Search

In the era of the digital economy, enterprises face the imperative of engaging in digital innovation to effectively respond to market competition. As total factor productivity (TFP) is a critical indicator of evaluating an enterprise's sustainable development goals, this study examines the causal relationship between digital innovation and TFP using digital patent data from listed Chinese companies between 2010 and 2021. The findings reveal a positive and robust relationship between digital innovation and TFP. The channel analysis demonstrates that digital innovation enhances TFP by curbing excess investment, thereby confirming the micro mechanism of digital innovation → investment efficiency → TFP. The heterogeneity analysis reveals that the positive impact of digital innovation on TFP is particularly prominent in capital-intensive industries, large-scale enterprises, and state-owned enterprises. Additionally, digital innovation is found to have a positive influence on TFP across the stages of an enterprise's lifecycle. This study contributes to the literature by expanding the understanding of the economic consequences of digital innovation for businesses, particularly from the perspective of digital patents, enriches the literature on enhancing TFP, and provides valuable insights for enterprises seeking to achieve their sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tudor Chamber Books (1485–1521) are a useful, underexplored source for examining queenship. In addition to the two queen consorts, Elizabeth of York and her daughter in law, Catherine of Aragon, there is interesting coverage of Margaret and Mary Tudor who became respectively Queen of Scots and Queen of France, as well as the early years of Mary I. This article demonstrates how financial records can shed new light on pivotal moments in a royal woman's life, including childhood, betrothals and weddings, widowhood, joys such as coronation ceremonies and stresses of childbirth and infant (or even maternal) loss. It demonstrates the utility of the Chamber Books themselves and of wider financial sources in charting the lives of royal women and understanding more deeply the rhythms and responsibilities of queenship. This article is part of a research cluster in this issue on the economic power of medieval queens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Resources Development & Market is the property of Sichuan Resource Development & Market Magazine Co., Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The competitiveness of tourism destinations depends on their degree of development or maturity. This article uses cluster analysis methods to establish the position in the life cycle of destinations in a pool of 154 countries. The article also explores their evolution between 2007 and 2017 doing a static comparative exercise. The position in the life cycle is determined by using confidence intervals for the means of the main variables. Following a recent and innovative methodology, thresholds are proposed that could potentially allow for a change of phase in the life cycle. Moreover, the article examines the main determinants of the competitiveness of the different destination groups as a function of their life-cycle position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the lifecycle aspect of within‐country inequality that stems from capital and labor services supplied by individuals. Our environment is a combination of a multicountry trade model and an overlapping generations model with production and capital accumulation. Trade liberalization increases the measured total factor productivity in each country, which increases the marginal product of capital and incentivizes capital accumulation. Higher capital stock and higher measured productivity raise the marginal product of labor and, hence, wages. Inequality, measured by the ratio of old agents' income to young agents' income, evolves over time due to capital accumulation during the transition from autarky to an open‐economy world. Immediately after liberalization, inequality increases. Over time, capital accumulates at a diminishing rate and inequality declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease leading to reduced (healthy) life years. The aim of this study is to quantify the societal costs associated with hypercholesterolemia. We use epidemiologic data on the distribution of cholesterol levels as well as data on relative risks regarding ischemic heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The analytical approach is based on the use of population-attributable fractions applied to direct medical, direct non-medical and indirect costs using data of Austria. Within a life-cycle analysis we sum up the costs of hypercholesterolemia for the population of 2019 and, thus, consider future morbidity and mortality effects on this population. Epidemiologic data suggest that approximately half of Austria's population have low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels above the target levels (i.e., are exposed to increased risk). We estimate that 8.2% of deaths