Commercial Opportunities Research Articles

Microstructural and optical properties of nanostructured Al/Ag co-doped ZnO thin films (AgxAl0.03ZnO0.97-x) by spray pyrolysis for optoelectronic applications

Al/Ag co-doped ZnO (AgxAl0.03ZnO0.97-x, x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) thin films were prepared using a facile spray pyrolysis deposition route, and their microstructural and optical properties were investigated. Dislocation density reduced and film crystallinity improved with increasing Ag content. This correlated with strain relaxation (∼10−4) and crystallite size enlargement (>23 nm) at high Ag concentrations, as determined by the Scherrer, Williamson-Hall, Halder-Wagner, and Wagner-Agua approximations. The small Urbach energy (<321 meV) and narrow band gap (∼3 eV) observed at low Ag concentration (4 at.%) indicate less structural defects and disorder, and facilitate exciton dissociation with minimum recombination, respectively. The Moss, Herve and Vandamme, and the Ravindra and Gupta models exhibited high correlation between refractive index values (2.09–2.35). Thus, this study demonstrates the enormous potential of Al/Ag co-doping to advance the properties of ZnO films to suit the fabrication of optoelectronic devices, and create opportunities for commercialization.

Molecular and physiological changes in the SpaceX Inspiration4 civilian crew

Human spaceflight has historically been managed by government agencies, such as in the NASA Twins Study1, but new commercial spaceflight opportunities have opened spaceflight to a broader population. In 2021, the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission launched the first all-civilian crew to low Earth orbit, which included the youngest American astronaut (aged 29), new in-flight experimental technologies (handheld ultrasound imaging, smartwatch wearables and immune profiling), ocular alignment measurements and new protocols for in-depth, multi-omic molecular and cellular profiling. Here we report the primary findings from the 3-day spaceflight mission, which induced a broad range of physiological and stress responses, neurovestibular changes indexed by ocular misalignment, and altered neurocognitive functioning, some of which match those of long-term spaceflight2, but almost all of which did not differ from baseline (pre-flight) after return to Earth. Overall, these preliminary civilian spaceflight data suggest that short-duration missions do not pose a significant health risk, and moreover present a rich opportunity to measure the earliest phases of adaptation to spaceflight in the human body at anatomical, cellular, physiological and cognitive levels. Finally, these methods and results lay the foundation for an open, rapidly expanding biomedical database for astronauts3, which can inform countermeasure development for both private and government-sponsored space missions.

Why a small airport must punch above its weight: Resilience and resolve — a case study of Lynden Pindling International Airport

This paper addresses the redevelopment of the Nassau Airport in The Bahamas and how this airport is constantly adapting to meet the needs of a tourism-dependent country while protecting itself from potential shocks that may disrupt tourism demand. By diversifying its revenue streams and expanding its physical footprint, the airport is positioning itself to provide commercial opportunities and generate sustainable income beyond passenger traffic.

Fan Economy and Irrational Consumption in China

In recent years, the high-speed development of the fan economy in many parts of the world, China particularly, has influenced society significantly. In many cases, those fans might overconsume products related to their idols because of their irrational decision-making and consumption. This phenomenon occurs very frequently, especially among young populations, and may further lead to both positive and negative impacts. There may be new commercial opportunities and economic growth, but also severe impacts on individuals who made irrational consumption and on the whole society. For example, the TFBOYS Ten-Year Appointment Concert in Xian China is a suitable case, and it might be one of the biggest or the most influential idol events in the history of China. Therefore, this research paper will analyze this case to understand the relationship between fan economy and irrational consumption and give some suggestions on how to avoid the negative impacts.

Overhauling research commercialisation at UK universities

ABSTRACT UK universities face two existential threats: (1) sources of income are critically undiversified from international student tuition fees that recent global health and conflict crises have put at risk; (2) academic departments in the arts and humanities face cuts in many institutions over unprofitability. This article argues that research commercialisation may represent a useful tool to address these threats to different extents. An overview of current research commercialisation in the UK precedes a framework of aims and principles to govern overhauled research commercialisation efforts. Most importantly, it is argued that departmental business development staff should be employed to collaboratively determine commercial research opportunities with academics, which should then be retained and developed within universities to maximise institutions’ eventual share of the gains. It is concluded that a vastly expanded research commercialisation wing of university administration would empower more world-leading discovery and strengthen the long-term business model of UK higher education.

