Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 409 in total

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  1. Fulltext Cost-Effectiveness of Colorectal Cancer Genetic Testing
    Ramdzan AR, Manaf MRA, Aizuddin AN, Latiff ZA, Teik KW, Ch'ng GS, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 08 06;18(16).
    PMID: 34444091 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168330
    Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Approximately 3-5% of CRCs are associated with hereditary cancer syndromes. Individuals who harbor germline mutations are at an increased risk of developing early onset CRC, as well as extracolonic tumors. Genetic testing can identify genes that cause these syndromes. Early detection could facilitate the initiation of targeted prevention strategies and surveillance for CRC patients and their families. The aim of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of CRC genetic testing. We utilized a cross-sectional design to determine the cost-effectiveness of CRC genetic testing as compared to the usual screening method (iFOBT) from the provider's perspective. Data on costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of 200 CRC patients from three specialist general hospitals were collected. A mixed-methods approach of activity-based costing, top-down costing, and extracted information from a clinical pathway was used to estimate provider costs. Patients and family members' HRQoL were measured using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Data from the Malaysian Study on Cancer Survival (MySCan) were used to calculate patient survival. Cost-effectiveness was measured as cost per life-year (LY) and cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). The provider cost for CRC genetic testing was high as compared to that for the current screening method. The current practice for screening is cost-saving as compared to genetic testing. Using a 10-year survival analysis, the estimated number of LYs gained for CRC patients through genetic testing was 0.92 years, and the number of QALYs gained was 1.53 years. The cost per LY gained and cost per QALY gained were calculated. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) showed that genetic testing dominates iFOBT testing. CRC genetic testing is cost-effective and could be considered as routine CRC screening for clinical practice.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  2. Fulltext Effectiveness of training stop-smoking advisers to deliver cessation support to the UK national proposed standard versus usual care in Malaysia: a two-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial
    Wee LH, West R, Tee GH, Yeap L, Chan CMH, Ho BK, et al.
    Addiction, 2021 08;116(8):2150-2161.
    PMID: 33220115 DOI: 10.1111/add.15346
    AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of training stop smoking services providers in Malaysia to deliver support for smoking cessation based on the UK National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) standard treatment programme compared with usual care.

    DESIGN: Two-arm cluster-randomized controlled effectiveness trial across 19 sites with follow-up at 4-week, 3-month, and 6-month.

    SETTING: Stop smoking services operating in public hospitals in Malaysia.

    PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred and two smokers [mean ± standard deviation (SD), age 45.6 (13.4) years; 97.4% male] attending stop smoking services in hospital settings in Malaysia: 330 in 10 hospitals in the intervention condition and 172 in nine hospitals in the control condition.

    INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: The intervention consisted of training stop-smoking practitioners to deliver support and follow-up according to the NCSCT Standard Treatment Programme. The comparator was usual care (brief support and follow-up).

    MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was continuous tobacco smoking abstinence up to 6 months in smokers who received smoking cessation treatment, verified by expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) concentration. Secondary outcomes were continuous CO-verified tobacco smoking abstinence up to 4 weeks and 3 months.

    RESULTS: Follow-up rates at 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months were 80.0, 70.6 and 53.3%, respectively, in the intervention group and 48.8, 30.8 and 23.3%, respectively, in the control group. At 6-month follow-up, 93 participants in the intervention group and 19 participants in the control group were abstinent from smoking, representing 28.2 versus 11.0% in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis assuming that participants with missing data had resumed smoking, and 52.8 versus 47.5% in a follow-up-only (FUO) analysis. Unadjusted odds ratios (accounting for clustering) were 5.04, (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22-20.77, P = 0.025) and 1.70, (95% CI = 0.25-11.53, P = 0.589) in the ITT and FUO analyses, respectively. Abstinence rates at 4 week and 3 month follow-ups were significantly higher in the intervention versus control group in the ITT but not the FUO analysis.

