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Welfare and research and development incentive effects of uniform and differential pricing schemes
No full textThis paper is about the application of optimization methods to the analysis of three pricing schemes adopted by one manufacturer in a two-country model of production and trade. The analysis focuses on pricing schemes—one uniform pricing scheme, and two differential pricing schemes—for which there is no competition coming from the so-called parallel trade. This term denotes the practice of buying a patented product like a medicine in one market at one price, then re-selling it in a second so-called gray market at a higher price, on a parallel distribution chain where it competes with the official distribution chain. The adoption of pricing schemes under which parallel trade does not arise can prevent the occurrence of its well-documented negative effects. In the work, a comparison of the optimal solutions to the optimization problems modeling the three pricing schemes is performed. More specifically, conditions are found under which the two differential pricing schemes are more desirable from several points of view (e.g., incentive for the manufacturer to do Research and Development, product accessibility, global welfare) than the uniform pricing scheme. In particular, we prove that, compared to the uniform pricing scheme, the two differential pricing schemes increase the incentive for the manufacturer to invest in Research and Development. We also prove that they serve both countries under a larger range of values for the relative market size, making the product more accessible to consumers in the lower price country. Moreover, we provide a sufficient condition under which price discrimination is more efficient from a global welfare perspective than uniform pricing. The analysis applies in particular to the case of the European Single Market for medicines. Compared to other studies, our work takes into account also the possible presence in all the optimization problems of a positive constant marginal cost of production, showing that it can have non-negligible effects on the results of the analysis. As an important contribution, indeed, our analysis clarifies the conditions—which have been overlooked in the literature about the mechanisms adopted to prevent parallel trade occurrence—that allow/do not allow one to neglect the presence of this factor. Such conditions are related, e.g., to the comparison between the positive constant marginal cost of production, the parallel trade cost per-unit, and the maximal price that can be effectively charged to the consumers in the lower price country.Publisher versio
High shear rate propulsion of acoustic microrobots in complex biological fluids
No full textUntethered microrobots offer a great promise for localized targeted therapy in hard-to-access spaces in our body. Despite recent advancements, most microrobot propulsion capabilities have been limited to homogenous Newtonian fluids. However, the biological fluids present in our body are heterogeneous and have shear rate–dependent rheological properties, which limit the propulsion of microrobots using conventional designs and actuation methods. We propose an acoustically powered microrobotic system, consisting of a three-dimensionally printed 30-micrometer-diameter hollow body with an oscillatory microbubble, to generate high shear rate fluidic flow for propulsion in complex biofluids. The acoustically induced microstreaming flow leads to distinct surface-slipping and puller-type propulsion modes in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, respectively. We demonstrate efficient propulsion of the microrobots in diverse biological fluids, including in vitro navigation through mucus layers on biologically relevant three-dimensional surfaces. The microrobot design and high shear rate propulsion mechanism discussed herein could open new possibilities to deploy microrobots in complex biofluids toward minimally invasive targeted therapy
A simplified guide on BIM integration to mitigate facilities management risks of modular construction projects
No full textBuilding Information Modelling (BIM) has been upscaling throughout the years being highly interoperable. In modular construction, projects have limited scope for alterations at later stages because of exorbitant costs. It is preferable to start with an accurate and well-established platform that will automatically clear obstacles at later stages. As with any project, risks are to be encountered. In this study, Facilities Management (FM) risks are analyzed and BIM-linked approaches are brought together as a guide. The input was derived from a literature review and given the limited studies performed in this scope, interviews with six experts who also validated the outputs have boosted overall quality. Since the modular sector has not yet witnessed early FM integrations with BIM platforms, this investigation had as aim to pave the path for this subject. For modular construction projects to perform to their full efficacy, early involvements are the key. In the study, sub-categories that involve maintenance of module and space management, energy analysis, quality and safety were deemed as major contributors to FM risks if not handled correctly. Being interconnected, cost, scheduling, and quality equally impact the project. For instance, without prior planning for accessing faulty facilities, the facility manager in charge would dedicate more time to figure out another path that could hinder designated quality standards. BIM integration acts as visual aid and database containing project attributes. This study forms simplified guides with suggestions on BIM platforms that modular construction projects can adopt for tackling FM risks while early integrating designers with facilities managers
Real-time implementation of an underwater quantum key distribution system
No full textAs threats in the maritime domain diversify, securing data transmission becomes critical for underwater wireless networks designed for the surveillance of critical infrastructure and maritime border protection. This has sparked interest in underwater Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). In this paper, we present a real-time implementation of an underwater QKD system based on the BB84 protocol. The QKD unit is built on a hybrid computation system consisting of an FPGA and an on-board computer (OBC) interfaced with optical front-ends. A real-time photon counting module has been implemented on FPGA. The transmitter and receiver units are powered with external UPS and all system parameters can be monitored from the connected computers. The system is also equipped with a visible laser and an alignment indicator to validate successful manual alignment
