Cost Of Technology Research Articles

A Mixed-Methods Study of Perceived Implementation Challenges for WIC Online Ordering and Transactions.

Federal food assistance programs are working towards online grocery shopping. Online ordering in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is emerging following successful implementation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). To identify anticipated challenges, potential solutions, and expected costs of WIC online ordering. Cross-sectional, mixed-methods, web-based, survey research. Data were collected from December 2020 to January 2021. Purposeful and snowball sampling included WIC stakeholders involved in developing processes and systems required for WIC online ordering. Respondents represented diverse geographic areas, levels of intraorganizational authority, and WIC benefit card types. The research team used a rapid analysis and lean coding approach to identify emergent themes from open-ended survey responses. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the distribution of responses across themes and stakeholder types. Respondents (n= 145) described 812 anticipated challenges within 20 themes grouped into five topic areas: rules and regulations; shopping experience; security, confidentiality, fraud, and WIC State agency processes; training, assistance, and education; and equitable access and buy-in. Addressing anticipated regulatory issues were among the few concrete potential solutions described. The two most frequent costs reported were increased staff time and start-up and ongoing technology costs. This study identified several, critical anticipated challenges and considerations that will help prepare WIC state agencies for opportunities to expand online ordering to WIC participants.

Methodology of CAD design and CAM production of transtibial prosthetic sockets

The digitization of the design process of lower limb prosthetic sockets seems to be necessary. Using modern CAD procedures and CAM technologies, it is possible to produce functional, individual prosthetic aids that bring many benefits compared to commonly used methods. However, the disadvantage of using CAD/CAM procedures can be the input costs for production technology and software. The aim of this research is to propose a low-cost solution for individual transtibial socket design and production. Modern methods and technologies like 3D scanning, CAD design and additive manufacturing have been applied. As a result, a transtibial stump positive and custom socket design methodology is proposed. In conclusions a total value of a custom transtibial socket design and production was calculated.

Global development of the “Blue Economy” and Africa’s place in it

The relevance of the chosen topic of the study is justified by a number of developments in the modern world economy: the rapid development of the global blue economy amid growing demand for products sourced from ocean resources; increasing attention to international environmental sustainability, especially at a time of transformation of traditional ocean industries; and underutilization of the potential of blue economy development in a number of regions, including Africa. The study aims to analyse the current state and prospects of the “blue economy” globally and in Africa, while also developing a stimulus plan for the most promising sectors of the blue economy on the continent. Despite progress between 2010 and 2022 in exploring the blue economy concept, there is a lack of scientific research on its development in specific regions and under international cooperation. This study addresses this research gap by analysing the global and African development of the blue economy. Barriers and challenges hindering the sustainable development of the blue economy have been identified, both globally and in Africa. The study identifies prospects and directions for sustainable development, which will depend on the dynamics of technology costs, particularly in Africa where timely resolution of issues is crucial. The author questions not only achieving sustainable growth but also expanding Africa’s role and significance in the global blue economy, and optimally harnessing the continent’s vast developmental potential, including its neighbouring islands. Research outcomes include a project for constructing offshore wind farms (OWFs) and recommendations to foster the blue economy in Africa. The analysis highlights the need for decisive political measures, cooperation, effective coordination, and the ratification of international documents to achieve sustainable development goals in Africa. The combination of these factors with technological advancements in the blue economy sectors presents an opportunity to alleviate national differences and contradictions.

Research on the Optimization of Open-Pit Mine Cast Blasting Parameters Based on the Optimal Economy of Dragline Stripping Technology

As the key technology of high-step stripping and blasting engineering, throwing blasting will be the development trend of the production optimization and benefit maximization of the open-pit mine in the future. In order to break with the research idea of optimizing the cast blasting effect by improving the effective throwing rate for a long period of time, maximizing the economic benefit of the subsequent dragline stripping technology and stabilizing the engineering connection, this paper takes the Heidaigou open-pit mine as the research object. Through data acquisition, analysis, and data fusion of the heaped-up bulk characteristics, the heaped-up bulk profile can be obtained to characterize the cast blasting effect. Secondly, the key factors influencing the cast blasting effect are determined based on the gray relational degree theory. Then, the black box principle of the system control theory is adopted as the guiding principle of the blasting optimization. Based on the production data of field cast blasting, the dynamic change law between the controllable variables of system input and the observable variables of system feedback in the black box system are studied and explored without consideration of the internal structure or the energy transformation relationship of the cast blasting system. Finally, the optimal blasting parameter combination under different working conditions is obtained. If the research results are successfully applied, it is expected that the dragline stripping technology cost of the Heidaigou open-pit mine can be reduced by 5~10%, and the results can also provide new ideas and new ways of optimizing the design of cast blasting.

