Stages Of Life Cycle Research Articles

Probabilistic material flow analysis of released nano titanium dioxide in Mexico

Engineered Nanomaterials (ENMs) or products containing ENMs, known as nano-enabled products are commercialized globally by a large number of companies. Concern about the potential risks and negative impacts of releasing ENMs into the environment is under investigation. For this reason, methodologies to estimate the probable mass concentrations of ENMs released in different regions of the world have been developed. As a first attempt to estimate the probable mass flows of nanosized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) released in Mexico, we developed a Probabilistic Material Flow Analysis (PMFA) for 2015.The model describes probabilistic mass flows of released nano-TiO2 during the life cycle of sunscreens, coatings, ceramic, and other nano-enabled products, including the flows through the solid waste and wastewater management systems, as well as the transfer of nano-TiO2 to three environmental compartments (atmosphere, topsoil, and surface water). The PMFA incorporates the uncertainty related to the input data. We observed that the most significant nano-TiO2 flows occur to the surface water, landfill, and soil compartments, targeted as the main “hot-spots”, where living organisms could be more exposed to this material. Further improvements in the model are needed due to some data gaps at some life cycle stages, for instance, solid waste management and reused wastewater manipulation for irrigation purposes. Finally, the model developed in this study can be adjusted to assess other ENM releases and can be beneficial for further investigation in fate modeling and environmental risk assessment.

Firm life cycle and accrual quality

We examine the role of firms' life cycle stages on accrual quality (AQ). Our findings are consistent with an inverted U-shaped pattern in AQ across life cycle stages, where mature firms report the highest quality of accruals, followed by growth and shake-out firms, with firms in the introduction and decline stages reporting the lowest AQ. We further find that AQ worsens when firms move to the decline stage or when they move out of the mature stage to the shake-out and/or decline stage. Our findings are robust to several alternative specifications, subsample analyses, AQ measures, and firm life cycle proxies. We contribute to the literature on accrual quality by providing a broad view of how firm life cycle and accrual quality are intrinsically linked.

Warming effects on the life cycles of two parasitic copepods with different invasion histories.

Climate change may exacerbate the impact of invasive parasites from warmer climates through pre-existing temperature adaptations. We investigated temperature impacts on two closely related marine parasitic copepod species that share the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) as host: Mytilicola orientalis has invaded the system from a warmer climate <20 years ago, whereas its established congener Mytilicola intestinalis has had >90 years to adapt. In laboratory experiments with temperatures 10-26°C, covering current and future temperatures as well as heat waves, the development of both life cycle stages of both species accelerated with increasing temperature. In the parasitic stages, the growth of the established invader increased evenly from 10°C to 22°C, whereas the recent invader barely grew at all at 10°C and grew faster already at 18°C. In contrast, temperature had little effect on the transition success between life cycle stages. However, the highest temperature (26°C) limited the egg development success of the established invader and the host entry success of both species, whereas the infection success of the established invader increased at 18°C and 22°C. In general, our experiments indicate that the main effect of temperature on both species is through development speed and not life cycle stage transition success. Based on regional long-term temperature data and predictions, the numbers of completed life cycles per year will increase for both parasites. The established invader seems better adapted for low current temperatures (around 10°C), whereas the more recent invader barely develops at these temperatures but can cope in high temperatures (around 26°C). Hence, pre-existing temperature adaptations of the recent invader may allow the species to better cope with heat waves.

Corrupt practice and sustainability reporting: Lifecycle perspective

AbstractThe study employs a lifecycle perspective to investigate the relationship between corrupt practices and sustainability reporting. The final sample is composed of 1388 firms from four European countries, namely France, Germany, UK, and Sweden. Data were retrieved from the Thomson Reuters database from 2015 to 2022. The findings revealed that corruption significantly reduces sustainability disclosure across different life cycle stages, albeit with varying magnitudes, perhaps due to the misallocation of resources and lack of incentives. The findings also showed that the detrimental effects of corruption on sustainability reporting is most profound during the “Shake‐Out” stage of a company life cycle. By adopting a lifecycle perspective, the research offers a new and in‐depth understanding of corruption's impact on environmental disclosure, offering policymakers and regulators valuable insights into enhancing environmental and sustainability practices.

