Launch Sequence Research Articles

Launch Dynamics Analysis of Amphibious Launch Vehicle on the Sea

Due to its agility, concealment and excellent amphibious combat capability, amphibious vehicles can perform tasks in complex terrain and environment, and have important application value in the field of national defense and people ’s livelihood. In this paper, the method of experimental data-driven numerical simulation analysis is used, combined with batch simulation technology, and the frequency histogram in probability statistics is used to study the launch safety of amphibious vehicles under random waves, and the influence of missile launch sequence and launch time interval on missile launch is explored. The results show that the driving and sea launch of the amphibious vehicle are safe under the experimental conditions. The partial attitude angle of the car body and the attitude angle of the missile roughly conform to the normal distribution; considering the relationship between the weight of the vehicle body and the ejection load impulse, the launch sequence and the launch time interval will not have a great impact on the missile launch. By evaluating the driving safety of the amphibious vehicle and the launch safety of the missile, this paper can provide some theoretical significance and engineering application value for the sea launch of the amphibious vehicle.

The impact of changing the reference countries on the list prices for patented medicines in Canada: A policy analysis

Background: Canada's Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) uses external and internal reference pricing (IRP) to regulate patented drug list prices. PMPRB has changed external reference countries from 7 to 11 to include countries with prices closer to the OECD median. We examined the impact on the list prices for patented medicines had the amendment been implemented from 2013.Methods: Using IQVIA MIDAS® quarterly sales data, we selected branded products that were launched in Canada in 2013–2018. The list price for each product in each country was calculated as its average annual price during the 3rd year post Canadian launch. The median international price (MIP) was the median of the list prices of PMPRB7 (MIP7) and PMPRB11 (MIP11). We assumed the same IRP would be (scenario 1) or would not be used (scenario 2).Results: Among the selected 400 products, 80.3 % (321) had MIP7 and MIP11 (launched in at least one reference country); 18.3 % did not have MIP11. The total current expenditures were $7,134.4 M. In scenario 1, MIP11 would not be binding for most products and expenditures would decline only by 0.7 %. If IRP were abolished, expenditures might decline by 14.1 % if the launching sequence would not change.Conclusions: MIP11 might not be binding for most medicines. The impact depends on whether to retain the IRP and approaches taken for medicines without MIP11.

Simulation of the wake vortex and trajectory characteristics of successively launched multiple projectiles

This paper analyzes the influence of the Froude number on the flow field interference and trajectory characteristics of successively launched underwater multiple projectiles. The realizable k−ε turbulence model, and overlapping grid techniques have been adopted. At the same time, a numerical method verification and grid independence validation are presented. The flow field structure, wake vortex, pressure distribution and trajectory characteristics are studied. The results show that the gas mass in the flow field consists of three parts: the gas mass connected to the launch tube, the cavity attached to the projectile tail, and the free gas mass. In the wake, a hairpin vortex packet composed of a multistage hairpin vortex is the main vortex structure. As the Froude number increases under a downwind launch sequence with the wind side first, the number of hairpin vortex stages increases. When the second projectile encounters a hairpin vortex packet, there are significant effects on the pressure distribution and trajectory characteristics. Fortunately, less interference occurs between double projectiles during the upwind launch sequence with the lee ward side traveling first. Therefore, to increase the success rate of successively launched underwater projectiles, the upwind launch sequence with the lee side first is adopted whenever possible.

POSA211 Are Orphan Drugs in France Priced According to International Prices and Which Factors Could Influence the Negotiated Prices?

The orphan drug status in the European Union aims to promote investment by creating incentives. The primary objective of this analysis is to compare the prices of orphan drugs in France to that of four other European countries: Germany (post-amnog), Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. 17 orphan drugs priced in France between January 2016 and May 2021 were selected. Only products reimbursed first in an orphan indication and with public prices available were included. Daily treatment costs, first price publication date and price evolution in each country were collected. A one-to-one analysis was conducted to account for drugs not available in a country. Out of the 17 products, 11 (65%) had their lowest price in France. The mean daily treatment cost in France was significantly lower than in the UK (-20,73%; P-value = 0.0123), Italy (-18,57%; P-value = 0.0109) and Spain (-15,98%; P-value = 0.0288). The difference with Germany (+4,5%) was not statistically significant (P-value = 0.579). A trend appeared when observing the launch sequence of countries: the UK usually obtained a price first followed by other countries with a lower published price. The drop in price compared to the UK was substantial for Germany and France. In a linear regression model, the two best factors that explained the treatment cost were the population size and level of Added Medical Value (adjusted R2 = 0,7305; P-value < 0.001). These findings suggest that France grants a lower listed price than its reference countries for orphan drugs. Pricing decisions seem primarily based on the number of people to treat. The new 2021 framework agreement with the CEPS could change this. Indeed, orphan drugs will access European prices with an AMV level of IV. This status should guarantee a price at least equal to the lowest price in the four countries considered.

