Start-up Phase Research Articles

Paradoxical Tensions as a Double-Edged Sword: Analysing the Development of Platform Cooperatives in the European Gig Economy

Platform cooperatives promise to provide an alternative organizational model of worker ownership and governance to heavily criticized investor-owned gig platforms, but have until now remained relatively rare. This study examines the development of platform co-ops to gain insight into the reasons and mechanisms behind their slow but steady growth in Europe. Using desk research on 48 platform co-ops and 16 in-depth interviews with founders of platform co-ops, we build on paradox theorizing to analyze how founders of platform co-ops manage competing demands during the start-up phase. Extending recent studies on interorganizational paradoxes, we show how systemic tensions in the gig economy motivate the creation of platform co-ops as a way of coping and that interactions between tensions on different levels during actual development can result in failed market entry. Hence, this study also addresses the counter-intuitiveness to the establishment of organizations permeated with paradoxical tensions.

Cost and quality of operational larviciding using drones and smartphone technology

BackgroundLarval Source Management (LSM) is an important tool for malaria vector control and is recommended by WHO as a supplementary vector control measure. LSM has contributed in many successful attempts to eliminate the disease across the Globe. However, this approach is typically labour-intensive, largely due to the difficulties in locating and mapping potential malarial mosquito breeding sites. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential for drone imaging technology to map malaria vector breeding sites. However, key questions remain unanswered related to the use and cost of this technology within operational vector control.MethodsUsing Zanzibar (United Republic of Tanzania) as a demonstration site, a protocol was collaboratively designed that employs drones and smartphones for supporting operational LSM, termed the Spatial Intelligence System (SIS). SIS was evaluated over a four-month LSM programme by comparing key mapping accuracy indicators and relative costs (both mapping costs and intervention costs) against conventional ground-based methods. Additionally, malaria case incidence was compared between the SIS and conventional study areas, including an estimation of the incremental cost-effectiveness of switching from conventional to SIS larviciding.ResultsThe results demonstrate that the SIS approach is significantly more accurate than a conventional approach for mapping potential breeding sites: mean % correct per site: SIS = 60% (95% CI 32–88%, p = 0.02), conventional = 18% (95% CI − 3–39%). Whilst SIS cost more in the start-up phase, overall annualized costs were similar to the conventional approach, with a simulated cost per person protected per year of $3.69 ($0.32 to $15.12) for conventional and $3.94 ($0.342 to $16.27) for SIS larviciding. The main economic benefits were reduced labour costs associated with SIS in the pre-intervention baseline mapping of habitats. There was no difference in malaria case incidence between the three arms. Cost effectiveness analysis showed that SIS is likely to provide similar health benefits at similar costs compared to the conventional arm.ConclusionsThe use of drones and smartphones provides an improved means of mapping breeding sites for use in operational LSM. Furthermore, deploying this technology does not appear to be more costly than a conventional ground-based approach and, as such, may represent an important tool for Malaria Control Programmes that plan to implement LSM.

Industry–University–Research Collaborative Innovation Mechanism in China: A Review

The main aim of this study is to analyze articles and trends relating to the industry-university-research (IUR) collaborative innovation mechanism in China; as well as determine key authors and journals focusing on this area; in addition to performing a cluster analysis of related authors and journals; analyze prominent research themes; and also understand the evolution of associated research hotspots. Based on a review of 451 articles linked to research on the IUR collaborative innovation mechanism in China that was obtained from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, this paper used the COOC software to analyze the co-occurrence of keywords, while the VOSviewer software was used to visualize the results of the ensuing text analysis. The results show that the research is divided into three phases as follows: the start-up phase (which is from 2007–2011), the high-speed development phase (which is from 2012-2014), and the slow development phase (which is from 2015–2022). Moreover, university and innovation-driven research, higher vocational colleges and industry-university-research-use, as well as innovation and IUR collaborative innovation research, and the evolutionary game and government-industry-university-research were the four main research themes that were identified in the CNKI database. Thus, this evolutionary trend divulges three main clues i.e., research theory, research subjects, and research methods.

