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Reduced Cost (reduced + cost)
Selected AbstractsConjugated Polymers: Enhanced Charge Transportation in Semiconducting Polymer/Insulating Polymer Composites: The Role of an Interpenetrating Bulk Interface (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 11 2010Mater. By taking advantage of two-phase interface engineering in three dimensions, X. Yang and co-workers demonstrate on page 1714 the substantially improved (instead of decreased) electrical properties of conjugated polymer/insulating polymer composites. This novel approach paves the way for preparing high-performance semiconducting polymer composites with reduced cost, improved mechanical properties, and environmental stability. [source] Time and space: Reframing the training and development agendaHUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2003Lloyd Baird In this article, we review how time and space relationships are reframing the training and development agenda. As the speed of business moves faster and boundaries become less relevant, we need ways of expanding and choosing how and when learning and development can take place. We need ways to target development on specific business issues and deliver improved performance in less time with reduced cost. We define a learning options framework to help organize, integrate, synthesize, and better fit training and development methodologies to business realities. Specific knowledge, tools, and examples are provided to show how organizations are identifying and choosing among development options. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Low-cost implicit schemes for all-speed flows on unstructured meshesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN FLUIDS, Issue 5 2008T. Kloczko Abstract Matrix-free implicit treatments are now commonly used for computing compressible flow problems: a reduced cost per iteration and low-memory requirements are their most attractive features. This paper explains how it is possible to preserve these features for all-speed flows, in spite of the use of a low-Mach preconditioning matrix. The proposed approach exploits a particular property of a widely used low-Mach preconditioner proposed by Turkel. Its efficiency is demonstrated on some steady and unsteady applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A new type of magnification system in free microvascular tissue transfer: Varioscope M5MICROSURGERY, Issue 6 2007Ph.D., Stefano Chiummariello M.D. Free microvascular tissue transfers have become today a key instrument for the surgical treatment of wide loss of tissue. These procedures can provide definitive treatment in a single operation but they are expensive and require specialized practitioners. The operating microscope traditionally has provided this requirement; our study is focusing on the prospect of using a new visual system,Varioscope M5,in the reconstructive microsurgery field. Varioscope M5 (Life Optics, Vienna, Austria) has been employed in 21 microvascular anastomoses, where different free flaps were used in head and neck reconstruction. The necessity to operate in a different department, not provided with an operating microscope, brought along the idea of exploring an alternative procedure to classical visualization systems. Specific advantages such as reduced cost, freedom of movement, autofocus, minimal upkeep, a variable range of magnification from 2× to 9× are some of the reasons that convinced the authors to use this new type of magnification system. Increasing interest in microsurgery magnification highlights the need for further technical development in that field. We consider Varioscope M5 a future mean of anastomotic magnification in most free-tissue transfers with specific characteristics that combine the microscope and loupe philosophies. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007. [source] Use of varioscope in free microvascular tissue transplants,,MICROSURGERY, Issue 3 2005E.B.O.P.R.A.S., Petros K. Spyriounis M.D., Ph.D. Since July 2002, the author has performed 12 consecutive free flaps using a new device, the Varioscope AF3, in order to evaluate its efficacy. The Varioscope is a world-patent novelty by Life Optics (Vienna, Austria) that combines the philosophy of microscopes and loupes. Specific advantages such as reduced cost, freedom of movement, portability, and a magnification range between 3.6,7,2× are some of the reasons that convinced the author to use the Varioscope initially. The overall success rate is similar to that obtained with a microscope or high-power loupes. The results show that the Varioscope AF3 could be safely employed in the majority of free-tissue transfers as sole means of magnification. However, for digital replantations or vessels with a diameter of less than 1 mm, a microscope might be necessary. