scholarly journals Implications for industrial application of bioflocculant demand alternatives to conventional media: waste as a substitute

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (10) ◽  
pp. 1807-1822
Author(s):  
Jibrin Ndejiko Mohammed ◽  
Wan Rosmiza Zana Wan Dagang
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Nutrient Sources ◽  
Cheap Alternative ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Microbial Flocculant ◽  
The Cost

Abstract The biodegradability and safety of the bioflocculants make them a potential alternative to non-biodegradable chemical flocculants for wastewater treatment. However, low yield and production cost has been reported to be the limiting factor for large scale bioflocculant production. Although the utilization of cheap nutrient sources is generally appealing for large scale bioproduct production, exploration to meet the demand for them is still low. Although much progress has been achieved at laboratory scale, Industrial production and application of bioflocculant is yet to be viable due to cost of the production medium and low yield. Thus, the prospects of bioflocculant application as an alternative to chemical flocculants is linked to evaluation and utilization of cheap alternative and renewable nutrient sources. This review evaluates the latest literature on the utilization of waste/wastewater as an alternative substitute for conventional expensive nutrient sources. It focuses on the mechanisms and metabolic pathways involved in microbial flocculant synthesis, culture conditions and nutrient requirements for bioflocculant production, pre-treatment, and also optimization of waste substrate for bioflocculant synthesis and bioflocculant production from waste and their efficiencies. Utilization of wastes as a microbial nutrient source drastically reduces the cost of bioflocculant production and increases the appeal of bioflocculant as a cost-effective alternative to chemical flocculants.

scholarly journals Use of Industrial Wastes as Sustainable Nutrient Sources for Bacterial Cellulose (BC) Production: Mechanism, Advances, and Future Perspectives

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (19) ◽  
pp. 3365
Author(s):  
Abudukeremu Kadier ◽  
R.A. Ilyas ◽  
M.R.M. Huzaifah ◽  
Nani Harihastuti ◽  
S.M. Sapuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Cellulose ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Culture Conditions ◽  
Industrial Wastes ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Nutrient Sources ◽  
Large Scale Production ◽  
The Cost

A novel nanomaterial, bacterial cellulose (BC), has become noteworthy recently due to its better physicochemical properties and biodegradability, which are desirable for various applications. Since cost is a significant limitation in the production of cellulose, current efforts are focused on the use of industrial waste as a cost-effective substrate for the synthesis of BC or microbial cellulose. The utilization of industrial wastes and byproduct streams as fermentation media could improve the cost-competitiveness of BC production. This paper examines the feasibility of using typical wastes generated by industry sectors as sources of nutrients (carbon and nitrogen) for the commercial-scale production of BC. Numerous preliminary findings in the literature data have revealed the potential to yield a high concentration of BC from various industrial wastes. These findings indicated the need to optimize culture conditions, aiming for improved large-scale production of BC from waste streams.

scholarly journals OP0198-HPR A STRUCTURED MODEL FOR OA CARE IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE IS A COST-EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE COMPARED TO USUAL CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH HIP AND KNEE OA

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 119-120
Author(s):  
N. Østerås ◽  
E. Aas ◽  
T. Moseng ◽  
L. Van Bodegom-Vos ◽  
K. Dziedzic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Usual Care ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cost Utility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Structured Model ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
The Cost

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

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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Efficiency ◽  
Spin Symmetry ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dielectric Materials ◽  
Additional Degree ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Spin Orbit Interactions ◽  
Smart Mobile ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Hydrogenated Amorphous

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.

scholarly journals A Review on Terahertz Technologies Accelerated by Silicon Photonics

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1646
Author(s):  
Jingya Xie ◽  
Wangcheng Ye ◽  
Linjie Zhou ◽  
Xuguang Guo ◽  
Xiaofei Zang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuit ◽  
Silicon Photonics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Single Chip ◽  
Photonic Integrated Circuit ◽  
Hybrid Silicon ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Silicon Based ◽  
Thz Applications

In the last couple of decades, terahertz (THz) technologies, which lie in the frequency gap between the infrared and microwaves, have been greatly enhanced and investigated due to possible opportunities in a plethora of THz applications, such as imaging, security, and wireless communications. Photonics has led the way to the generation, modulation, and detection of THz waves such as the photomixing technique. In tandem with these investigations, researchers have been exploring ways to use silicon photonics technologies for THz applications to leverage the cost-effective large-scale fabrication and integration opportunities that it would enable. Although silicon photonics has enabled the implementation of a large number of optical components for practical use, for THz integrated systems, we still face several challenges associated with high-quality hybrid silicon lasers, conversion efficiency, device integration, and fabrication. This paper provides an overview of recent progress in THz technologies based on silicon photonics or hybrid silicon photonics, including THz generation, detection, phase modulation, intensity modulation, and passive components. As silicon-based electronic and photonic circuits are further approaching THz frequencies, one single chip with electronics, photonics, and THz functions seems inevitable, resulting in the ultimate dream of a THz electronic–photonic integrated circuit.

