Search

The focus in Green ICT (information and communication technology) is on software and hardware solutions to reduce energy consumption. Here the authors consider the design of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) to reduce energy consumption because of communications. Based on a realistic transport traffic scenario on a motorway, ‘M4’ in UK, this study computes the energy consumption in a motorway ad hoc wireless network. This is based on a geographical adaptive fidelity (GAF) topology management protocol, where the energy consumption has been analysed for equal-grid, adjustable-grid and genetic algorithm models. Considering nodes in the VANET network and their transmission ranges, this study provides a network model to compute the energy consumption of VANETs and compare their energy efficiency performance. As a result, the proposed genetic algorithm model has been found to be more energy efficient than the adjustable-grid model which is better than the equal-grid model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a new extended-release (XL) formulation of oxybutynin relative to tolterodine immediate release (IR), currently the most prescribed treatment for overactive bladder in the UK. Methods: A state-transition model was developed to compare outcomes over 1 year. Effectiveness and treatment persistence data were derived from the OBJECT (Overactive Bladder: Judging Effective Control and Treatment) study, a 3-month clinical trial comparing oxybutynin XL 10 mg/day with tolterodine IR 4 mg/day. The daily costs of oxybutynin XL and tolterodine IR were £0.82 and £1.04, respectively. These data and information from the literature were used to project outcomes beyond the trial time. Severity-specific incontinence cost profiles were developed for the UK (2002 costings). Results: After 1 year, 3.1 more patients per 100 treated attained complete continence with oxybutynin XL compared with tolterodine IR, and 5.6% more had less than seven incontinent episodes per week. Over 1 year, patients receiving oxybutynin XL had almost 17 additional incontinence-free days and 95 fewer incontinent episodes. Estimated costs were £86 lower per patient with oxybutynin XL. If drugs are priced equally, savings decrease to £21 per patient. Oxybutynin XL maintains its advantage over wide ranges of inputs, and outcomes are similar if analyses are limited to 3 months. Conclusion: Base-case analyses suggest that oxybutynin XL provides better effectiveness than tolterodine IR and reduces costs. Results indicate that oxybutynin XL is the dominant therapeutic option under a wide range of alternative inputs and assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]