Investigating IPTV Malware in the Wild

Technologies providing copyright-infringing IPTV content are commonly used as an illegal alternative to legal IPTV subscriptions and services, as they usually have lower monetary costs and can be more convenient for users who follow content from different sources. These infringing IPTV technologies may include websites, software, software add-ons, and physical set-top boxes. Due to the free or low cost of illegal IPTV technologies, illicit IPTV content providers will often resort to intrusive advertising, scams, and the distribution of malware to increase their revenue. We developed an automated solution for collecting and analysing malware from illegal IPTV technologies and used it to analyse a sample of illicit IPTV websites, application (app) stores, and software. Our results show that our IPTV Technologies Malware Analysis Framework (IITMAF) classified 32 of the 60 sample URLs tested as malicious compared to running the same test using publicly available online antivirus solutions, which only detected 23 of the 60 sample URLs as malicious. Moreover, the IITMAF also detected malicious URLs and files from 31 of the sample’s websites, one of which had reported ransomware behaviour.

RESEARCH OF ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OUTSOURCING

The article examines the advantages and disadvantages of information technology outsourcing. It is determined that outsourcing is one of the actual methods of increasing the efficiency of economic activity. It is emphasized that in the conditions of a significant increase in costs for modern information technologies; the practice of outsourcing acquires a special role. Conditional reasons have been determined; in the presence of which the company's management resorts to the services of external outsourcers. It has been proven that all models of information technology outsourcing; which are currently used in the production and economic activities of industrial enterprises; have their strengths and weaknesses; which must be known; researched; analyzed and taken into account when forming strategic and current plans and when managing the company The advantages and disadvantages of information technology outsourcing are described in detail. It has been proven that the advantages of IT outsourcing include increasing productivity by using the special knowledge of experts in specific areas of activity and market segments; and also enable the company to focus the attention of management and resources on the main (direct) tasks and on the development of specialized business activities. It was determined that the main disadvantage of IT outsourcing is the presence of certain difficulties in choosing a professional and adequate IT outsourcer. It is noted that the outsourcing of information services significantly affects the level of efficiency; flexibility and adaptability of industrial enterprises; contributes to reducing costs and increasing the quality of services.

Exploring logistics service providers for small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations: benefits and challenges

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the benefits and challenges of using logistics service providers (LSPs) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the focus group interview method with eight LSP companies of varying sizes in the UAE. The aim is to obtain detailed insights into the advantages and obstacles associated with using LSPs. Findings The interview results reveal differences in the services and payment options offered by large and small-medium-sized LSPs, leading to varying impacts on SMEs. Additionally, both large and small-medium-sized LSPs encounter challenges in delivering services to SMEs, including sustaining logistic excellence in a competitive market, meeting the high customer expectations from SMEs and large enterprises, difficulty in recruiting skilled and competent employees and high costs of business technology. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to the UAE context and the perspectives of eight LSP companies. The findings may not be generalizable to other regions or industries. Practical implications The findings of this research provide valuable insights for SMEs and large corporations considering the use of LSPs. Understanding the benefits and challenges associated with outsourcing logistics services can assist in making informed decisions and developing effective collaborations with LSPs. Originality/value This research contributes to the existing literature by specifically examining the benefits and challenges of using LSPs for SMEs and large corporations. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence logistics outsourcing decisions and highlights the unique challenges faced by LSPs and SMEs in the context of the UAE.

Application of alkaline sludge based LDHs in Cd and Cu polluted wastewater remediation: Process and mechanism

The alkaline sludge produced by the neutralization treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) is not only large and difficult to treat, but also prone to secondary pollution. The cost of conventional sludge treatment technology is high, so there is an urgent need to develop new methods. The process of neutralizing AMD is similar to the co-precipitation reaction of LDHs, so the cost of recovering LDHs from AMD is lower, but the application performance of LDHs is limited by the stacking of laminates. In this paper, the structure of LDHs was optimized by adding biochar (BC) during the neutralization process of AMD. After adding 40 % BC, the crystal planes of alkaline sludge based LDHs (AS-LDHs) became more parallel, and the adsorption properties of Cd and Cu were increased by 2.7 and 1.95 times, with the maximum adsorption amounts of 901.5 and 231.3 mg/g, respectively. The relevant removal mechanism was investigated in depth at the electronic scale by experiments combined with DFT calculations. Since AS-LDHs have the advantages of good acid stability, low zero-point charge and strong adsorption and regeneration capacity, this method has a broad application prospect.