An Innovative Cost-Effective Approach for Characterization of Removable Prosthesis - Case Series

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tushar
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Functional Rehabilitation ◽  
Denture Base ◽  
Cost Effective Approach ◽  
Removable Denture ◽  
Removable Prosthesis ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
The Cost

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.

An International Campaign for Agricultural and Livestock Genomics (CALG)

2002 ◽  
Vol 06 (24) ◽  
pp. 958-965
Author(s):  
Jun Yu ◽  
Jian Wang ◽  
Huanming Yang
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Environmental Biology ◽  
Cdna Sequences ◽  
Governmental Agencies ◽  
Technology Innovations ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Cost

A coordinated international effort to sequence agricultural and livestock genomes has come to its time. While human genome and genomes of many model organisms (related to human health and basic biological interests) have been sequenced or plugged in the sequencing pipelines, agronomically important crop and livestock genomes have not been given high enough priority. Although we are facing many challenges in policy-making, grant funding, regional task emphasis, research community consensus and technology innovations, many initiatives are being announced and formulated based on the cost-effective and large-scale sequencing procedure, known as whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing that produces draft sequences covering a genome from 95 percent to 99 percent. Identified genes from such draft sequences, coupled with other resources, such as molecular markers, large-insert clones and cDNA sequences, provide ample information and tools to further our knowledge in agricultural and environmental biology in the genome era that just comes to its accelerated period. If the campaign succeeds, molecular biologists, geneticists and field biologists from all countries, rich or poor, would be brought to the same starting point and expect another astronomical increase of basic genomic information, ready to convert effectively into knowledge that will ultimately change our lives and environment into a greater and better future. We call upon national and international governmental agencies and organizations as well as research foundations to support this unprecedented movement.

scholarly journals Cost–effectiveness and cost-benefit analysis of oliceridine in the treatment of acute pain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kit N Simpson ◽  
Michael J Fossler ◽  
Linda Wase ◽  
Mark A Demitrack
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Protein Signaling ◽  
Opioid Receptor Agonist ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Μ Opioid Receptor ◽  
The Cost

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.

scholarly journals The High Capacity Expanding Lifeboat HiCEL – Meeting the Modern SAR Challenge

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
J R E Wright ◽  
G E Payne
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Second World War ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Small Vessels ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Operational Envelope ◽  
Second World

The Mediterranean migrant crisis has resulted in the highest population displacement since the Second World War. In 2016 alone, over one million made the journey across the sea. Since 2013 over 15,000 have died as a result of this journey. Small vessels such as wooden fishing boats and RIBs are commonly used by smugglers as transport. These are often unseaworthy and filled with numbers of passengers far exceeding their intended capacity. When failure occurs, rescues are typically conducted by the nearest available vessel. These vessels are often ill-equipped for a large-scale Search and Rescue (SAR) operation making it highly dangerous for all involved.  The size and quantity of lifeboats available are often insufficient for the large numbers of people to be rescued; as a result, repeat journeys are required, making the rescue process slow, inefficient and hazardous. This paper outlines a novel solution to this problem. A concept design is presented for a rapidly expandable lifeboat capable of holding large numbers of passengers, whilst still fitting into the operational envelope of common davits. The unique inflatable design can be deployed quickly from a range of vessels and aeroplanes offering an immediate platform from which disembarkation onto a suitable vessel can be achieved. CONOPS are outlined along with the required capabilities of the design. Drop stitch technology is identified as a viable means of manufacturing the large inflatable platforms. Finally, the paper discusses an alternative solution, retrofitting existing enclosed lifeboats with the solution to offer a more cost-effective alternative.  

scholarly journals Cost of a new method of active screening for human African trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rian Snijders ◽  
Alain Fukinsia ◽  
Yves Claeys ◽  
Alain Mpanya ◽  
Epco Hasker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Active Case Finding ◽  
Active Screening ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
The Cost

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.

scholarly journals Long-acting porcine sequence ACTH in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency: a cost-effective alternative to the ACTH1–24 test

2020 ◽  
Vol 182 (2) ◽  
pp. C5-C7
Author(s):  
Warrick J Inder
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Effective Alternative ◽  
Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Robust Test ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
The Cost

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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document