Optimization of Ecologically Safe Water Management in Reclamation Systems Under Water Resources Shortage

The optimized designed irrigation scheme and water distribution system to reduce the anthropogenic impact and remove the pollutants by 20–25 % have been presented. The optimal launch sequencing of the irrigation equipment has been introduced by using the study irrigation area under conditions of water resources scarcity to determine the launch sequences regardless the crop rotation used. The presented model allows to bring down the irrigation water consumption by 30 % while decreasing the working cycle of the irrigation material, specifically by reducing the number of land irrigations without any impact on the yield.

Flow Past Spherical Pipeline Inspection Gadgets in an Automated Launching System

Abstract Pipeline inspection gadgets (PIGs) are routinely used in pipeline maintenance, cleaning, and inspection. A fundamental understanding of the fluid flow around the PIG and consequently its impact on the operation is however still lacking. The surrounding flow and the dynamics of the PIG vary significantly based on the PIG shape and orientation to flow. Previous studies of PIG motion typically employed empirical experimental or reduced numerical data to extrapolate PIG velocities and pressure drops along the pipeline—while this could resolve issues specific to the case being studied, it does not go very far in developing an overall understanding of the dynamics of the system. Our study aims at analyzing a range of configurations for spherical PIGs in a natural gas pipeline to analyze flow patterns around them and determine their impact on PIG motion. Given the nature of the automated launcher analyzed, we carry out unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations of a section of the launcher assembly, including the PIG in its initial position, at different field operating conditions. We simulate this setup for both single and multiple PIGs to determine alterations in the flow for a given launch sequence and outline the limitations of the setup. We then use the results from these simulations to determine the optimum configuration for a successful launch.

Conceptual Structural Design and Comparative Power System Analysis of Ozone Dynamics Investigation Nano-satellite (ODIN)

The Ozone Dynamics Investigation Nano-Satellite (ODIN) is a CubeSat design proposed by Chungnam National University as contribution to the CubeSat Competition 2019 sponsored by the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). The main objectives of ODIN are (1) to observe the polar ozone column density (latitude range of 60° to 80° in both hemispheres) and (2) to investigate the chemical dynamics between stratospheric ozone and ozone depleting substances (ODSs) through spectroscopy of the terrestrial atmosphere. For the operation of ODIN, a highly efficient power system designed for the specific orbit is required. We present the conceptual structural design of ODIN and an analysis of power generation in a sun synchronous orbit (SSO) using two different configurations of 3U solar panels (a deployed model and a non-deployed model). The deployed solar panel model generates 189.7 W through one day which consists of 14 orbit cycles, while the non-deployed solar panel model generates 152.6 W. Both models generate enough power for ODIN and the calculation suggests that the deployed solar panel model can generate slightly more power than the non-deployed solar panel model in a single orbit cycle. We eventually selected the non-deployed solar panel model for our design because of its robustness against vibration during the launch sequence and the capability of stable power generation through a whole day cycle.

HTA4 Clinical Development and HTA Approval of MULTI-Indication Oncology Products: Evidence from Germany, France, England, Scotland, the US, Canada, and Australia

It is unclear if current pricing and reimbursement policies adequately capture the incremental value of individual indications for multi-indication products. This study aims to map the launch sequence of multi-indication products across seven countries and compares indications in terms of quality of clinical evidence, regulatory approval timelines and HTA approval timelines.

