plant, we derived cost functions for specific capital costs and operating cost savings. With these tools, it is possible to evaluate if it would be promising to further investigate refitting aerobic plants into plants that produce biogas. By comparing capital costs with operation cost savings, a break-even point for process conversion could be determined. The break-even point varies depending on project specific constraints and assumptions related to future energy and operation costs and variable interest rates. A 5% increase of energy and operation costs leads to a cost efficient conversion for plants above 7,500 PE. A conversion of WWTPs results in different positive effects on energy generation and plant operations: increased efficiency, energy savings, and on-site renewable power generation by digester gas which can be used in the plant. Also, the optimisation of energy efficiency results in a reduction of primary energy consumption.

scholarly journals Impacts of regulation on eco-innovation and job creation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Horbach ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Regulation ◽  
Job Creation ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Employment Effects ◽  
Process Innovations ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Market Shares ◽  
Positive Growth ◽  
Cleaner Technologies ◽  
Environmental Technologies

New environmental technologies (environmental/eco-innovations) are often regarded as potential job creators—in addition to their positive effects on the environment. Environmental regulation may induce innovations that are accompanied by positive growth and employment effects. Recent empirical analyses show that the introduction of cleaner process innovations, rather than product-based ones, may also lead to higher employment. The rationale is that cleaner technologies lead to cost savings, which helps to improve firms’ competitiveness, thereby inducing positive effects on their market shares.

scholarly journals Reasons for and Consequences of the Combined Use of Crack Cocaine and Alcohol in Brazil:

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 75-89
Author(s):  
Janaina Rubio Gonçalves ◽  
Solange Aparecida Nappo
Keyword(s):  
Psychotropic Drugs ◽  
Drug Combination ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Crack Cocaine ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Cocaine Users ◽  
The Individual

The objective of this study was to investigate, through the speeches of crack cocaine users, the reasons that lead them to combine crack cocaine with alcohol and the consequences of this combination, in Brazil. The lack of public policies and effective treatments has led crack cocaine users in Brazil to seek alternatives to cope with problems related to drug addiction. One adopted alternative is the consumption of crack cocaine together with other psychotropic drug. This study used the principles and instruments of qualitative research. A purposeful sample was constructed using key informants and gatekeepers whose sample size (N = 30) was defined by the theoretical saturation point. The study participants were subjected to in-depth interviews, and the responses were subjected to content analysis for the identification of thematic units. Alcohol use played many roles, including increasing the courage of drug users to go to the point of sale for psychotropic drugs, reducing thirst, and prolonging the positive effects of crack cocaine. The combination of alcohol and crack cocaine is commonly used to modulate the effects of the latter. A vicious cycle is established in which the consumption of alcohol stimulates the consumption of cocaine and vice versa. The participants also reported cost savings but admitted an increase in aggressiveness. The combined use of crack cocaine and alcohol can become a strong conditioned stimulus for the consumption of the former. The formation of the active metabolite cocaethylene in this drug combination may explain the prolongation of the effects of crack cocaine. Moreover, both drugs act in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and consequently produce a synergistic effect. Severe outcomes such as cardiotoxicity, which can lead to death, in addition to aggression and the possibility of relapse to crack cocaine use, make this drug combination a public health problem that is greater than the individual consumption of these psychotropic drugs.

scholarly journals Recreational Services Provision and Farm Diversification: A Technical Efficiency Analysis on Italian Agritourism

Agriculture ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brunella Arru ◽  
Roberto Furesi ◽  
Fabio Madau ◽  
Pietro Pulina
Keyword(s):  
Data Envelopment Analysis ◽  
Technical Efficiency ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Efficiency Analysis ◽  
Data Envelopment ◽  
Agricultural Resources ◽  
Farm Diversification ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Recreational Services ◽  
Technical Factors

