Prospective Benefits Research Articles

Early Stage Digital Twins for Early Stage Engineering Design

ABSTRACTWhile extensive modelling - both physical and virtual - is imperative to develop right-first-time products, the parallel use of virtual and physical models gives rise to two interrelated issues: the lack of revision control for physical prototypes; and the need for designers to manually inspect, measure, and interpret modifications to either virtual or physical models, for subsequent update of the other. The Digital Twin paradigm addresses similar problems later in the product life-cycle, and while these digital twins, or the “twinning” process, have shown significant value, there is little work to date on their implementation in the earlier design stages. With large prospective benefits in increased product understanding, performance, and reduced design cycle time and cost, this paper explores the concept of using the Digital Twin in early design, including an introduction to digital twinning, examination of opportunities for and challenges of their implementation, a presentation of the structure of Early Stage Twins, and evaluation via two implementation cases.

Labor Laws and Shadow Economies: A Cross‐National Assessment

ObjectiveToward better understanding the political economy of illicit economy, we examine the impact that labor laws have on illicit economic activity. Specifically, we posit that labor regulations are one of the key prospective benefits associated with formal work, and thus incentivize firms and individuals to participate in the formal, rather than illicit, sector. We further argue that the possible negative effect of labor laws on shadow economies is conditioned by countries’ institutional strength.MethodsTo test our hypotheses, we analyze time‐series, cross‐national data for over 100 countries from 1984 to 2012.FindingsResults suggest that labor regulations are negatively related to shadow economic activity and the suggested impact of labor laws is particularly germane to countries with stronger institutional capacity.ConclusionOur argument and findings challenge the notion that regulations, particularly labor‐related regulations, induce more illicit economic exchanges.

The Missing Links: Choosing and Rejecting International Issue Linkages in the Presidential Interest

Why do presidents link issues in some international negotiations but not others? Existing explanations stress the value of linkage to negotiating states, the role of interest groups, and the costs of linking. I argue that issue linkage can be driven by prospective benefits for the negotiator. In the context of U.S. negotiating practices, presidents will press for issue linkage in their own interests. Using archival documents and taped conversations, I demonstrate that presidential interest dictated U.S. adoption or rejection of linkage between economics and security during the Nixon administration's quest to secure voluntary export restrictions on textiles from Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan during 1969–71.

Assessing the operational and economic efficiency benefits of dynamic manufacturing networks through fuzzy cognitive maps: a case study

The formation and effective end-to-end management of manufacturing networks is touted as a top priority for manufacturing enterprises that strive to improve the efficiency, adaptability and sustainability of their production systems. Due to their potential benefits, Dynamic Manufacturing Networks (DMNs), a knowledge-enhanced, model-based production management approach enabling seamless communication and cooperation among individual network members’ manufacturing systems, are gradually becoming a focal point of attention. Nevertheless, current understanding around the DMN concept remains fuzzy, whereas the way in which it can benefit manufacturing enterprises lacks proper articulation. This paper clarifies the management approach of Dynamic Manufacturing Networks on the basis of the DMN lifecycle and the respective information model used, while it further develops a model for their evaluation. In this respect, it employs the soft computing methodology of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps to capture industry laypeople perceptions on the factors that affect their operation, and to reveal insights on prospective benefits. Application of this model in a real-world, multi-site, single factory context in the semi-conductor industry provides good approximations of the experts’ estimations. The results, found in the directions of reduced cycle times, decreased costs and improved quality are quite promising and highlight the key role of the DMN information model. The assessment model designed enables to reason on and identify DMN gains. Thereby, it provides a basis for communication as well as a decision aid that offers evidence on the outcomes of establishing DMNs, ultimately creating a sense of confidence, before an enterprise commits its resources to it.

Nutritional and functional roles of millets-A review.

