Production Of New Generation Research Articles

Learning human actions from complex manipulation tasks and their transfer to robots in the circular factory

Abstract Process automation is essential to establish an economically viable circular factory in high-wage locations. This involves using autonomous production technologies, such as robots, to disassemble, reprocess, and reassemble used products with unknown conditions into the original or a new generation of products. This is a complex and highly dynamic issue that involves a high degree of uncertainty. To adapt robots to these conditions, learning from humans is necessary. Humans are the most flexible resource in the circular factory and they can adapt their knowledge and skills to new tasks and changing conditions. This paper presents an interdisciplinary research framework for learning human action knowledge from complex manipulation tasks through human observation and demonstration. The acquired knowledge will be described in a machine-executable form and will be transferred to industrial automation execution by robots in a circular factory. There are two primary research objectives. First, we investigate the multi-modal capture of human behavior and the description of human action knowledge. Second, the reproduction and generalization of learned actions, such as disassembly and assembly actions on robots is studied.

Technology Prospection of Ora-pro-Nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.): A Non-conventional Food Plant.

The ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) is a plant from Brazilian biodiversity used for food and medicinal purposes. It has ample technological potential, however, it is still underutilized, being classified as a Non-Conventional Food Plant (PANC). Prospective studies in intellectual property banks make it possible to expand perspectives for scientific research, enhancing the generation of new products. Evaluate the patents of products containing Pereskia aculeata Mill. for the areas of food and health in intellectual property databases. The study was conducted through structured prospective investigation (collection, processing and analysis) in 4 patent databases: National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) - Brazil, United States Patent and Trademark Office, World Trade Organization Intellectual Property (WIPO) and Espacenet. The evaluation showed a reduced number of registered patents. In general, 8 patent applications were examined, of which 7 are directly associated with the species (and its derivatives) and 1 is related to a device specially designed for harvesting leaves/fruits and removing thorns. The focus of the patents was the use of the species in the food, pharmaceutical and biotechnological areas, with emphasis on the use of the leaves in the extraction of mucilage and proteins. This study showed that Pereskia aculeata Mill. is a technologically promising plant, because of its nutritional and medicinal composition, and it is important to encourage innovation and the development of new products with the species.

Recent Developments on the Effects of Micro- and Nano-Limestone on the Hydration Process, Products, and Kinetics of Cement.

Limestone is commonly used in cement concrete due to its unique nature and type. It has physical effects (nucleation effect and dilution effect) and chemical effects on the hydration process of cement. This paper reviews the effects of three representative limestone materials on the hydration process, hydration products, and hydration kinetics. In the hydration process, the reaction was delayed by limestone powder with a particle size larger than 20 μm and calcium carbonate whiskers due to their dilutive effect. On the other hand, limestone powder with a particle size smaller than 20 m and calcium carbonate nanoparticles facilitated the reaction through nucleation and chemical effects. Limestone has a similar effect on hydration products, promoting the production of C-S-H through nucleation. The mechanism of action for this nucleation effect depends on the differences in crystalline form and particle size of the three types of micro- and nano-calcium. Chemical effects impact the amount of AFt produced, with the generation of new products being the main reaction influenced by the limestone admixture.

A Discrete-Time Modified Leslie-Gower Model with Double Allee Effect and Its Stability and Bifurcation Analysis

Generally, all the models discussed so far are continuous time models. The continuous time models are quite apt at explaining the phenomena they are trying to predict and have known methods to get information from these type of models. But these models are not accurate for the physical systems which are observed over discreet time periods or which have non-continuous phenomena embedded in them, like production of new generation. Some species like salmon have non-overlapping generation characteristics since they have an annual spawning season and are born each year at a certain time. The discrete models are much more apt in describing the nature’s complex dynamics than the continuous models. A discrete-time modified Leslie-Gower system with double Allee effect is studied in this paper. The stability analysis of interior fixed points is performed. Using center manifold theorem it is shown that the system under consideration exhibits period-doubling and Neimark-Sacker bifurcations. The numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the consistency of the theoretical results.

