42 results
Insular changes in autism spectrum disorder patients
- H. Arshad, A. Arshad, G. Muhammad, S. Khatri
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S510
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Introduction
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a chronic medical condition usually diagnosed during childhood. With psychosocial advancements in managing autistic children, the situation seems less debilitating compared to what it used to be in the past years. Adding neuroimaging advancements in the management can further improve the management of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
ObjectivesOur objective is to investigate structural changes in the insular cortex through our review of the available literature in the area of interest.
MethodsDetailed literature search conducted using Pubmed, OVID, Google scholar with the search terms [insula] OR [autism] OR [brain changes] OR [ autism spectrum disorder] OR [insular cortex] OR [ insular changes] OR [neuroimaging] OR [neurology] OR [right insula] OR [left insula] OR [precentral cortex] OR[ amygdala] Or [emotion] Or[ memory] that produced around 300 results which were later narrowed down to be centered around search terms [autism] OR [insula] OR [structural changes] OR [brain]. 20 articles were made part of this review.
ResultsResults revealed that there are significant changes that are seen in neuroimaging of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Their anterior cortex undergoes changes more than the posterior cortex with changes being more pronounced on the right side. Neuroimaging can be used to follow up with the prognosis of a chronic condition. Insula is a multifunctional region of the brain that is responsible for connecting cognitive, emotional, and movement functions in the brain. It is a highly functional area responsible for important neural connections. Insula is a highly emotion-sensitive area responsible for pain perception and emotion regulation. Insular changes can also help to diagnose the chronicity of the condition and age of patients with Autism.
ConclusionsCortical changes are visible on neuroimaging in several psychiatric conditions including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and alcoholism. Autism spectrum disorder is one of the diseases where neuroimaging can play an important role in planning further management. But unfortunately, this area is still under underresearched and needs to be given due importance to facilitate management of the chronic condition.
Keywords: cortex, insula, neuroimaging, autism spectrum disorder
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
CANNABIDIOL- PROVOKES OR TREATS ANXIETY DISORDERS?
- H. Arshad, A. Arshad, M. Khalid, A. R. Khan, F. Arain, S. Khatri
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S685
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Introduction
After the introduction of proposal regarding cannabidiol for the treatment of some psychiatric disorders including anxiety, there is confusion if cannabidiol use is associated with the provocation of anxiety symptoms or it can be safely used for the treatment. In nonmedical terms, (Cannabidiol) Cannabis is referred to as Marijuana and has been considered a potential substance of abuse for ages, that raises few questions for its use as a treating agent. It is an interesting area to be explored.
ObjectivesOur aim is to find out the implications of Cannabidiol use. We look forward to knowing the mechanism behind cannabidiol being a potential treatment strategy for anxiety.
MethodsA literature search was conducted using the search terms [anxiety] OR [cannabis] OR[ Marijuana] OR [cannabidiol] OR [tetrahydrocannabinol] OR [phytocannabinoids] OR [panic] OR [generalized anxiety] OR [social anxiety] OR [psycholgic distress] OR[psychosis] OR [depression]. The overall search produced 230 results. We included 30 studies relevant to the subject in this review.
ResultsResults revealed that anxiety is highly prevalent in individuals with a history of cannabidiol use in comparison to non-users. Symptoms of stress are more pronounced with more frequent cannabidiol use. Chronic users present with more severe symptoms like palpitations and the constant restlessness that are difficult to be managed. The potential role of Cannabinoids in reducing the conditioning of fear can be considered one of the reasons for investigations being done on it. Cannabidiol (Cb1) receptor plays a potential role in producing anxiolytic effects. The side effects of first-line drugs like distorted body shape due to weight gain, sexual health concerns and resistance along with frequent relapses, available for managing anxiety disorders are one of the reasons to consider alternative substances. Though, human testings are still underway, animal models are used currently for experimentation purposes and show positive anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol.
ConclusionsThere is increased need to investigate necessary chemical and physiologic changes that are produced within the body in response to cannabidiol use. More investigations should be done on human subjects along with animal studies. Proper guidelines should be shared with practicing physicians so that new and pretested ways are open for the treatment of resistant cases with proper implications of knowledge in clinical settings so that there is minimal chance of abuse of potentially addictive chemicals.
