Stages Of Life Cycle Research Articles

How does research and development intensity influence the performance of firms through different stages in product life cycle?

PurposeIt is widely acknowledged that the ability of a firm to develop and exploit their innovative capabilities is a critical determinant that maintains their competitive advantage. The purpose is to evaluate the research and development (R&D) inputs and outcomes on the performance of firms in different stages.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a sample of 30 firms over 8 years (2009–2016), the results from a three-stage Bayesian stochastic frontier analysis model support were used.FindingsSome interesting findings were discovered. First, the R&D intensity is positively associated with the number of patents granted, which is negatively associated with the number of new drug approvals (NDAs). Second, R&D inputs, including expenditures and human resources, are negatively related to the number of NDAs and firm performance. Third, state-owned firms perform better and have more patents granted than private-owned firms in China. Finally, the traditional Chinese medicine firms and non-coastal firms both gain fewer profits, but they generate more new drugs than chemical drug firms and coastal firms in terms of policy support.Originality/valueIt is revealed that there are no common factors among Chinese pharmaceutical firms except for ownership, and this heterogeneous behavior indicates that there is no common factor for enhancing the efficiency of all Chinese pharmaceutical firms.

Knockin’ on Cell’s Door: Influenza A Virus Adsorption and Its Pharmacological Inhibition

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a widespread human respiratory pathogen that contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide. The adsorption of the virus into the cell surface is the earliest stage of its replication cycle. The key role of N-linked sialic acids (SIAs) as receptors for binding to IAV’s hemagglutinin (HA) has long been acknowledged. The molecular specificity of this interaction is a key factor in host range, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of various IAV subtypes. Along with this, a number of recent studies have introduced significant complexity into the picture of IAV adsorption and revealed a multitude of new molecules on host cell surfaces to serve as receptors and/or co-receptors for IAV attachment. For successful internalization of the adsorbed virus, downstream signal transduction is necessary to activate effector endocytosis mechanisms. In recent years, our understanding of the sophistication and variability of signal transduction pathways in the virus attachment site has significantly expanded, with the help of research techniques like fluorescence imaging of individual viruses in real-time, dominant-negative mutants, siRNA knockdowns, protein kinase selective inhibitors, phosphoproteome profiling, and others. These approaches deepen our knowledge of the molecules involved in the early stages of the IAV life cycle and also serve as the basis for the development of new effective antiviral drugs. In our review, we analyze recent publications on the mechanisms of IAV adsorption, newly discovered receptors for virus attachment, and signal transmission in the site of the adsorbed virion. Besides this, we consider new data on the development of selective inhibitors as antiviral drugs aimed at both viral and cellular factors of IAV adsorption.

The Varying Impact of Cryptocurrency Investments on a Company’s Liquidity in Korean Companies

This study investigates whether cryptocurrency investments have a distinct impact on corporate liquidity depending on when they are held and the stage of a firm’s life cycle at the time of holding, using a sample of Korean companies. The empirical findings first show that cryptocurrency investments affect a company’s liquidity differently depending on when they are held. The findings demonstrate that, three years prior, labeled as t-1, t-2, and t-3, the two-year-old cryptocurrency investments appear to have greatly increased the company’s financial liquidity. Second, this study discovers that cryptocurrency investments have a different effect on a company’s liquidity based on the four stages of its life cycle, which comprise Introduction, Growth, Maturity, and Decline, at the time of holding. According to the findings, cryptocurrency investments at the Mature stage appear to contribute significantly and positively to the company’s financial liquidity. When the coefficients of interaction terms between each year and each life cycle are examined, it is observed that the holding of cryptocurrencies at the Mature stage in year t-2 has the most favorable influence on the company’s financial liquidity in year t. Although the findings do not conclude that the company’s cryptocurrencies held in year t-2 and at the Mature life cycle stage are the only ones that improve financial liquidity, they do suggest that a corporation may profit if it makes astute cryptocurrency investments at the appropriate time to suit its specific set of circumstances.

