Low-cost Facilities Research Articles

Measuring Spatial Access of Vulnerable Population to HIV Testing Facilities in the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area, Louisiana.

Ensuring adequate and equitable access to affordable HIV testing is a crucial step toward ending the HIV epidemic (EHE). Using the high-burden Baton Rouge Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as an example, we measure spatial access to HIV testing facilities for vulnerable populations and assess whether their access would improve if eliminating a considerable barrier-costs. Locations and status (free, low-cost, and full cost) of HIV testing facilities are searched on the Internet and confirmed through a field survey. Vulnerable populations include the uninsured and people living with HIV (PLWH), disaggregated from county-level HIV prevalence data. Spatial access is computed by a normalized urban-rural two-step floating catchment area (NUR2SFCA) method. Our survey confirms that only 11% and 37% of the 103 Internet-searched HIV testing facilities are indeed free and low-cost. Making more facilities cheaper or free increases the average access of PLWH, the uninsured, and the entire population but their geographic patterns vary. Free testing facilities, clustered in Baton Rouge city, are highly accessible to 82.6%, 69.4%, and 70.2% of three population groups living in East and West Baton Rouge Parish. In comparison, making all low-cost facilities free increases access in most outlying parishes but at the cost of reducing access in East Baton Rouge Parish, leaving west Livingston, north Iberville, and east Pointe Coupee Parish with the poorest access. Making all full-cost facilities cheaper or free exhibits a similar pattern. The study has important policy implications for where and how to improve access to HIV testing for vulnerable populations.

A UAV-based explore-then-exploit system for autonomous indoor facility inspection and scene reconstruction

Traditional indoor facility inspections on pipelines and boilers are conducted manually and can be logistically challenging, labor-intensive, costly, and dangerous for the inspectors. With the maturity of unmanned technology, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is becoming a promising alternative to the problematic manual inspection. However, due to the lack of GPS signal indoor, the localization of UAVs is a big challenge to achieve fully autonomous inspection. Moreover, the narrow and complex indoor environment makes it difficult to guarantee flight safety. This paper presents a UAV-based explore-then-exploit system to tackle these problems for autonomous indoor facility data collection and scene reconstruction. The proposed system consists of a hardware description and integration of two UAVs, a two-step simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) method for UAV localization and 3D environmental mapping, a safety-guaranteed coverage path planning algorithm for inspection and data collection, as well as an obstacle-aware trajectory generation method. The proposed system is examined in GPS-denied and cluttered indoor environment and 3D scene reconstruction is conducted. The quantitative analysis shows that the positioning accuracy is centimeter-level and the reconstruction error is within 3 cm. The performance analysis demonstrates the robustness and feasibility of our system in reconstructing and inspecting complex indoor environments for high-efficiency and low-cost facility management.

Rural-urban differences in individual and environmental correlates of physical activity in Canadian adults

Considering interactions between barriers to physical activity, sociodemographic factors, and rurality can support an equity-focused approach to physical activity promotion. In this cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey Barriers to Physical Activity Rapid Response module, we compared self-reported individual and social-environmental correlates of physical activity between rural and urban residents and explored interactions with sociodemographic factors. Lack of social support was associated with lower odds of meeting physical activity guidelines for rural residents (OR = 0.71 [0.57,0.89], p = 0.003), but not for urban residents (OR = 0.99 [0.84,1.17], p =.931). Limited access to low-cost facilities was associated with lower odds of meeting physical activity guidelines (OR = 0.85 [0.73,0.98], p = 0.030) regardless of location, but was reported more commonly as a barrier by rural males (27.3 % vs 8.6 % urban) and females (30.0 % vs 9.1 % urban). Inadequate social support was associated with lower odds of meeting physical activity guidelines in females (OR = 0.79 [0.66,0.94], p =.009), but not males (OR = 0.99 [0.84,1.17], p =.931). Individual-level barriers such as time, costs, enjoyment, and confidence were associated with meeting physical activity guidelines for both rural and urban residents. Social-environmental factors appear to be the main contributors to physical activity inequities between rural and urban residents. Interventions designed to bolster social connectedness may support physical activity engagement for people living in rural communities.