The available cultivable plant-based food resources in developing tropical countries are inadequate to supply proteins for both human and animals. Such limition of available plant food sources are due to shrinking of agricultural land, rapid urbanization, climate change, and tough competition between food and feed industries for existing food and feed crops. However, the cheapest food materials are those that are derived from plant sources which although they occur in abundance in nature, are still underutilized. At this juncture, identification, evaluation, and introduction of underexploited millet crops, including crops of tribal utility which are generally rich in protein is one of the long-term viable solutions for a sustainable supply of food and feed materials. In view of the above, the present review endeavors to highlight the nutritional and functional potential of underexploited millet crops. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Millets are an important food crop at a global level with a significant economic impact on developing countries. Millets have advantageous characteristics as they are drought and pest-resistance grains. Millets are considered as high-energy yielding nourishing foods which help in addressing malnutrition. Millet-based foods are considered as potential prebiotic and probiotics with prospective health benefits. Grains of these millet species are widely consumed as a source of traditional medicines and important food to preserve health.

Recent Progress in Three-Terminal Artificial Synapses: From Device to System.

Synapses are essential to the transmission of nervous signals. Synaptic plasticity allows changes in synaptic strength that make a brain capable of learning from experience. During development of neuromorphic electronics, great efforts have been made to design and fabricate electronic devices that emulate synapses. Three-terminal artificial synapses have the merits of concurrently transmitting signals and learning. Inorganic and organic electronic synapses have mimicked plasticity and learning. Optoelectronic synapses and photonic synapses have the prospective benefits of low electrical energy loss, high bandwidth, and mechanical robustness. These artificial synapses provide new opportunities for the development of neuromorphic systems that can use parallel processing to manipulate datasets in real time. Synaptic devices have also been used to build artificial sensory systems. Here, recent progress in the development and application of three-terminal artificial synapses and artificial sensory systems is reviewed.

Влияние особенностей формирования градиентной структуры при интенсивной пластической деформации сплавов с различными типами кристаллической решётки

Problem Statement (Relevance): The paper describes some features and prospective benefits of deformation by methods of drawing with shear (SD) and high pressure torsion (HPT) in a temperature range of dynamic strain aging (DSA) effect, which allow receiving a high complex of physical and mechanical properties. Objectives: The study aims to investigate and analyze features of the structure formation with the combined application of severe plastic deformation (SPD) and the DSA effect during deformation by drawing with shear and high pressure torsion, to establish patterns of the gradient structure formation. Methods Applied: 1. Computer simulation in Deform 3D software to investigate the stress-strain state on materials with various types of a crystalline lattice: copper grade M1 (FCC), Steel 10 (BCC) and titanium VT1-0 (HCP) and a further comparison with experimental results. 2. Microhardness measurement 3. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Originality: This research resulted in investigation of the combined effect of the DSA effect and SPD on the gradient structure formation and mechanical properties of metals with various crystalline lattices. Findings: the paper presents the results of the study of the structure formation during non-monotonous plastic deformation of the alloys (steel 10, copper and titanium) with various crystalline lattice types by SD, as well as ECAP and HPT of low-carbon steel in the temperature range of the DSA effect. Deformation mechanisms and features of the deformation behavior on a mesoscopic scale under various deformation treatment modes are analyzed. The temperature range of the DSA effect in steel 10 under ECAP and the fact of the gradient structure formation under HPT are established. Practical Relevance: The study helped to obtain data that can be used to choose the optimal deformation treatment mode with the DSA effect.

Evaluating alternative approaches for predicting pension benefits and incentives

AbstractIn an effort to promote comparative research on pensions, the Gateway to Global Aging Data is developing harmonized cross-national panel data on pension benefits and retirement incentives. Past research has varied in how it predicts pension benefits for individuals who have not yet claimed their benefits when administrative data on earnings histories is unavailable. We use the Gateway data to evaluate several alternative approaches to computing prospective pension benefits using common survey questions and validate them against matched administrative data. We find that in some settings naïve measures of pension benefit growth from continued work and delayed benefit claiming can perform as well as measures based on administrative data. We also find that prospective benefit levels are sensitive to the heterogeneity of lifecycle earnings dynamics, resulting in substantial measurement error even after accounting for work history.