Life-Cycle Risk Assessment of Second-Generation Cellulose Nanomaterials

A nanomaterial life-cycle risk assessment (Nano LCRA) was conducted for second-generation functionalized cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) in five case studies, including applications in water filtration, food contact packaging (including as an additive and coating), and food additives, to identify and prioritize potential occupational, health, consumer, and environmental risks. Exposure scenarios were developed and ranked for each product life-cycle stage. A Safer-by-Design Toolbox (SbD Toolbox) representing a compendium of high-throughput physical, chemical, and toxicological new approach methodologies (NAMs) was used for a screening-level hazard assessment. Overall, risks identified for the CN-enabled products were low. Of the exposure scenarios, occupational inhalation exposures during product manufacturing and application ranked the highest. Despite differences in chemistry and morphology, the materials behaved similarly in oral, dermal, and inhalation models, supporting their grouping and read-across. The screening-level hazard assessment identified potential lung inflammation associated with CN exposure, and a review of the literature supported this funding, suggesting CNs behave as poorly soluble, low-toxicity dusts with the potential to irritate the lung. Key research gaps to reduce uncertainty include evaluating long-term, low-dose exposures typical of the workplace, as well as the potential release and toxicity of CN-containing composite particles.

Microtubule inhibition as a proposed mechanism for the anthelmintic effect of phytochemicals isolated from Cicerbita alpina

The alpine plant Cicerbita alpina (L.) Wallr., when grown as a sprout, is known as a bitter-tasting culinary delicacy. Recently it has also been reported to have anthelmintic activity, prompting further investigation into its mechanism of action. Liquid–liquid fractions were prepared from a methanolic extract of the aerial parts and were submitted in parallel to embryo development (ED), worm motility (WMT), and cytotoxicity assays for anthelmintic and toxicity evaluations. The anthelminthic assays revealed the more polar fractions to be most active against Ascaridia galli embryos (BuOH | 68% ED | c = 500 µg/ml and EtOAc | 65% ED | c = 500 µg/ml) and Caenorhabditis elegans adult worms (BuOH | 49% WMT | c = 150 µg/ml and EtOAc | 74% WMT | c = 150 µg/ml) suggesting the fraction’s constituents possess dual anthelmintic activity against multiple life-cycle stages (i.e., eggs, worms) of helminths. Additionally, the BuOH fraction was non-cytotoxic to human cell-lines. Subsequent FCC and SEC derived subfractions were submitted to the anthelmintic assay workflow and the enriched subfractions B1 and E3.8, phytochemically assigned as 11-β,13-dihydrolactucin and luteolin, demonstrated bioactivity against the embryo phenotype (B1 | 58% ED | c = 1.8 µM and E3.8 | 46% ED | c = 1.7 µM) within range of the flubendazole control. Furthermore, luteolin was found to inhibit C. elegans egg hatching (luteolin | 65% EH | c = 10 µM | t = 10 h) within the range of the control albendazole. Both identified anthelmintic phytochemicals were found to affect tubulin polymerisation at a concentration of c = 50 µM. Together with in silico virtual screening studies, these results suggest microtubule stabilisation as a possible anthelmintic target and mechanism of action. This work effectively advocates the consideration of C. alpina extracts and fractions for the development of herbal therapeutics against parasitic helminths.

Novel α-mangostin derivatives as promising antiviral agents: Isolation, synthesis, and evaluation against chikungunya virus.

Investigations into fruit and vegetable processing residues (FVPRs) offer huge opportunities to discover novel therapeutics against many diseases. In this study, detailed investigation of Garcinia mangostana fruit peel extract led to the isolation and identification of ten known compounds (1-10). Further, a new series of α-mangostin derived sulphonyl piperzines, aryl alkynes and 1,2,3-triazole derivatives were synthesized using Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cyclo-addition reaction ("click" chemistry). Both isolated compounds and synthetic derivatives were evaluated for their anti-chikungunya activity (CHIKV). Isolated compounds, gartanin (1), mangostenone-F (4), 1-isomangostin (5), mangostenone-D (6), epicatechin (7) and derivatives 14, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f, 17d, 17f, and 18h exerted anti-CHIKV activity. Compounds 17d, 17f and 18h manifested higher antiviral activity (>2 log reduction in virus titer) with a selectivity index (SI)>50. The compounds with higher antiviral activity were evaluated further with various assays, time of addition assay, entry and entry bypass assay and were also subjected to molecular docking with viral proteins. The results revealed that 17d, 17f and 18h affect multiple stages of virus life cycle through probable interaction with envelope proteins and nsP3 macrodomain of CHIKV. Overall, this study provides evidence for anti-CHIKV activity of natural xanthones from Garcinia mangostana L and their derivatives which could be further investigated for development of therapeutics against chikungunya.