Enhanced organic degradation and microbial community cooperation by inoculating Bacillus licheniformis in low temperature composting

Microbial activity and interaction are the important driving factors in the start-up phase of food waste composting at low temperature. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of inoculating Bacillus licheniformis on the degradation of organic components and the potential microbe-driven mechanism from the aspects of organic matter degradation, enzyme activity, microbial community interaction, and microbial metabolic function. The results showed that after inoculating B. licheniformis, temperature increased to 47.8°C on day 2, and the degradation of readily degraded carbohydrates (RDC) increased by 31.2%, and the bioheat production increased by 16.5%. There was an obvious enhancement of extracellular enzymes activities after inoculation, especially amylase activity, which increased by 7.68 times on day 4. The inoculated B. licheniformis colonized in composting as key genus in the start-up phase. Modular network analysis and Mantel test indicated that inoculation drove the cooperation between microbial network modules who were responsible for various organic components (RDC, lipid, protein, and lignocellulose) degradation in the start-up phase. Metabolic function prediction suggested that carbohydrate metabolisms including starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis / gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, etc., were improved by increasing the abundance of related functional genes after inoculation. In conclusion, inoculating B. licheniformis accelerated organic degradation by driving the cooperation between microbial network modules and enhancing microbial metabolism in the start-up phase of composting.

Empowering Medtech Startups: Unveiling the Path to Commercial Triumph Within the European Union

Purpose: This research delves into the realm of Medtech startup ventures within the European Union (EU) context. It tries to shed the light focusing on their business strategies and challenges. A significant focal point is the imperative of a meticulously crafted marketing strategy, a strategy that addresses the market regulatory and prerequisites in addition to financial accessibility. The study will attempt to unearth profound insights into personal encounters and outlooks concerning startups in the Medtech sector.
 
 Theoretical Framework: This research investigates existing literature and introduces a set of research hypotheses aimed at scrutinizing the triumphant trajectory of Medtech startups. Based on the Literature theoretical investigations, several proposition were derived. Proposition 1 advocates for the prominence of market leaders as a means to optimize returns and evade the peril of the "Valley of Death." Proposition 2 accentuates the role of academic engagements in aligning with genuine market requirements whereas Proposition 3 attempt to investigate the deleterious repercussions stemming from the intricate EU regulatory landscape on the commercial performance of Medtech startups. Finally Proposition 4 underscores the pivotal nature of timing across diverse startup phases, spanning from patent acquisition to market entry.
 
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The research methodology uses a qualitative aspects, it encompasses interviews with founders, investors, and industry experts. Additionally, the research integrates case studies addressing both successful and unsuccessful Medtech startups within the European Union. The primary aim is to bridge the existing gaps in the literature surrounding the adept management of successful Medtech startup journeys and the intricate interplay between startups and flourishing business models.
 
 Findings: Based on the investigations and tests, this study bequeaths valuable insights, serving as a cornerstone for evaluating and refining strategies, fostering successful outcomes, and nurturing the symbiotic relationship between startups and prosperous business frameworks.
 
 Conclusion: This paper not only fills existing voids in the literature but also lays the foundation for prospective exploration. It offers an avenue for further expansion by potentially encompassing a broader spectrum of Medtech startups, thereby deepening our understanding of management strategies, marketing dynamics, and the intricate dynamics underpinning triumphant business models in the Medtech sphere.