Ghosts in the Machine?

In keeping with the theme of this special journal issue, the crosspollination discussed here includes technologies of cyberspace and the internet, psychological sub-disciplines concerned with personality and identity-formation, philosophy, and the neurosciences. Ordinarily, “crosspollination” connotes the emergence of something positive: a new birth, for instance, or an interesting hybrid. However, contrary to a rosy outlook, this article reflects concern about the effects of cyberspace technologies on personality and identity. “Progress” is an extremely powerful metaphor, or mental frame, and once new social media platforms, and virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are equated with progress, it is extremely difficult to contemplate their possible disadvantages. Nevertheless, glancing-backwards, one can readily concede that eager receptivity for the prospective benefits of new technologies should have been matched with sobriety about unforeseen or unintended consequences.

Challenging Nanopores with Analyte Scope and Environment

Nanopores are nanofluidic channels formed through thin membranes that can deliver standout single-molecule and single-particle sensing capabilities. Analytical targets include small molecules and nanoparticles, and the DNA, protein, and glycan biopolymers underpinning genomics, proteomics, and glycomics. Detection—notably even in the simplest implementation, resistive-pulse sensing—does not inherently require sample labeling and, thus, offers the potential for general sensing utility combined with the prospective benefits of reduced sample processing requirements. A key pursuit for biopolymer sensing is the characterization of monomer sequence. This review article will provide an overview of the use of nanopores for general chemical sensing and –omics-related applications, writ-large. The broad analyte scope provides fertile ground for a discussion of principles governing nanopore sensing and considerations useful for guiding nanopore development. For nanopores to be effective in the face of broad analyte scope, stringent requirements on analytical performance must be met within the particular analyte class without sacrificing the operational flexibility necessary to be responsive across classes presenting very different physical and chemical challenges. These sample-driven challenges provide a unifying framework for discussing aspects of nanopore fabrication, properties, and integration; sensing paradigms, performance, and prospects; fundamental electrokinetic and interfacial phenomena; and practical challenges facing the use and further development of nanopore devices.

Developing a Business Incubator Model for an Entrepreneurial University: The Case of Bindura University of Science Education

Developing a Business Incubator Model for an Entrepreneurial University: The Case of Bindura University of Science Education Florence Barugahara, Blessing Maumbe, Robert Nzaro Abstract This paper provides an overview of the development of a Business Incubator Model at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) and its role and effectiveness in supporting the development of new enterprises with high growth potential. Successful development of the BUSE Business Incubation Unit involves; development of entrepreneurship programmes and courses, having enterprise development in place of student industrial attachment, offering business and financial advisory services, mentorship programmes, entrepreneurial research output and networking with funding organisations. The prospective benefits for the development of the Business Incubation Unit are; transformation of BUSE from a „„traditional university‟‟ into an „„entrepreneurial university‟‟ thus achieving the BUSE 2014-2018 strategic plan objective of developing a fully-fledged entrepreneurship department. In addition, BUSE Business Incubation Unit will generate third stream revenue for the university, assist in the eradication of unemployment and poverty through the creation of successful and sustainable enterprises, increase government tax revenue, and thus promote the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-ASSET) objectives. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jsbed.v7n2a7

What Determines Labour Force Participation in MGNREGA? An Investigation in Odisha

A decade has elapsed since the inception of the MGNREGA. While this scheme has been able to act as viable source of alternative rural employment, the major challenge pertains to job demand and employment creation by as much as stipulated. The present study aims to identify factors influencing the incidence and extent of household participation in MGNREGA in Mayurbhanj and Ganjam districts of Odisha. The findings suggest that ‘clientelism’ is an overriding force under MGNREGA, indicating thereby that this scheme is a potent means to create ‘political society’. It is the awareness of the prospective benefits of a job card that motivates people to exhibit their willingness to have it and to get access. This awareness leads to creation of employment for those seeking jobs. The results also signal the possibility of ‘elite capture’. Households possessing more land holdings may possess job cards, despite demanding fewer jobs, as they seem to be influential in rural social–political milieu. However, the programme appears to be pro-poor and gender-sensitive. In order to make it more effective, it may be necessary to overcome the possibilities of ‘clientelism’ and ‘elite capture’, and improve the awareness level.

