It is observed that the shape of cost function is varied by changing the design variable.
We claim a strong need to bring forward more empirical evidence to suggest the appropriate shape of cost functions in exposure assessment; and if power relationships are, indeed, supported, to indicate reasonable sizes of the exponents α and β.
In addition to the need for empirical data describing the shape of cost functions, information is also required concerning the size of unit costs for measuring at different stages; very little data has been reported in occupational or environmental epidemiology [ 37, 43].
The U-shape of costs by phase of care is confirmed for all age classes, as indicated in the literature [ 37]: with 10 to 17 thousands Euros yearly costs on average for the initial and final phases, 1.7 to 2.9 thousands Euros yearly costs on average for the continuing phase.
We show that several properties of a single overlap can be extended to multiple overlaps, and establish a limit to overlapping based on administrative cost of implementing overlap and shapes of cost functions.
Then, the general model is simplified, and procedures are derived for identifying optimally cost-efficient exposure assessment strategies, depending on the shapes of cost functions.
A series of potential candidates includes the shape of retraining costs, the consequences of on-the-job training and life-long learning, and the heterogeneous effects of inherently different technological innovations.
The shape of the cost savings function v(s) is crucial for this result.
The definition and shape of the cost function determine a very low-complexity scheme.
The method proves to be faster than GPS PSO and gives the approximated shape of the cost function around the optimum point.
A drawback of the new approach, however, is the need to specify two new hyperparameters: (a) the shape of the cost function and (b) the shape of the expected error distribution.