The predicting factors of clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]: A multi-center cohort study

Background: On March 2020, the first case of coronavirus disease-19 was registered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and subsequently the first mortality case. The predicting factors for patients' outcomes are essential to triage patients with COVID-19. This may provide low-cost facilities that help in the fight against the existing global pandemic. Objectives: This study aimed to predict hospitalization and death outcomes of COVID-19 patients using the simplest facilities. Method: The electronic medical records of 280 COVID-19 patients between March 2020 and May 2021 were retrieved from a multi-centre of healthcare facilities across Kingdom of Saudi Arabian cites. All demographic and clinical information were examined to determine predictors and outcomes. Results: Of the 280 COVID -19 patients enrolled in our study, 14.3% were aged ≥ 66 years and 62.5% were female. The elderly (≥ 66 years, P= 0.000) and male patients (P= 0.001) were significantly hospitalized by COVID -19 than others. Patients with symptoms were hospitalized significantly more than patients without symptoms (P= 0.001). Patients with chronic conditions were hospitalized more frequently (P= 0.001). Hospitalization status also did not differ by smoking. Fever occurred significantly more frequently in patients with one or more chronic diseases (P = 0.000). Elderly (≥ 66 years, P= 0.000) and male patients of COVID -19 (P= 0.022) had significant evidence of association with death outcome than others. Hospitalization status was associated with death (P = 0.000). Conclusion: This study reported that male gender and advanced age COVID-19 patients are independent predictors for both hospital admission and death outcomes more than others. The COVID-19 patients who complain from symptoms are at risk for hospitalization as well. Additionally, having chronic clinical conditions are predictor factor for hospital admission outcome. Finally, the hospitalized patients of COVID-19 infection are at risk for death outcome.

Evaluation of an intelligent artificial climate chamber for high-throughput crop phenotyping in wheat

BackgroundThe superposition of COVID-19 and climate change has brought great challenges to global food security. As a major economic crop in the world, studying its phenotype to cultivate high-quality wheat varieties is an important way to increase grain yield. However, most of the existing phenotyping platforms have the disadvantages of high construction and maintenance costs, immobile and limited in use by climatic factors, while the traditional climate chambers lack phenotypic data acquisition, which makes crop phenotyping research and development difficult. Crop breeding progress is slow. At present, there is an urgent need to develop a low-cost, easy-to-promote, climate- and site-independent facility that combines the functions of crop cultivation and phenotype acquisition. We propose a movable cabin-type intelligent artificial climate chamber, and build an environmental control system, a crop phenotype monitoring system, and a crop phenotype acquisition system.ResultWe selected two wheat varieties with different early vigor to carry out the cultivation experiments and phenotype acquisition of wheat under different nitrogen fertilizer application rates in an intelligent artificial climate chamber. With the help of the crop phenotype acquisition system, images of wheat at the trefoil stage, pre-tillering stage, late tillering stage and jointing stage were collected, and then the phenotypic information including wheat leaf area, plant height, and canopy temperature were extracted by the crop type acquisition system. We compared systematic and manual measurements of crop phenotypes for wheat phenotypes. The results of the analysis showed that the systematic measurements of leaf area, plant height and canopy temperature of wheat in four growth periods were highly correlated with the artificial measurements. The correlation coefficient (r) is positive, and the determination coefficient (R2) is greater than 0.7156. The root mean square error (RSME) is less than 2.42. Among them, the crop phenotype-based collection system has the smallest measurement error for the phenotypic characteristics of wheat trefoil stage. The canopy temperature RSME is only 0.261. The systematic measurement values of wheat phenotypic characteristics were significantly positively correlated with the artificial measurement values, the fitting degree was good, and the errors were all within the acceptable range. The experiment showed that the phenotypic data obtained with the intelligent artificial climate chamber has high accuracy. We verified the feasibility of wheat cultivation and phenotype acquisition based on intelligent artificial climate chamber.ConclusionIt is feasible to study wheat cultivation and canopy phenotype with the help of intelligent artificial climate chamber. Based on a variety of environmental monitoring sensors and environmental regulation equipment, the growth environment factors of crops can be adjusted. Based on high-precision mechanical transmission and multi-dimensional imaging sensors, crop images can be collected to extract crop phenotype information. Its use is not limited by environmental and climatic factors. Therefore, the intelligent artificial climate chamber is expected to be a powerful tool for breeders to develop excellent germplasm varieties.