are attributable to hypercholesterolemia. Total costs amount to about 0.33% of GDP in the single-period view. In the life-cycle perspective, total costs amount to €806.06 million, €312.1 million of which are medical costs, and about €494 million arise due to production loss associated with hypercholesterolemia. The study points out that significant shares of deaths, entries into disability pension and care allowance, full-time equivalents lost to the labor market as well as monetary costs for the health system and the society could be avoided if LDL-C-levels of the population were reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A digital twin-driven lifecycle management method is proposed to monitor the lifespan of motorized spindle. The lifecycle management system is designed and developed based on the combined programming of MATLAB, ANSYS, and LabVIEW. The prediction models of lifespan are built according to the digital twin (DT) data of thermal characteristics of the motorized spindle. The DT for thermal characteristics is realized through correcting the thermal boundary conditions according to the correction models which are established according to the measured and simulated temperatures at thermal key points. The temperature domain and threshold models of the cooling channel are constructed using the exponential fitting method to monitor the working status of the cooling system. The experimental results show that the DT-driven lifecycle management system can effectively monitor the status and remaining useful life of the motorized spindle, which provides a basis for the lifecycle management of the motorized spindle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne graminicola poses a significant threat to global rice production, causing yield losses between 17% and 30%. This study aims to elucidate the effects of temperature on the embryonic and post-embryonic development of M. graminicola. The egg shape index (ESI) of M. graminicola was determined, revealing that most eggs were ellipsoidal with an average ESI of 39.10 ± 1.3 μm. Embryogenesis at 28 ± 2℃ was characterized by rapid cellular division, with the development progressing from a single-cell stage to a multi-cell stage within 29 h. The first-stage juvenile (J1) emerged after 159–162 h, and hatching occurred at around 292–295 h at 28 ± 2℃. At 17 ± 2℃, embryonic development was slower, with J2 emerging after 552–554 h and hatching at 561–570 h. No development was observed at 6 ± 2℃ and 40℃, with embryos arrested at the blastula and two-cell stages, respectively. The lifecycle of M. graminicola was completed in 14–16 days at 28 ± 2℃, while it took 35–36 days at 17 ± 2℃, highlighting the significant influence of temperature on nematode development. At the higher temperature, J2 penetrated rice roots within 24 h and developed into egg-laying adults by day 16. At the lower temperature, penetration occurred on day 6, with adult females forming by day 28. The study highlights the significant impact of temperature on the development and lifecycle of M. graminicola, providing insights into its biology and thermal requirements in paddy. These findings are crucial for understanding the nematode’s adaptability and may inform strategies for managing M. graminicola infestations in rice cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction sector in emerging nations like Pakistan faces challenges due to the limited use of advanced technology. Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers key benefits, including cost savings, reduced rework, and early detection of design faults. BIM also manages large amounts of data by integrating information from various phases of the project life-cycle. This study examines BIM’s impact on planning, design, and construction phases through a survey of 40 field experts, ranked using the Likert scale. Results show that BIM enhances collaboration, supports better design pathways, and assists project managers during planning. In design, it improves information sharing, efficiency, and scheduling. Dur-ing construction, BIM facilitates seamless information flow, visualized model execution, and effective risk management. The findings highlight BIM’s potential to address lifecycle chal-lenges and improve overall project outcomes.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 262 million people worldwide, leading to over 820,000 deaths annually. The reason HBV has been a persistent issue for decades is that it is a non-cytopathic, liver-specific virus with the ability for persistent infection, which cannot be completely eliminated by drugs, eventually progressing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although HBV seems to induce little innate immune activation, adaptive immune responses can mediate viral clearance and liver disease. Here, we review the epidemiology, natural history, lifecycle, and modes of transmission of HBV. We also pay particular attention to the adaptive and innate immune responses to HBV and the research progress on therapeutic vaccines, which may provide new insights for targeted HBV treatment.