Spectroscopic diagnosis and simulation analysis of tungsten cathode erosion during the start-up process for a magnetoplasmadynamic thruster

Measurement of tungsten density during the start-up process plays a vital role in monitoring real-time cathode mass loss in the study of plasma discharge instrument structure optimization. The relative intensity of the W II 239.71 nm spectral line, collected at the exit by the monochromator, is used to estimate the W II density in combination with the collision radiative model. The model of a small amount of tungsten in high-density plasma takes into account the main kinetic processes including the electron impact excitation process, electron impact de-excitation process, and electron impact ionization process. Additionally, A two-dimensional axisymmetric quasi-neutral fluid model, coupled with a thermal model of the cathode into a self-consistent model, is also constructed to analyze the mass loss mechanism of tungsten cathode during the start-up process. In the initial stage, the cold-state cathode has a large potential drop in the sheath region to accelerate the ion bombardment of the cathode for the requirement of electron emission, and a large number of tungsten atoms removal from the cathode surface due to sputtering and evaporation. In the steady-state operating phase, the primary reason for the mass loss of tungsten cathodes is attributed to thermal evaporation. Both experimental and simulation results indicate that the mass loss rate during the start-up phase is higher than that during steady-state operation phase by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude.

CFD Model of Refuelling through the Entire HRS Equipment: The Start-Up Phase Simulations

Refuelling hydrogen-powered cars, buses, trucks, trains, ships, and planes is a technological challenge. The absence of contemporary CFD models of refuelling through the entire hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) equipment is one of the scientific bottlenecks. Detailed refuelling protocols for more than 10 kg of hydrogen, e.g., for heavy-duty vehicles, are absent. A thoroughly validated CFD model for simulations of the refuelling process through the entire equipment of the HRS is needed for protocols’ development. This study aims to numerically simulate the start-up phase of the refuelling procedure at HRS using the developed CFD model. The simulations through the entire HRS equipment are compared against unique experimental data of NREL and demonstrated agreement with measured pressure and temperature dynamics in onboard storage tanks during the start-up phase while having less than 5% deviation. The CFD model demonstrates excellent predictive capability and is time efficient. The simulation time of the start-up phase of 14 s duration is about 2 h on a 32-core CPU.

Slip ratio adaptive control for distributed drive electric vehicle based on wheel speed

Aiming at the problems of poor control effect and poor robustness for distributed drive electric vehicles driving on complex and changeable roads, this paper proposes a slip ratio adaptive control method based on wheel speed. Firstly, an optimal slip ratio estimator considering axle load transfer was developed by analyzing the single-wheel dynamics of the vehicle and based on the Burckhardt tire model. Secondly, a cubic polynomial function is used to fit and optimize the optimal slip ratio-peak adhesion coefficient curve, which effectively improves the accuracy of obtaining the optimal slip ratio. Then, a conditional integral sliding mode controller based on wheel speed is designed in order to enhance the transient characteristics of the sliding mode control, to avoid integral saturation, and to improve the control effect of the sliding ratio controller in the low speed start-up phase. Finally, three typical working conditions, namely single road, flat road, and slip road, were established for simulation and experimental validation. The results show that the method in this paper is able to estimate the optimal slip ratio of the road in real time, realize the wheel slip ratio adaptive control, and improve the dynamic performance and lateral stability of distributed drive electric vehicle.

Activated sludge microbiome with H2O2-modified biochar enhances the treatment resilience and detoxification of oxytetracycline and its toxic byproducts

The widespread presence of oxytetracycline (OTC) in aquatic ecosystems poses both health risks and ecological concerns. The present study revealed the beneficial role of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-pretreated biochar (BC) derived from agricultural hardwood waste in an activated sludge (AS) bioprocess. The BC addition significantly enhanced the removal and detoxification of OTC and its byproducts. BC was initially modified using H2O2 to improve its OTC adsorption. Two AS reactors were then established, one with H2O2-modified BC and one without, and both were exposed to OTC. The BC-added reactor exhibited significantly higher OTC removal rates during both the start-up (0.97 d−1) and steady-state (0.98 d−1) phases than the reactor without BC (0.54 d−1 and 0.83 d−1, respectively). Two novel transformation pathways for OTC were proposed, with four byproducts originating from OTC identified, some of which were found to be more toxic than OTC itself. The BC-added reactor had significantly higher system functioning in terms of its heterotrophic activity and the reduction of the toxicity of OTC and its byproducts, as illustrated by structure-based toxicity simulations, antimicrobial susceptibility experiments, analytical chemistry, and bioinformatics analysis. Bioinformatics revealed two novel bacterial populations closely related to the known OTC-degrader Pandoraea. The ecophysiology and selective enrichment of these populations suggested their role in the enzymatic breakdown and detoxification of OTC (e.g., via demethylation and hydrogenation). Overall, the present study highlighted the beneficial role of H2O2-modified BC in combination with the AS microbiome in terms of enhancing treatment performance and resilience, reducing the toxicological disruption to biodiversity, and detoxifying micropollutants.