Entrepreneurship training and assistance for group businesses in Karangploso District, Malang Regency

BUMDes (Village-Owned Enterprises) and KWT (Women's Farmers' Groups) in villages play a crucial role in fostering rural economic growth. Therefore, it is essential to bolster the entrepreneurial spirit among members of these groups. Community service activities conducted in Karangploso District, Malang Regency, aim to enhance the management capacity of BUMDes and KWT through training and mentoring approaches. The training targeted the chairpersons of BUMDes in Bocek Village and the leaders of KWT from all villages in Karangploso District. Training materials covered entrepreneurial motivation, business management, and product marketing. Post-training support was provided through the establishment of a social media group for consultation and discussion on group business activities. Topics included initiating new businesses, digital marketing, and business accounting. Ongoing mentoring activities were facilitated through social media and site visits as necessary. The outcome of this training and mentoring initiative was an increase in entrepreneurial motivation among participants. This heightened motivation translated into proactive identification and pursuit of business opportunities, generation of new product or service ideas, and enhanced participation in developing skills and knowledge related to business management, marketing, and finance.

How a Technology Identity Can Enhance the Diffusion of Good Design Practices in Product Sound Design

People are plugged into an intangible sound universe. But only a tiny part of the sounds we are exposed to have been purposefully designed. Recently, designers are bashfully approaching these intangible products’ quality. Product Sound Design represents, in fact, a promising research field still scarcely explored. The design community is answering this concern through new design methods. An Italian university developed a patented method-and-tool, conceived to collect, analyze, and recreate various sounds to develop a new generation of products with designed mechanical (and, eventually, digital) sounds. Spreading this innovation within the design community is fundamental to stimulate future more focused and aware practices. As well as all new technologies, the new patent didn’t have its own identity from the beginning. Extensive work conducted with the scientific approach has therefore been undertaken to redesign its identity to make its disruptiveness intelligible and understandable.

Diffusion control in closed-loop supply chains: Successive product generations

We consider a durable-good producer who optimizes its sales decisions for two successive product generations with refurbishing and recycling potential. Customer arrivals follow a multi-generation diffusion process that takes into account the word-of-mouth feedback spread within each customer population of successive generations as well as the substitution effect among these generations. We investigate whether the producer can profit from partially satisfying the new-generation demand to slow down the product diffusion and improve the refurbishing and recycling volumes in the long run. We derive conditions for optimality of this partial-fulfillment policy. In fast-clockspeed industries, if the producer enters the refurbishing market for both generations, the partial-fulfillment policy is optimal if (i) the profit margin ratio of the early-generation product to the new-generation product is high enough, (ii) the profit margin ratio of the refurbished item to the new item is large enough for the new-generation product, and (iii) the fraction of customers willing to buy the refurbished item is only modestly large for each generation. If the producer uses the recycled content obtained from early-generation returns in new-generation production, the partial-fulfillment policy is optimal if (i) the number of early-generation end-of-life returns and the amount of recyclable material from each such return are large and (ii) the number of customers initially attracted by the early-generation product is high. We also characterize the critical time period beyond which initiating the partial-fulfillment policy provides no improvement in the refurbishing and recycling volumes for the new-generation product.

Production cooked sausages with the addition of iodized salt

Iodine deficiency in the biosphere, mainly in the soil, leads to endemic goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders. As shown by numerous studies, this disease affects over 1 billion people in the world. Endemic goiter and much of the territory of Ukraine, including the Vinnytsia region. Presented current research study of recipes and technologies on system-cooked sausages. Currently, boiled sausage enjoys relatively high demand among the population because it is significant for most people, giving it an advantage. Innovation activity represents one of the most effective directions. It should facilitate the development of innovative activity that promotes penetration into new markets and production growth. Today, the most essential and effective innovative organizational and technical measures introduced in sausage production can be considered are the use of new recipes for manufacturing products and the installation of new equipment, which can significantly reduce the cost of manual labor and power inputs and improve product quality and reduce the share of marriage. Sausage production is seen as a thermochemical method of preserving meat products. For each type of sausage, set production process-approved technological instructions and recipes. Strict adherence to recipes, specialized instructions, and sanitary regimes is a prerequisite for obtaining high-quality links. Crucial in the production of sausages is raw. The primary raw materials are beef and pork. Occasionally, use lamb and horsemeat. Equally important is the creation of a new generation of products that have general strengthening and preventive action. The components of these products can protect the body from the harmful effects of the environment and the emergence of human diseased cells. The constant lack of iodine leads to a reduction in the synthesis and secretion of the primary thyroid hormone - thyroxine. The role of thyroid hormones in the body is extremely high, and most of the vital functions are performed by their participation. The main physiological effects of thyroid hormone are stimulating synthesis, growth, development, and differentiation of tissues. Developed products to include microorganisms that can synthesize biologically active structures (antibodies, receptors, hormones) that contribute to the removal or destruction of harmful decay and systems, thereby preventing human disease.