The Trajectory of Illicit Waste Trade in Africa: Implications for Human Rights and Sustainable Development

As globalisation intensifies, the environmental burden of economic development is being shifted to poor countries. This development manifests in waste trade involving the transboundary shipment of toxic waste from developed to developing countries. This article evaluates the strategies with which waste trade is being perpetuated to the detriment of sustainable development and human rights values in Sub-Sahara Africa. It argues that capitalism has influenced massive generation and commodification of waste, especially in industrialised countries. It has also established that globalisation has made the transboundary shipment of waste easy. Moreover, foreign investments in the waste industry in developing countries appear to be a means by developed countries to perpetuate waste shipment to developing countries, which helps waste traders to avoid stringent regulations and high costs of waste management in developed countries. Therefore, such investments in developing countries should not always be viewed as a breakthrough in attracting foreign investments. The findings made include that despite the existence of the Basel and Bamako Conventions at global and regional levels, respectively, waste trade has continued in different forms in Africa, where waste merchants exploit the low-cost facilities, cheap labour and weak regulatory frameworks. The trend includes the reckless dumping of hazardous industrial waste, electronic waste as well as ostensible investment in “dirty industries” in some African countries. It concludes by urging the states to individually establish robust mechanisms that protect the environment and enforce environmental rights. These measures will help complement the collective efforts they have made in multilateral and regional agreements.

Development of an experimental apparatus for flat plate drag measurements and considerations for such measurements

Accurately measuring small changes in aerodynamic drag over a flat surface stands at the core of the development of technologies capable of reducing turbulent friction drag. A wind tunnel drag measurement system was developed which improves significantly on the state of the art. Experimental tests demonstrated that an uncertainty of less than 0.5% of C D at a 95% confidence level was typically achieved, already at drag values below 1 N. This was replicated in two different wind tunnels. A match with literature on riblet performance within 1% of C D was obtained. A crucial aspect of the design is the implementation of a correction for the pressure forces on the streamwise-facing surfaces of the test plate assembly. The flexible architecture of the system in the present realisation makes it suitable for most wind tunnels having a test section width of 400 mm or larger, which allows for accelerated development of turbulent drag reduction concepts from moderate-size low-cost facilities towards flow conditions relevant to the intended industrial application.

A shift in circulating rotaviral genotypes among hospitalized neonates

In neonates, rotavirus (RV) infection is generally nosocomial. The control of rotaviral infection within hospital settings is challenging due to prolonged shedding of the virus and contamination of the surrounding environment. There are few studies that have reported asymptomatic infection within neonates. In this study, neonates were screened for RV infection and possible clinical manifestations that may play a role in RV acquisition were analysed. Stool samples were collected from 523 hospitalized neonates admitted for > 48 h in a low-cost and higher-cost tertiary centre. RV antigen was screened using ELISA and the samples which tested positive were confirmed by semi-nested RT-PCR. RV was detected in 34% of participants and genotypes identified included G12P[11] (44.4%), G10 P[11] (42.6%), G10G12P[11] (10.1%) and G3P[8] (2.9%). ICU admissions were associated with higher viral shedding (p < 0.05). Hospitalization in the low-cost facility ICU was associated with higher RV acquisition risk (p < 0.05). RV was detected in higher rates (36.9%) among neonates with gastrointestinal manifestations. G10P[11] was the predominant genotype for several years (1988–2016) among neonates within India. The preponderance of an emerging G12P[11] genotype and heterotypic distribution was documented. RV surveillance is important to identify emerging strains and establish the road ahead in managing RV infection.