Validation of a Model for the Formalization of Personal Learning Pathways Through Expert Judgment

Personalized learning pathways enable students to take an active role in their learning. Therefore, the development of models that facilitate their design is crucial. This study aims to validate a model for formalizing personalized learning pathways for higher education students using the expert judgment technique. Two questionnaires were designed to validate content and internal consistency, respectively. The content was validated by a group of experts (n=12), while the internal consistency was validated by a nominal group (n=8). The results of content validity were satisfactory, and the level of agreement between judges, as measured by Kendall’s W test, was statistically significant in the implementation (p=0.007) and reflection (p=0.035) phases. To increase internal consistency, the study recommends implementing a simplified implementation scheme, adjusting the start-up phase in the conditional components (teacher digital literacy and technological environment), and incorporating teacher-student co-design. The improved ACDGE model emerges as a standard for designing learning pathways for higher education, minimizing the need to search for solutions to known problems.

International Space Station Bipropellant Plume Contamination Model update for short thruster pulse widths

The International Space Station (ISS) Bipropellant Plume Contamination Model has been a vital tool for characterizing the thruster plume-induced contamination environment at the ISS but was not intended to be used for very short thruster pulse widths. This paper presents an updated model that ensures full start-up and shut-down phases are modeled for each thruster firing, when the majority of liquid phase contaminant mass is released. The updated ISS Bipropellant Plume Contamination Model prevents potential under-prediction of thruster plume-induced contamination due to visiting vehicle proximity operations and provides a way to take advantage of thruster start-up and shut-down performance data gathered during thruster test programs, if available.

Validation of the plasma-wall self-organization model for density limit in ECRH-assisted start-up of Ohmic discharges on J-TEXT

A recently developed plasma-wall self-organization model (Escande et al 2022 Nucl. Fusion 62 026001) predicts a significantly enhanced density limit, which may be attainable in tokamaks with ECRH-assisted Ohmic start-up and sufficiently high initial neutral density. Experiments have been conducted on J-TEXT to validate such a density limit scenario based on this model. Experimental results demonstrate that increasing the pre-filled gas pressure or ECRH power during the start-up phase can help effectively enhance plasma purity and raise the density limit at the flat-top phase. The experimental data shows that density limit increases by a ratio for a decrease by a factor in radiation.

Two-stage (liquid-solid) anaerobic mono-digestion of ammonia-rich chicken manure at low-temperature: Operational strategy and techno-economic assessment

This study investigated mono-digestion of ammonia-rich chicken manure (CM) in a high-solids anaerobic-digester (HSAD) at low-temperature (20±1°C) adopting the recirculation-percolation mode of operation using liquid-inoculum. HSAD was operated for about 282 days in batch-runs under different organic loading rates (4.3-8.7 gVS/L.d), total solids (65-70%) and total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) (23.3- 32.8 g/L) concentrations. It was noted that acclimation of the liquid inoculum to a high concentration of TKN (6.9 g/L) facilitated CM digestion, thereby reducing the start-up phase. The maximum cumulative biogas production rate and specific methane yield were found to be 20 L/d and 0.80±0.12 LCH4g/VSfed, respectively with a methane content over 60% without any signs of inhibition. Operating HSAD at low temperature prevented the accumulation of free-ammonia, which is toxic to methanogens. A techno-economic analysis was also conducted as part of this study to determine the profitability of the system and a 9-year tentative payback period was estimated.