Bioresources in the Formation of New-Generation Products

The development of new-generation products using the potential of Siberian bioresources is relevant in modern conditions. This process is aimed at protecting the health of people living in a polluted urban environment and the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The article highlights and describes the characteristic distinctive features of the beneficial properties of the wild flora of Siberia, presents the results of the research conducted by the authors, and provides an assessment of the state and potential of the natural resource base and bioresources of the ecosystem of the Siberian taiga. The study summarizes the current trends of the active part of the population of developed countries towards a healthy lifestyle, indicating an annual increase in demand for natural products. The article presents an analysis of scientific developments and their advantages over previously used methods of protection against infections in an indoor air pool. With the help of laboratory tests, the authors evaluated and justified the feasibility of a new proposed product created using bioresources of wild flora of Siberia which are valuable and useful for humans. It is established that the proposed scientific and technical solutions improve the quality of the products offered, stimulate the consumer to preserve health, and encourage reasonable environmental management. The production and implementation of the developed anti-aging products will contribute to the reduction of consumer race and improve the quality of life of the population of large cities.

Quantification of fcc-Ge2Sb2Te5 stoichiometry variations

Ge-rich Ge-Sb-Te (GGST) alloys are being currently integrated to the complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology for industrial production of new generation of non-volatile memories, able to support the development of raising technologies such as internet-of-things and artificial intelligence. These phase-change random access memories are based on ultra-fast reversible crystallization/amorphization of the Ge2Sb2T5 (GST225) chalcogenide compound exhibiting a large resistivity contrast between the amorphous and crystalline states. GGST film crystallization is accompanied by the phase separation of Ge and an fcc-GST225 phase of unknown composition, which should vary with Ge excess of GGST films. However, device properties and reliability are expected to vary with fcc-GST225 stoichiometry. This work reports atom probe tomography, X-ray diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy investigations of the crystallization of an amorphous GST225 layer containing pseudo-periodic local composition variations. The results show that the compound fcc-GST225 is not stoichiometric, accepting 10 Ge at% variations, 7.5 Sb at% variations, and 6 Te at% variations. Furthermore, the microstructure as well as element distributions in the crystallized fcc-GST225 film suggest that fcc-GST225 nucleation is piloted by local composition variations. Fcc-GST225 nuclei formed in the Te-richest regions of the amorphous layer, corresponding to bulk hetero-nucleation, lowering the nucleation temperature.

Digital advertising spillover, online-exclusive product launches, and manufacturer-remanufacturer competition

Manufacturers launch and advertise new generations of products through e-retailers. However, this advertising effort also benefits independent remanufacturers selling the previous generation of the same product online because of product recommendation algorithms and consumer category search. Through a stylized game-theoretic model, we investigate how independent, arm’s-length, and cooperative digital advertising strategies by a manufacturer and e-retailer unintentionally displace the sales of a new product to the benefit of an independently remanufactured alternative due to digital advertising spillover. We consider the manufacturer’s and remanufacturer’s relative production costs, the degree of substitutability between the two products, and the degree to which advertising spillover from the new product to the remanufactured product occurs. Further investigating the latter issue, we also consider that the remanufacturer’s advertising may spill over to the new product’s benefit, although at a comparatively weak level. Our results explore the optimal digital advertising strategy and effort in different conditions. We give recommendations to the manufacturer to maximize profits, which sometimes, unintuitively, involves sacrificing sales quantity and wholesale price under a cooperative advertising strategy to reduce advertising expenditures that would otherwise significantly benefit the remanufacturer’s product. A numerical analysis shows our findings to be robust and in an extension we explore the scenario that the manufacturer possesses its own direct channel.

Does capacity utilization crowd‐out research activity? Cross‐national evidence from firm‐level data

AbstractFocusing on a relatively under‐researched aspect, this paper examines the impact of capacity utilization by firms on their propensities to engage in research and development (R&D). Capacity utilization is related to a firm's current operations, while R&D is forward‐looking, related to the generation of new products and processes. Using a simple theoretical model to set up the hypothesis that greater capacity utilization lowers the incentives of firms to engage in research, our empirical research, based on survey data from thousands of firms across scores of nations, supports this hypothesis. Other results point to the importance of firm characteristics, as well as the perceptions about corruption and the informal sector. Some implications for policy are discussed.

