Using a cost-effective approach to increase background ensemble member size within the GSI-based EnVar system for improved radar analyses and forecasts of convective systems

2022 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Computational Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Ensemble Member ◽  
Radar Reflectivity ◽  
Ensemble Size ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Common Time ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Similar Accuracy

Abstract A Valid Time Shifting (VTS) method is explored for the GSI-based ensemble variational (EnVar) system modified to directly assimilate radar reflectivity at convective scales. VTS is a cost-efficient method to increase ensemble size by including subensembles before and after the central analysis time. Additionally, VTS addresses common time and phase model error uncertainties within the ensemble. VTS is examined here for assimilating radar reflectivity in a continuous hourly analysis system for a case study of 1-2 May 2019. The VTS implementation is compared against a 36-member control experiment (ENS-36), to increase ensemble size (3×36 VTS), and as a cost-savings method (3×12 VTS), with time-shifting intervals τ between 15 and 120 min. The 3×36 VTS experiments increased the ensemble spread, with largest subjective benefits in early cycle analyses during convective development. The 3×12 VTS experiments captured analysis with similar accuracy as ENS-36 by the third hourly analysis. Control forecasts launched from hourly EnVar analyses show significant skill increases in 1-h precipitation over ENS-36 out to hour 12 for 3×36 VTS experiments, subjectively attributable to more accurate placement of the convective line. For 3×12 VTS, experiments with τ ≥ 60 min met and exceeded the skill of ENS-36 out to forecast hour 15, with VTS-3×12τ90 maximizing skill. Sensitivity results demonstrate preference to τ = 30–60 min for 3x36 VTS and 60 – 120 min for 3×12 VTS. The best 3×36 VTS experiments add a computational cost of 45-67%, compared to the near tripling of costs when directly increasing ensemble size, while best 3×12 VTS experiments save about 24-41% costs over ENS-36.

Optimization of Signal Pre-Processing for the Integration of Cost-Effective Local Intelligence in Wireless Self-Powered Structural Health Monitoring

2008 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 459-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Monnier ◽  
Philippe Guy ◽  
Mickaël Lallart ◽  
Lionel Petit ◽  
Daniel Guyomar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Health Monitoring ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Extraction Process ◽  
Power Source ◽  
Positive Energy ◽  
Structural Health

Recent research in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) showed the ability of guidedwave based sensors networks to detect, localize and classify damage in its early stage. But, most of them still require the wiring of numerous devices. To avoid this technical restraint, particularly in airborne structures, wireless SHM system offer mass and cost savings, but powering the devices remains heavy. In this paper, actuators and sensors are powered by piezoelectric microgenerators, which harvest energy from the environing mechanical stress. The efficiency of the extraction process is optimized by a non-linear processing of the piezovoltage named Synchronized Switch Harvesting. Previous work showed that such techniques provide a stand-alone power source, whose performances meet the requirements of Wireless Transmitters and Receivers. Indeed, each sensing node has to feature its own power source in order to acquire its logical autonomy and thus, provide decentralized intelligence to SHM network. Although the diagnosis will be centralized, the amount of data passed to the central core of the network should be reduced to preserve a positive energy balance of the node. Various algorithms are compared in terms of sensitivity and computational cost, the latter directly impacting the consumption.

scholarly journals Improving Aztreonam Stewardship and Cost Through a Penicillin Allergy Testing Clinical Guideline