Efficient parameter estimation for a methane hydrate model with active subspaces

Methane gas hydrates have increasingly become a topic of interest because of their potential as a future energy resource. There are significant economical and environmental risks associated with extraction from hydrate reservoirs, so a variety of multiphysics models have been developed to analyze prospective risks and benefits. These models generally have a large number of empirical parameters which are not known a priori. Traditional optimization-based parameter estimation frameworks may be ill-posed or computationally prohibitive. Bayesian inference methods have increasingly been found effective for estimating parameters in complex geophysical systems. These methods often are not viable in cases of computationally expensive models and high-dimensional parameter spaces. Recently, methods have been developed to effectively reduce the dimension of Bayesian inverse problems by identifying low-dimensional structures that are most informed by data. Active subspaces is one of the most generally applicable methods of performing this dimension reduction. In this paper, Bayesian inference of the parameters of a state-of-the-art mathematical model for methane hydrates based on experimental data from a triaxial compression test with gas hydrate-bearing sand is performed in an efficient way by utilizing active subspaces. Active subspaces are used to identify low-dimensional structure in the parameter space which is exploited by generating a cheap regression-based surrogate model and implementing a modified Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. Posterior densities having means that match the experimental data are approximated in a computationally efficient way.

Presidential Second Terms Are Not Cursed, But the Timing of Reelection Has Become So

Presidential second terms have been found wanting at least since Ulysses Grant held office. They also feature midterm elections that repudiate a president reelected just two years earlier. Past ideas for mitigating such weaknesses have focused on revisiting the Twenty-second Amendment's two-term limit or reviving the perennial proposal for a single six-year term. Instead, consideration should be given to retaining the two-term structure but changing each term's length. Terms of six followed by three years would better reflect their respective value and likely lead to improved governance (electoral synchronicity would be maintained by changing House terms to three years). Prospective benefits include structuring the presidency to match how the public's relationship to the office has evolved; reducing a reelected president's lame-duck status from half of his or her presidency to one-third; making pursuit of reelection other than automatic; strengthening second terms by eliminating their midterm elections; and reducing the proportion of campaigning relative to governing.

Exploring prospective benefits of electric vehicles for optimal energy conditioning in distribution networks

A potentially beneficial new opportunity is emerging around the exchange of energy between electric vehicles and the electrical energy grid, particularly as more low-carbon energy sources are connecting to the grid. Accordingly, this paper presents an optimization framework to activate the potential capabilities of electric vehicles equipped with bidirectional chargers for energy conditioning (including energy management and power quality improvement) of the future distribution networks. The proposed nonlinear optimization seeks to concurrently enhance the operation performance (using the network voltage deviation index) as well as power quality of the grid (using total harmonic distortion index). The proposed model is tested on a 33-bus distribution network to demonstrate its efficiency and performance.

Macroeconomic Effects of 21st Century Trade and Investment Agreements: The Case of the Trans‐Pacific Partnership

ABSTRACTFollowing United States withdrawal, the Trans‐Pacific Partnership agreement (TPP) is likely to be replaced or complemented by a series of bilateral deals between the US and TPP partners. In this case, TPP will shape trade, finance and public policy globally even without formal US participation. Proponents of TPP emphasize its prospective economic benefits, with economic growth increasing due to rising trade volumes and investment. Widely cited projections suggest modest GDP gains after 10 years, varying from less than half a percentage point in the USA to 13 per cent in Vietnam. However, these projections assume full employment and constant income distribution in all countries, excluding some of the major risks of trade liberalization. This article provides alternative projections of the TPP's economic effects using the United Nations Global Policy Model, which allows for changes in employment and income distribution. Using this model, the authors obtain very different results. They find that the benefits to economic growth are even smaller than those projected with full‐employment models, and are negative for Japan and the USA. More importantly, they find that the TPP will likely lead to losses in employment and increases in inequality.