UASB Performance and Perspectives in Urban Wastewater Treatment at Sub-Mesophilic Operating Temperature

UASBs present several advantages compared to conventional wastewater treatment processes, including relatively low construction cost facilities, low excess sludge production, plain operation and maintenance, energy generation in the form of biogas, robustness in terms of COD removal efficiency, pH stability, and recovery time. Although anaerobic treatment is possible at every temperature, colder climates lead to lower process performance and biogas production. These factors can be critical in determining the applicability and sustainability of this technology for the treatment of urban wastewater at low operating temperature. The purpose of this study is the performance evaluation of a pilot-scale (2.75 m3) UASB reactor for treatment of urban wastewater at sub-mesophilic temperature (25 °C), below the optimal range for the process, as related to biogas production and organic matter removal. The results show that, despite lower methane production and COD removal efficiency compared to operation under ideal conditions, a UASB can still achieve satisfactory performance, and although not sufficient to grant effluent discharge requirements, it may be used as a pretreatment step for carbon removal with some degree of energy recovery. Options for UASB pretreatment applications in municipal WWTPs are discussed.

The influence of global warming on the productivity and quality of cow's milk

The objective of this research was to analyze the dynamics of productivity, quality composition and energy value of cow's milk obtained during three periods (3 years each) in central Ukraine by various technological housing variants. Over the last 20 years, there has been a global trend towards of increasing in the average annual temperature, which is especially felt in winter and affects to the cattle body, their productivity and the energy value of milk. To more effectively overcome the consequences of changing weather conditions, various continentally-achieved spatial composition and types of facility for livestock housing are used, the impact of which is not sufficiently studied. We analyzed the main weather indicators for the last decade in the central part of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine (Kyiv region). The time period from 2011 to 2019 was conditionally divided into three periods (3 years each): I moderate, whose main weather indicators corresponded to the average long-term (30 years) values inherent in this natural and climatic zone; II (with a deviation of +0.6 °C from normal values) and III (with a deviation of +0.9 °C from normal values). During cubicle housing in low cost facilities was observed that productivity increased by 0.19 and 0.97 kg in II and III periods compared to I. During cubicle housing in facilities with insulation systems productivity gradually increased by 0.47 kg during II periods and by 0.92 kg during III periods. The most uniform productivity indicators were observed by housing on a deep litter among low cost facilities. Thus, productivity increased by 0.24 kg during II periods period, and in III period it increased by 0.47 kg compared to the I period. The dynamics of average daily productivity have a slightly more uniform by housing in capital facilities compared to low cost facilities. During tie housing productivity increased by 0.18 kg in II periods, and in III periods it increased by 0.32 kg. Productivity increased by 0.19 and 0.43 kg in reconstructed capital facilities during II and III periods.

Demand Matching and Site of Care: High-Cost Facilities Do Not Improve Short-term Quality Metrics Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

