Resistance development,cross-resistance,and fitness costs associated with Aphis gossypii resistance towards sulfoxaflor and acetamiprid in different geographical regions

Aphis gossypii has become increasingly difficult to manage due to its strong insecticide resistance.In the laboratory,we established sulfoxaflor-resistant and acetamiprid-resistant strains in two A.gossypii populations with different basal insecticide resistance levels,and evaluated the effects of basal insecticide resistance on the resistance development and cross-resistance,as well as differences in fitness.Under the same selection pressure,Yarkant A.gossypii(with low basal insecticide resistance)evolved resistance to sulfoxaflor and acetamiprid more quickly than Jinghe A.gossypii(with high basal insecticide resistance),and the evolution of A.gossypii resistance to sulfoxaflor developed faster than acetamiprid in both Yarkant and Jinghe,Xingjiang,China.The sulfoxaflor-resistant strains selected from Yarkant and Jinghe developed significant cross-resistance to acetamiprid,imidacloprid,thiamethoxam and pymetrozine;while the acetamiprid-resistant strains developed significant cross-resistance to sulfoxaflor,imidacloprid,thiamethoxam,pymetrozine,and chlorpyrifos.The relative fitness of A.gossypii decreased as the resistance to sulfoxaflor and acetamiprid developed.The relative fitness levels of the sulfoxaflor-resistant strains(Yarkant-SulR and Jinghe-SulR)were lower than those of the acetamipridresistant strains(Yarkant-AceR and Jinghe-AceR).In addition,the relative fitness levels of sulfoxaflor-and acetamiprid-resistant strains were lower in Jinghe than in Yarkant.In summary,basal insecticide resistance of A.gossypii and insecticide type affected the evolution of resistance to insecticides in A.gossypii,as well as cross-resistance to other insecticides.The sulfoxaflor-and acetamiprid-resistant A.gossypii strains had obvious fitness costs.The results of this work will contribute to the insecticide resistance management and integrated management of A.gossypii.

A Hybrid Model for Improving Software Cost Estimation in Global Software Development

Accurate software cost estimation in Global Software Development(GSD)remains challenging due to reliance on historical data and expert judgments.Traditional models,such as the Constructive Cost Model(COCOMO II),rely heavily on historical and accurate data.In addition,expert judgment is required to set many input parameters,which can introduce subjectivity and variability in the estimation process.Consequently,there is a need to improve the current GSD models to mitigate reliance on historical data,subjectivity in expert judgment,inadequate consideration of GSD-based cost drivers and limited integration of modern technologies with cost overruns.This study introduces a novel hybrid model that synergizes the COCOMO II with Artificial Neural Networks(ANN)to address these challenges.The proposed hybrid model integrates additional GSD-based cost drivers identified through a systematic literature review and further vetted by industry experts.This article compares the effectiveness of the proposedmodelwith state-of-the-artmachine learning-basedmodels for software cost estimation.Evaluating the NASA 93 dataset by adopting twenty-six GSD-based cost drivers reveals that our hybrid model achieves superior accuracy,outperforming existing state-of-the-artmodels.The findings indicate the potential of combining COCOMO II,ANN,and additional GSD-based cost drivers to transform cost estimation in GSD.

A digital twin model-based approach to cost optimization of residential community microgrids

This paper presents a peer-to-peer community cost optimization approach based on a single-prosumer energy management system.Its objective is to optimize energy costs for prosumers in the community by enhancing the consumption efficiency.This study was conducted along two main axes.The first axis focuses on designing a digital twin for a residential community microgrid platform.This phase involves data collection,cleaning,exploration,and interpretation.Moreover,it includes replicating the functionality of the real platform and validating the results.The second axis involves the development of a novel approach that incorporates two distinct prosumer behaviors within the same community microgrid,while maintaining the concept of peer-to-peer energy trading.Prosumers without storage utilize their individual PV systems to fulfill their energy requirements and inject excess energy into a local microgrid.Meanwhile,a single prosumer with a storage system actively engages in energy exchange to maximize the community’s profit.This is achieved by optimizing battery usage using a cost optimization solution.The proposed solution is validated using the developed digital twin.

