1. Optimal bus stops' allocation : a school bus routing problem with respect to terrain elevationKlemen Prah, Abolfazl Keshavarzsaleh, Tomaž Kramberger, Borut Jereb, Dejan Dragan, 2018, original scientific article Abstract: The paper addresses the optimal bus stops allocation in the Laško municipality. The goal is to achieve a cost reduction by proper re-designing of a mandatory pupils' transportation to their schools. The proposed heuristic optimization algorithm relies on data clustering and Monte Carlo simulation. The number of bus stops should be minimal possible that still assure a maximal service area, while keeping the minimal walking distances children have to go from their homes to the nearest bus stop. The working mechanism of the proposed algorithm is explained. The latter is driven by three-dimensional GIS data to take into account as much realistic dynamic properties of terrain as possible. The results show that the proposed algorithm achieves an optimal solution with only 37 optimal bus stops covering 94.6 % of all treated pupils despite the diversity and wideness of municipality, as well as the problematic characteristics of terrains' elevation. The calculated bus stops will represent important guidelines to their actual physical implementation.
Keywords: logistics, maximal covering problems, optimization, data clustering, Monte Carlo simulation, geographic information system (GIS), reduction of transportation costs, Laško, Slovenia
Published in DKUM: 22.08.2024; Views: 35; Downloads: 9
 Full text (2,40 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
2. Measuring religious costs and rewards in a cross-cultural perspectiveMiran Lavrič, Sergej Flere, 2010, original scientific article Abstract: The assumption of rationally motivated individual religious behavior was tested in a survey of undergraduate university students from four different cultural/religious environments: Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and the United States of America. In particular, an attempt was made to explain readiness to bear religious costs by the expectation of otherworldly rewards and some other variables, such as religious socialization, support in the upbringing of children, religious capital, satisfaction with religious services and the perceived social sanctions for possible religious nonparticipation. It was found that it is the otherworldly rewards in all the samples that explain by far the major part of the variance in the readiness to bear religious costs. These results suggest that individuals do tend to make rational choices even when it comes to religion. Based on their beliefs, they are ready to accept religious costs approximately to the level of their expectation of otherworldly rewards.
Keywords: medkulturne študije, racionalna izbira, religija, verski izdatki, verske nagrade, cross-cultural studies, racional choice, religion, religious costs, religious rewards
Published in DKUM: 02.08.2024; Views: 78; Downloads: 4
 Link to full text |
3. Telemonitoring of elderly with hypertension and type 2 diabetes at the primary care level : protocol for a multicentric randomized controlled pilot studyMatic Mihevc, Črt Zavrnik, Majda Mori-Lukančič, Tina Virtič, Valentina Prevolnik Rupel, Marija Petek Šter, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Tonka Poplas-Susič, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) represent a significant burden for the public health system, with an exceptionally high prevalence in patients aged ≥65 years. This study aims to test the acceptability, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of telemonitoring in elderly patients with AH and T2D at the primary care level.
Methods: A m ulti-centre, prospective, randomized, controlled t rial w ill be conducted. Patients a ged ≥ 65 y ears with AH and T2D will be randomized in a 1:1 proportion to a mHealth intervention or standard care group. Patients in the intervention group will measure their blood pressure (BP) twice weekly and blood glucose (BG) once monthly. The readings will be synchronously transmitted via a mobile application to the telemonitoring platform, where they will be reviewed by a general practitioner who will indicate changes in measurement regimen or carry out a teleconsultation. The primary endpoint will be a change in systolic BP (SBP) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) relative to standard care up to 12 months after inclusion. Secondary endpoints will be a change in other observed clinical variables, quality-of-life indexes, and costs.
Expected results: Telemonitoring will be an acceptable method of care associated with significant reductions in SBP and HbA1c levels and an increase in quality-of-life indexes in the intervention group. However, the cost-effectiveness threshold (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio below €25,000/quality-adjusted life year) might not be reached.
Conclusion: This study will provide new evidence for scaling up telemonitoring network at the primary care level and modifying telemonitoring protocols to achieve the best clinical and cost-effective outcomes.