PCN277 CATCH THE WIND EARLY: PRICE FORECASTING OF EARLY STAGE ONCOLOGY ASSETS IN US

Price and value forecasting is challenging for developmental products where only early efficacy data is available, with products often reaching pivotal clinical development stages without an estimate of likely price potential and, effectively, returns. This may result in missing the opportunity to optimise the asset’s evidence generation plan, price and launch sequence. To define the value and forecast the price potential of assets in development, we have selected a variety of different value attributes that drive decision-making within oncology to arrive at a value framework. A Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework was developed using 21 weighted criteria validated by previously published research on MCDA and value framework methodologies from ICER (Institute for Clinical and Economic Review) and ASCO for the evaluation of medicines. The MCDA was based on a scoring system on a scale of 0 to 5 depending on each criterion. The MCDA framework included two groups: the first (core) group includes attributes that measure clinical benefit, economic value and disease characteristics; the second (extended) group covers additional broader considerations such as public health interests and non-health benefits. A linear regression analysis was performed using monthly cost of treatment as the dependent variable and aggregate MCDA score as the independent variable for immune-oncology products launched in US. For 6 immuno-oncology products, a strong correlation between the MCDA scores and the average monthly cost of treatment was observed [R of 0.89 for core group and 0.93 for the extended group]. The correlation that statistically measures how close the data are to the fitted regression line (R2) was over 0.8 for both groups suggesting a high explanatory power of the developed value framework. The study provides a robust framework for estimating the value and price of assets within immuno-oncology indications to inform Pricing and Market Access strategy.

PMU60 DO COMPANIES SEQUENCE THE LAUNCH OF INDICATIONS FOR MULTI-INDICATION PRODUCTS?

The majority of payors are unable to provide separate prices for different indications of a multi-indication product. Current pricing practices may create incentives for manufacturers to sequence the launch of different indications in order to avoid price erosion. This study examines the impact of pivotal trial design, pivotal trial results, and disease prevalence on the launch sequence of multi-indication products.

Numerical study on hydroballistic and flow field characteristics of projectiles ejected from a vertical launch system underwater

A numerical simulation was performed to study the hydroballistic and flow field characteristics of projectiles launched successively underwater through a vertical launch system. The evolution of the projectile turbulence wake flow and its influence on the trajectory of other projectiles were studied under various launcher transport speed and launch sequence. Two major vortex structures are discovered in the wake: the vortex ring and the counter-rotating vortex pair. The vortex rings are generated when the projectile angle of attack is relatively small, and the counter-rotating vortex pairs are generated when it becomes larger. These large scale vortices are highly directional before breaking up. The counter-rotating vortex pairs can impose significant influence on projectile attitude upon wake vortex encounter. The outcome of such an encounter is highly unpredictable due to the nonlinear nature of these vortices. Projectiles launched with a higher platform transport speed are more likely to be affected due to the strong counter-rotating vortex pairs generated by previous projectiles with a high angle of attack.

PNS170 CHEAP OR TIMELY DRUG? PRACTICAL IMPACT OF EXTERNAL REFERENCE PRICING POLICY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

External reference pricing (ERP) is one of the major determinants of drug prices regulation in EU markets. The aim of our work was to analyze the consequences of ERP rules for both companies and the national authorities by i) optimal market access timing or ii) overall availability of drugs on certain markets. Calculation of the optimal launch sequence of countries with an innovative drug was part of the analysis. We used hierarchical clustering of countries together with the evolutionary optimization heuristic (genetic algorithm). This algorithm optimizes the sequence of countries by maximizing the estimated revenue based on the market characteristics (ERP rules, willingness to pay threshold (WTP), population/market size, and others). The optimal launch sequence was calculated. As expected, we typically see that larger countries with high WTP are favored. On the other hand, countries with i) aggressive ERP rules (e.g. minimal price referenced), iii) low WTP, iv) countries referring to or v) referenced by a large number of countries stand in the back of the sequence. The main reason is that they cause greater price erosion in further countries. The unintended consequence of strong price referencing can, therefore, be lower availability of innovative drugs or shortage of older essential drugs, as companies prefer not to enter such markets and postpone market access. Our analysis provides both a guideline for companies when launching an innovative drug and crucial information for national authorities about the consequences of their ERP policies. The suggestion for national policies on how to keep drug prices low while ensuring their good availability could be setting weaker ERP rules (e.g. average rather than minimum price) and take advantage of confidential price discounts. That reduces the risk of further price erosion in other markets and increases the attractivity of such markets for innovative medicines.