CO_(2)capture costs of chemical looping combustion of biomass:A comparison of natural and synthetic oxygen carrier

Chemical looping combustion has the potential to be an efficient and low-cost technology capable of contributing to the reduction of the atmospheric concentration of CO_(2) in order to reach the 1.5/2°C goal and mitigate climate change.In this process,a metal oxide is used as oxygen carrier in a dual fluidized bed to generate clean CO_(2) via combustion of biomass.Most commonly,natural ores or synthetic materials are used as oxygen carrier whereas both must meet special requirements for the conversion of solid fuels.Synthetic oxygen carriers are characterized by higher reactivity at the expense of higher costs versus the lower-cost natural ores.To determine the viability of both possibilities,a techno-economic comparison of a synthetic material based on manganese,iron,and copper to the natural ore ilmenite was conducted.The synthetic oxygen carrier was characterized and tested in a pilot plant,where high combustion efficiencies up to 98.4%and carbon capture rates up to 98.5%were reached.The techno-economic assessment resulted in CO_(2) capture costs of 75 and 40€/tCO_(2) for the synthetic and natural ore route respectively,whereas a sensitivity analysis showed the high impact of production costs and attrition rates of the synthetic material.The synthetic oxygen carrier could break even with the natural ore in case of lower production costs and attrition rates,which could be reached by adapting the production process and recycling material.By comparison to state-of-the-art technologies,it is demonstrated that both routes are viable and the capture cost of CO_(2) could be reduced by implementing the chemical looping combustion technology.

Reliability-based life-cycle cost seismic design optimization of coastal bridge piers with nonuniform corrosion using different materials

Reinforcement corrosion is the main cause of performance deterioration of reinforced concrete(RC)structures.Limited research has been performed to investigate the life-cycle cost(LCC)of coastal bridge piers with nonuniform corrosion using different materials.In this study,a reliability-based design optimization(RBDO)procedure is improved for the design of coastal bridge piers using six groups of commonly used materials,i.e.,normal performance concrete(NPC)with black steel(BS)rebar,high strength steel(HSS)rebar,epoxy coated(EC)rebar,and stainless steel(SS)rebar(named NPC-BS,NPC-HSS,NPC-EC,and NPC-SS,respectively),NPC with BS with silane soakage on the pier surface(named NPC-Silane),and high-performance concrete(HPC)with BS rebar(named HPC-BS).First,the RBDO procedure is improved for the design optimization of coastal bridge piers,and a bridge is selected to illustrate the procedure.Then,reliability analysis of the pier designed with each group of materials is carried out to obtain the time-dependent reliability in terms of the ultimate and serviceability performances.Next,the repair time of the pier is predicted based on the time-dependent reliability indices.Finally,the time-dependent LCCs for the pier are obtained for the selection of the optimal design.

Impact of carbon disclosure on debt financing costs

Creditors,such as banks,often use disclosed environmental information to assess a company’s environmental risk and ensure the safety of debt funds.Consequently,carbon disclosures have become an important consideration for creditors when making investments.This study explores the relationship between carbon disclosure and debt financing costs using data on listed companies from 2008 to 2019.The results show that carbon disclosure can reduce the debt financing costs of enterprises,and that this influence is more significant for private companies than for state-owned enterprises.Instrumental variables and Propensity Score Matching(PSM)were used to evaluate the robustness of negative relationships.Furthermore,carbon disclosure has a more significant impact on debt costs with less environmental supervision pressure,weak residents’environmental awareness,and weak product market competition.These findings provide guidance for companies’carbon information disclosure and support the establishment of official carbon disclosure standards.

Estimation of the Direct Cost of Management of Venous Thromboembolism in Three Reference Hospitals in the City of Yaoundé: A Retrospective Study over a Three-Year Period

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major public health problem due to its increasing frequency, mortality and management cost. This cost may require major financial efforts from patients, especially in developing countries like ours where less than 7% of the population has health insurance. This study aimed to estimate the direct cost of managing VTE in three reference hospitals in Yaoundé. Methods: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study over a three-year period (from January 1st 2018 to December 31 2020) carried out in the Cardiology departments of the Central and General Hospitals, and the Emergency Centre of the city of Yaoundé. All patients managed during the study period for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism confirmed by venous ultrasound coupled with Doppler and computed tomography pulmonary angiography respectively were included. For each patient, we collected sociodemographic and clinical data as well as data on the cost of consultation, hospital stay, workups and medications. These data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of 92 patient’s records were analysed. The median age was 60 years [48 - 68] with a sex ratio of 0.53. The median direct cost of management of venous thromboembolism was 766,375 CFAF [536,455 - 1,029,745] or $1415 USD. Management of pulmonary embolism associated with deep vein thrombosis was more costly than isolated pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. Factors influencing the direct cost of management of venous thromboembolism were: hospital structure (p = 0.015), health insurance (p 0.001), type of pulmonary embolism (p = 0.021), and length of hospital stay (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Management of VTE is a major financial burden for our patients and this burden is influenced by the hospital structure, health insurance, type of pulmonary embolism and length of hospital stay.