With increased emphasis on improving value in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) care, concerns exist about whether variability in hospital costs between facilities is justified. The purpose of this study was to compare index facility reimbursement among hospitals and short-term outcomes for patients undergoing primary THA and TKA. We queried a single private insurer's claims data, identifying all patients undergoing THA or TKA from 2015 to 2017 performed by 25 surgeons across 16 hospitals within our institution. Hospitals were divided into high- and low-cost facilities based on mean index reimbursement. We compared comorbidities, episode-of-care costs, and short-term outcomes between facilities and performed multivariate analyses. Of 2963 procedures, 1305 (44%) were performed at higher-cost hospitals. Higher-cost facilities had higher mean index reimbursement ($40,597 vs $26,781, P<.0001) and higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; 0.32 vs 0.24, P=.0029), but no difference in complications (2.2% vs 1.8%, P=.3955) or readmissions (2.2% vs 1.5%, P=.1490). On multivariate analyses, higher-cost facility increased index reimbursement by $13,780 (95% CI, $13,489-$14,071, P<.0001) and discharge to facility risk (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% CI, 1.9-5.4; P<.0001), but not complication (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.7-2.0; P=.5983) or readmission (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9-2.6; P=.1474) risks. Shifting 25% of patients with a CCI of 0 from higher- to lower-cost centers would have decreased inpatient facility costs by an estimated $3,582,784. Wide variability exists between hospital facility costs for THA and TKA without differences in short-term outcomes. Demand matching healthier patients to lower-cost facilities may significantly lower the overall procedural costs of THA and TKA. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(1):19-24.].

A modular telescope facility to investigate the cosmic ray decoherence curve

This paper describes the use of a set of small cosmic ray detectors for the measurement of the decoherence curve, i.e. the probability of observing coincidence events between pairs of particles from an extensive air shower as a function of the separation distance between them. Individual detection modules were arranged into 15 telescopes located in various positions, such as to cover nominal separation distances between 0.5 and about 25 m with a fine mesh. A measurement of the decoherence curve has been carried out during a period of approximately 24 days at an altitude close to the sea level, with the detectors located in a large lecture hall of the Physics Department, below a concrete roof. Results were also compared to theoretical simulations of extensive air showers based on Corsika. Performance of the method is discussed, with possible extension of this technique to provide a low-cost facility for the investigation of the decoherence curve at even larger distances.

Affordable Three-Dimensional Printed Heart Models.

This is a 7-years single institution study on low-cost cardiac three-dimensional (3D) printing based on the use of free open-source programs and affordable printers and materials. The process of 3D printing is based on several steps (image acquisition, segmentation, mesh optimization, slicing, and three-dimensional printing). The necessary technology and the processes to set up an affordable three-dimensional printing laboratory are hereby described in detail. Their impact on surgical and interventional planning, medical training, communication with patients and relatives, patients' perception on care, and new cardiac device development was analyzed. A total of 138 low-cost heart models were designed and printed from 2013 to 2020. All of them were from different congenital heart disease patients. The average time for segmentation and design of the hearts was 136 min; the average time for printing and cleaning the models was 13.5 h. The average production cost of the models was €85.7 per model. This is the most extensive series of 3D printed cardiac models published to date. In this study, the possibility of manufacturing three-dimensional printed heart models in a low-cost facility fulfilling the highest requirements from a technical and clinical point of view is demonstrated.

What do we know about cryptocurrency? Past, present, future

PurposeThe authors make a fundamental initial effort to conduct a systematic review analysis on “cryptocurrency,” mainly to analyze the way it has been changing the “stereotype” financial transactions, and also identify the probable unexplored research avenues on this innovative investment regime. The study aims to draw the landscape of the current state, prospects, challenges, trends and possible agendas of cryptocurrency in the global market.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quali-quantitative approach widely known as meta-literature review, the synthesis analysis on “cryptocurrency” is conducted. Methodologically, the authors review and analyze the most recent and relevant papers preferably published between 2016 and 2020 in leading business and finance journals of ISI Web of Science (ISI WOS) through bibliometric analysis particularly coupled with content analysis.FindingsThe findings of the meta-analysis summarize the relevant stylized facts of the cryptocurrency market: distinctive features of blockchain technology, decentralized payment method, low-cost facility, ensuring pseudo-anonymity, independence from central authority, double spending attack protection, organic and instantaneous nature, among others. In addition, the analysis identified several future research regimes: pricing model, prospect of investment regime, hedging properties, volatility dynamics, information asymmetry, underlying risk factors and bubble-like nature in global cryptocurrency market.Practical implicationsThis academic novelty significantly contributes to enhance our knowledge on the current state-of-the-art of digital finance, outlines the research agenda and eventually provides important investment implications for financial managers, research analysts, investors, market practitioners, regulatory compliance professionals and policymakers. Therefore, the findings shed the lights on new investment opportunity in the global market.Originality/valueCryptocurrency, virtual currency or digital asset having cryptography for idiosyncratic security features, seems to be a persistent paradigm shift in the digitalized financial system. Despite the continuing growth, the academic research on cryptocurrency is still at nascent stage, particularly because researchers did not deeply draw attention at this financial innovation. In addition, the authors argue that none of the earlier studies yet conducted a meta-analysis on this latest investment regime. Therefore, this review study is the initial attempt to fill up the gap in the finance literature.