Polyphenols of leaves of Apium graveolens inhibit in vitro protein glycation and protect RINm5F cells against methylglyoxal-induced cytotoxicity

Background: The health benefits of edible plants have been widely investigated and disseminated. However, only polyphenols have been found to have sufficient therapeutic potential to be considered in clinical trials. Fewer manuscripts have other applications such as prospective health benefits and disease treatment. Other components of edible plants are responsible for a range of other benefits including antimalarial, burns, flu, cancer, inflammation, diabetes, glycation, antimicrobial, prevention of neurodegeneration, analgesic, antimigraine activity, sedative activities, etc. Accordingly, the public needs to be informed of the potential edible plants have to act on different targets and maintain better control over diabetes compared to commercial drugs which can be toxic, have side effects, do not have the capacity to maintain blood glucose at normal levels, and do not protect the patient from the complications of diabetes over time. Consequently, edible plants, such as Apium graveolen, which have therapeutic targets on AGEs formation, are potentially a better alternative treatment for diabetes.Methods: The leaves of celery were extracted with methanol (CM). Polyphenols contents in CM were investigated by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass. The ability of the compounds to inhibit formation of AGEs was evaluated in vitro models using formation of AGE fluorescence intensity, level of fructosamine, Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), methylglyoxal (MG)-derived protein, and formation of amyloid cross β structure. Protein-oxidation was determined by thiol group and protein carbonyl content. Inhibition of MG-derived AGEs and MG-trapping ability were also measured. Additionally, insulin production was determined in methylglyoxal-treated pancreatic RINm5F cells assay. Results: Apigenin, kaempferol, apiin, rutin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, coumaroylquinic acid, and p-coumaric acid were the major polyphenols contained in CM. In all the model tests CM displayed potent AGE inhibitory activity, suggesting that CM delayed the three stages of glycation. Accordingly, the mechanisms of action of celery involving dicarbonyl trapping and breaking the crosslink structure in the AGEs formed may contribute to the protection of pancreatic RINm5F cells against MG conditions.Conclusion: These findings indicate that CM have an excellent anti-glycation effect which may be beneficial for future development of antiglycating agents for the treatment of diabetes.Keywords: Apium graveolens, anti-glycation, polyphenols methylglyoxal, insulin, pancreatic cells

