Paint-Line Retroreflectivity over Time

1997 ◽  
Vol 1585 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Scheuer ◽  
Thomas L. Maleck ◽  
Dale R. Lighthizer
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Michigan State University ◽  
State University ◽  
Department Of Transportation ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Lane Marking ◽  
Lane Line ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Pavement Marking

The Michigan Department of Transportation contracted with Michigan State University to evaluate the performance of highway paint-line material. Several types of pavement-marking materials were studied under a variety of conditions. The project’s goal is to help develop guidelines governing the cost-effective use of pavement-marking materials. Preliminary results indicate that retroreflectivity levels of paint lines did not vary as a function of material; pavement surface had little effect on lane-marking performance; and snowplowing and sanding appeared to be the main factors affecting the decay of lane line retroreflectivity.

Development and Implementation of a Pavement Marking Management System in Florida

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (12) ◽  
pp. 209-219
Author(s):  
Bouzid Choubane ◽  
Joshua Sevearance ◽  
Charles Holzschuher ◽  
James Fletcher ◽  
Chieh (Ross) Wang
Keyword(s):  
Management System ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Department Of Transportation ◽  
Pavement Markings ◽  
Lighting Conditions ◽  
Florida Department ◽  
Roadway Safety ◽  
Application Techniques ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Pavement Marking

The visibility of pavement markings is an important aspect of a safe transportation system as the markings convey vital roadway warnings and guidance information to the traveling public. Therefore, it is beneficial to maintain acceptable visibility levels of markings on pavements under all weather and lighting conditions. To ensure the intended in-service visibility level is adequately maintained, the reflectivity must be monitored and quantified accordingly. Historically, visibility or retroreflectivity of in-service pavement markings has been measured with handheld devices and visual inspections. However, visual surveys are considered subjective and the handheld measurements are tedious and potentially hazardous. Consequently, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has focused on the use of a non-contact technology capable of assessing pavement markings continuously at highway speeds with improved safety and efficiency. The use of mobile technology for measuring reflectivity has allowed FDOT to develop and, subsequently, implement a Pavement Marking Management System (PMMS) to improve the safety and nighttime visibility of its roadways. Implementation of such a system provides an efficient and less subjective methodology to identify conditions that are detrimental to roadway safety, and strategize mitigating solutions including the selection of appropriate materials and application techniques. The system will ultimately result in an effective use of state funds while ensuring the safety of the traveling public. This paper presents a description of the Florida Pavement Markings Management System and its subsequent implementation including FDOT’s effort to ensure the quality, consistency, repeatability, and accessibility of statewide pavement marking retroreflectivity data.

Cascade Strengthening of Bent Elements by Polymers with Adhesive Joints

2019 ◽  
Vol 974 ◽  
pp. 583-588
Author(s):  
Alexander I. Danilov
Keyword(s):  
Fem Simulation ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Adhesive Joints ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Analysis And Design ◽  
Full Analysis ◽  
Cascade Method ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Cost

The subject of the article is to give a full analysis of the cascade type layouts in elements strengthening design in bending by gluing the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) materials on their surfaces’ applicability and effectiveness. The research objectives are the substantiation elements cascade method application reinforcement with adhesive joints. Materials and methods are revealed in a few variants of FRP-reinforcement with application of FEM simulation. A number of diagrams and tables represent the results. The results are defined in the cost-effective efficient method presentation of the bent elements strengthening to increase their bearing capacity reserves, the features of the bonded joint behavior, the equations and formulae for the glue joint analysis and design. Conclusions are formulated in depicting the “cascade” reflects, the features of the proposed strengthening design, the base element unloading, which is gradual with each successive element attached. The design examples are oriented on the adhesive joints’ application possibility analysis of attaching the FRP elements. The results suggest the effective use possibility of the adhesive joints to strengthen rather stiff, including steel, elements in bending. The cascade method eliminates the indispensability of highly expensive high-strength materials, thereby reducing the reinforcement structures cost.

Evaluating Factors Affecting Safety at Highway–Railway Grade Crossings

2005 ◽  
Vol 1918 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young-Jin Park ◽  
Frank F. Saccomanno
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Models ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Grade Crossings ◽  
Complex Relationships ◽  
Four Quadrant ◽  
The Cost

Various countermeasures can be introduced to reduce collisions at highway–railway grade crossings. Existing improvements to crossings include the installation of flashing lights or gates, the addition of extra warning devices such as four-quadrant barriers or wayside horns, and the enforcement of speed limits on the approaching highway. Statistical models are needed to ensure that countermeasures introduced at a given crossing are both cost-effective and practicable. However, in large part because of issues of colinearity, poor statistical significance, and parametric bias, many existing statistical models are simple in structure and feature few statistically significant explanatory variables. Accordingly, they fail to reflect the full gamut of factor inputs that explain variation in collision frequency at individual crossings over a given period of time. Before statistical models can be used to investigate the cost-effectiveness of specific countermeasures, models must be developed that more fully reflect the complex relationships that link a specific countermeasure to collision occurrence. This study presents a sequential modeling approach based on data mining and statistical methods to estimate the main and interactive effects of introducing countermeasures at individual grade crossings. This paper makes use of Canadian inventory and collision data to illustrate the potential merits of the model in decision support.

scholarly journals Improving Access to Cancer Treatments: The Role of Biosimilars

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 596-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakesh Chopra ◽  
Gilberto Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Reference Drug ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Cost