Who should adopt blockchain? The interplay between blockchain adoption and online channel under competition

With the frequent occurrence of product quality and product safety problems, traditional supply chain traceability systems have become increasingly untrustworthy to consumers due to their centralization, opacity, and vulnerable to tampering. Blockchain technology, as an emerging information technology, can help to increase consumer trust and resolve these issues. This paper investigates a competitive market with two rival supply chains that manufacture and sell two substitutable products. We establish a game model to analyze the equilibrium strategy in the implementation of blockchain technology and online channel, under the scenarios of blockchain adoption by the manufacturer and the retailer, and further explore the effects of blockchain technology on supply chain efficiency and consumer surplus. Additionally, we compare various blockchain technology adoption scenarios and determine the optimal candidate for blockchain adoption. The following results are shown. First, the equilibrium strategies for applying blockchain technology and online channel depend on the entry cost, the net surplus of substitute product, and the deployment cost of blockchain technology. Second, blockchain technology can only influence online channel decisions when the entry cost is moderate, and may encourage (discourage) the manufacturer to establish an online channel when it is utilized by the manufacturer (retailer). Thirdly, blockchain technology is certain to expand the market share of the product but is likely to detriment the retailer and the consumers when the manufacturer utilizes it. If blockchain technology is adopted by the retailer, the market share and consumer surplus may decrease, but the manufacturer will be unharmed. Lastly, the manufacturer has greater flexibility in adoption decisions when blockchain technology can be implemented by both the manufacturer and the retailer.

استعمال تقنية التكلفة على أساس النشاط الموجّه بالوقت رباعي المراحل في تعزيز الميزة التنافسية المستدامة ( بحث تطبيقي في مصنع نسيج وحياكة واسط )

The research aims to demonstrate the role of cost technology based on the four-stage time-oriented activity in improving the value chain, which is reflected in the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage, which can be applied in economic units to achieve the objectives of cost management, and to provide appropriate information for competitive administrative decision-making . In order to achieve the objectives of the research and test its hypotheses, the Wasit knitting and weaving factory - the knitting department of the outer circle (mixed polyester) was chosen as a place for research. Its impact on the value chain, to enhance the competitive advantage, and when applying this technique, the researcher relied on the data obtained through field coexistence, and personal interviews with supervisors and workers in the research sample factory, as well as data on the costing system approved in the factory The researcher followed the deductive approach in the theoretical side, as well as the descriptive analytical approach in the practical side. It is not ompatible with modern systems in manufacturing and production, in addition to adopting (4TD-ABC) technology that helps the economic unit in managing costs and obtaining a competitive advantage in light of the rapid events in the business environment.

Research and Analysis of Teaching Functions Based on Virtual Reality Technology

This paper aims to investigate the application scenarios of virtual reality technology in teaching and its impact on student learning outcomes. The article first introduces the application scenarios of virtual reality technology in teaching, including practical simulation, gamified learning, and situation creation. It then discusses the impact of virtual reality technology on student learning outcomes, such as enhancing learning motivation, improving practical experience, and increasing learning effectiveness. The paper also analyzes the challenges of virtual reality technology in teaching, including device and cost limitations, teacher training and technology application, data privacy and security issues, and the design of blended learning models. Finally, recommendations are provided for constructing effective teaching programs based on virtual reality technology, including goal setting and instructional design, selection of learning content and scenarios, student engagement and feedback mechanisms, as well as evaluation and improvement.