SmartMicro Grid Energy System Management Based on Optimum Running Cost for Rural Communities in Rwanda

The governmental electric utility and the private sector are joining hands to meet the target of electrifying all households by 2024.However,the aforementioned goal is challenged by households that are scattered in remote areas.So far,Solar Home Systems(SHS)have mostly been applied to increase electricity access in rural areas.SHSs have continuous constraints to meet electricity demands and cannot run income-generating activities.The current research presents the feasibility study of electrifying Remera village with the smart microgrid as a case study.The renewable energy resources available in Remera are the key sources of electricity in that village.The generation capacity is estimated based on the load profile.The microgrid configurations are simulated with HOMER,and the genetic algorithm is used to analyze the optimum cost.By analyzing the impact of operation and maintenance costs,the results show that the absence of subsidies increases the levelized cost of electricity(COE)five times greater than the electricity price from the public utility.The microgrid made up of PV,diesel generator,and batteries proved to be the most viable solution and ensured continuous power supply to customers.By considering the subsidies,COE reaches 0.186$/kWh,a competitive price with electricity from public utilities in Rwanda.

Assessment of the Indirect Cost of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment to Patients in a High Burden, Low Income Setting in Mozambique

Introduction: Tuberculosis is closely linked to poverty, with patients facing significant indirect treatment costs. Treating drug-resistant tuberculosis further increases these expenses. Notably, there is a lack of published data on the indirect costs incurred by patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis in Mozambique. Objective: To assess the indirect costs, income reduction, and work productivity incurred by patients undergoing diagnosis and treatment for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB) in Mozambique during their TB treatment. Methods: As part of a comprehensive mixed-methods study conducted from January 2021 to April 2023, this research utilized a descriptive cross-sectional approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. The primary goal was to evaluate the costs incurred by the national health system due to drug-resistant TB. Additionally, to explore the indirect costs experienced by patients and their families during treatment, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 individuals who had been undergoing treatment for over six months. Results: All survey participants unanimously reported a significant decline in labour productivity, with 70.3% experiencing a reduction in their monthly income. Before falling ill, the majority of respondents (33.3%) earned up to $76.92 monthly, representing the minimum earnings range, while 29.2% had a monthly income above $230.77, the maximum earnings range. Among those who experienced income loss, the majority (22.2%) reported a decrease of up to $76.92 per month, and 18.5% cited a loss exceeding $230.77 per month. Notably, patients with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB) have not incurred the direct costs of the disease, as these are covered by the government. Conclusion: The financial burden of treating Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB), along with the income reduction it causes, is substantial. Implementing a patient-centred, multidisciplinary, and multisector approach, coupled with strong psychosocial support, can significantly reduce the catastrophic costs DRTB patients incur.

An Analysis of the Accounting Costs Associated with 20-Month DR TB Regimens in Maputo City, Mozambique

Introduction: Socioeconomic and demographic conditions in a country can influence tuberculosis incidence and mortality, with nearly 95% of tuberculosis-related deaths occurring in poorer countries. Mozambique is among the 30 countries with the highest TB burden. Objective: The study aimed to estimate the average direct medical cost of treating drug-resistant tuberculosis in 19 health centers in Maputo City, Mozambique. Methods: A retrospective analysis of direct medical costs was conducted on patients aged 18 and older who completed 20-month drug-resistant tuberculosis treatment regimens in Maputo City in 2019. Results: This analysis covered 140 patients who completed a 20-month treatment regimen, with 64.3% (78) being male and 35.7% (62) female. Approximately 50% of the participants were aged between 29 and 47. The average direct medical cost of DRTB treatment was $4789.43, reaching up to $6568.00, with a standard deviation of $753.26, including clinical interventions and treatment. Conclusion: The direct medical costs for a basic treatment package for a patient with drug-resistant TB in Mozambique equal 36 minimum wages. Developing alternative and innovative funding mechanisms and identifying ways to mitigate costs through the use of generic medicines would be beneficial.