Breaking new ground: combining crowdfunding and foundation grants

New projects by non-profit organisations and civil society initiatives face the challenge of obtaining financial support in the start-up phase. In recent years, crowdfunding has been cited as one of the solutions to this problem. However, this type of funding is associated with a high level of effort and expertise that many projects cannot afford, and trust issues on the part of donors. Foundations can remedy this by organising a crowdfunding competition and, in addition to the financial benefits, using their reputation to build trust, create public visibility and provide intangible support to projects in terms of capacity building, networking and professionalisation. Based on a companion study to a model introduced by a German foundation, this article explores the benefits that non-profit projects derive from an approach combining crowdfunding and foundation grants. It finds that during a crowdfunding competition the perceived relevance of non-monetary support increases at the expense of financial benefits. However, there is evidence that this change in perception occurs regardless of whether the foundation provides a lot or only a moderate amount of non-monetary support.

Performance evaluation of anaerobic baffled reactor and filter for treating medium-strength wastewater using natural sludge growth and different hydraulic retention times

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) and an anaerobic filter (AF) in treating medium-strength wastewater under natural sludge growth conditions and different hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 12h and 24h. The ABR reactor has five compartments with a total capacity of 71 L, whereas the AF reactor with 70% sponge bio-media has five compartments with a total volume of 51 L. Both reactors required 13 weeks to achieve steady-state without adding sludge seeds during the startup phase. During that period, total suspended solid (TSS) removal was 80-90% in the AF and only 60-70% in the ABR. Furthermore, the average COD removal in the AF was determined to be 50-60% and 70-80% under HRT of 12h and 24h, respectively, but the ABR in these conditions could only accomplish 40-50%. To conclude, the AF reactor running under 24h HRT performs better than other conditions. In this case, it is due to the presence of 70% sponge bio-media in each compartment, which plays an important role in retaining suspended particles in the system. Furthermore, the initial attachment of sludge to sponge media may enhance the active microorganisms in the reactor, resulting in increased COD removal through organic digestion.

Early startup methodologies in gas plant commissioning: An analysis of effective strategies and their outcomes

Gas plant commissioning is a critical phase in the lifecycle of gas facilities, where the transition from construction to operational readiness occurs. Early startup methodologies have gained prominence as strategic approaches to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the commissioning process. This review explores the various methodologies employed during the early startup phase, focusing on their strategies and outcomes. Effective early startup methodologies prioritize proactive planning and execution, aiming to mitigate risks associated with the commissioning of complex gas processing systems. Strategies such as phased commissioning, where systems are brought online in a sequential manner, allow for systematic testing and integration of subsystems. This approach enables teams to identify and resolve issues early, reducing the potential for costly delays during full operation. Moreover, incorporating thorough training programs for operational staff before full-scale commissioning is vital. Ensuring that personnel are familiar with the systems, safety protocols, and emergency procedures enhances operational readiness and contributes to a safer work environment. Additionally, leveraging digital tools and simulations during the commissioning phase can streamline processes and enhance collaboration among project stakeholders. Another critical aspect of early startup methodologies is the establishment of robust communication channels among all teams involved in the commissioning process. Effective communication fosters a collaborative environment, ensuring that challenges are promptly addressed and that all stakeholders are aligned on project goals and timelines. The outcomes of implementing early startup methodologies are significant. Facilities that adopt these strategies often experience reduced commissioning timeframes, minimized operational risks, and improved overall performance during initial operation phases. Furthermore, the successful execution of early startups contributes to enhanced reliability and safety standards in gas plant operations. In conclusion, early startup methodologies in gas plant commissioning are essential for achieving operational efficiency and safety. By focusing on strategic planning, personnel training, effective communication, and phased execution, gas facilities can optimize their commissioning processes and enhance long-term operational success.