This paper employs a qualitative case study to suggest how the research journey of doctoral students can be improved in educational institutions by encouraging the formation of small and informal Communities of Practice (CoP). It examines themes emerging from the feelings and opinions of four part-time professional doctorate students about their study experience and participation in their emergent CoP. A peer group developed where the students share their experience, expertise, insight, and knowledge in a caring and supportive, but informal, forum. CoP could become an effective tool to aid retention, identity development and wellbeing of postgraduate level students, factors which have been previously identified as key areas of risk. An autoethnographic approach was used to review the feelings, perceptions, and opinions of the four case study group members about their experiences of the informal CoP to date. Thematic analysis of transcripts and WhatsApp communications was used to reveal the perceived common benefits and gains from participation in the informal CoP such as joy, safe spaces, and identity development, aligning members experiences to a CoP lifecycle. The study found small group formation at doctoral programme induction, and encouragement for students to organise their own regular study days using of social channels, may impact overall success. Application and adaptation of this doctoral CoP model could form the basis for future research and a model for academic institutions to suggest to new and existing students

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a gram‐negative anaerobic bacterium recognized for its pivotal role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. This review covers an overview of the virulence factors and lifecycle stages of P. gingivalis, with a specific focus on attachment and colonization, biofilm formation, growth and multiplication, dormancy survival and dissemination. Additionally, we explore the significance of inter‐bacterial cross‐feeding within biofilms. Furthermore, we discuss potential phytochemical‐based strategies to target P. gingivalis, including the use of curcumin, apigenin, quercetin and resveratrol. Understanding the virulence factors and lifecycle stages of P. gingivalis, along with the promising phytochemical‐based interventions, holds promise for advancing strategies in periodontal disease management and oral health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has drawn attention to states' backlash against international organizations (IOs), including whether member state withdrawals affect the longevity of IOs. We therefore ask when do member state withdrawals lead to the death of IOs? We are skeptical of a general link between withdrawal and IO death because on average, any one member is not critical for the survival of an IO. Also, withdrawal is often driven by one member state's preferences diverging from remaining members; these remaining states may band together after withdrawal, ensuring or even enhancing the longevity of the IO. Even withdrawal by several states may not contribute to IO death because a smaller group of remaining members may better overcome collective action challenges. Nonetheless, exit by an important member may affect IO survival by removing resources, market power, and guidance. We test these arguments using survival models on an original dataset of withdrawals across 532 IOs from 1909 to 2014/2020 and illustrate the dynamics with case vignettes. The results support our arguments: withdrawals in general do not lead to IO death but the withdrawal of founding members can speed IO death. Interestingly, withdrawal by economically powerful states seems to facilitate IO survival (often through reform and/or re-entry). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the lifecycle of IOs as well as to the resilience and vulnerabilities of international cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovations in dynamic polymeric materials offer prospects to improve the circularity and lower the environmental impact of the modern polymer economy. These materials are also beginning to blur the distinction between re‐use and recycling methods since the bulk material properties of the material may be rationally changed after applying a stimulus or performing a controlled chemical reaction. In this Perspective, we propose that dynamic polymers denote a unique class of versatile post‐consumer polymer waste, which shares similarities to emergent upcycling approaches while also offering additional opportunities within more classical recycling schemes. A brief overview of stimuli‐responsive polymers is presented where illustrative examples are discussed within the context of developing practical materials. Dynamic covalent polymeric materials are then highlighted, along with emerging techniques such as polymer editing, with a focus on recent reports demonstrating rational manipulation of bulk material properties. Finally, we discuss these examples alongside modern recycling methods and explore how dynamic polymers could perform in this sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species of the adaptive male–female sex ratio has different effects on the bio-community. This paper is aimed at figuring out these effects through mechanism analysis and Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE). Hence, the ODE environmental model is created by combining the Lotka–Volterra model, the interspecific model, and other external factors. The stability is used to characterize these effects. According to this model, effects on bio-community stability under different male–female sex ratios are roughly observed. By innovatively considering different living environments during the species' lifecycle, the ODE environmental model is optimized, and the effects of different male–female sex ratios on the bio-community are further analyzed by phase-track maps and relative standard deviation. It is found that there are different findings and features in resource-rich and resource-scarce living environments during the lifecycle. Meanwhile, bio-communities in these two types of environments are in a stable state based on different male–female sex ratios. Based on these findings, directive opinions can be used to manage and help relevant bio-communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companies