On wake vortex encounter of axial-symmetric projectiles launched successively underwater

To understand the potential hazard and mechanism of wake vortex encounter underwater, we perform a numerical simulation on two successively launched projectiles with 6 degrees of freedom. The evolution of wake vortices and their interaction with projectiles are studied under various launcher transport speed and launch sequences. Two major wake vortex structures are discovered: the vortex ring and the counter-rotating vortex pair. As the projectile angle of attack increases, the dominant vortex inside the wake transforms from vortex rings to hairpin vortices, then counter-rotating vortex pairs. The large scale vortices in the wake are highly directional before breaking up, and the counter-rotating vortex pairs can impose significant influence on projectile attitude upon wake vortex encounter. In contrast, minor influence can be done by vortex rings under the same situation. Projectiles launched with higher platform transport speed tend to be more affected by wake vortices due to the strong counter-rotating vortex pairs generated with a high angle of attack.

ARCHITECTURAL OBJECTS RECOGNITION TECHNIQUE IN AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGIES BASED ON CREATING A SPECIALIZED MARKERS BASE

The paper proposes a method for recognizing architectural objects when creating augmented reality mobile applications based on building a database of specialized markers. The main method of augmented reality technology for the recognition of architectural objects was chosen - the technology based on special markers. The range of pattern recognition algorithms suitable for the task is highlighted. These are algorithms based on the selection of key points of images and their descriptors. The most important aim is the stable recognition of architectural objects upon mobile applications for augmented reality-type digital guide creation based on specialized markers. The scientific basis of the research is a systematic approach in the analysis of the considered markers recognition algorithms, machine learning for the development of a database of marker images and AO recognition are used. The technique consists of the following steps: processing images of architectural objects with the aim of identifying key points, obtaining descriptions of selected control points as descriptors, creating AR-metadata that correspond to architectural objects, organizing joint storage in the local database of descriptors and their corresponding metadata, visualizing the architectural object and AR metadata. To implement the stages of processing images of architectural objects and obtain descriptors of key points, algorithms for extracting key points on images, such as SIFT, MSER, SURF, RIFF, RF, are analyzed. It is shown that these algorithms are invariant to scaling, rotation, as well as resistant to changes in light, noise and viewing angle. A comprehensive use of them for processing architectural objects with the aim of obtaining descriptors of reference points was proposed. To ensure stable recognition of AO according to the developed methodology based on machine learning for processing architectural objects with the aim of obtaining descriptors of key points, it was proposed to create an additional module using an ordered stack. The launch sequence and the number of algorithms can be changed.

PHP74 - A REVIEW OF THE INFLUENCE OF INTERNATIONAL REFERENCE PRICING (IRP) ON LAUNCH SEQUENCING IN EUROPE

Many countries set prices of pharmaceuticals by referencing the average, or some other metric, of a number of other countries in Europe. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of International Reference Pricing (IRP) across major markets in Europe in terms of the level of price preservation, and to provide insight into the optimal launch strategies within these markets. We developed a 10-year Excel-based model accounting for recurring international price referencing across Europe. The frequency of referencing, the basket of countries referenced and the distribution mark-up on pharmacy purchasing prices were based on published data, supplemented by recent experiences of product launches. The optimal strategy for launch sequencing was determined by price maintenance and revenue maximisation. With the varying duration of reimbursement processes across countries, strategies to delay product launch post marketing authorisation can directly affect the reimbursement price. Launches should commence in countries that utilise free pricing systems, which subsequently improves price setting in other reference countries downstream. Free pricing countries include Germany, the UK and Sweden. Countries employing a minimum or 90% of the lowest 3 prices within their basket, such as Spain, Bulgaria and Croatia, would need to be sequenced later to delay price erosion. Even when launching with exactly the same price across Europe, IRP was found to typically cause price erosion of up to 12% in some markets. Pharmaceutical pricing models fit prices by optimising the order in which a product is launched across markets. IRP policies alongside regulatory policies form key factors to the planning and timing of launch sequences. Exploring IRP simulations is critical to maintaining optimal price and identifying launch sequence strategies, although price erosion is unavoidable and should not be prioritised over patient access.

Technical Note—Optimal Pricing with Sequential Consumption in Networks

In this paper, we consider a model with a monopoly firm who sells social goods sequentially to a group of customers in a network. We show that, with symmetric social interactions, the optimal pricing under arbitrary launch sequence is independent of customers’ network positions, the launch sequence, and the underlying social interaction relations among customers. This generalizes the previous network-independent prices in the simultaneous-launch case. Therefore, for any given sequence, the firm can obtain a higher profit by offering sequentially to some groups of simultaneous-move customers. As a consequence, the optimal sequence turns out to be a chain structure. Moreover, we establish the pecking order by which the firm shall approach customers following the sequence of descending valuation-cost margins, and with homogeneous margins any chain attains the optimal revenue. The sequence independence of the optimal pricing does not hold when either the social interaction is asymmetric or the firm is restricted to use uniform pricing. Nevertheless, the profit optimality of the chain structure extends to both variants of the basic model. The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2018.1726 .