    CONCLUSIONS: On an intention-to-treat analysis with missing-equals-smoking imputation, training Malaysian stop smoking service providers in the UK National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training standard treatment programme appeared to increase 6 month continuous abstinence rates in smokers seeking help with stopping compared with usual care. However, the effect may have been due to increasing follow-up rates.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  3. Spatial Ecology of Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) Nesting in a Fragmented Landscape
    Evans LJ, Jones TH, Pang K, Saimin S, Goossens B
    Sensors (Basel), 2016 Sep 19;16(9).
    PMID: 27657065
    The role that oil palm plays in the Lower Kinabatangan region of Eastern Sabah is of considerable scientific and conservation interest, providing a model habitat for many tropical regions as they become increasingly fragmented. Crocodilians, as apex predators, widely distributed throughout the tropics, are ideal indicator species for ecosystem health. Drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)) were used to identify crocodile nests in a fragmented landscape. Flights were targeted through the use of fuzzy overlay models and nests located primarily in areas indicated as suitable habitat. Nests displayed a number of similarities in terms of habitat characteristics allowing for refined modelling of survey locations. As well as being more cost-effective compared to traditional methods of nesting survey, the use of drones also enabled a larger survey area to be completed albeit with a limited number of flights. The study provides a methodology for targeted nest surveying, as well as a low-cost repeatable flight methodology. This approach has potential for widespread applicability across a range of species and for a variety of study designs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  4. Fulltext Pharmacogenomics screening of HLA-B*1502 in epilepsy patients: how we do it in the UKM Medical Centre, Malaysia
    Then SM, Mohd Rani ZZ, Raymond AA, Jamal R
    Neurology Asia, 2013;18(11):27-29.
    MyJurnal
    Previous studies have shown that carbamazepine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) patients is associated with the HLA-B*1502 allele. Screening for HLA-B*1502 before using carbamazepine can prevent SJS/TEN particularly in populations with high frequency of the allele. The objective of this paper was to describe how the UKM Medical Centre, Malaysia was able to set up a cost effective screening of HLA-B*1502 for patients taking carbamazepine. The cost of in-house HLA-B⁄1502 screening was less than those commercially available, and was sensitive and specific.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  5. Fulltext Desferrioxamine treatment in thalassaemia: a cost utility analysis
    Dahlui, M., Hishamshah, M.I., Rahman, A.J. A, Shamsuddin, K., Aljunid, S.M.
    Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2007;7(2):4-9.
    MyJurnal
    A cost-utility analysis was performed desferrioxamine treatment in thalctssaemia patients at two tertiary hospitals in Malaysia in 2004. A hundred and twelve transfusion dependent thalassaemia patients were grouped according to the status of desferrioxamine; optimum and sulwptimum. Cost analysis was from a patient and hospital perspectives while Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) was the health outcome of choice. Incremental Cost·Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) was also stipulated to show the difference in cost for an additional QALY if patient currently on suboptimum desferrioxamine to switch using optimum desferrioxamine. Results on cost analysis showed the mean cost of treatment for thalassaemia patients on optimum desferrioxamirie was higher than those on sub·optimum desferrioxamine; (RM14, 775.00+SDRM4,737.00 and RM10,780+RM3,655, respectively). QALYs were 19.186+6.591 and 9.859+5275 in the optimum and suboptirnum group, respectively. Costutility analysis showed the cost per QALYs in optimum desferrioxamine group was RM59,045.00 compared to RM44,665.00 in suboptimum desferrioxamine group. ICER of patients on sub-optimum desferrioxamine switching to optimum desferrioxarnine was only RM420.39. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust in the best and worst scenarios. In conclusion, although it is expensive for thalassaemia patients to use optimum desferrioxamine compared to sub-optimum desferrioxamine, the cost per QALYs gained was undoubtedly low.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  6. PERSPECTIVE: SOME CONCLUSIONS FROM MY LIFE IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
    Banta HD
    Int J Technol Assess Health Care, 2018 Jan;34(2):131-133.