in the nuclear power sector are constantly being challenged to improve their safety and reliability due to increasing complexity arise from evolving safety regulations, long production life, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the need for analyzing the impact of the changes in an operational life cycle. Recognizing these challenges, the paper proposes a transition to Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) as a transformative solution to improve the management of such complex systems. With this objective, this paper presents a workflow implementation that demonstrates the MBSE methodologies to define a concept model, system architecture, impact analysis, safety and reliability analysis, and operational decision‐making of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP). The paper concludes that MBSE provides a potent approach to managing NPP by employing graphical models to develop interrelated systems that has strong adaptability to heterogeneous environments and regulatory changes. The simulation results demonstrated an NPP life cycle, impact analysis, and a test case for model‐based safety and reliability analysis for regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, balance safety, and informed decision‐making in NPP. The study also leads to a number of interesting directions of future work such as synchronization through Product Lifecycle Management, integration with Building Information Modeling, Model‐Based Commissioning/Decommissioning, and Model‐Based Cyber System Security tailored for nuclear power systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】This paper discusses full lifecycle energy efficiency of optical communication systems in the purpose of energy conservation and carbon reduction. It aims to establish a universal model for description of energy efficiency, which covers all stages of system lifecycle, and it is not limited to specific technologies or network structures. It also analyzes the key influencing factors for improvement of energy efficiency of optical communication systems.【Methods】This paper explores the useful work and energy consumption of optical communication systems, to establish a universal model for energy efficiency. In the expression of useful work, in addition to the commonly used factor data rate, distance factor is introduced as an important factor. The paper recommends that the value generated by data transmissions which meet specific quality requirements and maintaining network connectivity in specific scenario applications should be considered in the description of the useful efficacy. The description method is named as comprehensive useful efficacy. In the discussion of energy consumption, the system lifecycle is decomposed into four stages: manufacturing, installation and construction, operation and maintenance, and waste recycling. Main influencing factors of energy efficiency improvement are discussed based on the established model.【Results】Main results of the research include: (1) Distance factor can be one of the main factors for evaluating the useful work of a system, and distance factors affect energy consumption at various stages of the system's lifecycle; (2) For new scenarios and applications, setting weights for data transmissions which meet specific quality requirements and assigning values for maintaining connectivities status in description of the system useful work could reflect the value brought by the energy cost of the system to meet the needs of scenario applications; (3) Energy consumption factors of each stage of the life cycle should be considered in evaluation of energy consumption of the full lifecycle, and the energy consumption of each stage should be converted into unit time based on the system operating life for accumulation; (4) Optimized network topology and routing design, reduction of line losses, as well as evolution of optical transmission technology and equipment/facility energy saving technologies, are important means to reduce energy consumptions throughout the entire lifecycle of the system and improve the energy efficiency.【Conclusion】This paper discusses the comprehensive useful work and full life cycle energy consumption of optical communication systems, and establishes a universal model to describe the full life cycle energy efficiency of the system. This model takes distance as an important influencing factor in the expression of the useful efficiency and also energy consumption of the system, which corresponds the value of the optical communication system based on communication distance with the energy consumption in the life-cycle caused by distances. It also suggests considering the value generated by data transmissions which meet specific quality requirements and maintaining network connectivity in the evaluation of the useful efficiency. This model could comprehensively evaluate the energy efficiency of optical communication systems, for improvements of system energy efficiency, and could adapt and promote applications of optical communication systems in new scenarios.

Abstract In this paper, we selected representative electric buses (EBs) and diesel buses as research cases, aiming to explore a localized method suitable for various vehicle types that can be implemented in any region to measure the carbon emissions of urban buses throughout the lifecycle. We take into account the influence of seasonal factors over the lifecycle. We fully consider the production, assembly, and recycling stages of vehicle systems. We construct a model for estimating CO2 emissions during the fuel cycle. We analyze and compare the impacts of the optimized power grid structure on the lifecycle CO2 emissions of the two types of buses. The results indicate that seasonal factors affect both bus types' energy consumption, with EBs being more sensitive. Carbon emissions primarily stem from manufacturing the body, chassis, and notably, the lithium‐ion batteries, with the latter having a pronounced impact on EBs. A decrease in coal power generation from 71% to 21% in the grid reduced EB fuel‐cycle emissions by 70.7%. Although EBs are sensitive to seasonal factors, they still have the greatest potential for carbon reduction, depending on the proportion of clean energy in the power grid and the production processes of vehicle components.