Keywords: mobile health, telemonitoring, blood pressure, blood glucose, HbA1c, aged, primary health care, costs
Published in DKUM: 27.06.2024; Views: 178; Downloads: 8
Full text (377,42 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
4. Sustainable design of circular reinforced concrete column sections via multi-objective optimizationPrimož Jelušič, Tomaž Žula, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: An optimization model for reinforced concrete circular columns based on the Eurocodes is presented. With the developed optimization model, which takes into account the exact distribution of the steel reinforcement, which is not the case when designing with conventional column design charts, an optimal design for the reinforced concrete cross section is determined. The optimization model uses discrete variables, which makes the results more suitable for actual construction practice and fully exploits the structural capacity of the structure. A parametric study of the applied axial load and bending moment was performed for material cost and CO2 emissions. The results based on a single objective function show that the optimal design of the reinforced concrete column cross section obtained for the material cost objective function contains a larger cross-sectional area of concrete and a smaller area of steel compared with the optimization results when CO2 emissions are determined as the objective function. However, the optimal solution in the case where the material cost was assigned as the objective function has much more reserve in axial load capacity than in the optimal design where CO2 was chosen as the objective function. In addition, the multi-objective optimization was performed to find a set of solutions that provide the best trade-offs between the material cost and CO2 emission objectives.
Keywords: reinforced concrete columns, circular cross section, costs, CO2 emissions, multi-objective optimization, genetic algorithm
Published in DKUM: 15.04.2024; Views: 338; Downloads: 202
Full text (4,56 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
5. Calculation model of the costs of transition to renewable energy sources on the example of the Spanish energy system : magistrsko deloLuka Gams, 2024, master's thesis Abstract: This master’s thesis focuses on the efficient integration of renewable energy sources into power systems through the application of an optimized economic dispatch model. The goal is to balance the beneficial aspects of renewable energy with the total costs of power system performance, using advanced management and planning tools. The study incorporates a detailed economic dispatch model and an investment model, considering both the operational and investment costs. The primary objectives include developing a cost-effective strategy to meet the power demand and determining optimal generator capacities. The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13, advocating for affordable, clean energy and climate action, respectively. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, model development, real-world data collection, testing, and analysis of outcomes. The potential results can inform future energy planning and policy, supporting a transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon energy future.
Keywords: economic dispatch model, investment model, marginal costs, Gurobi
optimizer
Published in DKUM: 06.02.2024; Views: 273; Downloads: 23
Full text (3,65 MB) |
6. Impact of transport trends on sustainability in the Western Balkans : a future-oriented business sector perspectiveTomislav Letnik, Katja Hanžič, Matej Mencinger, Drago Sever, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Abstract This study examines the impact of emerging transport trends on the Western Balkans and their potential to improve the sustainability and efficiency of the transport sector in the region. In the context of global efforts to reduce environmental impacts and improve transport safety, the study aims to better understand the perspective of the business sector in order to align strategic planning for the introduction of new transport technologies and practices with the expectations of the business sector. Using a questionnaire-based survey on the Mentimeter platform, the study gathers insights from 49 transport and logistics experts. The analysis uses violin plots and heat maps to visualise the expected impact of the identified trends. The results show a consensus among the experts that the emerging trends are likely to lead to a reduction in accidents, congestion, and emissions, while at the same time increasing operating costs and investment in infrastructure. In particular, trends such as alternative fuels, electrification, and smart city initiatives are highlighted as important drivers for reducing emissions. The study concludes that while these trends are likely to lead to the achievement of environmental and safety goals, they also lead to economic challenges as operating costs increase and significant infrastructure investment is required. The study emphasises the need for strategic investment, policy adjustments, and capacity building to lead the Western Balkans towards a sustainable transport future.
Keywords: transport trends, congestion, accidents, infrastructure investment, operational costs, policy adaptation
Published in DKUM: 31.01.2024; Views: 333; Downloads: 25
Full text (2,27 MB)
This document has many files! More... |
7. Medicine between ethics and scientific progress : how much ethics needs medicine, how much ethics can it afford?Joseph Straus, 2015, original scientific article Abstract: The progress of medicine is heavily dependent on the progress of science and technology, which in turn depend on costly and risky investment in research and development. In this contribution, based on some concrete examples, new scientific achievements are presented as basis of modern medicine and source of ethical concerns. Addressed are also the role of scientists in coping with safety in ethical concerns as regards hazards of new technologies, costs of R&D investment in drug development and the role of patents in this context. In some detail the legal situation existing at an international and European level as regards exclusions from patentability based on reasons of ethics and morals is presented. A critical appraisal of the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union as regards patentability of embryonic stem cells is offered.
Keywords: ethics, scientific progress, costs of R&D, role of patents, CJEU case law
Published in DKUM: 08.10.2018; Views: 960; Downloads: 62
Full text (840,59 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
8. |
9. |
10. Thinking in costs and revenues – calculating prices and controlling costsEdeltraud Günther, Daria Meyr, 2016, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: In contrast to the investment calculation, that has a project-related, cross-period view the cost accounting refers to individual time slices (meaning usually month, quarter or year ) and is more position oriented, respectively division oriented.
Keywords: costs, revenues, calculation, controlling, ecology
Published in DKUM: 11.05.2018; Views: 1120; Downloads: 97
Full text (815,63 KB)
This document has many files! More... |