Keywords: Cannabis, Cannabidiol, anxiety, treatment, provocation.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
WHAT IS MORE DANGEROUS- SUICIDALITY IN EPILEPSY OR EPILEPSY AS A DISEASE? _A REVIEW
- H. Arshad, K. Hussain, M. Khalid, F. Arain, A. R. Khan, A. Arshad
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S918
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Introduction
Epilepsy is a neurologic condition characterized by spontaneous jerky body movements. It is a chronic morbid condition mostly diagnosed during childhood. Patients are maintained on long-term medications to prevent recurrent seizures that can damage the brain. Medications used for the management of epilepsy have several side effects and require proper monitoring. Patients with epilepsy are at increased risk of psychiatric comorbidities.
ObjectivesOur aim is to find factors responsible for causing suicidality in patients with epilepsy.
MethodsA review was conducted using Pubmed database with the search terms [epilepsy] OR [neurological conditions] OR [suicide] OR [suidical attempt] OR [suicidal ideation] OR [depression] OR [psychiatric diseases] OR [mood disorders] OR [anxiety] OR [sleeplessness] which yielded around 800 articles. The number was later reduced to be centered around the main area of interest and produced around 40 articles.
ResultsResults show that many contributing factors play an unavoidable role in promoting suicidal ideation that can lead to suicidal attempts in epilepsy. The stigma associated with epilepsy leads to social isolation, lack of opportunities, financial constraints, and impact on close relationships which can be the reasons for depression. According to the review, the foremost contributing factor is the underlying social, emotional, and economic condition of epilepsy patients. Depression and anxiety are the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities in epileptic patients. Epileptic patients who develop psychiatric ailments show decreased adherence to medications that further worsen the problem.
ConclusionsThough, this area in neurology has started getting attention for further research and guidelines. But efforts are still inadequate for this to be put into clinical practice. More desperate actions needed to be taken for proper diagnosis and management of suicidal ideations by proper use of assessment tools so that timely actions are planned. This is a highly demanding area due to the impact of depressive symptoms on the prognosis of the chronic neurologic condition.
Keywords: Suicidality; Epilepsy; neurology.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychiatric Manifestations of Iron Deficiency Anemia-A Literature Review
- H. Arshad, A. Arshad, M. Y. Hafiz, G. Muhammad, S. Khatri, F. Arain
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S243-S244
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Introduction
Anemia due to iron deficiency is a highly prevalent medical condition in women and children. Iron deficiency presents with fatigue, low mood, anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, and headache. Poor nutritional intake can be the reason of iron deficiency in underprivileged populations. It can lead to behavioral symptoms that can manifest as chronic psychiatric ailments.
ObjectivesOur objective is to consolidate manifestations of iron deficiency anemia concerning psychiatric ailments. We will figure out if it impacts the severity of psychiatric symptoms. We aim to find out if there are any underlying factors that impact the correlation of iron deficiency with psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and restless leg syndrome.
MethodsDetailed literature review conducted using PUBMED, OVID, GOOGLE SCHOLAR with the search terminologies [iron] OR [sleep disorders] OR [depression] OR[deficiency] OR [anxiety] OR [ADHD] OR [VITAMINS] OR[PICA] OR [CHILDREN] OR [women] OR [antidepressants] OR [sleep medicine] OR [antipsychotics] that yielded 150 results that were narrowed down to be focused on our research area. Inclusion criteria included studies with participants with iron deficiency anemia regardless of age group, gender, economic and social background. Exclusion criteria included patients with normal hemoglobin levels.
ResultsResults yielded a positive impact of treating iron deficiency anemia in patients with psychiatric ailments. The symptoms of low mood, fatigue, anxiety, anhedonia, and sleeplessness get better as iron deficiency improves. According to the search, some physicians misdiagnose iron deficiency as depression. Antidepressants were found to be working better when added with iron supplements. Restlessness and palpitations can also be the manifestations of iron deficiency. Patients with underlying iron deficiency are more predisposed to developing psychiatric disorders. According to published data, restless leg syndrome was found to be associated with iron deficiency. Some psychiatric drugs can lead to iron deficiency and can provoke underlying iron deficiency even more. Iron deficiency impacts memory areas of the brain like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
ConclusionsIt is much needed more than ever before that proper consideration to the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia must be given with the assistance of predesigned guidelines. Misdiagnosis of iron deficiency anemia as a psychiatric disorder can be misleading toward the insidious usage of psychiatric medications. Proper attention must be provided to this neglected area so that management of iron deficiency is tailored in the right direction and it is diagnosed at less severe stages. It will be helpful for general physicians and practicing psychiatrists in the field.