Biologics play a key role in cancer treatment and are principal components of many therapeutic regimens. However, they require complex manufacturing processes, resulting in high cost and occasional shortages in supply. The cost of biologics limits accessibility of cancer treatment for many patients. Effective and affordable cancer therapies are needed globally, more so in developing countries, where health care resources can be limited. Biosimilars, which have biologic activity comparable to their corresponding reference drugs and are often more cost effective, have the potential to enhance treatment accessibility for patients and provide alternatives for decision makers (ie, prescribers, regulators, payers, policymakers, and drug developers). Impending patent expirations of several oncology biologics have opened up a vista for the development of corresponding biosimilars. Several countries have implemented abbreviated pathways for approval of biosimilars; however, challenges to their effective use persist. Some of these include designing appropriate clinical trials for assessing biosimilarity, extrapolation of indications, immunogenicity, interchangeability with the reference drug, lack of awareness and possibly acceptance among health care providers, and potential political barriers. In this review, we discuss the potential role and impact of biosimilars in oncology and the challenges related to their adoption and use. We also review the safety and efficacy of some of the widely used biosimilars in oncology and other therapeutic areas (eg, bevacizumab, darbepoetin, filgrastim, rituximab, and trastuzumab).

scholarly journals Cost Effectiveness of First-Line Treatment with Doxorubicin/Ifosfamide Compared to Trabectedin Monotherapy in the Management of Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Italy, Spain, and Sweden

Sarcoma ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian F. Guest ◽  
Monica Panca ◽  
Erikas Sladkevicius ◽  
Nicholas Gough ◽  
Mark Linch
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Soft Tissue Sarcoma ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Line Treatment ◽  
First Line ◽  
Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Cost ◽  
First Line Treatment

Background. Doxorubicin/ifosfamide is a first-line systemic chemotherapy for the majority of advanced soft tissue sarcoma (ASTS) subtypes. Trabectedin is indicated for the treatment of ASTS after failure of anthracyclines and/or ifosfamide; however it is being increasingly used off-label as a first-line treatment. This study estimated the cost effectiveness of these two treatments in the first-line management of ASTS in Italy, Spain, and Sweden.Methods. A Markov model was constructed to estimate the cost effectiveness of doxorubicin/ifosfamide compared to trabectedin monotherapy, defined as the cost per QALY gained, in each country.Results. First-line treatment with doxorubicin/ifosfamide resulted in lower two-year healthcare costs and more QALYs than first-line treatment with trabectedin monotherapy in all three countries. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that at a cost per QALY threshold of €35,000, >90% of a cohort would be cost effectively treated with doxorubicin/ifosfamide compared to trabectedin monotherapy in all three countries.Conclusion. Within the model’s limitations, first-line treatment of patients with ASTS with doxorubicin/ifosfamide instead of trabectedin monotherapy affords a cost-effective use of publicly funded healthcare resources in Italy, Spain, and Sweden and is therefore the preferred treatment in all three countries. These findings support the recommendation that trabectedin should remain a second-line treatment.

Development of a Pavement Marking Life Cycle Cost Tool

2018 ◽  
Vol 2672 (12) ◽  
pp. 148-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam M. Pike ◽  
Bharadwaj Bommanayakanahalli
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Pavement Markings ◽  
Administrative Costs ◽  
Traffic Delays ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Pavement Marking ◽  
Cost Differences

Pavement marking materials can be broadly classified into two types: durable and nondurable. The durable markings have a longer service life compared with the nondurable and, thus, need to be replaced less frequently. The material cost of the durable markings is higher compared with the nondurable markings. However, the durable markings have several benefits compared with the nondurable markings. Durable markings require less frequent striping resulting in less traffic delays faced due to marking installation and fewer accidents due to fewer work zone closures. The administrative costs associated with contracting and monitoring the work is also lower for durable markings due to less frequent contracting. The primary purpose of this project is to explore the cost differences between durable and nondurable markings, and how various factors can impact the life cycle cost of different marking materials. Researchers developed a life cycle cost calculator that considers the various costs associated with pavement markings to assist in comparing total costs of different marking materials. All costs associated with the implementation of pavement marking projects are considered, including material and installation costs, traffic delay costs and crash costs due to marking installations, and administrative costs to cover contracting and management of the pavement marking assets. This life cycle cost calculator would be another tool that decision makers could use to help choose the most cost-effective pavement marking for the selected input condition.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Cost-Effective Use of Follow-Up Colonoscopy Based on Screening Findings and Age

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace N. Joseph ◽  
Farid Heidarnejad ◽  
Eric A. Sherer
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Colorectal Adenomas ◽  
Screening Colonoscopy ◽  
Average Risk ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Cost

Introduction. Colorectal cancer (CRC), if not detected early, can be costly and detrimental to one’s health. Colonoscopy can identify CRC early as well as prevent the disease. The benefit of screening colonoscopy has been established, but the optimal frequency of follow-up colonoscopy is unknown and may vary based on findings from colonoscopy screening and patient age. Methods. A partially observed Markov process (POMP) was used to simulate the effects of follow-up colonoscopy on the development of CRC. The POMP uses adenoma and CRC growth models to calculate the probability of a patient having colorectal adenomas and CRC. Then, based on mortality, quality of life, and the costs associated with diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of colorectal cancer, the overall costs and increase in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) are calculated for follow-up colonoscopy scenarios. Results. At the $100,000/QALY gained threshold, only one follow-up colonoscopy is cost-effective only after screening at age 50 years. The optimal follow-up is 8.5 years, which gives 84.0 QALYs gained/10,000 persons. No follow-up colonoscopy was cost-effective at the $50,000 and $75,000/QALY gained thresholds. The intervals were insensitive to the findings at screening colonoscopy. Conclusion. Follow-up colonoscopy is cost-effective following screening at age 50 years but not if screening occurs later. Following screening at age 50 years, the optimal follow-up interval is close to the currently recommended 10 years for an average risk screening but does not vary by colonoscopy result.

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