scholarly journals Leveraging Demand Flexibility by Exploiting Prosumer Response to Price Signals in Microgrids

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 3078
Author(s):  
Francesco Simmini ◽  
Marco Agostini ◽  
Massimiliano Coppo ◽  
Tommaso Caldognetto ◽  
Andrea Cervi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Saving ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Prediction Horizon ◽  
Price Signals ◽  
Heuristic Strategy ◽  
The Cost

The diffusion of distributed energy resources in distribution networks requires new approaches to exploit the users’ capabilities of providing ancillary services. Of particular interest will be the coordination of microgrids operating as an aggregate of demand and supply units. This work reports a model predictive control (MPC) application in microgrids for the efficient energy management of energy storage systems and photovoltaic units. The MPC minimizes the economic cost of aggregate prosumers into a prediction horizon by forecasting generation and absorption profiles. The MPC is compared in realistic conditions with a heuristic strategy that acts in a instant manner, without taking into account signals prediction. The work aims at investigating the effect that different types of energy tariffs have in enhancing the end-users’ flexibility, based on three examples of currently applied tariffs, comparing the two storage control modes. The MPC always achieves a better solution than the heuristic approach in all considered scenarios from the cost minimization point of view, with an improvement that is amplified by increasing the energy price variations between peak and off-peak periods. Furthermore, the MPC approach provides a cost saving when compared to the case considering a microgrid endowed with only photovoltaic units, in which no storage is installed. Findings in this work confirm that storage units better perform when some knowledge of future demand and supply trends is provided, ensuring an economic cost saving and an important service for the overall community.

Robustness and flexibility of human resource management practices

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 594-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Gurkov ◽  
Evgeny Morgunov ◽  
Zokirzhon Saidov
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Social Benefits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The One ◽  
The Cost

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to retrace the sources of robustness of the operations of Russian manufacturing subsidiaries of western multinational corporation (MNC) during the downturn, from the point of view of applied human resource management (HRM) practices. Design/methodology/approach A repeated survey of heads of Russian manufacturing plants of western MNCs was implemented. The same respondents aswered the similar questions in 2014 and in 2016. Findings The current evolution of HRM arrangements in the Russian manufacturing subsidiaries of MNCs can be explained by an attempt for ambidexterity. On the one hand, managers of the Russian manufacturing subsidiaries of MNCs attempt to prevent employee alienation. Thus, they retain permanent contracts and preserve guarantees of home-take pay. On the other hand, there is the elimination of several social benefits. In the author’s opinion, the cost-minimization approach has been used excessively. The authors speculate that the system of social benefits will need to be adjusted again to transform the system from one that is “crisis-proof” to one that is “stagnation adapted.” Originality/value The findings provide a basis for a broader discussion on mutation of HRM systems in manufacturing subsidiaries of MNCs facing deteriorating market conditions.

Multi-Objective Optimizer for Multimodal Distribution Networks

2016 ◽  
pp. 330-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Gamberi ◽  
Marco Bortolini ◽  
Francesco Pilati ◽  
Alberto Regattieri
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Operating Cost ◽  
Pareto Frontier ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Fresh Food ◽  
Network Costs ◽  
The Cost

A multi-objective optimizer Decision Support System (DSS) to minimize the operating cost, the carbon footprint and the delivery time in the design of multi-modal Distribution Networks (DNs) is presented to overcome the widely adopted methodologies focused on the cost minimization, only. The proposed approach simultaneously assesses three independent objective functions, evaluating the network costs, the Carbon Footprint (CO2 emissions) and the shipping time from the producers to the final retailers. The DSS manages multimodal four-level (three-stage) DNs, best connecting the producers to the final retailers, through a set of Distribution Centres (DCs). It allows multiple transport modes and inter-modality options looking to the most effective DN configuration from the introduced multi-objective perspective. The three optimization criteria can be considered independently or solved simultaneously, through the so-called Pareto frontier approach. Finally, the proposed DSS is validated against a case study about the delivery of Italian fresh food to several European retailers.