New cash cropping in the Black Volta river valley: Banana production, rural innovation, and social entrepreneurship in the Ghana–Burkina Faso border region

AbstractDuring the mid‐1990s, a banana river irrigation farm that was launched in Southwestern Burkina Faso by a returning emigrant refugee spread throughout the region as far as neighboring Ghana. With relative abundant fertile, arable farmland in Ghana, easy access to input and modest capital mobilization by a few Ghanaian University lecturers to clear farmland and construct ridges and lay pipes for irrigation, a new cash crop production was set in motion. This paper analyzes the implication of this innovative rural agricultural intensification in the Ghana side of the border by shifting the angle of analysis away from narratives of transnational African agricultural commercialization driven by foreign corporations to instead focus on the role played by the local elite. The paper demonstrates that the viability of this irrigated farming can be attributed to imported banana crop variety, local rural producers' entrepreneurial zest, and enhanced existing cross‐border ties and commercial opportunities made possible by the construction of a strategic regional highway linking the farm sites with large urban and market centers in Burkina Faso.

Pilot Projects to Secure Local Supply in Rural Areas. Start-ups, Community-oriented Entrepreneurs and Public Funding as Drivers?

The usual store formats can hardly be operated economically in places with fewer than 2,500 inhabitants. In line with the spiral theory, the resulting retreat from the area offers new commercial opportunities for innovative forms of offering, such as staff-free 24/7 markets or online ordering options. At present, a wide variety of actors are experimenting with new and flexible approaches, and it does not yet seem foreseeable which models will ultimately prevail. How can the initial experiences be systematized and what is the potential for establishment? To this end, we compare five pilot projects that use decentralized, mobile and digital formats to bring everyday goods to consumers. For the five case studies, 35 semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts and customers. Central comparative dimensions are the context of emergence and the actor constellations, the contribution to local supply, the economic viability as well as the social function of the offers. The results show that two cases are strongly subsidy-driven or depend on public support. In two other cases, the social function dominates with the involvement of socially oriented enterprises, where the approaches can rather fulfill a complementary supply function. Finally, there is also a new format that at least has the potential to be rolled out on a large scale in rural areas of Germany and beyond.

Farmer managed natural regeneration to reconstitute agroforestry parklands in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso is facing an accelerated degradation of natural resources, exacerbated by natural phenomena and human activities which, coupled with the impact of climate change and poverty, have caused food insecurity in the arid province of Passoré. To address these challenges, farmers have been implementing initiatives rooted in local knowledge and traditional practices. The practice of interest is farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR), an ancestral agroforestry practice that protects and tends to spontaneous tree growth in agricultural fields. A qualitative study conducted in the province of Passoré revealed farmers’ reasons for adopting FMNR. As a low-cost practice that requires few technical or financial resources, farmers are attracted to its affordability. FMNR also enables farmers to circumvent customary prohibitions regarding tree planting, and navigate land ownership dynamics, as it involves tending to spontaneous growth rather than deliberate planting. Since FMNR does not involve tree planting, it does not imply land ownership claims, making it inclusive for migrants and women who have limited land rights. By introducing indigenous species such as Piliostigma reticulatum (bangandé) FMNR helps meet energy needs called for by women, and improves the density of plant cover, restoring clearings while improving livelihoods. FMNR has been instrumental in empowering women by providing commercial opportunities in the non-timber forest product (NTFP) sector, enabling them to earn an independent income, strengthening their autonomy within the household. FMNR has thus become integral to farming systems in Passoré due to its many tangible agronomic, environmental and socioeconomic benefits, offering solutions to land degradation, exclusion from tree planting projects, food insecurity and gender inequality. Broader dissemination of its potential for rapid restoration of forest resources at low cost is, therefore, recommended to help other regions of Burkina Faso overcome their challenges of degradation and climate change.

The e-commerce platform conundrum: How manufacturers' leanings affect their internationalization

Internationalization is seen as a commercial opportunity and, in some circumstances, necessary for many firms' resilience in today's volatile and unpredictable global marketplace. Most exporting organizations must cope with various emergent e-commerce digital platforms, given the rising importance of digital and technological transformation of modern international trade and its related strategic challenges. The spread of third-party multi-sided platforms (TPMPs) and established actors such as Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba, has led research to overlook evaluations involving other types of multi-sided e-commerce platforms, such as content management systems (CMSs). Nevertheless, these other platforms are evolving by leaps and bounds and changing the rules of the game for e-commerce website development. This study draws on the transaction cost economics perspective and theory of boundary choices to shed light on the differences in manufacturing firms' internationalization performances from the reliance among CMSs and TPMPs. The study retrieves data from a survey of 263 manufacturing firms' managers and executives relying on structured equation modeling. The findings outline that adopting CMSs partially mediates the relationship between e-commerce strategic commitment and internationalization performances. In contrast, TPMPs negatively moderate the relationship between e-commerce commitment and CMS and between e-commerce commitment and internationalization despite directly partially enhancing internationalization performances. Finally, the study reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between e-commerce commitment and TPMP reliance.