Accessing Minnesota School Administrators’ Knowledge and Perceptions Related to Sharing School Play Spaces after the Passage of Minnesota Shared Use Legislation

Lower levels of physical activity among children in the United States can be attributed in part to the lack of access to safe, low-cost recreational facilities. Shared use, or a partnership allowing the community to use school recreational facilities outside of normal hours, has received increased attention. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the extent of knowledge among school decision makers about a law passed clarifying liability for school shared use in Minnesota and to understand perceptions held by school decision makers regarding shared use of recreational facilities. Design, Setting, and Participants: A survey of Minnesota school superintendents and other decision makers (N = 182) was conducted to understand the issues relevant to sharing school recreational facilities with the public. Results: The majority (90%) of respondents indicated concern about liability for injury on school property outside of normal hours, and that insurance and contracts provided the most protection from liability. Most respondents indicated they were not familiar with the Minnesota shared use legislation and its provisions (61.36%, n = 108). Conclusions: Findings suggest the importance of education and training to further school superintendents’ knowledge of Minnesota shared use legislation, legal and policy issues relevant to shared use, and issues related to the implementation of shared use within their Districts.

Value chain and marketing margins analysis of watermelon: An insight from Northern Uganda

Watermelon is one of the emerging market oriented agricultural products with potential of improving rural livelihoods and alleviating poverty. Consequently, watermelon is attracting attention and gaining a bigger market share as a cash crop. This paper analyzed the value chain and marketing of watermelon in Northern Uganda. Data was collected through a cross sectional survey of 300 watermelon value chain actors (100 producers, 100 wholesalers and 100 retailers). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, value chain mapping, ordinary least squares regression and gross margin analysis. Results shows that the watermelon value chain in Northern Uganda involves six actors embedded within eight differentiated channels. The producer-wholesaler-retailer-consumer channel was the dominant watermelon marketing channel, handling 77% of marketed watermelon per month. Marketing margin analysis shows that watermelon marketing is a profitable venture to all value chain actors, with producers having the highest marketing margins (98%) compared to wholesalers (58%) and retailers (64%). The study finds that watermelon marketing margins are significantly influenced by access to credit, access to marketing channels information and labour costs. Results of this study call for policy interventions that enable access to low-cost credit facilities for watermelon value chain actors. Additionally, there is need to improve the dissemination of watermelon marketing information to enable value chain actors make informed marketing decisions.

Fatigue Life Comparison of Modified and Conventional 3 Leg Jacket Offshore Structure

The jacket structure must be adapted to the conditions of the production field to support economic factors. So, the concept of a modular platform for minimal, low-cost facilities is adopted. However, the design differences will affect the performance of the jacket itself, in other words a modular jacket can withstand the same load as a conventional jacket model but has a different structural performance. Therefore, this research discusses the performance comparison, which includes the fatigue life and the natural period, between conventional and modular jacket structures, which in this study are referred to as modified jackets. Conventional jacket as a comparison structure takes the design basis of the modified structure, including the same structural profiles, and environmental loads. In this study, the two jackets will only be modeled on the jacket part and the superstructure will be modeled as a joint load on the three upper ends of the jacket legs. Fatigue life analysis in this study used the full spectral analysis method. By using SACS software, the natural period of modified jacket is 1.756 s and conventional jacket is 1.472 s. While the lowest fatigue life on modified jacket is 44.98 years and conventional jacket is 9125.79 years.