    PMID: 29609663 DOI: 10.1017/S0266462318000107
    I have worked in health technology assessment (HTA) since 1975, beginning in the United States Congress Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), where we were charged with defining "medical technology assessment". My main concern in HTA has always been efficacy of healthcare interventions. After years in OTA, I was invited to the Netherlands in 1985, where the Dutch government invited me to head a special commission concerning future healthcare technology and HTA. From there, I became involved in over forty countries, beginning in Europe and then throughout the world. My most intense involvements, outside the United States and Europe, have been in Brazil, China, and Malaysia. During these 40-plus years, I have seen HTA grow from its earliest beginnings to a worldwide force for better health care for everyone. I have also had some growing concerns, outlined in this Perspective article. Within HTA, I am most disappointed by a narrow perspective of cost-effective analysis, which tends to ignore considerations of culture, society, ethics, and organizational and legal issues. In the general environment affecting HTA and health care, I am most concerned about the need to protect the independence of HTA activities from influences of the healthcare industries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  7. Performance of small and large scales rainwater harvesting systems in commercial buildings under different reliability and future water tariff scenarios
    Lani NHM, Syafiuddin A, Yusop Z, Adam UB, Amin MZBM
    Sci Total Environ, 2018 Sep 15;636:1171-1179.
    PMID: 29913579 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.418
    A rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) was proposed for small and large commercial buildings in Malaysia as an alternative water supply for non-potable water consumption. The selected small and large commercial buildings are AEON Taman Universiti and AEON Bukit Indah, respectively. Daily rainfall data employed in this work were obtained from the nearest rainfall station at Senai International Airport, which has the longest and reliable rainfall record (29 years). Water consumption at both buildings were monitored daily and combined with the secondary data obtained from the AEON's offices. The mass balance model was adopted as the simulation approach. In addition, the economic benefits of RWHS in terms of percentage of reliability (R), net present value (NPV), return on investment (ROI), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), and payback period (PBP) were examined. Effects of rainwater tank sizes and water tariffs on the economic indicators were also evaluated. The results revealed that the percentages of reliability of the RWHS for the small and large commercial buildings were up to 93 and 100%, respectively, depending on the size of rainwater tank use. The economic benefits of the proposed RWHS were highly influenced by the tank size and water tariff. At different water tariffs between RM3.0/m3 and RM4.7/m3, the optimum PBPs for small system range from 6.5 to 10.0 years whereas for the large system from 3.0 to 4.5 years. Interestingly, the large commercial RWHS offers better NPV, ROI, BCR, and PBP compared to the small system, suggesting more economic benefits for the larger system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  8. Fulltext Economic evaluation of combination therapy versus monotherapy for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in Hong Kong
    Wu DB, Yee CH, Ng CF, Lee SWH, Chaiyakunapruk N, Chang YS, et al.
    Front Pharmacol, 2018;9:1078.
    PMID: 30386234 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01078
    Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition affecting men. Studies have shown that the prevalence of LUTS/BPH increases with age, which will cause considerable economic burden to the healthcare system and society. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long term cost effectiveness of dutasteride and tamsulosin therapy compared to tamsulosin alone in men with BPH in Hong Kong. Methods: A Markov decision model was constructed to estimate the economic impact from a healthcare payers' perspective, which only included direct costs. Analyses were conducted for a 4-year time frame. Results: When compared to tamsulosin alone, combination therapy was more expensive but also more effective in preventing complications and reduced the need for surgery. Over life-time projection suggest that combination therapy will be cost-effective if the willingness-to pay threshold of USD 20,000. Conclusion: Findings of this study found that combination therapy of tamsulosin and dutasteride was more cost-effective compared to tamsulosin alone across a wide range of scenario.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  9. Fulltext Effectiveness of vision screening training module in improving the level of knowledge on vision screening among pre-school teachers in Klang Valley Malaysia
    Omar, R., Knight, V.F., Tan, X.L., Ahmad Zahidi A.A., Mohd Saat, N.Z.
    JUMMEC, 2019;22(1):58-65.