We approach the questions, what part of evolutionary change results from selection, and what is the adaptive information flow into a population undergoing selection, as a problem of quantifying the divergence of typical trajectories realized under selection from the expected dynamics of their counterparts under a null stochastic-process model representing the absence of selection. This approach starts with a formulation of adaptation in terms of information and from that identifies selection from the genetic parameters that generate information flow; it is the reverse of a historical approach that defines selection in terms of fitness, and then identifies adaptive characters as those amplified in relative frequency by fitness. Adaptive information is a relative entropy on distributions of histories computed directly from the generators of stochastic evolutionary population processes, which in large population limits can be approximated by its leading exponential dependence as a large-deviation function. We study a particular class of generators that represent the genetic dependence of explicit transitions around reproductive cycles in terms of stoichiometry, familiar from chemical reaction networks. Following Smith (2023), which showed that partitioning evolutionary events among genetically distinct realizations of lifecycles yields a more consistent causal analysis through the Price equation than the construction from units of selection and fitness, here we show that it likewise yields more complete evolutionary information measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Study on Optical Communications / Guangtongxin Yanjiu is the property of Study on Optical Communications Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Research currently focuses on immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). However, there is limited exploration of their application in sustainable smart cities with Building Information Modeling (BIM), and there remains a lack of interdisciplinary integration within this domain aimed at fostering sustainable smart city development. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the development status of immersive technology and BIM in sustainable smart cities, identifying trends and research hotspots by employing a triangulation research method mixed with a quantitative method via bibliometric analysis and a qualitative method via content analysis to investigate the relationship between immersive technologies and BIM in sustainable smart cities. The results reveal a fragmented nature in the research on immersive technology and BIM in sustainable smart cities, with rapidly changing hotspots and new technologies following a cyclical pattern every 3 to 5 years. Two distinct cycles of growth were observed in the field over the last 10 years (2014–2023). The first cycle, from 2014 to 2017, represented modest growth, while the second cycle, from 2018 to 2022, showed rapid expansion, with the keywords AR, VR, MR, BIM, smart city, and smart city concept indicating the research hotspots. Immersive technologies and BIM, developed since 2017, have contributed to sustainable smart city construction. The emerging keywords AR, MR, and 360-degree VR have become research hotspots since 2021, particularly in collaborative construction. Future research trends include artificial intelligence, digitalization, AR, and MR, while building sustainability and intelligent construction have emerged as real-world applications. Additionally, this paper employs software tools to generate multidimensional knowledge maps to form a knowledge universe map at a "macro-knowledge" level followed by a "micro-knowledge" level comprising a standard knowledge system, such as lifecycle analysis, enhancing the objectivity and organization of the results and providing innovative references for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterprises are the most important core organizations of the country and modern society, and their growth has always been a focal point in the theoretical field. This paper aims to focus on the sustainable development of platform enterprises by exploring the mechanism of platform growth. Thus, this paper reviews the literature and analyzes the challenges faced by platform enterprises during the four stages of birth, expansion, leadership, and self-renewal, as well as the strategies they have adopted. The main aims of this paper are to help understand the growth process of platform enterprises and identify three key points that need to be addressed for sustainable growth, including the disadvantages of resource externalities, the importance of the restructuration of business models, and the urgency of fulfilling social responsibility. To address the exogenous nature of resources, platform enterprises should pay attention to the initiative of complementors, the distribution of benefits, and ecological orchestration. The impact of technology, especially artificial intelligence, on business models and the application of