Multidimensional design‐reality gaps in ICT in education projects in the Samoan aidscape

AbstractMotivationDuring the last decades, Samoa has received much aid to improve the use of information, communication, and technology (ICT) in education. However, the inequality gap in digital education between the global North and South remains wide, including in Samoa. This warrants further study of ICT in education projects in recipient countries.PurposeThis study examines the gap between ICT project design and the reality lived by schoolteachers in Samoa.Methods and approachEmpirical data were collected primarily through informal conversations with current and former teachers and ICT service providers. Their stories supported direct observation of ICT in schools garnered through working as a lecturer at an academic institution in Samoa.I use the concept of aidscape, which reflects the multidimensional nature of aid landscape, to explore the reality gaps across dimensions of the daily life of teachers and examines how these gaps are interrelated at multiple levels.FindingsThe reality of teachers shows interlinking challenges to the use of ICT in schools; challenges of accessing equipment, school culture, user perception, high staff turnover, and labour emigration. Enhancing the use of ICT by teachers requires material, technical, financial, sociocultural, and emotional support simultaneously from various aid actors who operate on different scales.Other challenges, including the high cost of technology and devices, the lack of funding for long‐term projects, the lack of ICT experts in the country and poor connectivity, also contribute to the less than satisfactory results of some ICT in education.Policy implicationsThe way forward lies in better co‐ordination among donors and more effective collaboration between different ministries of the recipient government to develop a combined project team dedicated to ICT in education. This team could work to unravel interconnected issues and tackle challenges one by one to find feasible solutions at the grassroots level, which could then be incorporated into viable national policies.

Comparative capacities of residential solar thermal systems versus F-chart model predictions and economic potential in an equatorial-latitude country

One popular simulation tool for predicting solar thermal (ST) performance is the F-chart model, which has not been validated for the conditions in equatorial-climate countries. In this work, the performance of two ST systems (evacuated tube collectors (ETCs) and flat plate collectors (FPCs), widely used for supplying domestic hot water (DHW) was assessed and compared with F-chart simulation results. The energy demands were simulated by scheduling hot water discharges and measuring the backup energy requirements to fulfil DHW needs. Then, the difference between the calculated solar fraction using the F-chart model and the measured solar fraction was obtained. Both the measurements and simulations showed that the ETC systems performed better than the FPC systems in a city located on the Ecuadorian highlands with distinct climate conditions. The results showed that ETC systems are, on average, up to 18.5% more efficient than FPC systems. A comparative economic analysis was carried out considering that domestic water heating systems are backed up with liquified petroleum gas (LPG) or electricity, both with and without state subsidies. However, due to the higher cost of ETC technology compared to FPC technology, and despite ETC’s higher efficiency than FPC’s, only US$0.34 per month can be saved on average because of the impact of energy subsidies. Thus, the FPC technology seems more profitable, under the mentioned conditions, because of its lower capital costs. With backup systems powered by unsubsidized energy, the two technologies are nearly comparable. The ETC technology appears suitable only under the unsubsidized electricity scenario. The novelty of this research is that real ST systems installed under similar conditions are integrated, the operation of ST technologies for DWH is simulated, and the different inclinations and orientations of solar collectors are considered. The results are compared with simulations from the F-chart model, and each system is economically assessed.

New models for feasibility assessment and electrolyser optimal sizing of hydrogen production from dedicated wind farms and solar photovoltaic farms, and case studies for Scotland and Vietnam

Although green hydrogen produced from dedicated wind and PV plants is considered an alternative route to achieve net zero targets, its assessment models are only being developed in recent years. Even though electrolyser is known to account for a large portion of the investment costs, there is still a lack of sizing models for this equipment, which can negatively affect the feasibility of plants. Moreover, the impacts of future technology maturity and cost reduction on the feasibility of hydrogen production plants are rarely analysed and reported. Realising the research gaps from previous studies, this paper proposes a comprehensive feasibility assessment model for green hydrogen production from dedicated offshore wind and PV plants, utilising net present value, discounted payback time, and levelised cost of energy and of hydrogen (LCOH) as economic evaluation criteria. Furthermore, a unique sizing model is presented, allowing the optimal electrolyser size with the lowest LCOH to be found. Two case studies investigating a hypothetical offshore wind farm in Scotland and a hypothetical PV farm in Vietnam to produce green hydrogen have been carried out, in which the impacts of technology maturity and cost reduction on the LCOH are analysed. It is projected that the LCOH in Scotland and Vietnam case studies, with specific conditions and assumptions of the two cases, would reduce from 3.10 and 3.05 $/kg in 2030 to the lowest values of 2.16 and 1.59 $/kg in 2050, respectively. Additionally, the optimal electrolyser capacity is found to equal 89.3% of the offshore wind plant capacity, and 57.7% of the PV plant capacity. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted, which revealed the capital cost of renewable energy plants has the most significant effect on the final LCOH.

