scholarly journals Optical spin-symmetry breaking for high-efficiency directional helicity-multiplexed metaholograms

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ashar Naveed ◽  
Muhammad Afnan Ansari ◽  
Inki Kim ◽  
Trevon Badloe ◽  
Joohoon Kim ◽  
...  

AbstractHelicity-multiplexed metasurfaces based on symmetric spin–orbit interactions (SOIs) have practical limits because they cannot provide central-symmetric holographic imaging. Asymmetric SOIs can effectively address such limitations, with several exciting applications in various fields ranging from asymmetric data inscription in communications to dual side displays in smart mobile devices. Low-loss dielectric materials provide an excellent platform for realizing such exotic phenomena efficiently. In this paper, we demonstrate an asymmetric SOI-dependent transmission-type metasurface in the visible domain using hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) nanoresonators. The proposed design approach is equipped with an additional degree of freedom in designing bi-directional helicity-multiplexed metasurfaces by breaking the conventional limit imposed by the symmetric SOI in half employment of metasurfaces for one circular handedness. Two on-axis, distinct wavefronts are produced with high transmission efficiencies, demonstrating the concept of asymmetric wavefront generation in two antiparallel directions. Additionally, the CMOS compatibility of a-Si:H makes it a cost-effective alternative to gallium nitride (GaN) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) for visible light. The cost-effective fabrication and simplicity of the proposed design technique provide an excellent candidate for high-efficiency, multifunctional, and chip-integrated demonstration of various phenomena.

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 119-120
Author(s):  
N. Østerås ◽  
E. Aas ◽  
T. Moseng ◽  
L. Van Bodegom-Vos ◽  
K. Dziedzic ◽  
...  

Background:To improve quality of care for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), a structured model for integrated OA care was developed based on international treatment recommendations. A previous analysis of a cluster RCT (cRCT) showed that compared to usual care, the intervention group reported higher quality of care and greater satisfaction with care. Also, more patients were treated according to international guidelines and fulfilled recommendations for physical activity at the 6-month follow-up.Objectives:To assess the cost-utility of a structured model for hip or knee OA care.Methods:A cRCT with stepped-wedge cohort design was conducted in 6 Norwegian municipalities (clusters) in 2015-17. The OA care model was implemented in one cluster at the time by switching from “usual care” to the structured model. The implementation of the model was facilitated by interactive workshops for general practitioners (GPs) and physiotherapists (PTs) with an update on OA treatment recommendations. The GPs explained the OA diagnosis and treatment alternatives, provided pharmacological treatment when appropriate, and suggested referral to physiotherapy. The PT-led patient OA education programme was group-based and lasted 3 hours followed by an 8–12-week individually tailored resistance exercise programme with twice weekly 1-hour supervised group sessions (5–10 patients per PT). An optional 10-hours Healthy Eating Program was available. Participants were ≥45 years with symptomatic hip or knee OA.Costs were measured from the healthcare perspective and collected from several sources. Patients self-reported visits in primary healthcare at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Secondary healthcare visits and joint surgery data were extracted from the Norwegian Patient Register. The health outcome, quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), was estimated based on the EQ-5D-5L scores at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The result of the cost-utility analysis was reported using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), defined as the incremental costs relative to incremental QALYs (QALYs gained). Based on Norwegian guidelines, the threshold is €27500. Sensitivity analyses were performed using bootstrapping to assess the robustness of reported results and presented in a cost-effectiveness plane (Figure 1).Results:The 393 patients’ mean age was 63 years (SD 9.6) and 74% were women. 109 patients were recruited during control periods (control group), and 284 patients were recruited during interventions periods (intervention group). Only the intervention group had a significant increase in EQ-5D-5L utility scores from baseline to 12 months follow-up (mean change 0.03; 95% CI 0.01, 0.05) with QALYs gained: 0.02 (95% CI -0.08, 0.12). The structured OA model cost approx. €301 p.p. with an additional €50 for the Healthy Eating Program. Total 12 months healthcare cost p.p. was €1281 in the intervention and €3147 in the control group, resulting in an incremental cost of -€1866 (95% CI -3147, -584) p.p. Costs related to surgical procedures had the largest impact on total healthcare costs in both groups. During the 12-months follow-up period, 5% (n=14) in the intervention compared to 12% (n=13) in the control group underwent joint surgery; resulting in a mean surgical procedure cost of €553 p.p. in the intervention as compared to €1624 p.p. in the control group. The ICER was -€93300, indicating that the OA care model resulted in QALYs gained and cost-savings. At a threshold of €27500, it is 99% likely that the OA care model is a cost-effective alternative.Conclusion:The results of the cost-utility analysis show that implementing a structured model for OA care in primary healthcare based on international guidelines is highly likely a cost-effective alternative compared to usual care for people with hip and knee OA. More studies are needed to confirm this finding, but this study results indicate that implementing structured OA care models in primary healthcare may be beneficial for the individual as well as for the society.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Author(s):  
Tushar