technology to restructure business models should be given attention. It is also necessary to pay attention to how platform enterprises undertake their social responsibilities. A synthesis framework with seven propositions for future research has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation is the primary driving force for development, and enterprises, as the main drivers of innovation, are an important part of implementing the national innovation strategy. This paper, combining the perspective of the enterprise lifecycle, thoroughly examines the differential impact of the CEO's financial background on green innovation in enterprises at different stages of the lifecycle. This study finds that the CEO's financial background has a significant inhibitory effect on green innovation in enterprises, and this conclusion holds true after multiple robustness tests. From the perspective of the lifecycle, it is found that when enterprises are in the mature stage, the CEO's financial background has a strong inhibitory effect on innovation output. The impact of the CEO's financial background on green innovation output in the growth stage is relatively weak, while there is no significant impact on green innovation in the declining period. Furthermore, based on the enterprise lifecycle, it is found that the CEO's financial background has a stronger inhibitory effect on green innovation in non-state-owned enterprises and high-tech industries. The research findings of this paper have important theoretical value and practical significance for promoting green innovation in enterprises and implementing the national innovation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Technological advancements, improved surgical access, and heightened demand for surgery have fueled unprecedented device and supply turnover impelling wealthy hospitals to upgrade continually and sell, donate, recycle, or dispose of used, expired, antiquated, or surplus goods. This paper reviews the issues related to device and supply lifecycles and discusses the opportunities and challenges they present for sustainable surgical growth in low‐ and middle‐income (LMICs) countries. Observations: This review found, in LMICs countries, regulatory disparities persist that limit effective harmonization secondary to highly variable national policies and a lack of prioritized enforcement. Heterogeneity in the regulatory landscape, specifically in the classification, nomenclature, and identification of medical devices, encumbers effective regulation and distribution. Once devices are sold, donated, or reused in LMICs countries, complexities arise in regulatory compliance, maintenance, and appropriate use of these technologies. At the end of the lifecycle, waste management poses significant obstacles with limited resources hindering the implementation of best practices. Conclusion: There are major disparities in access to quality surgical equipment and supplies around the world. Improved communication between relevant stakeholders and harmonization of manufacture and disposal regulations will be needed to ensure adequate and appropriate responses to these challenges. Trial registration number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Derecho Constitucional is the property of Centro de Estudios Politicos y Constitucionales and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, we selected representative electric buses (EBs) and diesel buses as research cases, aiming to explore a localized method suitable for various vehicle types that can be implemented in any region to measure the carbon emissions of urban buses throughout the lifecycle. We take into account the influence of seasonal factors over the lifecycle. We fully consider the production, assembly, and recycling stages of vehicle systems. We construct a model for estimating CO2 emissions during the fuel cycle. We analyze and compare the impacts of the optimized power grid structure on the lifecycle CO2 emissions of the two types of buses. The results indicate that seasonal factors affect both bus types' energy consumption, with EBs being more sensitive. Carbon emissions primarily stem from manufacturing the body, chassis, and notably, the lithium‐ion batteries, with the latter having a pronounced impact on EBs. A decrease in coal power generation from 71% to 21% in the grid reduced EB fuel‐cycle emissions by 70.7%. Although EBs are sensitive to seasonal factors, they still have the greatest potential for carbon reduction, depending on the proportion of clean energy in the power grid and the production processes of vehicle components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturers around the globe are expected—with growing urgency—to contribute to the implementation of a circular economy (CE) to enhance environmental sustainability. However, to put circularity into practice, companies need to be better guided. Responding to their need, this paper 1) documents research-based insights for CE implementation; 2) clarifies key CE concepts; 