Safety and efficiency problems of hydrogen production from alkaline water electrolyzers driven by renewable energy sources

Alkaline water electrolysis has become the most promising solution for hydrogen production considering certain factors such as cost, lifetime and maturity of technology. By developing the large-scale hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis as the energy buffering, the consuming pressure of the power system caused by the growing penetration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy can be relieved effectively. However, when the alkaline water electrolysis is integrated with renewable energy sources, the unclear underlying mechanism and interaction characteristics limit large-scale application for hydrogen production. Aiming at this problem, from the aspects of efficiency and consistency, power regulation flexibility and gas purity, this paper studies safety and efficiency problems about the wide-range operation of alkaline water electrolyzers driven by renewable energy sources. The corresponding mechanism analyses are carried out and possible solutions for the future research are given, which are expected to provide a comprehensive review and useful guide for this research topic.

Decarbonization of cement production by electrification

This study presents the techno-economic assessment of four electrified cement plants: i) using direct electrification and plasma technologies (eC-pK case); ii) consisting of indirect electrification via H2 combustion and oxy-combustion of alternative fuels (OC-HK); iii) combining direct electrification, alternative fuels combustion and post-combustion CO2 capture (eC-afK); iv) consisting in the electrification of the hydraulic Calcium Hydro Silicate production process (e-hCHS). Process modeling in Aspen Plus is used to estimate mass and energy balances and calculate techno-economic key performance indicators. The study finds that all the electrified alternatives achieve high levels of equivalent CO2 emissions avoidance (87.2%–101.8%), with a trade-off between the electricity demand (604–1341 kWh/tclk) and the amount of captured CO2 to be handled by the transport & storage infrastructure (357–834 kgCO2/tclk). With an electricity price of 50 €/MWh, the partially electrified alternatives (OC-HK, eC-afK) showed competitive additional cost of clinker (87 €/tclk) and cost of avoided CO2 (101 €/tCO2) against a benchmark case, though higher than the cost of the best CO2 capture technologies from the literature. The eC-pK case resulted in lower economic performance associated mainly to the higher price of electricity per unit of final energy supplied compared to alternative fuels.

Global trends and prospects in health economics of robotic surgery: a bibliometric analysis.

Over 10 million robotic surgeries have been performed. However, the cost and benefit of robotic surgery need to be evaluated to help hospitals, surgeons, patients, and payers make proper choices, making a health economic analysis necessary. The authors revealed the bibliometric profile in the field of health economics of robotic surgery to prompt research development and guide future studies. The Web of Science Core Collection scientific database was searched for documents indexed from 2003 to 31 December 2022. Document types, years, authors, countries, institutions, journal sources, references, and keywords were analyzed and visualized using the Bibliometrix package, WPS Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint 2019, VOSviewer software (version 1.6.18), ggplot2, and Scimago Graphica. The development of the health economics of robotic surgery can be divided into three phases: slow-growing (2003-2009), developing (2010-2018), and fast-developing (2019-2022). J.C.H. and S.L.C. were the most active and influential authors, respectively. The USA produced the most documents, followed by China, and Italy. Korea had the highest number of citations per document. Surgical Endoscopy and Other Interventional Techniques accepted most documents, whereas Annals of Surgery, European Urology, and Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology had the highest number of citations per document. The Journal of Robotic Surgery is promising. The most-cited document in this field is New Technology and Health Care Costs - The Case of Robot-Assisted Surgery in 2010. The proportion of documents on urology is decreasing, while documents in the field of arthrology are emerging and flourishing. Research on the health economics of robotic surgery has been unbalanced. Areas awaiting exploration have been identified. Collaboration between scholars and coverage with provisions for evidence development by the government is needed to learn more comprehensively about the health economics of robotic surgery.

