Regression analysis of indicating multiple incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for non-small cell lung cancer treatment

Objectives:

The value of a health technology can be measured in terms of cost and benefit on two-dimensional co-ordinates. This study is to quantitatively analyze the correlation and to conduct a regression on the X-Y plane constituted by cost and QALYs (quality-adjusted life years) associated with the first line treatment, the maintenance treatment, and the second line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods:

The cost-effectiveness data of the cost and QALYs were extracted, with respect to the three categories of the NSCLC treatment, from the CEA Registry at Tufts Medical Center, regarding the literature published from 2000–2011. As a result, 44 QALY-cost ratios were identified.

Results:

Based on those extracted data, the correlation and regression analyses were performed by mathematical model using log and square-root functions. The plotted ratios stratified by the three stages for the NSCLC treatment were visually grouped into three clusters. There were statistically significant differences among the correlation coefficients of the cluster. In regression, the log model was found to be better fitted than the square-root model; formulating QALY?=??1.12?+?0.16 log(Cost), ?1.99?+?0.28 log(Cost), and ?0.69?+?0.10 log(Cost) for the first line, the maintenance, and the second line treatment, respectively. Monetary units were standardized to 2008 US dollars.

Conclusion:

A good methodological potential was confirmed so as to assess the Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) variations, considering stratification by multiple factors such as disease and treatment categories. This study has certain limitations, such as the small number of included articles and the stratification, not reflecting a factor of new genetic findings.     

Business Life Cycle and Capital Structure: Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Firms

This paper uses a panel data‐fixed effect approach and data collected from Chinese public manufacturing firms between 1999 and 2011 to investigate the impacts of business life cycle stages on capital structure. We find that cash flow patterns capture more information on business life cycle stages than firm age and have a stronger impact on capital structure decision‐making. We also find that the adjustment speed of capital structure varies significantly across life cycle stages and that non‐sequential transitions over life cycle stages play an important role in the determination of capital structure. Our study indicates that it is important for policy‐makers to ensure that products and financial markets are well‐balanced.     

Stage of the organizational life cycle and competition as mediators of problem perception for small businesses

An empirical study based upon a sample of 645 small businesses assesses the relationship that life cycle stage and level of competition exhibit with the problems perceived to constrain small business strategic planning. Problems have been identified as either internal (cash flow) or external (competition); they have further been classified as either situational or core problems. Among the most prevalent problems reported by decision makers are customer contact, market knowledge, marketing planning, location, and adequacy of capital. A total of 16 problem areas were identified. Traditional wisdom offers the scenario where problems faced will vary as the organization progresses through the life cycle. Much of this research refutes conventional wisdom in that level of competition was determined to have more of an impact on problem perception.     

Risk Classification by Fuzzy Inference

Traditionally, policyholders in life insurance are classified in simple mortality tables, most often according to only a few risk characteristics. Instead of a risk classification according to the numerical rating system, this article describes how to classify by using a fuzzy inference methodology. By defining risk factors as fuzzy sets, it is shown that an insurer can utilize multiple prognostic factors that are imprecise and vague. The presented fuzzy risk classification provides a more realistic way of modeling mortality risks since it allows for compensations and interactions between multiple risk factors.     

Butler旅游地生命周期模型应用困境研究

Butler旅游地生命周期模型作为一个很有用的理论工具,虽然已被广泛应用于旅游地发展演化过程的研究之中,但在实际应用中也面临着一些不可忽视的困境。通过对Butler旅游地生命周期模型的分析发现,该模型在应用中存在以下难题：难以获得真实有效的历史数据,难以客观地对旅游地进行阶段划分,难以进行科学预测,难以适用于所有的旅游地。在上述分析基础上,认为科学统计旅游数据、全面参考旅游相关指标、注重研究空间的不同尺度、注意对未知因素的考虑等是化解上述困境的合理之道。     

宋词中草意象的生命内涵与创作得失

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我国产业自主创新机会窗口与路径——一个基于产业成长曲线的分析

从分析产业生命周期曲线着手,阐述产业发展过程中产品创新、工艺创新的分布以及技术跃迁规律,探究产业演进各阶段的特点以及创新侧重点,提出了产业自主创新过程中存在的四大机会窗口及四种赶超路径。四大机会窗口即在新产业孕育阶段,机会均等,及早进入;利用产业技术升级,捕捉商机;借助共性技术,改造成熟产业;依靠产业重构,塑造成熟产业。四种赶超路径即前瞻基础研究路径;引进、消化、吸收到自主创新路径;产业联动-协同创新路径;产业跨越路径。     

保险业科学发展评价指标体系研究：产品层面

保险产品是保险企业服务人民群众生产生活的重要载体,是保险行业参与经济社会发展并实现自身科学发展的重要途径。本文根据保险产品性质,划分出传统产险、传统寿险、短期意外与健康保险以及投资型保险四个产品种类,分别构建评价指标体系。     

新疆少数民族青少年网络生活调查研究

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柑桔小实蝇之防控策略

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