scholarly journals An Analysis of the Cost of Water Supply Linked to the Tourism Industry. An Application to the Case of the Island of Ibiza in Spain

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel María González Pérez ◽  
José María Martín Martín ◽  
José Manuel Guaita Martínez ◽  
Francisco Javier Sáez-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Water Supply ◽  
Water Demand ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Water Losses ◽  
Desalinated Water ◽  
Tourist Demand ◽  
The One ◽  
The Cost

Tourist activity has a number of impacts on the destinations in which it takes place, among which are the environmental ones. A particular problem is the increase in water demand and wastewater production, which can compromise the balance of ecosystems. As many authors point out, there is a research gap in the comparative analysis between available water resources and the demand associated with tourism. In this respect, the main objective of this work is, on the one hand, to assess the water needs linked to the tourism industry and the capacity of natural resources to meet such a demand and, on the other hand, to estimate the economic cost of the water supply associated with the growing tourist demand in a territory, such as the island of Ibiza in Spain. It has been determined that the resources available are not sufficient to meet the water demand of the resident population at this destination, which is why it is necessary to resort to producing desalinated water. Therefore, the additional requirements associated with tourism must be met fully with desalinated water, which results in an increased cost of water management for the region. This paper also points at water losses in distribution networks and tourism seasonality as two phenomena that aggravate this issue.

Evaluation Of The Functional Of Space-Planning Arrangement Of A Building

2019 ◽  
pp. 4-9
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Initial Data ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Objective Evaluation ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Shopping Centers ◽  
Space Planning ◽  
Planning Decisions ◽  
The Cost

The article focuses on the problem of the lack of objective evaluation of space-planning arrangement of buildings as a creative approach of the architect to the performing of functional tasks by the object. It is proposed to create a methodology for assessing the functional of space-planning solutions of buildings on the basis of numerical simulation of functional processes using the theory of human flows. There is a description of the prospects of using this method, which makes it possible to increase the coefficient of compactness, materials and works saving, more efficient use of space, reduce the cost of the life cycle of the building, save human forces and time to implement the functional of the building. The necessary initial data for modeling on the example of shopping and shopping-entertainment centers are considered. There are three main tasks for algorithmization of the functional of shopping centers. The conclusion is made about necessity of development of a method for objective assessment of buildings from the point of view of ergonomics of space-planning decisions based on the study of human behavior in buildings of different purposes.

On strategy for the development of multifunctional social infrastructure complexes in the ‘Smart City’ paradigm

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1469-1495
Author(s):  
A.L. Sabinina ◽  
V.V. Sokolovskii ◽  
N.A. Shul'zhenko ◽  
N.A. Sychova
Keyword(s):  
Smart City ◽  
Housing Demand ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Social Infrastructure ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Living Space ◽  
Two Stages ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Subject. The article describes the findings of the authors of fundamental strategic decisions on the formation of multifunctional urban complexes, using the housing demand and supply criterion. Objectives. We undertake a comprehensive study aimed at perfecting the methodology for evaluating the options for city infrastructure development at two stages, i.e. strategic, when general targets of feasible commissioning are determined, and current, when parameters of demand for facilities are taken into account. Methods. The study employs methods of expert survey, statistical data processing, predictive and investigative analysis. Results. We explored factors of creating amenities and comfort in residential construction areas, developed an algorithm to calculate the volume of new living space commissioning on the basis of evaluating demands in the Smart City paradigm. Conclusions. The study shows the cost increase depending on the built-up area, number of floors, and the balance between the type of capacity and the number of residents in the quarter (linear relationship).