Costs of Schizophrenia at Psychiatric Hospital of Bingerville (Ivory Coast)

Schizophrenia is classified as a priority mental disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO) and accounts for around 35% of diagnoses at the Bingerville Psychiatric Hospital (HPB). The aims of the study were to identify the cost drivers for hospitalization and to calculate the costs of managing schizophrenia in hospital, with a view to planning household expenditure on care. This pilot cross-sectional study involved 31 patients with schizophrenia who had been hospitalized in the various third-category wards at the HPB between 1st January 2019 and 31st May 2020. Sampling was accidental. The methods used to estimate costs were based on the actual costs of drugs, hospitalization and additional examinations which prices were known, and on patients’ estimations for certain expenses such as food and transport. Results: The sex ratio was 3.42, the mean age was 29.52 years. The mean length of stay was 46.19 days, and the most frequent clinical forms were paranoid schizophrenia (41.9%) and schizoaffective disorder (29%). The combination of haloperidol and chlorpromazine was the most common medications for initial treatment (67.8%) and maintenance treatment (41.9%). The average cost of hospitalization at HPB for schizophrenia was XOF 164,412 (€249.90). The average direct medical cost was XOF 105,412 (€160.226) and the average direct non-medical cost was XOF 59,000 (€89.68). The average daily cost of antipsychotic treatment was XOF 795/day (€1.2084). The high cost of drugs as a proportion of hospitalization costs suggested the need of a reflection on the simplification of prescribing practices, assistance in psychiatric emergencies and the development of other alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization in Côte d’Ivoire.

Cost of Medical Treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Relation to Patients’ Income and Its Impact on the Prognosis of the Disease, in Bouaké University Hospital

Introduction: Medical treatment for POAG is continuous and lifelong treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cost of this treatment and patients’ income and the impact of this relationship on treatment compliance. Materials and Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim covering sociodemographic data, average incomes, and direct and indirect costs of treatment of 57 patients followed for POAG during the period from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016 (5 years). Results: The patients were aged 25 to 77 years (mean = 54.4 years) with a male predominance (sex ratio = 1.5). Retirees were the most represented (26.32%), followed by workers in the informal sector (14.04%) and housewives (12.28%). Patients who had an annual income less than or equal to 900,000 CFA francs (€1370.83) per year represented 56.14% and those who did not have health coverage represented 57.89%. The treatment was monotherapy (64.91%), dual therapy (31.58%) or triple therapy (3.05%) and the average ratio of “annual cost of treatment to annual income” was 0.56 with for maximum 2.23 and 0.02 as minimum. Patients who considered the cost of treatment unbearable for their income represented 78.95%. Conclusion: Prevention of blindness due to glaucoma requires early detection but also the establishment of health coverage mechanisms to improve compliance with medical treatment. In addition, consideration should be given to the development of glaucoma surgery in our country, the indication of which could be the first intention in certain patients, considering for those patients, the geographical and financial accessibility of medical treatment. .

TRADE DEPENDENCIES AND TRANSACTION COSTS: THE OC-CUPATION OF DECELEA HIGHLIGHTS BOTH THE BENEFITS AND THE DRAWBACKS OF A MARITIME ECONOMY

Thucydides asserts that the occupation of Decelea by the Spartans in 413 BC made the grain supply for Athens costly by forcing the transport from land onto the sea.This calls into question the well-established consensus that sea transport was far cheaper than land transport.This paper contends that the cost of protecting supply lines-specifically the expenses associated with the warships which escorted the supply ships-rendered the grain transported on the new route exceptionally costly.In this paper,the benefits and drawbacks of a maritime economy,including transaction costs,trade dependencies,and the capabilities of warships and supply ships are discussed.

Gravitational Waves Background, as Well as Some UFO, FRB and Supernova Flares, Are Due to Compressibility of the Spacetime (CoST)

The recently observed gravitational wave background is explained in terms of the quantum modification of the general relativity (Qmoger). Some UFO, FRB and supernova flares also can be explained in terms of Qmoger.