Регенерация глубоких резаных ран кожи при различных вариантах местной терапии

Актуальность. Глубокие резаные раны являются одной из наиболее распространенных травм при авариях и, по-прежнему, остаются глобальной проблемой общественного здравоохранения. Несмотря на многочисленные успехи в терапии ран, все еще существует необходимость поиска и разработки новых препаратов для их местного лечения. Цель - определить возможности применения местной терапии трансглютаминазой микробного происхождения (МТГ) с вспомогательной экспериментальной субстанцией авторской фитомази при моделировании полнослойных резаных ран на основании изучения особенностей морфогенеза регенераторных процессов кожи. Методы. В эксперименте на 150 белых мышах самцах исследована динамика регенераторных процессов кожи в группах: без лечения; при использовании препарата Солкосерил и авторской фитомази; а также ее комбинации с ферментом МТГ в различных концентрациях. Применяли комплекс морфологических методов, направленных на изучение структуры кожи на органном, тканевом, клеточном и субклеточном уровнях организации: макроскопический метод - для описания и измерения размеров повреждений; гистологические методы на светооптическом уровне - для качественной оценки морфологических преобразований кожи; метод трансмиссионной электронной микроскопии - для выявления ультраструктурных преобразований различных клеток эпидермиса и дермы. Результаты. Наиболее эффективным препаратом для заживления полнослойных резаных ран по итогам визуальной оценки и гистологического исследования является комбинация фитомази с МТГ в концентрации 0,1%, что подтверждается остановкой кровотечения и образованием фибринового сгустка в 3 раза быстрее, чем в других экспериментальных и контрольной группах; ранним началом эпителизации (на 3 сутки эксперимента), окончательным завершением регенераторных процессов к 10 суткам, что свидетельствует о перспективах использования трансглютаминаз в хирургии и эстетической медицине. Заключение. Применение инновационной методики местной терапии глубоких резаных ран кожи ферментом микробной трансглютаминазой с вспомогательной экспериментальной субстанцией авторской фитомази характеризуется ранним началом эпителизации, что свидетельствует о перспективах использования трансглютаминаз в хирургии и эстетической медицине. В то же время, механизмы репарации должны быть дополнительно исследованы в серии клинических испытаний. Background. Deep cut wounds are one of the most common injuries in accidents and still remain a global public health problem. Despite much success in treatment of wounds searching for and developing new medicines for local treatment are still relevant. The study objective was to test a possibility of local treatment with microbial transglutaminase (MTG) supplemented with an auxiliary experimental substance of the author’s herbal ointment by studying morphogenesis of skin regenerative processes on a model of full-thickness cut wounds. Methods. We studied the dynamics of skin regenerative processes using the following groups: no treatment; a standard treatment with the medicine Solcoseryl in combination with the author’s ointment; the ointment alone; and the ointment in combinations with the enzyme MTG at different concentrations. A set of morphological methods was used for studying the skin structure at organ, tissue, cell, and subcellular levels in experiments on 150 white male mice. The methods included macroscopic description and measurement of skin lesions; histological methods at the light-optical level for qualitative evaluation of skin morphologic changes; and transmission electron microscopy for identifying ultrastructural transformations of different epidermal and dermal cells. Results. Visual evaluation and histological study showed that he most effective treatment for healing of full-thickness cut wounds was 0.1% MTG as evidenced by arrest of bleeding and formation of a fibrin clot, which occurred three times faster than in other experimental and control groups; an early onset of epithelialization on day 3 of the experiment; and the completion of regenerative processes by day 10, which suggested prospective benefits of using transglutaminases in surgery and aesthetic medicine. Conclusions. The innovative local treatment of deep cut wounds of the skin with microbial transglutaminase supplemented with an auxiliary experimental substance of the author’s herbal ointment is characterized by an early onset of epithelization, which suggested prospective benefits of using transglutaminases in surgery and aesthetic medicine. At the same time, mechanisms of reparation need further investigation in clinical trials.

Out of the shadows or into the dark? Economic openness, IMF programs, and the growth of shadow economies

The existence of shadow economies is an important, yet understudied, issue for international political economy and development. This study examines how two distinct types of international economic engagement—economic openness and participation in International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs—affect the growth of shadow (informal) sectors. We theorize that increased economic openness will reduce the size of countries’ shadow sectors. More specifically, we posit that eliminating market-distorting trade barriers will decrease the incentives for shadow sector activities such as smuggling. Additionally, we posit that increased participation in global production and supply chains is likely to lead to a positive, “climb to the top” effect on states’ regulatory and labor policies that enhance the prospective benefits associated with formal sectors. Conversely, we argue that participation in IMF structural adjustment programs can lead to great shadow sector activity as IMF-imposed structural conditions might cause significant near-term economic hardship and degrade states’ regulatory capacity. The results from a panel of 145 countries from 1971 to 2012 indicate that economic openness reduces the size of the shadow economy, while participation in IMF programs is significantly related to a larger shadow economy. These findings have important implications for understanding how the divergent forms of international economic engagement might affect shadow economies.

Novel Types of Dye-Sensitized and Perovskite-Based Tandem Solar Cells with a Common Counter Electrode

Novel types of tandem solar cells (TSC) based on dye-sensitized (DSC) and perovskite (PSC) solar cells including DSC/DSC and DSC/PSC configurations with a common counter electrode were fabricated and investigated. The measurements of PV parameters for tandem solar cells under AM1.5 light intensity conditions have shown that the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.5% was obtained for the DSC/DSC tandem configuration. At the same time, investigations of DSC/PSC tandem solar cells demonstrated the prospective benefits of this tandem system for obtaining high PCE values.