Custody in the age of digital assets : The path to building market infrastructure fit for a tokenised economy

This paper charts the dynamic evolution of finance and capital markets amid the digital asset surge. Tracing the historical trajectory from conventional banking to the current digital era, the paper underscores the intertwined narrative of finance and technology. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) and digital assets take centre stage, driving continuous financial operations and reshaping market dynamics. Custody emerges as a pivotal factor in this digital transformation. Established financial institutions strategically invest in digital asset infrastructure, recognising the seismic potential of tokenisation. Research from major companies projects significant tokenisation of assets, prompting global banks to align their strategies accordingly. The paper explores diverse use cases, from custody and trading services for cryptocurrencies to tokenising financial securities and real-world assets. Navigating the regulatory landscape proves crucial, with varying regulations across jurisdictions posing challenges. A unified regulatory framework is advocated for fostering global adoption. The paper delves into the technological nuances of safeguarding digital assets, exploring key management solutions such as multiparty computation (MPC) and hardware security modules (HSMs). The paper anticipates a shift towards recentralisation as the digital asset market matures, with established financial institutions and custodians poised to leverage trust, balance sheets and regulatory compliance to open up commercial opportunities in the digital asset space. In essence, the paper provides a sweeping overview of the current digital asset landscape, offering insights into challenges, opportunities and technological considerations shaping the digital asset custody value chain.

MANAGEMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF USING THE COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Abstract. The article is devoted to the study of existing approaches to the economic evaluation of the effectiveness of commercial opportunities of intellectual property and industrial innovations in the production and commercial activities of industrial enterprises. The most important groups of indicators characterizing the effectiveness of commercial opportunities of intellectual property and industrial innovations are defined and substantiated. These groups include: indicators characterizing the market characteristics of intellectual property (market target indicator, market prospects (development) indicator, intellectual technology positioning indicator on the market); cost characteristics reflecting the real costs of developers and consumers of intellectual property; commercial characteristics reflecting the consumer value of the intelligent technology for potential use; patent-legal characteristics of intellectual property and industrial innovations that reflect the patent purity of the object of intellectual property, the protection of exclusive rights to it, the impossibility (or in the extreme case - significant difficulty) of copying and counterfeiting. The currently used methods of assessing the effectiveness of the use of commercial opportunities of intellectual property and industrial innovations, which are based on the ratio of results and costs, i.e. are considered in detail. on the comparison of the obtained effect and costs. The feasibility of checking the obtained values of economic efficiency, as well as the organization of strict control over the spending of funds and compliance with the planned deadlines, has been proven.

Implementation of IoT-Based Smart Tourism Destination Tools as Tourism Leisure 5.0

Due to its ability to create commercial opportunities that local communities can manage, tourism is a well-known industry with significant development potential. Information technology has had significant advancements in its application within the tourism industry, and its implementation is now commencing in Indonesia. The use of IoT technology in the tourism industry necessitates a series of sequential stages, culminating in the establishment of a comprehensive information platform that facilitates the monitoring and administration of tourism activities. Utilizing IoT technology to construct a tourist platform helps expedite the process of integrating information and infrastructure while effectively leveraging smart technology in the tourism sector. The research methodology employed is a hybrid approach. The data outputs are processed and evaluated using a strategy that caters to the interests of the community and parties involved in the collaborative development of smart tourism, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The analysis stage uses the theory of visual perception as a way to understand what the desired implementation of IoT-based smart tourism looks like. This is shown in the selection stage. Meanwhile, this investigation concluded with a technological readiness level of five. The research was conducted without any prior investigation that aligned with the themes, tools, and objects employed by the researchers, representing the current state of the art. Furthermore, the research team comprises specialists in the domain of information systems, including two members who possess expertise in information systems and languages. This ensures a comprehensive grasp of the tools utilized in model development, collaboration, and the potential for technological advancement. In addition to the desired outcome, this is an Internet of Things (IoT)-based intelligent tourism system that may be utilized as a tool in many tourist destinations across Indonesia.