3) highlights learning of CE research and innovation in various regions; 4) outlines guiding principles for CE implementation; and 5) proposes issues for future research to various communities with a cross-disciplinary approach in mind. The adopted method is a literature review supplemented with stakeholder interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of existing literature being fragmented and lacking systematicity, the relationship between corporate digital transformation and the cost of equity financing is re-examined by constructing a return-risk-expectation theoretical framework. We found that corporate digital transformation significantly reduces equity financing costs; this conclusion still holds after a series of robustness tests. Corporate digital transformation improves investors' expectations by increasing their future earnings and lowering their risk levels. As a result, to share firms’ growth potential, investors will lower the cost of equity. Moreover, by constructing the lifecycle model, we explored the heterogeneity condition from a time-dynamic perspective and found the inhibiting effect is more pronounced in firms staying in growth and mature stages. Moderating effect analysis shows that marketization and investor sentiment can positively moderate the relationship between the two. We complement and extend the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast charging is a critical factor for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), yet it poses challenges to the durability of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). This study develops an aging model for a 10 Ah LiB cell using COMSOL Multiphysics, integrating a one-dimensional electrochemical model with a zero-dimensional thermal model. The model is constructed using cell design and electrochemical parameters derived from existing literature, tailored to the specific electrode and electrolyte materials utilized in this study. Key aging phenomena, such as the Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) growth and lithium plating, are embedded within the model to simulate the aging patterns and the interplay between these factors across various C-rates and temperatures. Simulation results suggest that while higher charging rates can reduce charging time, they also lead to increased degradation, with lithium plating becoming more severe at these elevated rates. The model also indicates that temperature management during cell operation can influence cycle life, with strategic temperature increases potentially mitigating some negative effects of fast charging. The study also explores the concept of total charging time as an alternative metric for battery wear, examining its relationship with the charging current profile and temperature. Results indicate that while fast charging offers convenience, it significantly impacts cycle life, underscoring the need for optimized charging strategies. The insights from this work enhance the understanding of Li-ion cell aging mechanisms, shedding light on the complex trade-offs between charging speed, temperature management, and lifespan. This contributes to the development of more sophisticated battery management systems and charging protocols that aim to extend the operational life of LiBs while accommodating the demands of fast charging.

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are intensive poleward moisture transport events that are essential to the global hydrological cycle and are often linked to extreme weather events. We categorize the winter North Pacific ARs into two “flavors”: wind-dominated (windy ARs) and moisture-dominated (wet ARs) using 40 years of hourly data from fifth generation of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Interim Reanalysis. We compare the differences between windy ARs and wet ARs including the lifecycle characteristics (such as genesis locations and changes of meteorological elements through the lifecycle), overall AR frequency, landfall impacts, and variability. The windy ARs are more likely to occur in the midlatitudes, while wet ARs are more active in the subtropics. Windy ARs are associated with intensive surface pressure lows, where the strong pressure gradient can support the strong wind within ARs. Due to larger size and longer lifetime, wet ARs are more likely to produce more precipitation over a lifecycle. By scaling the landfalling ARs, we show that wet ARs dominate the high-category ARs (Category 4 and 5) with higher spatial frequency and more precipitation, and windy ARs have higher contributions in the lower AR categories especially over British Columbia. Windy ARs are modulated by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections via the anomalous geopotential height and extended subtropical jet. Wet ARs are affected by the anomalous sea surface temperature over the midlatitudes related to ENSO. Sensitivity analysis with an alternate AR detection algorithm shows consistent results on AR flavors but with disagreement on the amplitude.