Seeking innovative concepts in development of antiviral drug combinations.

Antiviral drugs are crucial for managing viral infections, but current treatment options remain limited, particularly for emerging viruses. These drugs can be classified based on their chemical composition, including neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), recombinant human receptors (rhRs), antiviral CRISPR/Cas systems, interferons, antiviral peptides (APs), antiviral nucleic acid polymers, and small molecules. Some of these agents target viral factors, host factors, or both. A major challenge for virus-targeted treatments is their narrow-spectrum effectiveness and the potential for drug resistance, while host-directed and virus/host-targeted therapies often suffer from significant side effects. The synergistic combination of multiple antiviral drugs holds promise for improving treatment outcomes by targeting different stages of the viral life cycle, reducing resistance, and minimizing side effects. However, developing such drug combinations presents its own set of challenges. Several drug combinations could be optimized, and new combinations developed by using AI, to more effectively treat both emerging and re-emerging viral infections.

Effectiveness of an Electrical Barrier to Improve Silver Eel (Anguilla anguilla) Escapement Over a Hydropower Dam on the Meuse River, Belgium

ABSTRACTThe European eel population is in severe decline, leading to several regulations to save the species from extinction. Various factors impact various stages of the complex lifecycle of this species, and improving the survival of silver eels migrating downstream through turbines is essential in hydropower plants (HPPs). While adapted physical barriers ensure total protection in new small HPPs, effective solutions are still needed for larger existing facilities. An electrical barrier was installed across the forebay of 160 m3 s−1 HPP. An acoustic telemetry study compared silver eel passage via the dam versus the turbines between reference values in the year prior to the installation of the barrier versus migration after installation and operation of the electrical barrier. The dam passage rate increased significantly with the electrical barrier, in hydrological conditions similar to those of the reference year. Under flow conditions where the nonturbine flow was the lowest, a reduction of 52% in turbine passage could be explained by the electrical barrier. While this efficacy is far from perfect, the results encourage using this technology in large HPPs as a first step in eel protection. At our pilot study site, the technology was adopted as a permanent solution, associated with turbine shutdown according to an eel migration prediction model.

Influences of BIM-LOD and Geographic-Scale Environmental Impact Factors on embodied emissions: The Norwegian context

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), grounded in Building Information Modelling (BIM), plays a crucial role in minimizing emissions in the Architeture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. However, the accuracy of LCA outcomes is significantly influenced by BIM’s Level of Development (LOD) and Geographic-Scale Environmental Impact Factor (GS-EIF). Using a Norwegian Timber Building as a case study, this article explores the effects of BIM-LOD and GS-EIF on LCA embodied emissions of the life cycle stage from Cradle to Gate. The findings reveal that lower BIM-LOD levels, such as LOD 200, tend to underestimate environmental impacts compared to higher LOD levels, like LOD 350. For instance, Global Warming Potential (GWP) can increase by 142% when movingfrom LOD 200 to LOD 350. Conversely, transitioning from Global Generic Environmental Impact Data (GLD) to Site Specific Environmental Impact Data (SFD), GWP can fall by up to 95%. This underscores the critical role of using precise environmental impact data to enhance decision-making and improve a building’s environmental performance. The study recommends starting with BIM-LOD 300 and Country-specific Regional EIF data (CRD) during the design development stages to balance accuracy and practicality. Tracking the transition along the BIM-LCA progress further strengthens the robustness of theLCA results. However, it is essential to note that the findings of this study are specific to Norwegian timber buildings and may not apply universally to other building types or materials. Therefore, further research is needed to validate these findings across different building structural types, geographic regions and environmental contexts.