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin R Chen ◽  
Scott A Tarver ◽  
Kristin S Alvarez ◽  
Wenjing Wei ◽  
David A Khan
Keyword(s):  
Skin Testing ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Penicillin Allergy ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Allergy Testing ◽  
Stewardship Program ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Background Patients reporting penicillin allergy often receive unnecessary and costly broad-spectrum alternatives such as aztreonam with negative consequences. Penicillin allergy testing improves antimicrobial therapy but is not broadly used in hospitals due to insufficient testing resources and short-term expenses. We describe a clinical decision support (CDS) tool promoting pharmacist-administered penicillin allergy testing in patients receiving aztreonam and its benefits toward antimicrobial stewardship and costs. Methods A CDS tool was incorporated into the electronic medical record, directing providers to order penicillin allergy testing for patients receiving aztreonam. An allergy-trained pharmacist reviewed orders placed through this new guideline and performed skin testing and oral challenges to determine whether these patients could safely take penicillin. Data on tests performed, antibiotic utilization, and cost-savings were compared with patients tested outside the new guideline as part of our institution’s standard stewardship program. Results The guideline significantly increased penicillin allergy testing among patients receiving aztreonam from 24% to 85% (P < .001) while reducing the median delay between admission and testing completion from 3.31 to 1.05 days (P = 0.008). Patients tested under the guideline saw a 58% increase in penicillin exposure (P = .046). Institutional aztreonam administration declined from 2.54 to 1.47 administrations per 1000 patient-days (P = .016). Average antibiotic costs per patient tested before and after CDS decreased from $1265.81 to $592.08 USD, a 53% savings. Conclusions Targeting penicillin allergy testing to patients on aztreonam yields therapeutic and economic benefits during a single admission. This provides a cost-effective model for inpatient testing.

Mineral/microfibrillated cellulose composite materials: High performance products, applications, and product forms

TAPPI Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (09) ◽  
pp. 507-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Skuse ◽  
Mark Windebank ◽  
Tafadzwa Motsi ◽  
Guillaume Tellier
Keyword(s):  
Composite Materials ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Aqueous Suspension ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
New Materials ◽  
Wet Strength ◽  
Product Forms ◽  
Cellulose Composite

When pulp and minerals are co-processed in aqueous suspension, the mineral acts as a grinding aid, facilitating the cost-effective production of fibrils. Furthermore, this processing allows the utilization of robust industrial milling equipment. There are 40000 dry metric tons of mineral/microfbrillated (MFC) cellulose composite production capacity in operation across three continents. These mineral/MFC products have been cleared by the FDA for use as a dry and wet strength agent in coated and uncoated food contact paper and paperboard applications. We have previously reported that use of these mineral/MFC composite materials in fiber-based applications allows generally improved wet and dry mechanical properties with concomitant opportunities for cost savings, property improvements, or grade developments and that the materials can be prepared using a range of fibers and minerals. Here, we: (1) report the development of new products that offer improved performance, (2) compare the performance of these new materials with that of a range of other nanocellulosic material types, (3) illustrate the performance of these new materials in reinforcement (paper and board) and viscosification applications, and (4) discuss product form requirements for different applications.

Pound Wise and Penny Foolish? Weight Loss and The Dynamics of Health Care Spending

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G Koch
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Health Care Spending ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Dynamic Measures ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Current estimates of obesity costs ignore the impact of future weight loss and gain, and may either over or underestimate economic consequences of weight loss. In light of this, I construct static and dynamic measures of medical costs associated with body mass index (BMI), to be balanced against the cost of one-time interventions. This study finds that ignoring the implications of weight loss and gain over time overstates the medical-cost savings of such interventions by an order of magnitude. When the relationship between spending and age is allowed to vary, weight-loss attempts appear to be cost-effective starting and ending with middle age. Some interventions recently proven to decrease weight may also be cost-effective.

Cost Avoidance and Clinical Benefits Derived from a Pharmacy-Managed Anemia Program

2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Quercia ◽  
Ronald Abrahams ◽  
C. Michael White ◽  
John D'Avella ◽  
Mary Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Cost Avoidance ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Epoetin Alpha ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Unit Dose ◽  
One Year ◽  
Alpha Therapy

A pharmacy-managed anemia program included distribution and clinical components, with the goal of making epoetin alpha therapy for hemodialysis patients more cost-effective. The Pharmacy Department prepared epoetin alpha doses for patients in unit-dose syringes, utilizing and documenting vial overfill. Pharmacists dosed epoetin alpha and iron (oral and intravenous) per protocol for new and established patients. Baseline data were obtained in 1994, one year prior to implementation of the program, and were re-evaluated in 1995 and 1998. Cost avoidance from utilization of epoetin alpha vial overfill in 1995 and 1998 was $83,560 and $91,148 respectively. In 1995 and 1998, cost avoidance from pharmacy management of anemia was $191,159 and $203,985 respectively. The total cost avoidance from 1995 through 1998 was estimated at $1,018,638. The number of patients with hematocrits under 31% decreased from 32% in 1994 to 21% and 14% in 1995 and 1998 respectively. We conclude that a pharmacy-managed anemia program for hemodialysis patients results in significant cost savings and better achievement of target hematocrits.