Keywords: Iron deficiency, Psychiatric Disorders, Anxiety, depression.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Vocal music and brain plasticity_a literature review
- H. Arshad, G. Muhammad, A. R. Khan, A. Arshad
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S243
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Introduction
Vocal music has been a way for the expression of beautiful human emotions and gives a consolidated framework to words. Our review is centered on finding neuroplastic changes in exposure to music.
ObjectivesOur main Objective is to identify structural brain changes in different brain areas. Identification of motor and sensory changes that are produced in response to vocal music.
MethodsDetailed literature review was conducted using Pubmed and Google Scholar databases. The literature search was narrowed down to cover the research topic with the search terms [plasticity] OR [brain] OR [neurons] OR [music] OR [vocal]. Our Inclusion criteria included studies with effects of vocal music on neuronal plasticity regardless of age, gender, duration of training, type of training, medium of lanuage and profession. Exclusion criteria included instrumental music and forms of music other than vocal music.
ResultsResults showed that music impacts areas of the brain that are highly associated with human emotions. Any brain area can undergo neuroplasticity but is most commonly seen in the insular areas, paracortex, putamen, amygdala, and white matter. Music therapy promotes the formation of instant neural networks and the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These microscopic changes increase depending on the duration of exposure to vocal music. Later, it appears as macroscopic changes visible with the help of neuroimaging. There is also a significant difference in the brain changes of vocalists and non vocalists. Vocal music impacts the left side of the cortex. Music activates reward system in the brain that leads to stimulation of dopaminergic pathways. It helps in neuronal division in post strock and post traumatic brain injury patients.
ConclusionsMusic therapy is widely used as the rehabilitative process that combines music with therapeutic medications to promote therapeutic alliance and better results. It is used to direct focus toward the fulfillment of the emotional and cognitive needs of patients with psychiatric ailments. This area is needed to be explored more so that vocal music can be used for integrated therapy.
Keywords: Vocal music; Brain changes; neuroplasticity; therapy.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The association between long term intake of ultra-processed foods and recurrence of depressive symptoms in the Whitehall II cohort
- H. Arshad, T. Akbaraly
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
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- 01 September 2022, pp. S211-S212
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Introduction
High amounts of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) characterized Western type diet and have recently been associated with adverse cardio-metabolic outcomes. The extent to which UPF intakes affect Depressive Symptoms (DepS) in non-Mediterranean countries remains uninvestigated.
ObjectivesWe aimed to study whether long-term intake of UPF over adult life 1) is associated with subsequent recurrence of DepS assessed over 13 years of follow-up and 2) contribute to explain the diet quality-DepS associations already established.
MethodsData came from the 4554 participants (mean age=61.0 (SD=5.9) years; 74% men) from the Whitehall II Study who underwent repeated dietary intake assessment (food frequency questionnaire in 1991-1993, 1997-1999 and 2002-2004), and follow-up for recurrence of DepS (CES-D ≥ 16 or use of antidepressants) over 13 years (2002-2004 and 2015-2016). The NOVA classification was used to estimate UPF intakes.
ResultsOver 13 years of follow-up, 12.9% of participants reported having recurrence of DepS. Results of logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders showed that high amounts of UPF intakes (top quintile versus the four last ones) increased the odds of recurrent DepS by 30 % (95%CI 1.05 - 1.61). Additional analyses suggested that UPF intakes did not attenuate much the overall diet quality–DepS association previously reported.
ConclusionsOur study showed that long term exposure to high UPF intakes increased odds of subsequent recurrent DepS. This association was independent of overall diet quality. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms between food processing and depression physiopathology.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Preface
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 12 December 2018
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- 31 July 2018, pp xix-xx
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Summary
ABOUT ENGINEERING ECONOMICS WITH APPLICATIONS
Engineers are required to provide economically feasible solutions to existing problems. To achieve this, engineers must possess knowledge of economy to evaluate the monetary consequences of the products, projects and processes that they design. Engineering design solutions do not exist in a vacuum but within the context of a business opportunity. Since almost every problem has multiple solutions, so the issue is: how does one rationally select a design with the most favorable economic result? The answer to this question is provided by engineering economy. Engineering economy, the analysis of the economic consequences of engineering decisions, is said to have originated in A. M. Wellington's The Economic Theory of Railway Location, published in 1887. Engineering economy is now considered a part of the education of every engineer, as it provides a systematic framework for evaluating the economic aspects of competing design solutions. Just as engineers model the effect of temperature on cutting tools or the thermodynamic response of an air compressor, they must also model the economic impact of their recommendations. What is ‘engineering economy’ and why is it so important? The initial reaction of many engineering students to this question is, ‘money matters will be handled by someone else and I need not worry about these matters’. In reality, any engineering project must be, not only physically realizable but also economically affordable. Understanding and applying economic principles to engineering have never been more important. Engineering is more than a problem-solving activity focusing on the development of products, systems, and processes to satisfy a need or demand. Beyond function and performance, solutions must also be economically viable. Design decisions affect limited resources such as time, material, labor, capital and natural resources, not only initially i.e. during conceptual design but also through the remaining phases of the life cycle i.e. during detailed design, manufacture and distribution, service, retirement and disposal. Engineers should realize that the solution provided by them does not make sense and will not be acceptable, if it is not profitable.