Research Projects towards an Innovative, Digitalised, and Responsible Extractive Industry: Examples from the Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics

Abstract Within the current digitalisation trend across industries, new technologies are reshaping the different stages of the mining life cycle. In this context, one of the focuses of the Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics of Montanuniversität Leoben is to promote and contribute to the implementation of multi-actor research projects to foster the adoption and development of new technologies in the minerals sector. Bringing the recent developments with practical needs and requirements from the industry closer together is critical to continue advancing towards more responsible extractive practices. As part of this effort, three EU-funded projects in which the Chair has significant participation are described in this article: S34I, focused on promoting further application of earth observation technologies in the mining industry; DigiEcoQuarry, a digitalisation initiative in the aggregate sector seeking to enhance environmental, economic, safety, and social aspects of quarries in Europe; and MaDiTraCe, a project aimed at integrating advanced digital and material traceability technologies to face the challenges of traceability in critical raw materials supply chains, greater transparency and accountability in the extraction and processing of mineral resources. All three projects advance the vision and strategy of the Chair by promoting digitalisation and integration of innovative approaches. Furthermore, their synergies lay the foundation for prospective projects and future industry-academia collaborations.

Understanding ESG prioritization in companies from tropical emerging markets and Australia

This study investigates the dynamic interplay between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and the life cycles of tropical emerging markets, explicitly focusing on companies from China, India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia. Utilizing a quantitative approach with panel data, we examine whether ESG maturity influences the cash flow dynamics of these companies. The hypotheses were confirmed: H1 reveals that companies in immature cycle phases prioritize decisions centered around the "G" dimension of ESG. H2 suggests that companies in mature life cycle phases emphasize decisions related to the "E" and "S" dimensions of ESG. H3 indicates that companies in mature life cycle phases prioritize the "S" dimension over the "E" dimension within their ESG strategies. The results unveil distinct prioritization patterns of ESG dimensions across different lifecycle stages, shedding light on the evolving strategy of companies and providing valuable insights for academia and business.

Influence of High Eimeria tenella Immunization Dosages on Total Oocyst Output and Specific Antibodies Recognition Response in Hybrid Pullets (Gallus gallus)—A Pilot Study

Background: Two high primary-immunization doses of a wild-type E. tenella strain were assessed in healthy pullets (5K versus 10K sporulated oocysts/bird) to understand the effects of coccidia infection. Methods: Acquired immunity was evaluated following primary immunization and two booster doses with the homologous strain. Total oocyst shedding, clinical signs, and viability of every bird/group after each immunization/booster were recorded. Indirect ELISA measured the time course of humoral responses from each immunization group against sporozoite and second-generation merozoite of E. tenella. Antigen pattern recognition on these two asexual zoite stages of E. tenella was analyzed using Western blotting with antibodies from each immunization program. Afterwards, antigen recognition of specific life-cycle stages was performed using individual pullet serums from the best immunization program. Results: A primary-immunization dose of 1 × 104 oocysts/bird reduced the oocyst output; however, all pullets exhibited severe clinical signs and low specific antibodies titers, with decreased polypeptide recognition on both E. tenella asexual zoite stages. In contrast, immunization with 5 × 103 oocysts/bird yielded the best outcomes regarding increased oocyst collection and early development of sterilizing immunity. After the first booster dosage, this group’s antisera revealed a strong pattern of specific antigen recognition on the two assayed E. tenella life-cycle stages. Conclusions: The E. tenella-specific antibodies from the 5 × 103 oocysts/bird immunization program can aid in passive immunization trials and further research to identify B-cell immunoprotective antigens, which could help in the development of a genetically modified anticoccidial vaccine.