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 25:00,00 2005. [source] Computations of eigenpair subsets with the MRRR algorithm,,NUMERICAL LINEAR ALGEBRA WITH APPLICATIONS, Issue 8 2006Osni A. Marques Abstract The main advantage of inverse iteration over the QR algorithm and Divide & Conquer for the symmetric tridiagonal eigenproblem is that subsets of eigenpairs can be computed at reduced cost. The MRRR algorithm (MRRR=multiple relatively robust representations) is a clever variant of inverse iteration without the need for reorthogonalization. STEGR, the current version of MRRR in LAPACK 3.0, does not allow for subset computations. The next release of STEGR is designed to compute a (sub-)set of k eigenpairs with ,,(kn) operations. Because of the special way in which eigenvectors are computed, MRRR subset computations are more complicated than when using inverse iteration. Unlike the latter, MRRR sometimes cannot ignore the unwanted part of the spectrum. We describe the problems with what we call ,false singletons'. These are eigenvalues that appear to be isolated with respect to the wanted eigenvalues but in fact belong to a tight cluster of unwanted eigenvalues. This paper analyses these complications and ways to deal with them. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An integrated microdevice for high-performance short tandem repeat genotypingBIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL, Issue 11 2009Jong Young Choi Abstract Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis provides genetic fingerprinting of individuals, and is considered as a powerful and indispensable technique for forensic human identification. However, the current state-of-the-art STR genotyping processes and instruments are labor intensive, expensive, time consuming, and lack portability. Micro-total-analysis systems or lab-on-a-chip platforms based on microfabrication technologies have the capability to miniaturize and integrate bioanalysis steps in a single format. Recent progress in microsystems has demonstrated their successful performance for the forensic STR typing with a reduced cost, high speed, and improved high throughput. The purpose of this review article is to highlight up-to-date work on advanced microdevices for high-throughput STR genotyping, and a portable integrated microsystem for on-site forensic DNA analysis. [source] Laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy: modifications for developing nationsBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 9 2004A. Kumar Authors from Lucknow describe their experience with laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy, and describe modifications they have used to make the procedure cost-effective for developing nations. As the urological world is increasingly realising, this approach to renal transplantation is increasing the number of live-donor kidneys being offered for the many patients with end-stage renal failure. In this considerable series, the authors are strongly of the opinion that this is the best approach to live donor nephrectomy, and that their modifications are helpful in its use in developing nations. OBJECTIVE To describe modifications to laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy (LLDN) to make it more cost-effective for developing countries; LLDN was developed as a better alternative to conventional donor nephrectomy, with advantages of an earlier return to normal activities and smaller scars, but is not popular in developing countries because of high cost of disposable items. PATIENTS AND METHODS From January 2000 to January 2002, 148 LLDNs were performed, of which two used a hand-assisted technique, 17 the standard technique, 79 a modified laparoscopically assisted cost-saving approach and 50 by the modified technique. In the latter approach the kidney was delivered through a 6,8 cm anterior subcostal flank incision. In last 50 patients we further modified the technique, clipping the hilum using endoclips and delivering the kidney by holding the lateral pararenal fat through a 5 cm iliac fossa incision. RESULTS The mean age, operative duration, warm ischaemia time, blood loss, analgesic requirements, pain score and hospital stay were comparable among the various techniques used. Re-exploration was required in four patients (bleeding in two, trocar-induced bowel injury in two). Immediate complications after surgery occurred in 20% of patients. Using endoclips, the cost was considerably reduced, from $400 to $290. The iliac fossa incision was aesthetically pleasing and more acceptable to patients. CONCLUSION These modifications are relevant in the context of a developing nation, as they provide all the benefits of LLDN at reduced cost and with better cosmetic results. [source] SOFCo Planar Solid Oxide Fuel CellINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Liang A. Xue SOFCo-EFS Holdings LLC has developed a multi-layer, planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack that has the potential to provide superior performance and reliability at reduced costs. Our approach combines state-of-the-art SOFC materials with the manufacturing technology and infrastructure established for multi-layer ceramic (MLC) packages for the microelectronics industry. With the proper selection of SOFC materials, implementation of MLC