5 - Methods for Making Economy Studies
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 12 December 2018
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- 31 July 2018, pp 185-211
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Summary
INTRODUCTION
Engineering or business projects require huge capital investments. Economy studies are necessary to be conducted to establish whether a proposed capital investment and its associated expenditures can be recovered over time in addition to a return on the capital that is attractive in view of risks involved and opportunity costs of the limited funds. The concepts of interest and money-time relationships of Chapter 4 are quite useful in arriving at the investment decision.
Since different projects involve different patterns of capital investment, revenue or savings cash flows and expenditure or disbursement cash flows, no single method is perfect for making economy studies of all types of projects. As a result, several methods for making economy studies are commonly used in practice. All methods will produce equally satisfactory results and will lead to the same decision, provided the inherent assumptions of each method are enforced.
This chapter explains the working mechanism of six basic methods for making economy studies and also describes the assumptions and interrelationships of these methods. In making economy studies of the proposed project, the appropriate interest rate to be used for discounting purpose is taken to be equal to the minimum attractive rate of return (M.A.R.R.) expected by the fund provider. The value of M.A.R.R. is established in view of the opportunity cost of capital which reflects the return forgone as it is invested in one particular project.
BASIC METHODS
The following six methods are commonly used for making economy studies:
Equivalent worth:
1. Present worth (P.W.)
2. Future worth (F.W.)
3. Annual worth (A.W.)
Rate of return:
1. Internal rate of return (I.R.R.)
2. External rate of return (E.R.R.)
3. Explicit reinvestment rate of return (E.R.R.R.)
PRESENT WORTH(P.W.) METHOD
In this method, equivalent worth of all cash flows relative to some point in time called present worth i.e. P.W. is computed. All cash inflows and outflows are discounted to the present point in time at an interest rate that is generally M.A.R.R. using appropriate interest factor. The following steps are used to calculate P.W.:
Step 1: Draw the cash flow diagram for the given problem.
Step 2: Determine the P.W. of the given series of cash receipts by discounting these future amounts to the present at an interest rate i equal to M.A.R.R.
Dedication
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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Index
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 12 December 2018
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- 31 July 2018, pp 514-520
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13 - Value Engineering
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 31 July 2018, pp 375-387
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Summary
INTRODUCTION
To thrive in today's competitive markets, organizations are looking for smart ways of doing business and work. They cannot afford extensive time delays and increased costs. Value Engineering (VE) is a methodology developed to assist individuals as well as enterprises that will allow them to make changes to augment their processes or services. Several establishments discovered that the methods being followed in the past were insufficient and, therefore, it was essential for them to bring changes to their working style. Using the VE practices, small changes along with hard work and common sense can improve things for organization.
CONCEPT OF VALUE ENGINEERING
Larry Miles, a procurement engineer for General Electric, introduced the VE methodology during World War II. The problem he was facing was that he was not able to obtain material to manufacture the turbo-supercharger for the B-17 and P-47 airplanes. He developed a technique which did not solve the problem of procuring the material, but addressed the functionality of each material. The group determined the functionality of every component in the turbo-supercharger. Then they established the more economical constituents to attain the desired function.
VE can be defined as a systematized or methodical tactic, focused on analyzing the functionality of systems, apparatus, amenities, services and supplies with the objective of realizing their necessary functionality at the lowermost life-cycle cost, without affecting requisite capability, consistency, eminence and safety. Since more than seven decades, many organizations have been using, analyzing and refining the VE procedures. The basic aspect of VE is that it makes you acquire the ability to think in different ways. The basic features of VE are shown in Fig. 13.1.