A Task Allocation Model for a Team of Aircraft Launching on the Carrier

High level efficiency and safety are of paramount importance for the improvement of fighting capability of an aircraft carrier. The task allocation problem for a team of aircraft launching on the carrier is studied in this paper. Although the study of this problem is of great significance, no relevant literature has been found on this issue. Firstly, the conceptual model of problem is formulated with the planning objectives and the constraints defined. Then the multi-aircraft and multi-catapult launching task allocation problem is decomposed into two consecutive sub-tasks, that is, catapult allocation and the launching sequence determination. The taxi time of aircraft is considered during the catapult allocation process, and the launching position of each aircraft is determined using a decision-making method. In the launching sequence determination step, the starting collision risk of aircraft is introduced to optimize the launching sequence which results in the minimum collision risk on each catapult. Thirdly, the proposed method is validated using the setups of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The proposed method is used to solve the task allocation problem and is compared to the artificial heuristics approach and the brute force approach. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method has better performance than the artificial heuristics approach and has better performance than the brute force approach in balancing efficiency and safety.

Who is the dynamic duo? How infants learn about the identity of objects in a causal chain.

Four experiments investigated infants' and adults' knowledge of the identity of objects in a causal sequence of events. In Experiments 1 and 2, 18- and 22-month-olds in the visual habituation procedure were shown a 3-step causal chain event in which the relation between an object's part (dynamic or static) and its causal role was either consistent or inconsistent with the real-world. In Experiment 3, 22-month-olds were tested with a delayed launching causal chain in which the second object, rather than the first, was the agent of the outcome. In Experiment 4, adults were shown the same events and were asked to judge whether the first or second object in the causal chain was animate or inanimate. Experiments 1 and 2 revealed that 18-month-olds were unconstrained in the part-causal role relations they would encode, but 22-month-olds learned only those relations that were consistent with the real-world. Experiment 3 showed that 22-month-olds expect the second object in a delayed launching sequence to possess a dynamic, moving part. Experiment 4 showed that adults expect the first object of a causal chain to be animate and the second object to be inanimate. The results are discussed with regard to the developmental timetable for causal learning and the mechanisms for early concept acquisition.

Species-dependent hydrodynamics of flagellum-tethered bacteria in early biofilm development.

Monotrichous bacteria on surfaces exhibit complex spinning movements. Such spinning motility is often a part of the surface detachment launch sequence of these cells. To understand the impact of spinning motility on bacterial surface interactions, we develop a hydrodynamic model of a surface-bound bacterium, which reproduces behaviours that we observe in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shewanella oneidensis and Vibrio cholerae, and provides a detailed dictionary for connecting observed spinning behaviour to bacteria-surface interactions. Our findings indicate that the fraction of the flagellar filament adhered to the surface, the rotation torque of this appendage, the flexibility of the flagellar hook and the shape of the bacterial cell dictate the likelihood that a microbe will detach and the optimum orientation that it should have during detachment. These findings are important for understanding species-specific reversible attachment, the key transition event between the planktonic and biofilm lifestyle for motile, rod-shaped organisms.

Time reordered: Causal perception guides the interpretation of temporal order

We present a novel temporal illusion in which the perceived order of events is dictated by their perceived causal relationship. Participants view a simple Michotte-style launching sequence featuring 3 objects, in which one object starts moving before its presumed cause. Not only did participants re-order the events in a causally consistent way, thus violating the objective temporal order, but they also failed to recognise the clip they had seen, preferring a clip in which temporal and causal order matched. We show that the effect is not due to lack of attention to the presented events and we discuss the problem of determining whether causality affects temporal order at an early perceptual stage or whether it distorts an accurately perceived order during retrieval. Alternatively, we propose a mechanism by which temporal order is neither misperceived nor misremembered but inferred “on-demand” given phenomenal causality and the temporal priority principle, the assumption that causes precede their effects. Finally, we discuss how, contrary to theories of causal perception, impressions of causality can be generated from dynamic sequences with strong spatiotemporal deviations.