PREREQUISITES FOR THE FORMATION OF A MECHANISM FOR STATE REGULATION OF SOCIAL GUARANTEES IN THE REGION

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitaly Lobas ◽  
◽  
Elena Petryaeva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Protection ◽  
Well Being ◽  
State Regulation ◽  
The State ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Periodic Review ◽  
Cost Of Living ◽  
Economic Relations ◽  
State Management ◽  
The Cost

The article deals with modern mechanisms for managing social protection of the population by the state and the private sector. From the point of view of forms of state regulation of the sphere of social protection, system indicators usually include the state and dynamics of growth in the standard of living of the population, material goods, services and social guarantees for the poorly provided segments of the population. The main indicator among the above is the state of the consumer market, as one of the main factors in the development of the state. Priority areas of public administration with the use of various forms of social security have been identified. It should be emphasized that, despite the legislative conflicts that exist today in Ukraine, mandatory indexation of the cost of living is established, which is associated with inflation. Various scientists note that although the definition of the cost of living index has a well-established methodology, there are quite a lot of regional features in the structure of consumption. All this is due to restrictions that are included in the consumer basket of goods and different levels of socio-economic development of regions. The analysis of the establishment and periodic review of the minimum consumer budgets of the subsistence minimum and wages of the working population and the need to form state insurance funds for unforeseen circumstances is carried out. Considering in this context the levers of state management of social guarantees of the population, we drew attention to the crisis periods that are associated with the market transformation of the regional economy. In these conditions, there is a need to develop and implement new mechanisms and clusters in the system of socio-economic relations. The components of the mechanisms ofstate regulation ofsocial guarantees of the population are proposed. The deepening of market relations in the process of reforming the system of social protection of the population should be aimed at social well-being.

Cost-minimization analysis of drugs used in the treatment of Asthma and COPD diseases in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Billu Payal ◽  
Anoop Kumar ◽  
Harsh Saxena
Keyword(s):  
Generic Drugs ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Pulmonary Medicine ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Maximum Cost ◽  
Cost Minimization Analysis ◽  
Cost Variation ◽  
The Cost

Background: Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) are well known respiratory diseases affecting millions of peoples in India. In the market, various branded generics, as well as generic drugs, are available for their treatment and how much cost will be saved by utilizing generic medicine is still unclear among physicians. Thus, the main aim of the current investigation was to perform cost-minimization analysis of generic versus branded generic (high and low expensive) drugs and branded generic (high expensive) versus branded generic (least expensive) used in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine of Era Medical University, Lucknow for the treatment of asthma and COPD. Methodology: The current index of medical stores (CIMS) was referred for the cost of branded drugs whereas the cost of generic drugs was taken from Jan Aushadi scheme of India 2016. The percentage of cost variation particularly to Asthma and COPD regimens on substituting available generic drugs was calculated using standard formula and costs were presented in Indian Rupees (as of 2019). Results: The maximum cost variation was found between the respules budesonide high expensive branded generic versus least expensive branded generic drugs and generic versus high expensive branded generic. In combination, the maximum cost variation was observed in the montelukast and levocetirizine combination. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study inferred that substituting generic antiasthmatics and COPD drugs can bring potential cost savings in patients.

scholarly journals An Outreach Rehabilitation Program for Nursing Home Residents After Hip Fracture May Be Cost-Saving

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (10) ◽  
pp. e159-e165
Author(s):  
Lauren A Beaupre ◽  
Doug Lier ◽  
Jay S Magaziner ◽  
C Allyson Jones ◽  
D William C Johnston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Cost Saving ◽  
Incremental Cost ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Rehabilitation Program ◽  
Study Entry ◽  
Rehabilitation Intervention ◽  
The Cost