Analysis and Reflection on the Strategy Benchmarking of Power Battery Management in China and Europe

In 2023, the European Union (EU) enacted the Regulation on Batteries and Waste Batteries (hereinafter referred to as the New Law on Batteries), which strengthens the regulatory framework for the entire lifecycle of power batteries. This development presents both challenges and opportunities for global power battery manufacturers and operators. As a significant player in the global power battery industry chain and the world’s largest producer of electric vehicles and power batteries, China must systematically assess the impact of global battery management strategies, including the EU’s New Law on Batteries, from a lifecycle perspective. This understanding is crucial for maintaining China’s competitive edge in the global power battery market and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes in international trade negotiations. This paper constructs a strategy analysis framework based on the lifecycle approach. By summarizing the power battery management strategies of both the EU and China, it provides a comprehensive overview of strategies across different countries, highlights the key regulatory focus areas, and offers relevant strategy recommendations. The main conclusions and insights are as follows: (1) The New Law on Batteries achieves lifecycle regulation from “cradle” to “grave” and back to “cradle”. (2) China emphasizes the management of waste power batteries, with an increasingly robust strategy system at the recycling stage, yet lacks comprehensive measures for other lifecycle stages. (3) The EU has established a comprehensive lifecycle strategy management system centered on the New Law on Batteries, characterized by strong coordination and a synergistic combination of strategies across different sectors. Finally, this paper identifies three major compliance challenges posed by the New Law on Batteries, necessitating enhanced strategy development and implementation in the areas of carbon footprint management, circular economy, and digital battery passports.

Quantum fuzzy decision-making for analyzing the service progress life cycle of renewable energy innovation investments

Innovative and effective solutions can be produced by using advanced technologies to increase renewable energy innovation investments. However, many actions taken to increase these investments may cause the costs of enterprises to reach an unmanageable level. As a result, a priority analysis is needed to identify the most critical issues, but in literature, there are limited studies in the literature regarding this issue. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the service progress life cycle of renewable energy innovation investments. A novel model is presented in this process while integrating different approaches. First, the service progress life cycle of renewable innovation investments is weighted. In this scope, two-generation technology S-curve and facial action coding system-based Quantum Spherical fuzzy M-SWARA are considered. Secondly, the renewable innovation investment alternatives are ranked. In this framework, the integer patterns and facial action coding system-based Quantum Spherical fuzzy TOPSIS are taken into consideration. Additionally, these investment alternatives are also ranked by using VIKOR technique to test the validity of the proposed model results. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis is conducted by considering 8 different cases so that coherency of the results can be tested. The main contribution of this manuscript is the consideration of the FACS system to increase both the originality and effectiveness of the proposed model and the development of new technique named M-SWARA. Additionally, conducting a priority evaluation helps to identify the efficient investment strategies to increase renewable energy innovation. It is defined that the same findings can be achieved by both TOPSIS and VIKOR techniques. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis also indicates the same rankings as well. It is understood that the proposed model provides coherent and reliable findings. The findings denote that maturity is the most critical stage of the service progress life cycle of the renewable energy investments. Moreover, advanced technologies are found as the best alternative of the renewable innovation investments for the service progress life cycle. Hence, it is recommended that R&D activities should be prioritized for the provision of advanced technologies in the renewable energy sector. For this purpose, research centers, universities, private sector companies and government institutions can work for the development of innovative and advanced technologies.

Chaperones Hsc70 and Hsp70 play distinct roles in the replication of bocaparvovirus minute virus of canines.

Minute virus of canines (MVC) belongs to the genus Bocaparvovirus (formerly Bocavirus) within the Parvoviridae family and causes serious respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in neonatal canines worldwide. A productive viral infection relies on the successful recruitment of host factors for various stages of the viral life cycle. However, little is known about the MVC-host cell interactions. In this study, we identified that two cellular proteins (Hsc70 and Hsp70) interacted with NS1 and VP2 proteins of MVC, and both two domains of Hsc70/Hsp70 were mediated for their interactions. Functional studies revealed that Hsp70 was induced by MVC infection, knockdown of Hsc70 considerably suppressed MVC replication, whereas the replication was dramatically promoted by Hsp70 knockdown. It is interesting that low amounts of overexpressed Hsp70 enhanced viral protein expression and virus production, but high amounts of Hsp70 overexpression weakened them. Upon Hsp70 overexpressing, we observed that the ubiquitination of viral proteins changed with Hsp70 overexpression, and proteasome inhibitor (MG132) restored an accumulation of viral proteins. In addition, we verified that Hsp70 family inhibitors remarkably decreased MVC replication. Overall, we identified Hsc70 and Hsp70 as interactors of MVC NS1 and VP2 proteins and were involved in MVC replication, which may provide novel targets for anti-MVC approach.