Accelerators are broadly seen as platforms that government, non-profit, and for-profit organizations use to fast-track the development of entrepreneurial and SME business capabilities. Typically, this occurs as competitive, time-constrained, cohort-centered, authentic learning experiences supported by mentoring and access to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, management development programs, and financial resources. Interest in how the ventures in the development programs evolve and contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem is increasing (Cantner et al. in Small Business Economics, 57, 407–423, 2021), but how the accelerators evolve has yet to be adequately researched. To better understand how accelerators evolve, we adapt Churchill and Lewis (Harvard Business Review, 61(3), 30–50, 1983) conceptual framework of the stages of small business development. This study investigated the life cycle of Australian accelerators from 2013 to 2020. The accelerators ranged from short-term "pop-up" programs to permanent programs. We found through a series of four selected exemplar case studies that these accelerators exhibited a similar four-stage life cycle to their participants, including (1) gestation, (2) survival, (3) viability, and (4) decline or renewal. We also found that external support was a critical issue that determined viability. Our findings support the development of accelerator management to be more agile, resilient, and entrepreneurial, which can confront those adopting a more standardized franchise model. In addition, we adapt Kohler (Business Horizons, 59(3), 347–357, 2016) work on corporate accelerators into an inclusive framework for all forms of accelerators, including considering their geographic context or Place, the actors involved with the accelerator or its People, the accelerator's value Proposition to participants, the accelerator's Processes and most fundamentally, its Purpose that will contribute to the entrepreneurial ecosystem practice and literature. This research provides practical considerations on positioning, suitable business models, and maximized operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lifecycles of vehicular resistor lead in random vibration environment were analyzed in this technical note and the finite element model of a vehicular printed circuit board (PCB) was established. It is with two short edges of PCB fixed for boundary condition to simulate the actual working conditions of the vehicle driving on the road, the constrained modal analysis was simulated and experimental verification were carried out. Both the PCB and the vehicular resistor which soldered on PCB were excited vertically according to Standard GJB150. Based on simulated vibration excitation environment, the power spectral density (PSD) stress value of the resistor lead was calculated. The lifecycles of the resistor lead were calculated theoretically and were verified by following failure-oriented accelerated testing (FOAT). Finally, in order to extend the lifecycles of resistor lead, an improved solution for PCB is put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a cosmopolitan and typical necrotrophic phytopathogenic fungus that infects hundreds of plant species. Because no cultivars highly resistant to S. sclerotiorum are available, managing Sclerotinia disease caused by S. sclerotiorum is still challenging. However, recent studies have demonstrated that S. sclerotiorum has a beneficial effect and can live mutualistically as an endophyte in graminaceous plants, protecting the plants against major fungal diseases. An in‐depth understanding of the schizotrophic lifestyle of S. sclerotiorum during interactions with plants under different environmental conditions will provide new strategies for controlling fungal disease. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis mechanisms of S. sclerotiorum during its attack of host plants as a destructive pathogen and discuss its lifestyle as a beneficial endophytic fungus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for personalized products and the lack of skilled workers, intensified by demographic change, are major challenges for the manufacturing industry in Europe. An important framework for addressing these issues is a digital twin that represents the dynamic behavior of machine tools to support the remaining skilled workers and optimize processes in virtual space. Existing methods for modeling the dynamic behavior of machine tools rely on the use of expert knowledge and require a significant amount of manual effort. In this paper, a concept is proposed for individualized and lifetime-adaptive modeling of the dynamic behavior of machine tools with the focus on the machine's tool center point. Therefore, existing and proven algorithms are combined and applied to this use case. Additionally, it eliminates the need for detailed information about the machine's kinematic structure and utilizes automated data collection, which reduces the dependence on expert knowledge. In preliminary tests, the algorithm for the initial model setup shows a fit of 99.88% on simulation data. The introduced re-fit approach for online parameter actualization is promising, as in preliminary tests, an accuracy of 95.23% could be reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Availability model A10/A24: digital construction across the lifecycle The BIM‐based project execution in infrastructure construction, especially during the construction and maintenance phases, is currently in the testing phase. The project Availability model A10/A24 is a national pilot project by DEGES on behalf of the Autobahn GmbH commissioned by the Federal Republic of Germany, aimed at implementing performance level 1 of the Digital Design and Construction Roadmap. It is the first project that seamlessly integrates design, construction and maintenance through BIM, extending beyond existing pilot projects. The clearance for traffic of the project took place on November 11, 2022, between Neuruppin and Pankow. The design and construction phases were consistently executed with BIM for specific section. Over the next 25 years, the maintenance phase will be conducted based on the handover model, including condition data, damages, and maintenance measures. The following presents insights from the implementation and execution of the BIM project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]