Future social change of manufacturing and service industries: Service-oriented manufacturing under the integration of innovation-flows drive

Based on advanced manufacturing and the modern service industry, service-oriented manufacturing propels the economic transition. It motivates the manufacturing and service system to ascend to the middle and upper levels of the value chain. First, the relationship between service-oriented manufacturing and the logic behind value growth is deconstructed. The mechanism of service-oriented manufacturing is elucidated at the levels of the manufacturing network, service network, and integration network. Second, the manufacturing, service and innovation relationships formed in the industry chain are analyzed in terms of the supply chain of the manufacturing network, service chain of the service network, and innovation chain of the integration network. The coordinated hypernetwork model of service-oriented manufacturing is also established. The node relationships and value flows of each sub-network are resolved using variational inequalities according to the principle of each chain operation. The coordinated optimal solution of the hypernetwork is clarified. Additionally, issues concerning the enhancement of equilibrium profits in the hypernetwork are investigated. Finally, we use numerical simulation for specific situations in the hypernetwork of enterprises. Using the strong correlation network of potential value growth of firms generated by social network analysis, a feasible strategy for coordinated optimization of service-oriented manufacturing is proposed. This study finds that the manufacturing equilibrium formula emphasizes that service-oriented manufacturing firms must break the previous industrial separation and obtain the value-added profits from the iteration of manufacturing and service models to enhance the possibility of risk investment in integration innovation. According to the service equilibrium formula, enterprises must avoid the inferior market of services and excessive concentration of resources. Firms strengthen the access mechanisms of service-oriented manufacturing activities by revising the service model and introducing manufacturing operations. In the integration equilibrium formula, the linear feature of innovation indicates that firms should continuously invest in innovation construction and conduct innovation integration activities without incurring losses. Second, the main chain (supply chain, innovation chain) relationship between the manufacturing sub-network and integration sub-network is stronger than the other node relationships. The service network exhibits the characteristics of a weaker service chain than external nodes. Manufacturing value flows are concentrated on middle and downstream manufacturing activities. Service value flows are aggregated by market-oriented principles. Innovation value flows primarily exhibit continuous input and inherited innovation characteristics. Third, technology application, service penetration, the integration scale of manufacturing and service markets, and the market acceptance scale of service and manufacturing are essentially homogeneously related to the manufacturing relationship, service relationship, and innovation relationship, which positively stimulate the activity of value flows in each network. The cost and attrition of technology and service show inhibitory effects on value flows. Fourth, in the value network, the manufacturing value flows of the manufacturing relationship form a U-shape along with the industrial chain. The service value flow of the market is robust and exhibits a “tick”-like pattern in the service network. The innovation value network is mainly attached to the innovation chain and displays point-scattering characteristics.

Inclusive Immersion: a review of efforts to improve accessibility in virtual reality, augmented reality and the metaverse

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) afford new forms of work and leisure. While affordable and effective VR and AR headsets are now available, neither technology has achieved widespread user adoption. However, we predict continual technological advances and cost reductions are likely to lead to wider diffusion in society. Bridging the chasm from the early adopters to the early majority will require careful consideration of the needs of a more casual and diverse user population. In particular, it is desirable to minimise the exclusion of potential users based on their unique needs and maximise the inclusion of users in these novel immersive experiences. Ensuring equitable access to the emerging metaverse further reinforces the need to consider the diverse needs of users. We refer to this objective of maximising the accessibility and enjoyment potential of users of VR, AR and the metaverse as Inclusive Immersion. This paper reviews the research and commercial landscape seeking to address the accessibility needs of users in VR and AR. The survey provides the basis for a synthesis of the emerging strategies for maximising the inclusiveness of VR and AR applications. Finally, we identify several unaddressed accessibility challenges requiring further research attention. Our paper consolidates disparate efforts related to promoting accessible VR and AR and delivers directions for advancing research in this area.

Learning rate matters: Reexamining optimal power expansion planning with endogenized technological experience curves

The solution of an optimization-type power generation expansion planning model that endogenizes technology costs through the application of experience curves is highly dependent on the assumed values of the learning rate. Practical numerical models of this type derive a solution in which early diffusion of emerging technology, such as solar photovoltaic systems, leads to an intertemporal minimization of total electricity generation costs if the technology's assumed learning rate is above a particular boundary value; however, the principle behind this derivation is not well understood. This study aims to clarify the principle using a simple analytical model represented as an optimal control problem in addition to a numerical model. It identifies the factors influencing the solution as the discount rate and deployment rate at an initial time relative to the potential market share of the emerging technology. Analysis shows: (1) the higher the values of these two factors, the stricter the condition of learning rate required for the early diffusion of the technology to be optimal, holding other conditions constant; (2) the two factors have interaction effects on the optimal diffusion condition. Also, the study verifies the consistency of the results obtained from the analytical and numerical models.