    MyJurnal
    Empowering lay screeners, such as pre-school teachers, on vision screening is a cost-effective way to
    ensure larger populations of children can be screened. Although the validity of lay screeners in conducting
    vision screening were reported in several studies, none showed data concerning improvement of the level
    of knowledge among lay screeners after completing vision screening training, which could indicate the
    effectiveness of the training program. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of pre-school
    teachers before and after attending a training program. Sixty pre-school teachers from Tabika and Taska KEMAS
    were randomly selected. The Study Group (n = 30) was given theory and practical training on vision screening,
    whereas the Control Group (n = 30) was only given brief verbal instructions on how to conduct the screening. A
    theory test containing 15 questions related to the training modules were administered to both groups, before
    and after their training/briefing respectively. The findings showed that the level of knowledge among preschool
    teachers in the Study Group (73.24 ± 11.73%) was significantly higher than the Control Group (56.22
    ± 13.11%) (p < 0.01). There was also a significant improvement in the level of knowledge among pre-school
    teachers in the Study Group after the training (p
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  10. Fulltext Effect of Tilt Angle and Pin Depth on Dissimilar Friction Stir Lap Welded Joints of Aluminum and Steel Alloys
    Chitturi V, Pedapati SR, Awang M
    Materials (Basel), 2019 Nov 26;12(23).
    PMID: 31779107 DOI: 10.3390/ma12233901
    Automobile, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries are looking for lightweight materials for cost effective manufacturing which demands the welding of dissimilar alloy materials. In this study, the effect of tool rotational speed, welding speed, tilt angle, and pin depth on the weld joint were investigated. Aluminum 5052 and 304 stainless-steel alloys were joined by friction stir welding in a lap configuration. The design of the experiments was based on Taguchi's orthogonal array for conducting the experiments with four factors and three levels for each factor. The microstructural analysis showed tunnel defects, micro voids, and cracks which formed with 0° and 1.5° tilt angles. The defects were eliminated when the tilt angle increased to 2.5° and a mixed stir zone was formed with intermetallic compounds. The presence of the intermetallic compounds increased with the increase in tilt angle and pin depth which further resulted in obtaining a defect-free weld. Hooks were formed on either side of the weld zone creating a mechanical link for the joint. A Vickers hardness value of HV 635.46 was achieved in the mixed stir zone with 1000 rpm, 20 mm/min, and 4.2 mm pin depth with a tilt angle of 2.5°, which increased by three times compared to the hardness of SS 304 steel. The maximum shear strength achieved with 800 rpm, 40 mm/min, and a 4.3 mm pin depth with a tilt angle of 2.5° was 3.18 kN.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  11. Replacement of rice bran with pleurotus florida stalks on growth performance of oreochromis niloticus fingerlings
    Hasniyati Muin, Nurul Nadwa Abdul Fatah, Izzat Hamdi Bahari, Shaharudin Abdul Razak
    Sains Malaysiana, 2014;43:675-681.
    A 6-weeks feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacement of rice bran with mushroom stalk (Pleurotus florida) an agriculture waste, on growth performance in tilapia fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus). Three isonitrogenous (32% crude protein) diets were formulated. Rice bran was replaced with 100% (Diet 1), 50% (Diet 2) and 0% (Diet 3, control) mushroom stalk. Each dietary treatment was tested in triplicate group of 12 fingerlings per tank arranged in completely randomized design. The result of this study showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) among all diets in terms of growth performance and feed utilization. Diet 1 gave the best results in BWG, SGR, FCR and PER. An economic evaluation indicated that Diet 1 gave the lowest production cost at RM2.03/kg followed by Diet 2 (RM2.18/kg) and Diet 3 (RM2.38/kg). Taking all the factors into consideration, the best diet was Diet 1 with 100% replacement of rice bran with mushroom stalks which is also the cheapest diet. This shows that Pleurotus florida stalks can replace 100% of rice bran in practical tilapia diets.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  12. Liquid biphasic flotation for the purification of C-phycocyanin from Spirulina platensis microalga
    Chew KW, Chia SR, Krishnamoorthy R, Tao Y, Chu DT, Show PL
    Bioresour Technol, 2019 Sep;288:121519.