Retaining bus riders: A lifecycle longitudinal analysis of behavioral status transitions from entry to exit

Amidst a global decline in bus ridership, this study pioneers a longitudinal approach to understanding individual-level transitions and churning in urban bus systems. Utilizing a novel framework that leverages smart card data, we construct and analyze user behavior transition matrices over time, employing Markov processes and the Chapman-Kolmogorov Equation. Our analysis, derived from a 22-month dataset from Shenzhen, reveals a two-stage churning process: users first decrease travel frequency before transitioning to irregular travel patterns. Crucially, this study introduces targeted retention policies, including tiered usage incentives and personalized communication strategies, aimed at different stages of the user lifecycle. By offering free subsequent trips to irregular travelers and combining policy approaches for users at high risk of churning, we provide actionable insights for transit operators to counter the trend of declining ridership.

Synergizing Quality and Legislative Software Requirements: A Holistic Approach Across the Software Product Lifecycle

Abstract This scientific research investigates the intricate interplay between quality assurance and legislative software requirements, focusing on the holistic integration of these critical components across the software product lifecycle within the realm of Information Technology (IT). As software development and deployment continue to be shaped by an evolving regulatory landscape and an increasing emphasis on quality, the need to align these two pillars becomes fundamental to the success and compliance of software solutions. This study aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the challenges, opportunities, and strategies associated with synergizing software quality and legislative requirements, thereby offering valuable insights for IT practitioners, organizations, and policymakers. The research delves into the diverse stages of the software product lifecycle, encompassing requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance, and explores the implications of legislative compliance on each phase. By synthesizing industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and best practices, this study seeks to offer a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted landscape of legislative software requirements and their integration with quality imperatives. Moreover, the research endeavours to provide actionable recommendations and key strategies to support IT practitioners and decision-makers in enhancing their software development practices to meet the dynamic demands of regulatory compliance and quality assurance.

No frugal innovation without frugal evaluation: the Global IDEAL Sub-Framework

ObjectiveThe Global IDEAL Sub-Framework Study aimed to combine the intended effects of the 2009/2019 IDEAL (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long-term study) Framework recommendations on evaluating surgical innovation with the vision...

Evaluating novel building products through a building design-oriented LCA approach: Example of VIPs in terrace applications

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The construction industry is considered conservative in adopting new products/technologies, and environmental characteristics are one of the most important features of novel solutions. In this context, our study aims to present a building design-oriented assessment of a novel building product by extending the functional unit scope and involving multiple realistic building design scenarios. The task will be performed using the example of vacuum insulation panels (VIPs), a superinsulation product that can be used in various building applications. The study will focus on terrace insulation applications, where VIPs are an attractive solution for building designers due to the possibility of barrier-free floor design. However, they lack environmental evaluation. METHOD: A life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis is performed on two hypothetical buildings located in Ljubljana (Slovenia) for the cradle-to-gate and operational energy life cycle stages (A1-A3 + B6 according to EN 15978). A whole-year dynamic thermal response simulation was executed using the Design Builder software. Five barrier-free terrace design scenarios that influence the embodied and operational carbon footprint (while maintaining the functional and architectural integrity of the building design) were examined. RESULTS: The study showed that although EPS insulation showed a smaller embodied carbon footprint on the product level, the building level analysis showed that using VIPs in terrace applications leads to favourable or comparable environmental impact. CONCLUSIONS: Building products can be evaluated on three functional unit levels: product, application and building. By extending the boundaries from the product/application level to the entire building level, the study provides an example of a building design-oriented approach to LCA. The complexity increases by upgrading the functional unit scope to the building level, while the results become more case-specific and less general. Ideally, a novel building product should show environmental superiority on all three levels. However, as there are almost countless design possibilities in buildings, environmental superiority (or inferiority) on the product level does not necessarily indicate superiority (or inferiority) on the building level.

Assessing dengue risk globally using non-Markovian models

Dengue is a vector-borne disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The worldwide spread of these mosquitoes and the increasing disease burden have emphasized the need for a spatio-temporal risk map capable of assessing dengue outbreak conditions and quantifying the outbreak risk. Given that the life cycle of Aedes mosquitoes is strongly influenced by habitat temperature, numerous studies have utilized temperature-dependent development rates of these mosquitoes to construct virus transmission and outbreak risk models. In this study, we contribute to existing research by developing a mechanistic model for the mosquito life cycle that accurately captures its non-Markovian nature. Beginning with integral equations to track the mosquito population across different life cycle stages, we demonstrate how to derive the corresponding differential equations using phase-type distributions. This approach can be further applied to similar non-Markovian processes that are currently described with less accurate Markovian models. By fitting the model to data on human dengue cases, we estimate several model parameters, allowing the development of a global spatiotemporal dengue risk map. This risk model employs temperature and precipitation data to assess the environmental suitability for dengue outbreaks in a given area.