Electrochemistry/mass spectrometry (EC/MS) for fast generation and identification of novel reactive metabolites of two unsymmetrical bisacridines with anticancer activity

The development of a new drug requires knowledge about its metabolic fate in a living organism, regarding the comprehensive assessment of both drug therapeutic activity and toxicity profiles. Electrochemistry (EC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is an efficient tool for predicting the phase I metabolism of redox-sensitive drugs. In particular, EC/MS represents a clear advantage for the generation of reactive drug transformation products and their direct identification compared to biological matrices. In this work, we focused on the characterization of novel electrochemical products of two representative unsymmetrical bisacridines (C-2028 and C-2045) with demonstrated high anticancer activity. The electrochemical thin-layer flow-through cell μ-PrepCell 2.0 (Antec Scientific) was used here for the effective metabolite electrosynthesis. The electrochemical simulation of C-2028 reductive and C-2045 oxidative metabolism resulted in the generation of new products that were not observed before. The formation of nitroso [M-O+H]+ and azoxy [2M-3O+H]+ species from C-2028, as well as a series of hydroxylated and/or dehydrogenated products, including possible quinones [M-2H+H]+ and [M+O-2H+H]+ from C-2045, was demonstrated. For the latter, a glutathione S-conjugate (m/z 935.3130) was also obtained in measurements supplemented with the excess of reduced glutathione. For the identification of the products of interest, structural confirmation based on MS/MS fragmentation experiments was performed. Novel products of electrochemical conversions of unsymmetrical bisacridines were discussed in the context of their possible biological effect on the human organism.

A review on precast structural concrete walls and connections

Extreme events, with natural or manmade causes, such as floods, pandemics and wars, have recently brought the need to provide shelter and field hospitals in a very fast and affordable way. Prefabrication can play an relevant role in this context, by offering several advantages compared to on-site construction. The precast structural wall system is a paradigmatic example of how precast structural members can contribute to speed up construction and reduce costs. A new research project was defined to develop with the aim of delivering a new product, a precast structural concrete wall system, where the design of the wall itself and connections are key, keeping in mind not only the above requirements, but also the new demands created by the recent challenges of the construction sector. To reach this goal, first is necessary to survey the existing commercial solutions and developed by researchers and analyse the main scientific and technical documents about precast structural wall systems. Herein, a comprehensive review is presented, aiming at identifying the most relevant aspects regarding precast structural concrete walls and connections. The main advances made in the past and that are being developed in the present are also highlighted. The growing concerns of the prefabrication sector about durability and sustainability were identified as mandatory for new generation of products. To produce prefabricated solutions with less environmental impact is required, beyond the optimization related with cement consumption, connections that are easier to use, to maintain and that allow disassembly, for future deconstruction and reuse. So, innovative improvements are proposed, namely, dry connections and concrete composite walls to be addressed in future work, with the goal of correcting some of the drawbacks found in existing solutions.

Nominal digital twin for new-generation product design

Nominal digital twin for new-generation product design

Evaluation of human T-cell leukemia virus in vitro diagnostics using plasma specimens collected in Japan

BackgroundIn vitro diagnostics (IVDs) for primary detection test/screening of human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) have recently been updated to new-generation products in Japan. In this study, the performance of these products was evaluated and discussed in terms of the usability of HTLV diagnosis in Japan.MethodsThe performance of 10 HTLV IVDs for primary detection test and confirmatory/discriminatory test was evaluated. Plasma specimens that had been declared ineligible for transfusion were provided by the Japanese Red Cross Blood Center.ResultsThe diagnostic specificity of the IVDs was 100% (160/160). Six sandwich assays resulted in all HTLV-1/HTLV-positive specimens being positive (46/46). On the other hand, one sandwich assay, IVD under development 2 (UD2), resulted in one HTLV-1-positive and one HTLV-positive specimen being negative (44/46, 95.7%). One indirect assay, HISCL HTLV-1, could not detect one HTLV-positive specimen (45/46, 97.8%), but the updated product, UD1, correctly detected it (46/46, 100%). Serodia HTLV-I, based on a particle agglutination assay, resulted in 44 of the 46 positive specimens, but could not detect two specimens (44/46, 95.7%). ESPLINE HTLV-I/II, based on an immunochromatography assay (ICA), was able to diagnose all specimens as positive (46/46, 100%).ConclusionsSix sandwich assays and an ICA demonstrated high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity and are recommended for use in HTLV diagnosis in conjunction with confirmatory/discriminatory test using the INNO-LIA HTLV-I/II Score.