    PMID: 31128541 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.121519
    Liquid biphasic flotation (LBF), an integrated process of liquid biphasic system (LBS) and adsorptive bubbles flotation, was used for the purification of C-phycocyanin from S. platensis microalgae. Various experimental parameters such as type of phase forming polymer and salt, concentration of phase forming components, system pH, volume ratio, air flotation time and crude extract concentration were evaluated to maximise the C-phycocyanin recovery yield and purity. The optimal conditions for the LBF system achieving C-phycocyanin purification fold of 3.49 compared to 2.43 from the initial LBF conditions was in polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 and potassium phosphate combination, with 250 g/L of polymer and salt concentration each, volume ratio of 1:0.85, system pH of 7.0, air flotation duration of 7 min and phycocyanin crude extract concentration of 0.625 %w/w. The LBF has effectively enhanced the purification of C-phycocyanin in a cost effective and simple processing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  13. Novel, energy efficient and green cloud point extraction: technology and applications in food processing
    Arya SS, Kaimal AM, Chib M, Sonawane SK, Show PL
    J Food Sci Technol, 2019 Feb;56(2):524-534.
    PMID: 30906010 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-018-3546-7
    Recently, a novel technique for extraction of functional thermally sensitive bioactive components from food has been developed due to its green efficacy (no toxic chemicals) and cost effectiveness. Cloud point extraction (CPE) is one of the such best alternative techniques that can be used for extraction of wide range of organic and inorganic components using green surfactants. It is a simple, rapid and inexpensive extraction technique which involves clustering of non-ionic surfactant monomers to form a hydrophobic core (micelle), which then entraps the hydrophobic bioactive compounds within it. CPE can be applied for extraction of bioactives from food processing waste as well as separation and purification of proteins. Besides that, research has received special attention on sample preparation for analysis of food constituents in the last decade. The scope of CPE is very vast in these sectors because of the advantages of CPE over other methods. This review deals with significance of CPE method and their potential green applications in food processing.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  14. Fulltext Real Time Microwave Biochemical Sensor Based on Circular SIW Approach for Aqueous Dielectric Detection
    Mohd Bahar AA, Zakaria Z, Md Arshad MK, Isa AAM, Dasril Y, Alahnomi RA
    Sci Rep, 2019 04 02;9(1):5467.
    PMID: 30940843 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41702-3
    In this study, a critical evaluation of analyte dielectric properties in a microvolume was undertaken, using a microwave biochemical sensor based on a circular substrate integrated waveguide (CSIW) topology. These dielectric properties were numerically investigated based on the resonant perturbation method, as this method provides the best sensing performance as a real-time biochemical detector. To validate these findings, shifts of the resonant frequency in the presence of aqueous solvents were compared with an ideal permittivity. The sensor prototype required a 2.5 µL volume of the liquid sample each time, which still offered an overall accuracy of better than 99.06%, with an average error measurement of ±0.44%, compared with the commercial and ideal permittivity values. The unloaded Qu factor of the circular substrate-integrated waveguide (CSIW) sensor achieved more than 400 to ensure a precise measurement. At 4.4 GHz, a good agreement was observed between simulated and measured results within a broad frequency range, from 1 to 6 GHz. The proposed sensor, therefore, offers high sensitivity detection, a simple structural design, a fast-sensing response, and cost-effectiveness. The proposed sensor in this study will facilitate real improvements in any material characterization applications such as pharmaceutical, bio-sensing, and food processing applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  15. Fulltext Experimental dataset on the dispersion stability of natural polymer non-covalently functionalized graphene nanoplatelets in high salinity brines
    Hamdi SS, Al-Kayiem HH, Muhsan AS, Magaril E
    Data Brief, 2020 Aug;31:105702.