Abstract Background We compared the cost-effectiveness of 10 weeks of outreach rehabilitation (intervention) versus usual care (control) for ambulatory nursing home residents after hip fracture. Methods Enrollment occurred February 2011 through June 2015 in a Canadian metropolitan region. Seventy-seven participants were allocated in a 2:1 ratio to receive a 10-week rehabilitation program (intervention) or usual care (control) (46 intervention; 31 control). Using a payer perspective, we performed main and sensitivity analyses. Health outcome was measured by quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), using the EQ5D, completed at study entry, 3-, 6-, and 12-months. We obtained patient-specific data for outpatient visits, physician claims, and inpatient readmissions; the trial provided rehabilitation utilization/cost data. We estimated incremental cost and incremental effectiveness. Results Groups were similar at study entry; the mean age was 87.9 ± 6.6 years, 54 (71%) were female and 58 (75%) had severe cognitive impairment. EQ5D QALYs scores were nonsignificantly higher for intervention participants. Inpatient readmissions were two times higher among controls, with a cost difference of −$3,350/patient for intervention participants, offsetting the cost/intervention participant of $2,300 for the outreach rehabilitation. The adjusted incremental QALYs/patient difference was 0.024 favoring the intervention, with an incremental cost/patient of −$621 for intervention participants; these values were not statistically significant. A sensitivity analysis reinforced these findings, suggesting that the intervention was likely dominant. Conclusion A 10-week outreach rehabilitation intervention for nursing home residents who sustain a hip fracture may be cost-saving, through reduced postfracture hospital readmissions. These results support further work to evaluate postfracture rehabilitation for nursing home residents.

The cost implication of primary prevention in the HOPE 3 trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 266-271
Author(s):  
Andre Lamy ◽  
Eva Lonn ◽  
Wesley Tong ◽  
Balakumar Swaminathan ◽  
Hyejung Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Primary Prevention ◽  
Cost Saving ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Pressure Lowering ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Care Costs ◽  
Country Specific

Abstract Aims The Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation-3 (HOPE-3) found that rosuvastatin alone or with candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) (in a subgroup with hypertension) significantly lowered cardiovascular events compared with placebo in 12 705 individuals from 21 countries at intermediate risk and without cardiovascular disease. We assessed the costs implications of implementation in primary prevention in countries at different economic levels. Methods and results Hospitalizations, procedures, study and non-study medications were documented. We applied country-specific costs to the healthcare resources consumed for each patient. We calculated the average cost per patient in US dollars for the duration of the study (5.6 years). Sensitivity analyses were also performed with cheapest equivalent substitutes. The combination of rosuvastatin with candesartan/HCT reduced total costs and was a cost-saving strategy in United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. In contrast, the treatments were more expensive in developing countries even when cheapest equivalent substitutes were used. After adjustment for gross domestic product (GDP), the costs of cheapest equivalent substitutes in proportion to the health care costs were higher in developing countries in comparison to developed countries. Conclusion Rosuvastatin and candesartan/HCT in primary prevention is a cost-saving approach in developed countries, but not in developing countries as both drugs and their cheapest equivalent substitutes are relatively more expensive despite adjustment by GDP. Reductions in costs of these drugs in developing countries are essential to make statins and blood pressure lowering drugs affordable and ensure their use. Clinical trial registration HOPE-3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00468923.

The Cost of Being ‘Backward’ in India: Socio-religious Discrimination in the Labour Market

2021 ◽  
pp. 097370302110296
Author(s):  
Soumyajit Chakraborty ◽  
Alok K. Bohara
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Religious Discrimination ◽  
Capital Endowment ◽  
Scheduled Castes ◽  
Sample Survey Data ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Human Capital Endowment

Being from backward castes, classes and Muslims in India has an economic cost associated with the nature of institutional discrimination. Using the 2011–2012 National Sample Survey data, this study identifies that caste and religion still rule the modern Indian labour market. We find that discrimination is evident in the socio-religious earnings gaps. While the parametric decompositions suggest that most of these gaps are due to differential human capital endowment, the nonparametric method almost evenly attributes inequality to discrimination and endowment. The results presented in this study suggest that discrimination against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Muslims and Other Backward Classes should be included in policy designs to promote equity in the Indian labour market.

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