The Future of Plasma-Based Surface Engineering Techniques in Tribology (Keynote)

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Matthews ◽  
Adrian Leyland
Keyword(s):  
Surface Engineering ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Bulk Material ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Ceramic Coatings ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Macro Scale

Over the past twenty years or so, there have been major steps forward both in the understanding of tribological mechanisms and in the development of new coating and treatment techniques to better “engineer” surfaces to achieve reductions in wear and friction. Particularly in the coatings tribology field, improved techniques and theories which enable us to study and understand the mechanisms occurring at the “nano”, “micro” and “macro” scale have allowed considerable progress to be made in (for example) understanding contact mechanisms and the influence of “third bodies” [1–5]. Over the same period, we have seen the emergence of the discipline which we now call “Surface Engineering”, by which, ideally, a bulk material (the ‘substrate’) and a coating are combined in a way that provides a cost-effective performance enhancement of which neither would be capable without the presence of the other. It is probably fair to say that the emergence and recognition of Surface Engineering as a field in its own right has been driven largely by the availability of “plasma”-based coating and treatment processes, which can provide surface properties which were previously unachievable. In particular, plasma-assisted (PA) physical vapour deposition (PVD) techniques, allowing wear-resistant ceramic thin films such as titanium nitride (TiN) to be deposited on a wide range of industrial tooling, gave a step-change in industrial productivity and manufactured product quality, and caught the attention of engineers due to the remarkable cost savings and performance improvements obtained. Subsequently, so-called 2nd- and 3rd-generation ceramic coatings (with multilayered or nanocomposite structures) have recently been developed [6–9], to further extend tool performance — the objective typically being to increase coating hardness further, or extend hardness capabilities to higher temperatures.

scholarly journals The Inverse Spacer—A Novel, Safe, and Cost-Effective Approach in Routine Procedures for Revision Knee Arthroplasty

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 971
Author(s):  
Kristoff Hammerich ◽  
Jens Pollack ◽  
Alexander F. Hasse ◽  
André El Saman ◽  
René Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty ◽  
Rotational Stability ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Free Interval ◽  
Major Disadvantage ◽  
Cost Effective Approach ◽  
Before And After

Background: A major disadvantage of current spacers for two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty (R-TKA) is the risk of (sub-) luxation during mobilization in the prosthesis-free interval, limiting their clinical success with detrimental consequences for the patient. The present study introduces a novel inverse spacer, which prevents major complications, such as spacer (sub-) luxations and/or fractures of spacer or bone. Methods: The hand-made inverse spacer consisted of convex tibial and concave femoral components of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement and was intra-operatively molded under maximum longitudinal tension in 5° flexion and 5° valgus position. Both components were equipped with a stem for rotational stability. This spacer was implanted during an R-TKA in 110 knees with diagnosed or suspected periprosthetic infection. Postoperative therapy included a straight leg brace and physiotherapist-guided, crutch-supported mobilization with full sole contact. X-rays were taken before and after prosthesis removal and re-implantation. Results: None of the patients experienced (sub-) luxations/fractures of the spacer, periprosthetic fractures, or soft tissue compromise requiring reoperation. All patients were successfully re-implanted after a prosthesis-free interval of 8 weeks, except for three patients requiring an early exchange of the spacer due to persisting infection. In these cases, the prosthetic-free interval was prolonged for one week. Conclusion: The inverse spacer in conjunction with our routine procedure is a safe and cost-effective alternative to other articulating or static spacers, and allows crutch-supported sole contact mobilization without major post-operative complications. Maximum longitudinal intra-operative tension in 5° flexion and 5° valgus position appears crucial for the success of surgery.

scholarly journals 400 - Effects of Computerized Cognitive Training with an Elderly Community Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 116-116
Author(s):  
M Pires ◽  
A Antunes ◽  
C Gameiro ◽  
C Pombo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Intensive Training ◽  
Before And After