Some Critical Thinking on Electric Vehicle Battery Reliability: From Enhancement to Optimization

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries play a crucial role in sustainable transportation, with reliability being pivotal to their performance, longevity, and environmental impact. This study explores battery reliability from micro (individual user), meso (industry), and macro (societal) perspectives, emphasizing interconnected factors and challenges across the lifecycle. A novel lifecycle framework is proposed, introducing the concept of “Zero-Life” reliability to expand traditional evaluation methods. By integrating the reliability ecosystem with a dynamic system approach, this research offers comprehensive insights into the optimization of EV battery systems. Furthermore, an expansive Social–Industrial Large Knowledge Model (S-ILKM) is presented, bridging micro- and macro-level insights to enhance reliability across lifecycle stages. The findings provide a systematic pathway to advance EV battery reliability, aligning with global sustainability objectives and fostering innovation in sustainable mobility.

Trustworthiness analysis of heuristic routing algorithm with special constraints for autonomous vehicles in surveillance and coverage operations

This article aims to develop a fast, trustworthy routing algorithm for autonomous vehicles without requiring learning data, where the routing problem with special constraints and features is an extended version of the orienteering problem. For this, firstly, the method for selecting trustworthiness requirements is discussed to map relevant trustworthiness methods to stages in the system lifecycle. Then, a heuristic approach is proposed to automate mission planning within a limited time. Routing is handled through a greedy algorithm that selects tasks based on their distance to a baseline path and score. B-spline path smoothing is implemented for smooth and continuous routes. The results are examined in terms of robustness, explainability, transparency, reproducibility, and non-technical requirements. Scenarios with extreme parameters are generated for validation and testing. The algorithm demonstrates promising performance and fulfils the selected trustworthiness requirements, indicating that classical techniques remain significant candidates for fast, reliable, and unsupervised routing solutions.

Exploring Circular Economy Strategies in Buildings: Evaluating Feasibility, Stakeholders Influence, and the Role of the Building Lifecycle in Effective Adoption

The concept of circular economy (CE) has emerged as an effective strategy for addressing resource depletion, waste generation, and environmental challenges, offering a promising path towards a more sustainable future. In the building sector, adopting CE principles can significantly mitigate environmental impacts, minimize lifecycle costs, and promote sustainability throughout a building’s lifecycle. Using a mixed-method approach via a pre-interview questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with 10 sustainability experts, this study analyses the significance of 15 CE strategies in building construction projects, assessing their importance and ranking their potential for adoption. Furthermore, this study evaluates the feasibility of applying CE principles to different building types, including storage, industrial, commercial, residential, business, and healthcare facilities. The role of lifecycle stages including initiation and planning, design, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance, and end of life is examined to identify phases with the highest potential for successfully embracing CE principles. The role of stakeholders in driving change is also analyzed. The outcomes of this study reveal that the most feasible strategies include the use of renewable energy, design for durability and longevity, prefabrication, and offsite construction. The study findings indicate that storage, industrial, and business (office) buildings are the most feasible for CE application, while the initiation and planning and design stages are identified as critical phases for embracing CE adoption. Owners and designers emerge as the stakeholders with the greatest influence on CE implementation. The results of this study provide a comprehensive overview of the feasibility of CE adoption in the building sector. These findings offer valuable insights that can inform the development of targeted strategies to support the effective adoption of CE principles.

Pervasive formation of double-stranded RNAs by overlapping sense/antisense transcripts in budding yeast mitosis and meiosis.

Previous RNA profiling studies revealed co-expression of overlapping sense/antisense (s/a) transcripts in pro- and eukaryotic organisms. Functional analyses in yeast have shown that certain s/a mRNA/mRNA and mRNA/lncRNA pairs form stable double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) that affect transcript stability. Little is known, however, about the genome-wide prevalence of dsRNA formation and its potential functional implications during growth and development in diploid budding yeast. To address this question, we monitored dsRNAs in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain expressing the ribonuclease DCR1 and the RNA binding protein AGO1 from Naumovozyma castellii. We identify dsRNAs at 347 s/a loci that express partially or completely overlapping transcripts during mitosis, meiosis or both stages of the diploid life cycle. We associate dsRNAs with s/a loci previously thought to be exclusively regulated by antisense interference, and others that encode antisense RNAs, which downregulate sense mRNA-encoded protein levels. To facilitate hypothesis building we developed the Sense/Antisense double-stranded RNA (SensR) expression viewer. Users are able to retrieve different graphical displays of dsRNA and RNA expression data using genome coordinates and systematic or standard names for mRNAs and different types of stable or cryptic long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Our data are a useful resource for improving yeast genome annotation and for work on RNA-based regulatory mechanisms controlling transcript and protein levels. The data are also interesting from an evolutionary perspective, since natural antisense transcripts that form stable dsRNAs have been detected in many species from bacteria to humans. The SensR viewer is freely accessible at https://sensr.genouest.org.