Analysis of Microbial Community Structure in the Start-up Phase of SNAD Process for Domestic Sewage by PCR-DGGE Technique

Analysis of Microbial Community Structure in the Start-up Phase of SNAD Process for Domestic Sewage by PCR-DGGE Technique

A Review on Start-Up Phase Optimization of Kitchen Waste Anaerobic Digestion

Kitchen waste has been confirmed as an appropriate substrate for anaerobic digestion, although means of alleviating the difficulties and time-consuming nature of the start-up phase need to be further explored. Based on the mechanism of anaerobic digestion, we discuss the factors influencing the anaerobic start-up phase of kitchen waste. By controlling the temperature, pH, organic loading rate, inoculation ratio and other parameters, the high activity of methane-producing archaea and other bacteria can be intensified, thereby increasing the biogas yield. Furthermore, we introduce the methods of substrate pretreatment, operating condition optimization and conductive material addition. Finally, we put forward future perspectives and research gaps related to accelerating the start-up phase of anaerobic bioreactors utilized for kitchen waste biodegradation.

Experimental study of performance enhancement strategies for hydrogen production-purification systems in packed-bed reactors under power fluctuations

Methanol reforming for hydrogen production and purification is a key technology in current fuel cell hydrogen source systems. The packed-bed reactor has a simple structure and is widely used, yet it has disadvantages such as slow dynamic response and limited heat and mass transfer. In this paper, an experimental approach is used to simulate the reaction characteristics of the packed bed during power fluctuation and start-up phase. It is found that the combined catalysts are the best in terms of both economical and purification effects, especially the precious metal combined copper-based catalysts. Meanwhile, the methanol conversion rate can seriously affect CO-PROX during the fuel cell start-up phase, and the use of combined catalysts can mitigate the impact of power fluctuation on the system and reduce the CO concentration. The combination of catalysts in such a way that the noble metal should be ensured in the front section, the optimal reaction temperature of copper-based combination noble metal-based catalysts is explored, with reforming temperature of 200 °C and CO-PROX temperature of 180–200 °C, and optimal O2/CO ratio between 0.5 and 1.5, when methanol conversion reaches more than 70%, CO concentration as low as 0.42% and hydrogen concentration higher than 40%.

Enhancement of a Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System by Applying a Bio-tower - A Project for Improving our Environmental Footprint

To investigate if decentralized wastewater treatment systems impact on the environment performance can be improved, a Field Bio-tower Tank Septic system was designed, installed on an existing 1,500-gal (5678 l) decentralized wastewater treatment system. The system was started up during a 14-day start-up phase, followed by a 130-day test phase. The system was operated at an average hydraulic retention time of 16.7 days based on a 90 gal (204.4 l) daily influent wastewater flow.
 The systems recirculation flow for the bio-tower was 22.6 l/min (6 gal/min) for the start-up phase and 40.0 l/min (10.6 gal/min) for the test period with a corresponding recirculation of the entire septic tank from 5.7 to 10.1 times a day respectively.
 During the testing period a daily average temperature of 19.3°C (66.7°F) and an average rainfall of 5 l/m² was observed. The FBST system operated at an average influent pH level and temperature of 8.6 and 22.0°C. The average effluent pH and temperature was 8.5 of 20.9°C.
 The installed system reduced on average the influent TS from 79151 mg/l to 43021 mg/l and showed an average reduction of the TDS from 36424 mg/l to 21965 mf/l. The TSS and VSS was reduced on average from 94.1 mg/l to 69.9 mg/l and 89.0 mg/l to 64.9 mg/l.
 NH3-N content was reduced from 57.5 mg/l in the influent to 53.4 mg/l in the effluent. The average BOD and COD was reduced from the average influent value of 88.2 mg/l and 318.2 mg/l to 66.8 mg/l and 256.2 mg/l respectively. However, at the end of the 130-day test period BOD and COD values were the lowest at 15.5 mg/l and 56.0 mg/l respectively, indicating bacteria cultures are well established and the system operation of the FBTS system is mostly constant.
 This research showed that the FBST system can improve operations of a DWWTS system significantly reducing the effluent load over 10 times compared to the influent load of the system.