The zero-debt puzzle in BRICS countries: Disentangling the financial flexibility and financial constraints hypotheses

This study analyzes the zero-debt decisions of BRICS firms using a bivariate probit model. The leading hypotheses are financial flexibility and financial constraints. On the demand-side, our findings reveal that managerial debt aversion, early lifecycle stage, growth opportunities, solvency, and concentrated ownership contribute to the lack of debt. Similarly, a country's institutional quality correlates with firms' debt-free status. On the supply-side, creditors fund companies with poor financial records in countries with robust markets and economic freedom. Financial flexibility and restrictions leading to zero debt are linked to firm and institutional characteristics in emerging countries.

Технологическое обеспечение эксплуатационных свойств сопрягаемых поверхностей элементов сборной формообразующей оснастки с учетом установленной долговечности пресс-форм

Design and technological concepts are viewed at the stages of designing, manufacturing and joining process providing for the required reliability (durability) of mold elements. Recommendations are given for rationing and achieving the parameters of accuracy and quality of mating surfaces, taking into account the formation of the necessary operational properties at the main stages of the product life cycle. The factors that have the greatest impact on ensuring the correct and accurate location of forming tool elements have been elicited. The concept of determining the actual contact area and calculating the scale parameter, which provides a contact interface degree specification for conjugated surfaces, is presented. The hypothesis of the formation of reliability indicators is found, taking into account the manufacturing capability and technical capacity of production with the introduction of correction of the upper and lower dimensional deviations included in the dimension chains and ensuring the pre-set accuracy parameters of the master link. The analysis of the operating conditions of the studied type of pressmold elements is carried out. The main operational properties that provide the required operating time for shaping part failures are identified and analyzed. Special attention is paid to the study of the structural features of such parts, a comparison of the integral and prefabricated structures is made, and also, contact stresses under the joining operation for the most promising of the latter are calculated for contact interface degree simulation. This will allow developing practical recommendations for any type of compound forming tool for the benefit of basic mechanical properties rate making, accuracy indicators, including deviation allowances in the correct geometric shape, including quality parameters of the surface layer at the designing stage,processing methods dispatch and modes setting at the manufacturing and testing stages and also suggesting the amount of static loading when assembling.

Supporting building life cycle carbon monitoring, reporting and verification: A traceable and immutable blockchain-empowered information management system and application in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Green Building Council introduced the Climate Change Framework for the Built Environment, aimed at enhancing the monitoring and management of life cycle carbon emissions within the building industry. In response to this initiative, this paper presents a novel blockchain-based carbon audit tool designed to facilitate the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of embodied carbon in Hong Kong's building sector. Specifically, a consortium blockchain is utilized for system development in this study. The proposed blockchain system records the information pertaining to each stage of the building's life cycle, which is uploaded for storage. The system ensures the traceability, immutability, and transparency of the recorded information. To test and verify the system, it was initially applied to manage and audit the embodied carbon in Hong Kong's building sector in 2020. We anticipate our findings will provide a viable tool for MRV of building life cycle carbon emissions.

Investigating social and environmental hotspots throughout the lifecycle of product-service systems in the early design stages

Product-Service Systems (PSS) have been recognized as potential game-changers for advancing sustainability. However, the sustainability of a PSS over traditional products and services is not automatic; it requires careful, intentional design. Despite a decade's progress in relevant literature, early-stage design assessment of a PSS – particularly from a life cycle standpoint and considering the social sustainability dimension – remains underexplored. This study introduces a framework for early-stage identification and analysis of potential environmental and social impacts within a PSS's life cycle to aid in decision-making and guide towards sustainable solutions. The framework's hotspot analysis, which combines life cycle assessment techniques, aims to pinpoint life cycle stages most susceptible to significant environmental and social impacts. Drawing on existing literature and expert evaluations, this approach offers designers preliminary insights into potential impacts, establishing a groundwork for comprehensive life cycle analysis once more detailed information on products, services, and organizational structures becomes available. The hotspot analysis not only addresses the lifecycle view of a PSS but also places emphasis on the oft-neglected social dimension of sustainability, marking an area ripe for further study. By supporting decision-making in the early design phase and encouraging scrutiny of various PSS concepts, this approach promotes the cultivation of sustainably-designed solutions.