Recreational functions are among the most important practices to improve farmers’ income and to promote sustainability in the rural territories. Two crucial issues are the ability to rationally allocate farm resources and the ability to efficiently produce different sorts of food and non-food goods. Possible cost savings due to the co-presence of different activities can generate positive effects in the creation of value by agritourist farmers. This paper aims to investigate technical efficiency related to agritourism and recreational functions in Sardinia. Based on a sample of 37 farms and using a data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach, we aim to estimate the technical efficiency of double attitude processes, such as those that characterise agritourism practices. Our findings suggest that efficiency can improve if technical inputs are adequately used; however, the scale appears to be close enough to optimal. Furthermore, we estimated that the margins for improving the efficiency are larger for recreational services and that technical factors contribute to efficiency with a different magnitude. Furthermore, we estimated whether agricultural and non-agricultural resources are efficiently allocated. To our knowledge, this is one of the first attempts in Europe at using an efficiency analysis in agritourism.

scholarly journals Intelligent Street Lighting in a Smart City Concepts—A Direction to Energy Saving in Cities: An Overview and Case Study

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 3018
Author(s):  
Konrad Henryk Bachanek ◽  
Blanka Tundys ◽  
Tomasz Wiśniewski ◽  
Ewa Puzio ◽  
Anna Maroušková
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Smart City ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Wide Range

The aim of the article is to present and analyze the implementation of intelligent lighting within the concept of smart energies and smart cities. Motivation and research hypothesis: Electricity consumption in the world is based largely on non-renewable energy. Until these full changes, it is necessary to look for opportunities to save and use it efficiently. Today’s cities are increasingly implementing the smart concept, of which smart energy is one area. One of the smart city elements implemented by cities is smart energy. Within this framework, a supported concept is the replacement of traditional lighting with LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes), which contributes to energy and cost savings and reduces the pollution of the sky with artificial light, while increasing the efficiency of urban lighting. Positive effects of modern solutions include reduced lighting expenses and increased safety of residents. Methods and results of the research: The authors chose the case study method for their research. The authors present forecasts for the development, not only from the point of view of the number of lamps but also the cost efficiency pointing out the importance of this element in the context of building smart cities. These are specific benchmarks for cities that have not yet implemented this concept. Conclusions and interdisciplinary implications: solutions are desirable directions for the development of the smart city concept, bringing benefits and reducing external costs. Considerations show a quantitative development forecast and an indication of the possibility of achieving trade-offs and cost reductions. It translates into meeting the requirements of sustainable development providing tangible benefits. The analysis of the case studies is intended to show the effects that can be achieved and the wide range of applications (indicating that modern lamps are not just lighting, but a platform for urban services). The analyses presented are intended to serve as benchmarks showing the possibilities of reducing costs and increasing the quality of life of residents in modern cities. The indicated examples and analyses are of economic importance, they show managers, but also inhabitants, in which direction they should lead the smart city concept, which will allow saving costs, but also to increase the quality of life of inhabitants.

Application of an image management system in microscopy

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 1052-1053
Author(s):  
Richard S. Chemock
Keyword(s):  
Data Storage ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Operational Mode ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Image Recording ◽  
Primary Output ◽  
Capacity Data ◽  
Image Management System

One of the most common tasks in a typical analysis lab is the recording of images. Many analytical techniques (TEM, SEM, and metallography for example) produce images as their primary output. Until recently, the most common method of recording images was by using film. Current PS/2R systems offer very large capacity data storage devices and high resolution displays, making it practical to work with analytical images on PS/2s, thereby sidestepping the traditional film and darkroom steps. This change in operational mode offers many benefits: cost savings, throughput, archiving and searching capabilities as well as direct incorporation of the image data into reports.The conventional way to record images involves film, either sheet film (with its associated wet chemistry) for TEM or PolaroidR film for SEM and light microscopy. Although film is inconvenient, it does have the highest quality of all available image recording techniques. The fine grained film used for TEM has a resolution that would exceed a 4096x4096x16 bit digital image.

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