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Customer Experience (Study of Maxim Users in Surabaya, East Java)

This study aims to investigate the impact of artificial Intelligence (AI) on customer experience (CX) for customers of the Maxim transportation application in Surabaya. With the aid of focusing on the implementation of the AI era in personalizing services, growing operational performance, and responding quickly to customer needs, this research explores the fantastic impact on the customer. The research method makes use of a deductive approach, accumulating records from Maxim customers in Surabaya through surveys, interviews, and information analysis. The research results display that AI permits deeper personalization and designs more adaptive user experiences. The study's conclusion highlights that the integration of AI in Maxim's transportation offerings extensively increases customer experience and opens up commercial enterprise opportunities. But, demanding situations related to ethics and facts protection need to be cautiously taken into consideration. This study affords a holistic view of the way artificial intelligence may be a tremendous driver in creating better customer studies in the context of transportation offerings in Surabaya.

Evaluation of the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of gluten-free cookies.

The increasing prevalence of celiac disease and gluten intolerance has led to an increased demand for gluten-free food products in Peru. The research objective was to develop gluten-free cookies from substitute flours, evaluating their physicochemical and sensory parameters. Eight formulations were developed using 100% broad bean, chickpea, pea, kiwicha, quinoa, lentil, corn, and bean flour. One hundred consumers participated in this evaluation (59% women and 41% men). A completely randomized design (CRD) and a randomized complete block design (RCBD) were used for physicochemical analysis and acceptability, respectively. To describe the sensory characteristics of the cookies, Cochran's Q-test and correspondence analysis (CA) were performed. From the results obtained, the lentil cookie presented the highest amount of protein and fiber but lower fat and carbohydrate contents compared to the other samples. In terms of color, the corn cookie was the lightest, with greater luminosity (L*), less redness (a*), and greater yellowness (b*). Regarding the sensory analysis, the CATA questions allowed us to form six groups, and the samples with the greatest acceptability were the corn and chickpea cookies, which were rated as "I like them." Lentil flour crackers are a nutritionally adequate option, and corn flour crackers are highly sensorially acceptable, suggesting commercial opportunities for softer and more flavorful gluten-free products. However, it is crucial to continue researching and developing innovative products to meet changing market demands and offer healthier and more attractive options to consumers.

Innovative spectral characterisation of beached pelagic sargassum towards remote estimation of biochemical and phenotypic properties

In recent years, pelagic sargassum (S. fluitans and S. natans – henceforth sargassum) macroalgal blooms have become more frequent and larger with higher biomass in the Tropical Atlantic region. They have environmental and socio-economic impacts, particularly on coastal ecosystems, tourism, fisheries and aquaculture industries, and on public health. Despite these challenges, sargassum biomass has the potential to offer commercial opportunities in the blue economy, although, it is reliant on key chemical and physical characteristics of the sargassum for specific use. In this study, we aim to utilise remotely sensed spectral profiles to determine species/morphotypes at different decomposition stages and their biochemical composition to support monitoring and valorisation of sargassum. For this, we undertook dedicated field campaigns in Barbados and Ghana to collect, for the first time, in situ spectral measurements between 350 and 2500 nm using a Spectra Vista Corp (SVC) HR-1024i field spectrometer of pelagic sargassum stranded biomass. The spectral measurements were complemented by uncrewed aerial system surveys using a DJI Phantom 4 drone and a DJI P4 multispectral instrument. Using the ground and airborne datasets this research developed an operational framework for remote detection of beached sargassum; and created spectral profiles of species/morphotypes and decomposition maps to infer biochemical composition. We were able to identify some key spectral regions, including a consistent absorption feature (920–1080 nm) found in all of the sargassum morphotype spectral profiles; we also observed distinction between fresh and recently beached sargassum particularly around 900–1000 nm. This work can support pelagic sargassum management and contribute to effective utilisation of the sargassum biomass to ultimately alleviate some of the socio-economic impacts associated with this emerging environmental challenge.

A Nineteenth-Century French Migrant and Traveler in Northwestern Mexico: Gabriel Ferry’s Romantic Impressions of Landscapes, Economy, and Society

Louis-Eugène-Gabriel de Ferry de Bellemare, better known as Gabriel Ferry, was a Frenchman with a successful literary career. A native of Grenoble, he went to Mexico in the 1830s as part of a French migratory flow that settled in the ports and cities of the interior, in search of a better future (Ferry was interested in commercial opportunities). Although Ferry is known as a traveler, he was also a migrant, traveling throughout Mexico for 7 years. He recorded his impressions, which were influenced by Romanticism, in novels and travelogues. This article examines Ferry’s impressions of northwestern Mexico, particularly his commentaries about landscapes, economy, and society, documented in his Mexican-themed writings, Scènes de la vie sauvage au Mexique, Le coureur des bois ou les chercheurs d’or, and Impressions de voyages et aventures dans le Mexique, la Haute Californie et les régions de l’or.