Esthetics plays a crucial role in rehabilitation of removable dentures to achieve a pleasant smile. Denture esthetics is the effect produced, which improves the beauty and attractiveness of a person. With the advances of implants and ceramics, the conventional removable denture needs to be updated. denture characterization is a must in avoiding denture look and giving natural look. Giving the prosthesis as close as possible to the natural apparatus before the tooth loss is the key to a successful prosthetic, esthetic and functional rehabilitation. As a prosthodontist dealing in fulfilling the aesthetic challenges an economical alternative to high-end costly procedures is a must considering the Indian scenario, keeping in mind the biocompatibility and longevity of the treatment. As per literature light cure, gum staining is one of the techniques for masking denture base color and imparting natural color to mucosa but considering the cost involved many patients requiring aesthetic enhancement of prosthesis avoid going for such treatment thereby compromising their aesthetic. the present case series describe an innovative cost-effective alternative to the previously describe technique for masking the denture base color by using composite mixed with stains to replicate the natural apparatus.


Author(s):  
Kit N Simpson ◽  
Michael J Fossler ◽  
Linda Wase ◽  
Mark A Demitrack

Aim: Oliceridine, a new class of μ-opioid receptor agonist, is selective for G-protein signaling (analgesia) with limited recruitment of β-arrestin (associated with adverse outcomes) and may provide a cost-effective alternative versus conventional opioid morphine for postoperative pain. Patients & methods: Using a decision tree with a 24-h time horizon, we calculated costs for medication and management of three most common adverse events (AEs; oxygen saturation <90%, vomiting and somnolence) following postoperative oliceridine or morphine use. Results: Using oliceridine, the cost for managing AEs was US$528,424 versus $852,429 for morphine, with a net cost savings of $324,005. Conclusion: Oliceridine has a favorable overall impact on the total cost of postoperative care compared with the use of the conventional opioid morphine.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rian Snijders ◽  
Alain Fukinsia ◽  
Yves Claeys ◽  
Alain Mpanya ◽  
Epco Hasker ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundHuman African trypanosomiases caused by the Trypanosoma brucei gambiense parasite is a lethal disease that killed thousands of people at the start of the 20th century. Today, less than 1,000 cases are reported globally, and the disease is targeted for elimination and eradication. One of the main disease control strategies is active case-finding through outreach campaigns. In 2014, a new method for active screening was developed with mini, motorcycle-based, teams. This study aims to compare the cost of two approaches for active HAT screening, namely the traditional mobile teams and mini mobile teams.MethodsWe estimated annual economic costs for the two active HAT screening approaches from a health care provider perspective. Cost and operational data was collected for 12 months for 1 traditional team and 3 mini teams in the health districts of Yasa Bonga and Mosango in the Kwilu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The cost per person screened and per person diagnosed was calculated. Univariate sensitivity analysis was conducted on important cost drivers.ResultsThe study shows that the cost per person screened is lower for a mini team compared to a traditional team in the study setting (US$1.86 compared to US$2.08) as well as in a simulation analysis assuming both teams would operate in a setting with similar disease prevalence.DiscussionActive HAT screening with mini mobile teams has a lower cost and could be a cost-effective alternative for active screening campaigns. Further research is needed to determine if mini mobile teams have similar or better yields than traditional mobile teams in terms of detections and cases successfully treated.AUTHOR SUMMARYHuman African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) used to be a major public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa, but the disease is becoming less frequent today as a result of sustained control efforts. Currently, the elimination of sleeping sickness is targeted as a public health problem by 2020 with interruption of transmission by 2030. To achieve these targets, a long-term commitment towards HAT control activities will be necessary with innovative disease control approaches accompanied by economic evaluations to assess their cost and cost-effectiveness in the changing context. Today, active case finding conducted through mass outreach campaigns accounts for approximately half of all identified cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, this strategy has become less efficient, with a dwindling “yield” in terms of the number of identified cases, translating to a higher cost per diagnosed HAT case. Therefore, different approaches to outreach campaigns need to be evaluated with a focus on reaching populations at risk for HAT.This article presents the costs and outcomes of two approaches to active screening: traditional mobile teams and mini mobile teams.This study shows that mini mobile teams could be a cost-effective alternative for active screening with a cost-per-person screened of US$1.86 compared to US$2.08. This approach could increase the screening coverage of populations at risk for HAT that are currently not being reached through the traditional approach. Future research is needed to evaluate the difference in HAT cases identified and treated by both approaches. This would allow a cost-effectiveness comparison of both strategies based on the cost-per-person diagnosed and treated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 182 (2) ◽  
pp. C5-C7
Author(s):  
Warrick J Inder

While the ACTH1–24 test has some well-documented shortcomings, it is the most widely used test to diagnose primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency. However, this synthetic ACTH preparation is not readily available in some countries. Research from India has demonstrated that using a long-acting porcine sequence ACTH has similar diagnostic performance to ACTH1–24 at around 25% of the cost. This may allow access to a robust test for adrenal insufficiency to developing countries and potentially allow thousands of patients to be identified and appropriately treated.