Quantification and Analysis of Human Errors Across the Life Cycle of Electrical Installations

The modern power system has different installations and as they are manmade, their consistency and security are dependent on human intervention. This research study has been carried out to analyse different types of faults in Electrical Installations according to life cycle and human related intervention in the various stages of the life cycle of an electrical installation. Secondary data has been collected to derive the results regarding the electrical faults in Electrical Installations according to life cycle and human intervention in the various stages of the life cycle of an electrical installation. It is found that electrical failures majorly occur in transformers, switchgear and rotating machines. By categorizing electrical faults into its life cycle, the different human errors were realised. The stages of machine life cycle found are design, assembly, inspection, operating and maintenance. By constructing a network and combining it with the life cycle of the installation, different human involvements have been recognized that leads to faults and accidents.

Research on the Carbon Footprint Accounting Method of Transformer’s Whole Life Cycle Under the Background of Double Carbon

In response to the existing gaps in the carbon footprint assessment framework for core electrical equipment transformers, which impedes power companies from effectively supporting low-carbon procurement of materials and products, this study proposes a novel evaluation method for transformer carbon footprints. This method comprehensively considers all stages of the transformer lifecycle, including manufacturing, transportation, installation, operation, and decommissioning. A review of mainstream carbon footprint accounting schemes, both domestic and international, is first presented, summarizing established accounting methods and calculation processes. The paper then introduces a novel, integrated carbon footprint accounting approach for transformers, covering the entire ‘cradle-to-grave’ lifecycle, along with an associated calculation model. This framework analyzes the carbon footprint composition across production, assembly, transportation, usage, and recycling stages for four commonly used, high-efficiency transformers at State Grid Xinjiang Electric Power Company, the carbon footprint of an oil-immersed 100 kVA/10 kV transformer is 2.353 × 106 kg CO2e, approximately half that of a conventional 100 kVA/10 kV transformer. Finally, the study provides recommendations for carbon reduction pathways for transformers, considering both functional substitution and technological carbon reduction strategies.

Plastics in dermatology: A review and solutions.

Hazards to human and planetary health are present at every stage of the plastic life cycle, yet plastic production is projected to triple by 2060. This review focuses on three key areas: the life cycle of plastic, the impact of microplastics and their associated chemicals, along with recommendations to reduce plastic use. In dermatology, micro- and nanoplastics are especially problematic as they are present in over 90% of personal care products. They have been detected in utero, absorbed through the skin and found in the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. Numerous invitro and animal studies have substantiated the negative impact of micro- and nanoplastics but gaps remain with regards to their effect on human health. In spite of this limitation, we review the evidence to date and offer evidence-based recommendations which can reduce plastic production, enhance health outcomes and promote environmental justice.

ВЕНЧУРНЫЙ КАПИТАЛ КАК ДРАЙВЕР ИННОВАЦИЙ: ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ И РИСКИ ДЛЯ СОВРЕМЕННЫХ ИНВЕСТОРОВ

This article analyzes the role of venture capital as a key instrument in financing innovation and supporting startups in the modern economy. The study covers the impact of venture capital investments on economic development and innovation activity, and highlights the main risks and opportunities associated with venture capital. The stages of the venture capital investment life cycle and the role of the main market participants are discussed. Special attention is paid to the adaptation of international practices to the conditions of the Russian Federation and the impact of state dominance on the venture capital market. The article emphasizes the importance of ESG-principles and the need for government support in stimulating venture capital investments to achieve sustainable economic growth.