    PMID: 32462067 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105702
    The data in this article present the effective parameters of experimental ultrasonication process on the dispersion stability of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) grafted with a natural polymer of Gum Arabic (GA). These datasets are supporting the article "Natural Polymer Non-Covalently Grafted Graphene Nanoplatelets for Improved Oil Recovery Process: A Micromodel Evaluation" [1]. The datasets were gained during experiments conducted at various dwell time (30, 60, 90 and 120 min) at constant power amplitude (60%) of sonication for preparing the stable GA-GNP/brine solutions aiming cost-effective and green agent solution for chemical enhanced oil recovery (C-EOR). The GA-GNPs dispersion data was verified using particle size analyser and UV-Vis measurements. The optimized time and power amplitude parameters of the sonication process were utilized for preparing stabilized samples of GA grafted GNPs in regarding to research work on Natural Polymer Non-Covalently Grafted Graphene Nanoplatelets for EOR. The dispersion stability of GA-GNPs nanofluids at reservoir conditions of high salinity and high temperatures (HSHT) was further demonstrated in the measured data through the sedimentation of nanoparticles.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  16. Implementation Road Map of Health Technology Assessment in Middle-Income Countries: The Case of Jordan
    Almomani E, Alabbadi I, Fasseeh A, Al-Qutob R, Al-Sharu E, Hayek N, et al.
    Value Health Reg Issues, 2021 Sep;25:126-134.
    PMID: 34015521 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2021.01.003
    OBJECTIVES: Health technology assessment (HTA) can increase the appropriateness and transparency of pricing and reimbursement decisions. Jordan is still in the early phase of its HTA implementation, although the country has very limited public resources for the coverage of healthcare technologies. The study objective was to explore and validate priorities in the HTA road map for Jordan and propose to facilitate the preferred HTA status.

    METHODS: Health policy experts from the public and private sectors were asked to participate in a survey to explore the current and future status of HTA implementation in Jordan. Semistructured interviews with senior policy makers supported by literature review were conducted to validate survey results and make recommendations for specific actions.

    RESULTS: Survey and interview results indicated a need for increased HTA training, including both short courses and academic programs and gradually increasing public funding for technology assessment and appraisal. Multiple HTA bodies with central coordination can be the most feasible format of HTA institutionalization. The weight of cost-effectiveness criterion based on local data with published reports and explicit decision thresholds should be increased in policy decisions of pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical technologies.

    CONCLUSION: Currently, HTA has limited impact on health policy decisions in Jordan, and when it is used to support pharmaceutical reimbursement decisions, it is mainly based on results from other countries without considering transferability of international evidence. Policy makers should facilitate HTA institutionalization and use in policy decisions by increasing the weight of local evidence in HTA recommendations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  17. Fulltext Controllable Electrochemical Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide Thin-Film Constructed as Efficient Photoanode in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
    Chong SW, Lai CW, Abd Hamid SB
    Materials (Basel), 2016 Jan 25;9(2).
    PMID: 28787869 DOI: 10.3390/ma9020069
    A controllable electrochemical synthesis to convert reduced graphene oxide (rGO) from graphite flakes was introduced and investigated in detail. Electrochemical reduction was used to prepare rGO because of its cost effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and ability to produce rGO thin films in industrial scale. This study aimed to determine the optimum applied potential for the electrochemical reduction. An applied voltage of 15 V successfully formed a uniformly coated rGO thin film, which significantly promoted effective electron transfer within dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Thus, DSSC performance improved. However, rGO thin films formed in voltages below or exceeding 15 V resulted in poor DSSC performance. This behavior was due to poor electron transfer within the rGO thin films caused by poor uniformity. These results revealed that DSSC constructed using 15 V rGO thin film exhibited high efficiency (η = 1.5211%) attributed to its higher surface uniformity than other samples. The addition of natural lemon juice (pH ~ 2.3) to the electrolyte accelerated the deposition and strengthened the adhesion of rGO thin film onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glasses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  18. Fulltext A Printed Xi-Shaped Left-Handed Metamaterial on Low-Cost Flexible Photo Paper
    Ashraf FB, Alam T, Islam MT
    Materials (Basel), 2017 Jul 05;10(7).