From innovation to integration of drones in business ecosystem: commercial and civilian drone opportunities and regulatory challenges

From innovation to integration of drones in business ecosystem: commercial and civilian drone opportunities and regulatory challenges

Optimisation of Lutein Extraction From Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis) Fruit Peel and Evaluation of In Vitro Eye Protective Effects of the Extracts

Lutein is a macular biopigment that can protect the retina from oxidative stress induced by chronic exposure to light and oxidants. The peel of gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis) contains high levels of lutein, but the extraction optimisation parameters are complex, requiring saponification, and the effects on ocular bioactivity are not well understood. This study is aimed at optimising parameters for lutein extraction validated using HPLC from gac peel to determine their protective effects on oxidatively stressed retinal cells. The factors investigated for optimisation were KOH concentration, time, and temperature using (1) single factor, (2) multiple factor response surface methodology, and (3) predictive modelling. The optimum conditions for lutein extraction using single factors were 9% KOH for 3 h at 60°C, multiple factors were 9% KOH for 3 h at 45°C, and predictive modelling was 18% KOH for 1.9 h at 39.9°C, with the maximum extraction of lutein at 12.37, 15.64, and 17.4 mg/g DW, respectively. The extracted lutein purity and chemical composition were compared using HPLC and FTIR and indicated high purity and similarities in all extracts including the commercially purified lutein. Lutein extracted exhibited benefits on oxidatively stressed retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells that reversed damage to baseline unstressed levels exceeding 80% viability, similar to purified lutein standards. The feasibility of gac lutein and extraction optimisation were discussed for commercial translational opportunities as a medicinal bioproduct with a focus on eye benefits.

Development Trends in Digital Highway Systems and Processes under Intelligent Technology

With the acceleration of China's urbanization process, the phenomenon of urban road traffic congestion is becoming increasingly serious, and the problem of road bottlenecks is becoming increasingly prominent. The operational efficiency of urban roads has encountered challenges. The rapid development of intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things has provided more possibilities and opportunities for the research of digital highways. These technologies can be applied to traffic flow monitoring, road condition prediction, intelligent traffic management, and other aspects to improve highway traffic efficiency and service quality. This article designs a digital highway system based on intelligent technology to alleviate traffic congestion and other issues. Firstly, traffic information is collected and tested through channels such as circular coil detectors and cameras. This article would integrate and store the collected data into the Redis database; Then, the data is analyzed, processed, and predicted using the Kalman filtering algorithm. It then sends the predicted information to the client, providing convenience for users to choose the best route. This article tests the performance of the system through experiments. The experiment shows that the system can make correct analysis and prediction even in high pedestrian traffic, find the fastest driving route, and effectively resist the impact of fluctuations in pedestrian traffic. In addition, the system has achieved good results in accuracy testing of analysis and prediction. In summary, the digital highway system based on intelligent technology is expected to improve traffic efficiency, enhance traffic safety, achieve intelligent travel services, promote sustainable transportation development, and also bring broad prospects for commercial innovation and market opportunities. With the continuous progress and application of intelligent technology, digital highway systems would become an important tool for future road traffic to respond to challenges and improve service quality.

Philanthropy’s Role in Catalyzing New Uses for Approved Treatments

Foundations, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, and other philanthropic organizations are frequently involved in supporting drug development. Cures Within Reach, a US-based nonprofit leader of testing already approved therapies for new indications in unsolved diseases, has been providing seed funds for first-in-human clinical trials for over 15 years. Philanthropy plays a critical role in risk mitigation of investigator-initiated trials, funding proof-of-concept, pivotal clinical trials as well as later-stage trials. Efforts such as these are complementary to the pharmaceutical industry’s portfolio life cycle management and complementary to governments’ funding of translational medicine initiatives. Results from smaller, earlier trials provide the data needed for industry, government agencies, and others to fund the larger confirmatory trials. Together, these data build evidence for publication, allow clinicians to make their own decisions with their patients (off-label use), or support regulatory approval by the regulatory agencies. In addition, these efforts are not a question of commercial opportunity via intellectual property versus charity, as these are not mutually exclusive—and often are not yet clearly known at earlier clinical trial stages.