Value is the goal, not the cost. Sometimes the highest price items have the best value. Delivering value to the customer is the aim of the organization. Some people think that making things better means reducing the cost of the product and, in that process, sometimes the functionality of the item is reduced, which reduces the value. However, this is incorrect. VE is not against reducing cost, but not at the cost of reducing the functionality or value of the product. VE also emphasizes on cost reduction, but without reducing the functionality.
Generally, VE is achieved with the help of multidisciplinary teams. Earlier, organizations succeeded by giving a problem or a question to an individual.
9 - Economic Evaluation of Public Sector Projects
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 31 July 2018, pp 266-275
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Summary
INTRODUCTION
The projects that are owned, used and financed by the government (and hence the citizens) are classified as public sector projects. The primary purpose of such projects is to provide services to the people at no profit. Examples of projects related to public sector include hospitals and clinics, educational institutions, transportation, police and fire service, public housing, postal services, etc. It has been observed that such projects often require large initial investments, possibly distributed over several years. Public sector projects do not yield direct profit, but they require huge investments that are paid by the appropriate government unit. The successful implementation of the public sector projects provides benefits to the citizens. It is found that certain undesirable consequences, for example impact on environment, are often associated with the public sector projects. Therefore, the economic analysis of such projects must not only consider these negative consequences but also should quantify them with great accuracy. To perform an economic analysis of public sector projects, the costs (initial and annual), the benefits, and the disbenefits, if considered, must be estimated as accurately as possible in monetary units.
Costs refer to the estimated expenditures to the government body for construction, operation and maintenance of the project, less any expected salvage value.
Benefits refer to the advantages expected by the owners, i.e., the public.
Disbenefits refer to any expected undesirable consequences to the owners if the project is implemented.
Economic analysis of public sector projects is different from those of private sector projects. For public sector projects, the initial costs are usually large, the expected life is long and the sources for capital are usually a combination of taxes levied on the citizens, user fees, bond issues and private lenders. It is very difficult to make accurate estimates of benefits and disbenefits for a public sector project. The interest rates for the public sector are lower than those for private sector. The methods that are used to perform economic analysis of public sector projects are discussed in the following sections.
BENEFIT/COST ANALYSIS OF A SINGLE PROJECT
The benefit/cost (B/C) ratio is a fundamental analysis method for public sector projects. In this method, all costs and benefits estimates are converted to a common equivalent monetary unit (P.W., A.W., or F.W.) at the given interest rate.
Contents
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 12 December 2018
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- 31 July 2018, pp vii-xiv
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10 - Economics Study Considering Inflation
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 12 December 2018
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- 31 July 2018, pp 276-285
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Appendix C
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 12 December 2018
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- 31 July 2018, pp 508-510
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Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
- 2nd edition
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi
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Covering detailed discussion of fundamental concepts of economics, the textbook commences with comprehensive explanation of theory of consumer behavior, utility maximization and optimal choice, profit function, cost minimization and cost function. The textbook covers methods including present worth method, future worth method, annual worth method, internal rate of return method, explicit re-investment rate of return method and payout method useful for studying economic studies. A chapter on value engineering discusses important topics such as function analysis systems techniques, the value index, value measurement techniques, innovative phase and constraints analysis in depth. It facilitates the understanding of the concepts through illustrations and solved problems. This text is the ideal resource for Indian undergraduate engineering students in the fields of mechanical engineering, computer science and engineering and electronics engineering for a course on engineering economics/engineering economy.
8 - Depreciation
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 31 July 2018, pp 254-265
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Summary
INTRODUCTION
Depreciation is defined as decrease in the value of a physical property or asset with the passage of time. A physical asset has value because it provides monetary benefits to its owner. These benefits are in the form of future cash flows resulting from (i) the use of the asset to produce saleable goods or services, or (ii) the ultimate sale of the asset at the end of its useful life. Depreciation, thus, represents decrease in the value due to lessening in the ability to produce these future cash flows, as a result of several causes such as wear and tear and obsolescence.
Although, depreciation does occur, it is really difficult to determine its magnitude well in advance. Depreciation is not an actual cash flow but it is a tax-allowed deduction included in tax calculations in almost all industrialized countries. Depreciation lowers income tax as per the relation:
Tax = (income – deductions) (Tax rate)
DEPRECIATION TERMINOLOGY
The definitions of the terms that are used in calculation are given below:
Book Depreciation Book depreciation is used by a corporation or business firm for internal financial accounting. It indicates the reduced investment in an asset based upon the usage pattern and expected useful life of the asset.