    PMID: 28773113 DOI: 10.3390/ma10070752
    A Xi-shaped meta structure, has been introduced in this paper. A modified split-ring resonator (MSRR) and a capacitive loaded strip (CLS) were used to achieve the left-handed property of the metamaterial. The structure was printed using silver metallic nanoparticle ink, using a very low-cost photo paper as a substrate material. Resonators were inkjet-printed using silver nanoparticle metallic ink on paper to make this metamaterial flexible. It is also free from any kind of chemical waste, which makes it eco-friendly. A double negative region from 8.72 GHz to 10.91 GHz (bandwidth of 2.19 GHz) in the X-band microwave spectra was been found. Figure of merit was also obtained to measure any loss in the double negative region. The simulated result was verified by the performance of the fabricated prototype. The total dimensions of the proposed structure were 0.29 λ × 0.29 λ × 0.007 λ. It is a promising unit cell because of its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and easy fabrication process.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  19. Fulltext Integrating sustainable Islamic social finance: An Analytical Network Process using the Benefit Opportunity Cost Risk (ANP BOCR) framework: The case of Indonesia
    Widiastuti T, Robani A, Sukmaningrum PS, Mawardi I, Ningsih S, Herianingrum S, et al.
    PLoS One, 2022;17(5):e0269039.
    PMID: 35617300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269039
    The utilization of Islamic social finance instruments is far behind what is expected. To realize its full potential, Islamic social finance instruments must be integrated. This study examined solutions and priority strategies for integrating sustainable Islamic social finance that could be implemented in the short and long term using the Benefit, Opportunity, Cost, and Risk (BOCR) framework, which includes six aspects: Governance, sustainable financing, institutional aspect, human resources, regulations, and supporting technology. This qualitative research employed the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method using the benefit, opportunity, cost, and risk analysis. The data were obtained mainly through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with respondents among academics, practitioners, associations, regulators, and community leaders. The respondents were selected for their expertise and experience in the selected topic. The data were processed using the Microsoft Excel and Super Decision software. There are several findings worth considering from the analysis. First, the highest priority in integrating Islamic social finance aspects are human resources (0.97), regulation (0.86), and technology (0.76). Second, based on the short- and long-term analysis, financial integration through sustainable financing (0.01 and 1.44, respectively) and improving human resource quality through certification and training (0.01 and 1.56, respectively) is a priority solution and strategy to integrate sustainable Islamic social finance. Meanwhile, according to expert judgments, integrating national data (0.24) and optimizing technology use (0.18) are priority solutions and strategies. The findings emphasize the critical role of improving human resource quality to utilize technology, with experts identifying a national data integration as the most critical solution. As a result, relevant stakeholders are concerned about technology management training for Islamic philanthropic managers, with the goal of maximizing the potential of technology's growing role and adoption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
  20. Fulltext Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Utility of Palbociclib versus Ribociclib in Women with Stage IV Breast Cancer: A Real-World Data Evaluation
    Al-Ziftawi NH, Alam MF, Elazzazy S, Shafie AA, Hamad A, Mohamed Ibrahim MI
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Dec 28;20(1).
    PMID: 36612831 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010512
    Palbociclib and ribociclib are indicated in the first-line treatment of hormonal-receptor-positive HER-2 negative (HR+/HER-2 negative) advanced breast cancer. Despite their clinical benefit, they can increase healthcare expenditure. Yet, there are no comparative pharmacoeconomic evaluations for them in developing countries, the Middle East, or Gulf countries. This study compared the cost-effectiveness of palbociclib and ribociclib in Qatar. A 10-year within-cycle-corrected Markov's model was developed using TreeAge Pro® software. The model consisted of three main health states: progression-free (PFS), progressed-disease (PD), and death. Costs were obtained from the actual hospital settings, transition probabilities were calculated from individual-patient data, and utilities were summarized from the published literature. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) were calculated and compared to three gross-domestic-products per capita. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Ribociclib dominated palbociclib in terms of costs, life-years gained, and quality-adjusted life-years gained. The conclusions remained robust in the different cases of the deterministic sensitivity analyses. Taking all combined uncertainties into account, the confidence in the base-case conclusion was approximately 60%. Therefore, in HR+/HER-2 negative stage IV breast cancer patients, the use of ribociclib is considered cost-saving compared to palbociclib.
    Matched MeSH terms: Cost-Benefit Analysis
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