fabrication methods offers unique designs for stacks. Over the past two years, substantial progress has been made in the design and manufacturing development of our second-generation stack. Effective stack and manifold seals have been developed. Cell performance has been improved and relatively low non-cell contributions to stack resistance have been achieved. Stack development has been facilitated through the implementation of two key test methods: (1) a 10-cm single-cell test to bridge the gap in performance data obtained from button cell tests (used for cell R&D) and stack tests; and (2) a novel instrumented short stack (<5 cells) that allows for effective isolation of individual contributions to stack resistance. As a result of progress made to date, a clear pathway for improving stack performance has been established, thereby building confidence that commercial stack performance targets will be reached. [source] Cost-effectiveness of primary cytology and HPV DNA cervical screeningINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 2 2008Peter Bistoletti Abstract Because cost-effectiveness of different cervical cytology screening strategies with and without human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing is unclear, we used a Markov model to estimate life expectancy and health care cost per woman during the remaining lifetime for 4 screening strategies: (i) cervical cytology screening at age 32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 55 and 60, (ii) same strategy with addition of testing for HPV DNA persistence at age 32, (iii) screening with combined cytology and testing for HPV DNA persistence at age 32, 41 and 50, iv) no screening. Input data were derived from population-based screening registries, health-service costs and from a population-based HPV screening trial. Impact of parameter uncertainty was addressed using probabilistic multivariate sensitivity analysis. Cytology screening between 32 and 60 years of age in 3,5 year intervals increased life expectancy and life-time costs were reduced from 533 to 248 US Dollars per woman compared to no screening. Addition of HPV DNA testing, at age 32 increased costs from 248 to 284 US Dollars without benefit on life expectancy. Screening with both cytology and HPV DNA testing, at ages 32, 41 and 50 reduced costs from 248 to 210 US Dollars with slightly increased life expectancy. In conclusion, population-based, organized cervical cytology screening between ages 32 to 60 is highly cost-efficient for cervical cancer prevention. If screening intervals are increased to at least 9 years, combined cytology and HPV DNA screening appeared to be still more effective and less costly. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Which Microfinance Institutions Are Becoming More Cost Effective with Time?JOURNAL OF MONEY, CREDIT AND BANKING, Issue 4 2009Evidence from a Mixture Model microfinance; mixture model; Eastern Europe; Central Asia Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a key role in many developing countries. Utilizing data from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, MFIs are found to generally operate with lower costs the longer they are in operation. Given the differences in operating environments, subsidies, and organizational form, this finding of increasing cost effectiveness may not aptly characterize all MFIs. Estimation of a mixture model reveals that roughly half of the MFIs are able to operate with reduced costs over time, while half do not. Among other things, we find that larger MFIs offering deposits and those receiving lower subsidies operate more cost effectively over time. [source] Electrical performance evaluation of low-concentrating non-imaging photovoltaic concentratorPROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS: RESEARCH & APPLICATIONS, Issue 5 2008Tapas K Mallick Abstract Second generation prototype photovoltaic facades of reduced costs incorporating devices with optically concentrating elements (PRIDE) incorporate 6,mm wide ,Saturn' solar cells at the absorber of the dielectric concentrator. The concentrators were made using injection moulding technique with potential to manufacture in large-scale applications. Four different concentrator panels have been experimentally verified at outdoors to identify the non-identical current,voltage (I,V) curves. The I,V curve, fill factor and solar to electrical conversion efficiency of four PRIDE concentrator modules have been evaluated from the 24 manufactured in the ,IDEOCONTE' project. The maximum solar to electrical conversion efficiency and the fill factor of the PRIDE concentrator were 9·1 and 70%, respectively. The mismatch loss of the ,unit concentrators' has been identified that occurred due to the lack of bonding between the concentrator unit and the solar cell and the rear glass. The average power concentration ratio of PRIDE concentrators manufactured by the improved method was 2·10 compared to a similar non-concentrating panel and the optical efficiency of the PRIDE system was 83%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||