Tax Depreciation This is used in tax calculations as per government regulations. A company subtracts an annual tax of depreciation from its annual income to calculate the amount of taxes due each year. However, the tax depreciation amount must be calculated using a government approved method.
First Cost or Unadjusted Basis This represents the installed cost of the asset. It includes purchase price, delivery and installation fees, and other depreciable direct costs incurred to prepare the asset for use. The term unadjusted basis, B or simply basis, is used when the asset is new, whereas the term adjusted basis is used after some depreciation has been charged.
Book value This represents the remaining, un-depreciated capital investment on the books or record of the company after the total amount of depreciation charges to date have been subtracted from the basis. The book value, BVt is usually determined at the end of each year.
Recovery period This represents the depreciable life n of the asset in years.
Bibliography
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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11 - Make or Buy Decision
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 12 December 2018
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- 31 July 2018, pp 286-296
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Summary
INTRODUCTION
Every business organization engaged in the manufacturing of tangible products faces the problem to decide whether it is more advantageous to make a particular item in-house, or to buy it from a supplier. The choice involves aspects which are both qualitative such as quality control, and quantitative such as the relative cost factors. In order to decide whether to make or buy a product, the company generally analyzes the capacity of its facilities and the cost at which the product can be bought. Subsequently, the option that involves the least cost is selected by the company. Buying option often appears to be feasible and beneficial for a company which manufactures low volumes of product. In situations where the total cost of buying a product is more than or equal to the total cost of making it, it is recommended to make the product within the company.
FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES FOR LAUNCHING NEW PRODUCTS
It is a natural tendency of a business organization to thrive and grow in order to earn higher profits. Some of the most efficient ways in which this can be done include (i) backward integration and (ii) forward integration. In both these approaches new product(s) is introduced by the organization. To implement its new preposition, the company may adopt any one of the following strategies:
• Products may be manufactured in-house with the existing facility.
• Products may be purchased from external suppliers or vendors.
• A few components of the products may be made in-house, a few others may be bought from the outside vendors and finally the product may be assembled by the company.
Although the alternatives are limited in number and appear simple, but the decision is strategically critical because it has far-reaching effects on the ultimate success or failure of the new preposition. In case the company decides to make the product (entire product or part of it) in-house, it involves the following:
• Fresh investments in terms of new machines, construction of new buildings, jigs and fixtures, raw materials, and manpower.
• Involvement of more number of work hours of their existing machines, equipment, and manpower that may be critical to the company's existing product line.
12 - Project Management
- Zahid A. Khan, Arshad N. Siddiquee, Brajesh Kumar, Mustufa H. Abidi, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
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- Principles of Engineering Economics with Applications
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- 12 December 2018
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- 31 July 2018, pp 297-374
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Summary
INTRODUCTION
A project consists of a set of activities that are interrelated in a logical sequence and they need to be executed in a certain order for timely completion of the project. Most realistic projects undertaken by organizations such as Infosys, Honda Motors, or the Indian Defense Department, etc., are large and complex. Delhi Development Authority (DDA) building residential houses, for example, must complete thousands of activities costing crores of rupees. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) must inspect countless components before it launches a satellite. Almost every industry worries about how to manage similar large scale, complicated projects effectively. It is a difficult problem, and the stakes are high. Crores of rupees in cost overruns have been wasted due to poor planning of projects. Unnecessary delays have occurred due to poor scheduling. How can such problems be solved? The tools and techniques of Project Management (PM) can provide a solution to such problems. PM is concerned with planning, scheduling, monitoring and control of the projects. It aims at timely and cost effective completion of the projects and, to achieve this objective, it performs functions in phases which are discussed in the next section.
PHASES OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Effective management of a project requires appropriate actions to be taken by the management at different stages of the project, from its planning to completion. Thus, project management involves the following phases:
1. Planning
2. Scheduling
3. Monitoring and Control
Planning
Planning is essential for economical and timely execution of projects. The various stages of the planning process are:
Pre-planning
The planning undertaken before the decision has been made to take up the project is called pre-planning. This phase includes formulation of the project, assessment about its necessity, financial and/or economic analysis and decision making about whether or not to take up the project.
Detailed Planning
Once the decision has been made to take up the project, detailed planning is carried out, which includes the following phases:
(a) Preparation of detailed designs and detailed working plans.
(b) Preparation of specifications, detailed bill of quantities, etc.
(c) Working out of plan-of-action for carrying out the work. This involves the following:
(i) Project breakdown, i.e., breaking up the project into small component jobs.
(ii) Establishment of sequence of various operations and their interrelationship.