Community-focused programs that promote active and healthy aging can help preserve cognitive capacities, prevent or reverse cognitive deficits. Computer-based cognitive training (CCT) is a promising non-pharmacological, cost -effective and accessible intervention to face the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies proved CCT to have equal or better efficacy compared to traditional interventions. This comparative multifactorial study aims to test the efficacy of a CCT in a non-randomized community sample of 74 older adults: G1-CCT Experimental group (n=43) (Mean age M=72.21, SD=12.65) and G2- Paper-Pencil Control group (n=31; M=77.94, SD=10.51). Pensioners (97.3%), mostly women (83.8 %) with basic education (51.4%) and without dementia diagnosis, completed a cognitive training program of 17 or 34 group sessions (twice a week). G2 undertook a classic cognitive paper-pencil stimuli tasks. G1, performed, additionally, individual CCT with COGWEB® in a multimodal format (intensive training of attention, calculation, memory, gnosis, praxis, executive functions). Both groups completed Portuguese versions of Mini -Mental State Examination (MMSE),Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA); Geriatric Depressive Scale (GDS); Mini Dependence Assessment (MDA); WHOOQL 5 and Social Support Satisfaction Scale (ESSS) before and after participating in the program. Both groups reported better post-test scores on basic cognitive functions (MMSE, MOCA), Depression symptoms (GDS-30), subjective well-being and quality of life (WHOOQL-5). G1 presented higher MOCA and lower GDS scores before and after CCT, although, group differences become less expressive when interaction effects are considered. Results are in line with findings from past studies, CCT supported by the new technologies, is as a relevant cost-effective therapeutic tool for health professionals working with older adults. Particularly for preventive purposes of neuro-cognitive disorders.

scholarly journals Is an integrated model of school eye health delivery more cost-effective than a vertical model? An implementation research in Zanzibar

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000561
Author(s):  
Ving Fai Chan ◽  
Fatma Omar ◽  
Elodie Yard ◽  
Eden Mashayo ◽  
Damaris Mulewa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Research ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Integrated Model ◽  
Health Screening ◽  
High Coverage ◽  
Health Delivery ◽  
Screening Cost ◽  
Eye Health ◽  
The Cost

ObjectiveTo review and compare the cost-effectiveness of the integrated model (IM) and vertical model (VM) of school eye health programme in Zanzibar.Methods and analysisThis 6-month implementation research was conducted in four districts in Zanzibar. Nine and ten schools were recruited into the IM and VM, respectively. In the VM, teachers conducted eye health screening and education only while these eye health components were added to the existing school feeding programme (IM). The number of children aged 6–13 years old screened and identified was collected monthly. A review of project account records was conducted with 19 key informants. The actual costs were calculated for each cost categories, and costs per child screened and cost per child identified were compared between the two models.ResultsScreening coverage was 96% and 90% in the IM and VM with 297 children (69.5%) from the IM and 130 children (30.5%) from VM failed eye health screening. The 6-month eye health screening cost for VM and IM was US$6 728 and US$7 355. The cost per child screened for IM and VM was US$1.23 and US$1.31, and the cost per child identified was US$24.76 and US$51.75, respectively.ConclusionBoth models achieved high coverage of eye health screening with the IM being a more cost-effective school eye health delivery screening compared with VM with great opportunities for cost savings.

scholarly journals Prediction of 3D Cardiovascular hemodynamics before and after coronary artery bypass surgery via deep learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaoyang Li ◽  
Haoran Wang ◽  
Mingzi Zhang ◽  
Simon Tupin ◽  
Aike Qiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Specific Model ◽  
Arterial System ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Cardiovascular Hemodynamics ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Deep Learning Network ◽  
Cfd Method

AbstractThe clinical treatment planning of coronary heart disease requires hemodynamic parameters to provide proper guidance. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is gradually used in the simulation of cardiovascular hemodynamics. However, for the patient-specific model, the complex operation and high computational cost of CFD hinder its clinical application. To deal with these problems, we develop cardiovascular hemodynamic point datasets and a dual sampling channel deep learning network, which can analyze and reproduce the relationship between the cardiovascular geometry and internal hemodynamics. The statistical analysis shows that the hemodynamic prediction results of deep learning are in agreement with the conventional CFD method, but the calculation time is reduced 600-fold. In terms of over 2 million nodes, prediction accuracy of around 90%, computational efficiency to predict cardiovascular hemodynamics within 1 second, and universality for evaluating complex arterial system, our deep learning method can meet the needs of most situations.

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