2015 ◽  
Vol 220-221 ◽  
pp. 396-400
Author(s):  
Lauryna Šiaudinytė ◽  
Deividas Sabaitis ◽  
Domantas Bručas ◽  
Gintaras Dmitrijev

Production of high precision circular scales is a complicated process requiring expensive equipment and complex processes to achieve. Precision angle measurement equipment tends to be very expensive and therefore not accessible to all in need. Simplification of production of such devices can lead to reducing costs of angle measurement systems ensuring easier accessibility. A new method of producing precision circular scales using low cost mass production can reduce the costs of these devices drastically. Therefore, utilising a common CD technology as the basis for such scales is analysed. This paper deals with the analysis of the newest laser cutting method for plastic circular scales. Preliminary results of manufacturing such scales are presented in the paper as well as measurements of the grating of the scale were performed. The quality of different scales manufactured using different laser types is analysed in the study. The cost – effective alternative of manufacturing circular scales is discussed in the paper.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 353-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Gabriela Chiorean ◽  
Scott Whiting ◽  
Gary Binder ◽  
George Dranitsaris ◽  
Victoria Manax

353 Background: In a recent phase III trial nab-paclitaxel (albumin-bound paclitaxel) + gemcitabine (nab-P/G) demonstrated a 1.8 month, or 27%, improvement in median overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.72, P < 0.001) vs gemcitabine (G) in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC). nab-P/G had higher 1 year OS (35% vs 22%) and improved PFS by 1.8 months (HR = 0.69, P < 0.01). nab-P/G is the first taxane based therapy to show a significant OS improvement in a phase III mPC trial. Erlotinib + gemcitabine (E/G) has also demonstrated activity in mPC, with a 0.3 month OS benefit vs G (HR = 0.82, P = 0.04), a 1 year OS of 23% vs 17%, and 0.2 months PFS benefit (HR = 0.77, P = 0.004) vs G. A cost-effectiveness analysis measuring the cost per life year (LY) gained for nab-P/G and E/G was conducted from the US payer perspective. Methods: Costs and clinical outcomes were evaluated fromnab-P/G vs G and E/G vs G trials of mPC. Health care resource use and the management of grade III/IV adverse events (AE) were collected from a large multisite US oncology clinic, expert opinion, and literature (2012 US dollars). Drug cost per cycle was multiplied by the median cycles delivered from the trials for nab-P/G and E/G. Results: Duration of therapy was 4 months for nab-P/G vs 3.9 months for E/G. Total cost for nab-P/G was $24,984 vs $23,044 for E/G, including drug, administration and AE management. AE costs were similar between the two therapies (Table). Differences of > 5% were noted in neutropenia (rates: nab-P/G = 33%; E/G = 24%), neuropathy (nab-P/G = 17%; E/G = 1%), and rash (nab-P/G = 0%; E/G = 6%). The net survival advantage for nab-P/G vs E/G was 1.5 incremental life months gained. Nab-P/G was cost-effective relative to E/G, at a cost of $15,522 per incremental life year gained. Conclusions: nab-P/G is a cost-effective alternative to E/G in mPC, bringing more months of OS at < $16,000 cost per incremental life year gained. [Table: see text]


1993 ◽  
Vol 11 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 65-82
Author(s):  
D.C. Agarwal, ◽  
F.E. White, ◽  
W.R. Herda,

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 474-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Ara ◽  
A Pandor ◽  
J Stevens ◽  
R Rafia ◽  
SE Ward ◽  
...  

Background: While evidence shows high-dose statins reduce cardiovascular events compared with moderate doses in individuals with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), many primary care trusts (PCT) advocate the use of generic simvastatin 40 mg/day for these patients. Methods and results: Data from 28 RCTs were synthesized using a mixed treatment comparison model. A Markov model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treatments taking into account adherence and the likely reduction in cost for atorvastatin when the patent expires. There is a clear dose–response: rosuvastatin 40 mg/day produces the greatest reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (56%) followed by atorvastatin 80 mg/day (52%), and simvastatin 40 mg/day (37%). Using a threshold of £20,000 per QALY, if adherence levels in general practice are similar to those observed in RCTs, all three higher dose statins would be considered cost-effective compared to simvastatin 40 mg/day. Using the net benefits of the treatments, rosuvastatin 40 mg/day is estimated to be the most cost-effective alternative. If the cost of atorvastatin reduces in line with that observed for simvastatin, atorvastatin 80 mg/day is estimated to be the most cost-effective alternative. Conclusion: Our analyses show that current PCT policies intended to minimize primary care drug acquisition costs result in suboptimal care.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document