Molecular Characterization of the Actin Gene and 5′ Flanking Sequence from Brown Macroalga Saccharina japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyta)

The brown macroalga Saccharina japonica (Laminariales, Phaeophyta) is the most productive cultured seaweed in the world. In order to improve the biosafety of transgenic kelp, it is necessary to develop endogenous constitutive promoters, replacing those of virus origin. In this study, the housekeeping actin gene from S. japonica (SjACT) was found to contain three exons and two introns, representing a unique actin gene structure pattern in brown algae. Additionally, the 5′ upstream region was obtained using genome walking, and fused to the reporter gene lacZ or EGFP to construct promoter-detective vectors. Using an established genetic transformation system, kelps in different life-cycle stages were transformed. The detection results showed that, in the diploid sporophyte stage, the transient expression from the lacZ gene could be observed in the frond, stipe, or holdfast of kelps, indicating a manner of being non-tissue-specific. And, in the haploid gametophyte stage of S. japonica, the fluorescence of the expressed EGFP were detected in vivo in gametophyte cells of both genders. These results indicate that the promoter of the SjACT gene (pSjACT) functions in a constitutive manner and is expected to be a key endogenous element in the genetic manipulation of kelps.

Policy Making in a Research Organization

What is new? This paper provides research administrators and others with a guide to the stages of the policy lifecycle, to enable them to effectively participate in policy making at their respective institution. What was the approach? The paper emphasizes the common scenario where administrators, irrespective of prior policy-making experience, find themselves engaged in policy development due to their operational roles. It highlights the challenges they face and the need for training in policy development, analysis, and implementation, thus providing research administrators with a comprehensive guide to navigating the stages of the policy lifecycle. What is the academic impact? The academic impact lies in filling a knowledge gap for research administrators, offering them insights into the intricacies of policy development within research organizations. By addressing the challenges and providing a structured approach to policy lifecycle stages, the paper contributes to enhancing the professional capabilities of research administrators. The emphasis is on alignment with institutional mission, stakeholder analysis, and best practices, and adds academic value by fostering a broader understanding of policy making in the research administration field. What is the wider impact? The wider impact of the paper extends to the improvement of policy-making practices within research organizations globally. By equipping research administrators with the necessary knowledge and tools, the paper aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of policy implementation. This has broader implications for organizational efficiency, stakeholder collaboration, and the successful alignment of policies with institutional goals. The emphasis on ongoing communication and a cultural shift towards best practices contributes to a positive and lasting impact on the broader research administration community.

Vaccine Designing Technology against Leishmaniasis: Current Challenges and Implication.

Leishmaniasis, a debilitating disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by the bite of a female sandfly, continues to present significant challenges despite ongoing research and collaboration in vaccine development. The intricate interaction between the parasite's life cycle stages and the host's immunological response, namely the promastigote and amastigote forms, adds complexity to vaccine design. The quest for a potent vaccine against Leishmaniasis demands a comprehensive understanding of the immune mechanisms that confer long-lasting protection, which necessitates extensive research efforts. In this pursuit, innovative approaches such as reverse vaccinology and computer-aided design offer promising avenues for unraveling the intricacies of host-pathogen interactions and identifying effective vaccine candidates. However, numerous obstacles, including limited treatment options, the need for sustained antigenic presence, and the prevalence of co-infections, particularly with HIV, impede progress. Nevertheless, through persistent research endeavours and collaborative initiatives, the goal of developing a highly efficacious vaccine against Leishmaniasis can be achieved, offering hope through the latest Omics data development with immunoinformatics approaches for effective vaccine design for the prevention of this disease.

Service Life Design of Reinforced Concrete Maritime Infrastructure: Holistic Approach with Experiences from Chilean Cases

The consideration of the useful life of reinforced concrete in the different stages of a structure's life cycle, as a distinguishing factor in the design process for performance under aggressive environmental conditions, has presented new challenges in construction. This includes the development of new regulations incorporating innovative engineering materials, performance tests and modeling processes to estimate concrete deterioration over time, and construction processes ensuring adequate Quality Control and Quality Assurance (QAQC). As a result, infrastructure projects have been able to exceed their intended lifespan, maintaining serviceability levels for more than 100 years. One such example is the Chacao Bridge project currently under construction in southern Chile. This paper provides an overview of project stages from a holistic approach, focusing on aspects inherent to planning including design and construction processes, control stages for monitoring deterioration levels through regular diagnostics and appropriate monitoring to support ongoing structural health management. Additionally, it presents real case design examples carried out with specific models created for each case.