One of the basic obstacles in the deployment of clean technologies such as wind turbines or PV modules is their intermittent nature due to dependency on the wind speed and solar radiance. In fact, the authors in this paper aim to investigate the effect of clean technologies such as wind turbines and PV modules on the total and individual costs of the distribution system. In order to model the u...

the paper studies optimization of shell-and-tube heat exchangers using the particle swarm optimization technique. a total cost function is formulated based on initial and annual operating costs of the heat exchangers. six variables – shell inside diameter, tube diameter, baffle spacing, baffle cut, number of tube passes and tube layouts (triangular or square) – are considered as the design para...

the economic burden of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (hiv/aids) is far greater than its direct medical costs. this study estimated annual indirect costs of the hiv/aids epidemic in islamic republic of iran in 2006-2007 from societal perspective. a patient cost diary in sets of six booklets covering a total of 6 months (from october 2006 and fallowed until march...

The paper studies optimization of shell-and-tube heat exchangers using the particle swarm optimization technique. A total cost function is formulated based on initial and annual operating costs of the heat exchangers. Six variables – shell inside diameter, tube diameter, baffle spacing, baffle cut, number of tube passes and tube layouts (triangular or square) – are considered as the design para...

OBJECTIVE To review cost-of-illness studies (COI) and economic evaluations (EE) conducted for medically unexplained symptoms and to analyze their methods and results. METHODS We searched the databases PubMed, PsycINFO and National Health Service Economic Evaluations Database of the University of York. Cost data were inflated to 2006 using country-specific gross domestic product inflators and ...

In view of the needs for energy minimization in the buildings sector, the design of cost optimal low energy buildings (LEB) in the Mediterranean area is of significant interest. The measures available to accomplish this task include the use of latest building technology and the customization of the design (climate, owner’s needs and requirements, user behavior, etc). The goals include the minim...

BACKGROUND Sustainability of cancer care is a crucial issue for health care systems worldwide, even more during a time of economic recession. Low-cost measures are highly desirable to contain and reduce expenditures without impairing the quality of care. In this paper we aim to demonstrate the efficacy of drug waste minimization in reducing drug-related costs and its importance as a structural ...