基于COST-DEA指数法对某三甲医院临床病区成本效率分析

目的测量某三甲医院各临床病区的成本效率、技术效率和配置效率,为实现医院高质量发展和精细化管理提供数据参考。方法利用数据包络法中的CCR、BCC和COST-DEA模型,测量该三甲医院各临床病区的相关效率值。结果2019年该三甲医院各临床病区的成本效率均值为0.675,配置效率均值为0.782,技术效率均值为0.853,纯技术效率均值为0.902,规模效率均值为0.944。51个临床病区中,7个处于规模报酬递增状态,占比13.73%;23个处于规模报酬不变状态,占比45.10%;21个处于规模报酬递减状态,占比41.17%。结论该三甲医院各临床病区成本效率主要受到配置效率的影响,需要合理配置医疗资源;部分临床病区需要提高内部精细化管理水平实现产出增加。

Costco超市为何大受欢迎

今年春节前夕,华南地区首家美国超市Costco在深圳开业,开市当日,顾客趋之如鹜,货物抢售一空,大有万人空巷、火爆春运之感觉。四年前首家Costco在上海开市,当时情景与今天的深圳大致相似。笔者很是纳闷,按理说,上海、深圳是我国一线城市,其发达繁荣程度在国内无人能比,在国际上也不逊伦敦东京,上海人、深圳人啥子世面没见过,货物供应更是什么都不缺,为什么会有这样的场面呢?虽然Costco还未开到成都来,但也想探个究竟。

Discussion on Construction Project Cost Budget Settlement Review

Construction project cost control involves many complex contents,forming a large amount of data information.If the processing method is unreasonable,it will likely affect the cost control efficiency.Therefore,in the current construction project management,the review of project cost budget settlement is the focus to solve the cost management problems of construction projects and promote the development of the construction industry.This article mainly analyzes the influencing factors and current situation of construction project cost budget settlement review,and based on this,it explores the project cost budget settlement review strategy to promote the healthy development of construction project cost work.

Cost Control Strategies in the Pre-Construction Period of Highway Construction

Effective cost control in the investment and design phases of highway construction is crucial for managing project expenses.However,current management practices often overlook pre-construction cost management,leading to budget overruns and project delays during later stages.To ensure the smooth execution and cost control of highway construction projects,this paper examines the significance of cost control,evaluates the current state and challenges of highway construction,and proposes strategies for cost management.These strategies aim to establish a robust foundation for cost management in highway projects.

Cyberattack Ramifications, The Hidden Cost of a Security Breach

In this in-depth exploration, I delve into the complex implications and costs of cybersecurity breaches. Venturing beyond just the immediate repercussions, the research unearths both the overt and concealed long-term consequences that businesses encounter. This study integrates findings from various research, including quantitative reports, drawing upon real-world incidents faced by both small and large enterprises. This investigation emphasizes the profound intangible costs, such as trade name devaluation and potential damage to brand reputation, which can persist long after the breach. By collating insights from industry experts and a myriad of research, the study provides a comprehensive perspective on the profound, multi-dimensional impacts of cybersecurity incidents. The overarching aim is to underscore the often-underestimated scope and depth of these breaches, emphasizing the entire timeline post-incident and the urgent need for fortified preventative and reactive measures in the digital domain.

Janus CoSTe单层膜在Li-S电池中的应用研究

开发新的亲硫催化材料是解决锂硫电池正极多硫化锂存在的严重的穿梭效应和缓慢的动力学转化等问题的有效方案。构建了一种潜在的锂硫电池正极锚定材料—Janus过渡金属二硫属化物CoSTe单层膜,采用第一性原理计算发现多硫化物Li_(2)S_(n)团簇在CoSTe单层膜表面吸附能适中(0.88~2.85 eV),大于石墨烯表面和有机电解液中的吸附能,且高阶Li_(2)S_(n)团簇的表面吸附在一定范围内得到了优化;Li_(2)S_(n)团簇的分解不太容易自发地在CoSTe膜层上发生;Li_(2)S_(n)团簇在CoSTe单层膜表面的扩散有其微观上的“通道”;Li_(2)S的解离能优于石墨烯表面,CoSTe单层膜比石墨烯表面更利于硫还原反应的顺利进行;CoSTe单层膜的金属特性在吸附Li_(2)S_(n)团簇后得以保留。综上,理论上Janus CoSTe单层膜表面在锂硫电池电极中具备优异的电化学性能,具有开发应用的潜力和价值。