Production of new generation and sustainable concrete using Rice Husk Ash (RHA): A review

Rice husk is an agricultural by-product available in huge quantities, particularly in India. This is an appropriate biomass source for the production of energy. Compared to other agricultural by-products like sugar cane bagasse, the burned rice husk yields nearly 20% of ash, with the chief constituent of silica that will be typically amorphous when properly burned. Wide-ranging research in the last two decades has permitted the use of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in cement-based products, whereby significant enhancements in strength and durability properties can be accomplished. From published literature, it has been found that this bio-based material is possessing high pozzolanic properties which have made this a novel technology because of the green nature of the exercise. The CO2 emission with the utilization of RHA is zero. Hence, a partial replacement of OPC in cement composites with this cementing additive is a breakthrough for our environment with improved sustainability. This paper discussed the state-of-the-art pozzolanic behavior of RHA, its Physio-chemical characteristics, and its influence on the mechanical and durability properties of cementitious composites. The outcome of the review helps in fulfilling the massive burdens on the construction industry economically and sustainably.

Optimal product rollover strategies for successive-generation products: The role of the trade-in program and product characteristics

When introducing new generation product (NGP), firms face the problem of whether to phase out old generation product (OGP) (i.e., single rollover strategy) or continue selling OGP at discounted prices (i.e., dual rollover strategy). Besides, the popularity of trade-in transactions and product characteristics (i.e., innovation level and durability level) that directly affect customers’ purchase decisions may further complicate the choice of product rollover strategy. This paper develops an analytical model to investigate a firm’s optimal product rollover strategies with a trade-in program incorporating product characteristics. We find that the firm is better off following a single rollover strategy under the trade-in program when customers are strategic. The trade-in program is not necessarily beneficial to the firm. Specifically, when either the durability level of OGP or the innovation level of NGP is sufficiently low, the trade-in program cannot improve the firm’s profitability. Interestingly, we find that improvement of the innovation level of the NGP is not always beneficial to the firm under the trade-in program, particularly when the durability of the OGP is at a relatively high level.

Econometric estimation of the cost of implementing the science-intensive projects based on efficient markets data

Subject. The article investigates cost drivers of research and development, analyzes key indicators of R&D costs characterizing the technical and operational perfection of science-intensive products, using the case of civilian and multipurpose helicopters. Objectives. The aim is to develop an econometric model of dependence of R&D costs on basic performance specifications of the helicopter to decide whether R&D should be undertaken. Methods. The study rests on the theory of fundamental value of assets, econometric methods of data analysis, the time value of money, and also on the theory of purchasing power parity, and unbiased expectations theory of interest rates. Results. The paper unveils the main sources of R&D cost growth for new-generation products in the science-intensive industries. Based on the econometric analysis, we highlight the main determinants of R&D costs, i.e. flight and technical characteristics of the helicopter, which determine the operational efficiency of design and technological decisions taken. We constructed a model to obtain the predictive estimate of R&D cost for Russian helicopters costs. Conclusions. The statistics on R&D costs of Russian civil helicopters does not sufficiently reflect their fair (market) value. Efficient markets are sources of more objective data on R&D costs of science-intensive products. When modeling the market value of R&D for Russian helicopters, it is advisable to rely on the Western markets data, with recalculation of development costs according to the economic conditions of the Russian aviation market. The analog method enables to quickly obtain a preliminary estimate of R&D costs.

An Integrated Method to Acquire Technological Evolution Potential to Stimulate Innovative Product Design

Fast and effective forecasting of the new generation of products is key to enhancing the competitiveness of a company in the market. Although the technological evolution laws in the theory of the solution of inventive problems (TRIZ) have been used to predict the potential states of products for innovation, there is a lack of effective methods to select the best technological evolution law consistently with product replacement and update, and acquiring potentially new technologies and solutions, which relies heavily on designers’ experience and makes it impossible for designers to efficiently use the technological evolution laws to stimulate product innovation. Aimed to bridge this gap, this paper proposes an integrated method consisting of three main steps, combining the technological evolution laws with back propagation neural network (BPNN), international patent classification (IPC) knowledge and company’s technological distance. The best technical evolution law is first searched by a BPNN. The functional verbs and effects in the IPC are then extracted and searched for potential technologies in the Spyder-integrated development environment. Finally, the company’s technological distance is used to select analogous sources of potential solutions in the patent database. The final innovative design is determined based on the ideality. The proposed method is applied in the development of a steel pipe-cutting machine to verify its feasibility. The proposed method reduces the dependence on designers’ experience and provides a way to access cross-domain technologies, providing a systematic approach for the technological evolution laws to motivate innovative product design.