Disaster Preparedness of Local Government Units Communication Systems in Catanduanes, Philippines

This study assesses the communication capabilities of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Catanduanes and to develop findings on the current communication systems that will address the information needs of their constituents more particularly when the usual communications fails during the times of disasters. All Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) uses the small messaging system (SMS) or cellular phones in gathering and disseminating disaster-related information. A handful of MDRRMO do not use VHF Radio and all of them use early warning systems to disseminate information to their respective communities. The transmission and receiving of disaster-related information are being acquired through cellular phones. The study concludes the inadequacy in the LGU Communications System Facilities and the readiness for deployment in case of the strong typhoon on the province when the existing communication facilities are disrupted, particularly the Internet and SMS technologies. Some municipalities have not identified what communications systems to use in case there is a total communication failure during disasters. Some municipalities will request the services of Amateur Radio for assistance. Some will request private radio users to relay information in case normal communication fails. Some Municipalities have not invested in or allocated a budget for communications systems facilities. Finally, this study recommends that an annual budget for the communications system must be restored under the MDRRMO to ensure the serviceability of existing communications facilities and equipment. And equip the LGU with the low cost and modest communication facilities to respond in times of disaster.

Leveraging inter-industry spillovers through DIY laboratories: Entrepreneurship and innovation in the global bicycle industry

DIY laboratories have the potential to advance new technologies, products and services through the leveraging of low-cost facilities by entrepreneurial individuals. We add to this emerging understanding of the DIY phenomenon by investigating the prevalence, operations and contextual factors that impact the use of DIY laboratories in the bicycle industry. We find two contexts in which DIY laboratories are utilised to develop component-level innovations: first, DIY laboratories are utilised as a low-cost way to enter an industry where the entrepreneur lacks the necessary financial resources and rely upon bootstrapping to build their enterprise. Second, and more frequently, DIY laboratories were used for the integration of diversified technical knowledge originating in other industries. Our study highlights the important role that DIY laboratories may play in leveraging inter-industry knowledge spillovers whereby DIY laboratories operate as incubators in the repurposing of diversified knowledge from high-technology sectors to lower-technology sectors to generate incremental innovation. Further, the modular product architecture of the bicycle helped facilitate the co-opting of technical knowledge prevalent in other industries by allowing entrepreneurs to focus their product development and subsequent commercialisation activities at the component level of the product artefact.

A Review on Evaluation and Configuration of Fault Injection Attack Instruments to Design Attack Resistant MCU-Based IoT Applications

The Internet-of-Things (IoT) has gained significant importance in all aspects of daily life, and there are many areas of application for it. Despite the rate of expansion and the development of infrastructure, such systems also bring new concerns and challenges. Security and privacy are at the top of the list and must be carefully considered by designers and manufacturers. Not only do the devices need to be protected against software and network-based attacks, but proper attention must also be paid to recently emerging hardware-based attacks. However, low-cost unit software developers are not always sufficiently aware of existing vulnerabilities due to these kinds of attacks. To tackle the issue, various platforms are proposed to enable rapid and easy evaluation against physical attacks. Fault attacks are the noticeable type of physical attacks, in which the normal and secure behavior of the targeted devices is liable to be jeopardized. Indeed, such attacks can cause serious malfunctions in the underlying applications. Various studies have been conducted in other research works related to the different aspects of fault injection. Two of the primary means of fault attacks are clock and voltage fault injection. These attacks can be performed with a moderate level of knowledge, utilizing low-cost facilities to target IoT systems. In this paper, we explore the main parameters of the clock and voltage fault generators. This can help hardware security specialists to develop an open-source platform and to evaluate their design against such attacks. The principal concepts of both methods are studied for this purpose. Thereafter, we conclude our paper with the need for such an evaluation platform in the design and production cycle of embedded systems and IoT devices.