Accelerating discovery of COFs for CO2 capture and H2 purification using structurally guided computational screening
No full textScreening of hypothetical covalent organic framework (hypoCOF) database enables to go beyond the current synthesized structures to design high-performance materials for CO2 separation. In this work, we followed a structurally guided computational screening approach to find the most promising candidates of hypoCOF adsorbents and membranes for CO2 capture and H2 purification. Grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations were used to evaluate CO2/H2 separation performance of 3184 hypoCOFs for pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) and vacuum-swing adsorption (VSA) processes. CO2/H2 adsorption selectivities and CO2 working capacities of hypoCOFs were calculated in the range of 6.13–742 (6.39–954) and 0.07–8.68 mol/kg (0.01–3.92 mol/kg), achieving higher values than those of experimentally synthesized COFs at PSA (VSA) conditions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the strength of hydrogen bonding between CO2 and the functional group of linkers is an important factor for determining the CO2 selectivity of hypoCOFs. The most predominant topologies and linker types were identified as bor and pts, linker91 (a triazine linker) and linker92 (a benzene linker) for the top-performing hypoCOF adsorbents, respectively. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of 794 hypoCOFs showed that they exceed the Robeson's upper bound by outperforming COF, zeolite, metal organic framework (MOF), and polymer membranes due to their high H2/CO2 selectivities, 2.66–6.14, and high H2 permeabilities, 9×105–4.5×106 Barrer. Results of this work will be useful to guide the synthesis of novel materials by providing molecular-level insights into the structural features of hypothetical COFs to achieve superior CO2 separation performance.ERC-2017-Starting ; European Union’s Horizon 2020Publisher versio
Factors affecting site-specific response analysis
No full textAbstractThe engineering purpose of a site-specific response analysis is to estimate the uniform hazard acceleration spectrum on the ground surface for a selected hazard level. One of the mandatory components for site response analyses is one or more representative acceleration time histories that need to be scaled with respect to the calculated seismic hazard level for the selected site. The selection and scaling procedures of earthquake acceleration records play an important role in this approach. The effects and differences in using two different scaling approaches are studied: scaling with respect to ground motion parameters and response spectrum scaling. A set of homogeneous ground motion prediction relationships are developed for peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, root-mean-square acceleration, Arias intensity, cumulative absolute velocity, maximum spectral acceleration, response spectrum intensity, and acceleration spectrum intensity based on a uniform set of acceleration records for ground motion parameter scaling. The uncertainties associated with site response analysis are considered as epistemic and aleatory uncertainties in source characteristics, soil profile, and soil properties. Aleatory variability is due to the intrinsic randomness of natural systems; it cannot be reduced with additional data (Passeri et al. 2020), however; its variability may be modeled by probability distribution functions. Thus, one possibility is to determine the probability distribution of the acceleration spectrum calculated on the ground surface for all possible input acceleration records, site profiles, and dynamic soil properties. The variability in the earthquake source and path effects are considered using a large number of acceleration records compatible with the site-dependent earthquake hazard in terms of fault mechanism, magnitude, and distance range recorded on stiff site conditions. Likewise, a large number of soil profiles may be considered to account for the site condition variability. The uncertainties related to dynamic soil properties may be considered as possible variability of maximum dynamic shear modulus in site response analyses. A methodology is proposed to estimate a uniform hazard acceleration spectrum on the ground surface based on the probabilistic assessment of the factors involved in site response analysis. The uniform hazard acceleration spectra obtained from a case study are compared with the spectra calculated by probabilistic models proposed in the literature
Effect of a multi-phase structure on the damping response of a novel high entropy alloy
No full textIn this study, dynamic behavior of a novel multi-phase high entropy alloy (HEA) was investigated. Thermo-mechanical processes containing an 80 % thickness reduction at room temperature rolling followed by annealing at 750 °C and 850 °C were applied to modify the microstructure and the resulting damping properties of the HEA. Annealing at 750 °C introduced the BCC phase, while at 850 °C, the sigma phase was prevalent in the microstructure, leading to over 1 GPa strength with decent ductility in the latter condition. The storage modulus and the internal friction values of the annealed alloys are noticeably improved, indicating that application of suitable heat treatments could enhance both the mechanical response and the damping performance of this HEA
Parental involvement and children’s peer interactions
No full textChildren require parental support to successfully develop social and academic skills during early years. We examined the link between parental involvement and preschool children’s peer interactions. We recruited 442 children (52.8% girls), their parents and teachers for the current study. The children’s age ranged between 40 and 86 months (M = 60.28, SD = 9.72). Parents and teachers reported on children’s positive and negative peer interactions using the Penn Interactive Peer Play Scale. Parents reported on their involvement using the Family Involvement Questionnaire. Results from the structural equation models revealed that parental involvement was positively related to positive peer interactions but not with negative peer interactions. Future work and limitations are discussed
Smart legal contracts & smarter dispute resolution
No full textAvailability, and efficiency of dispute resolution mechanisms are sine qua non for a healthy and prosperous environment. Regarding the technical difficulties and challenges, however, traditional judiciary mechanisms may not be effective for blockchain-related disputes. In this manner, judicialization of blockchain becomes highly inevitable, especially regarding the vision of creating a 'self-sufficient system.' In this context, decentralized dispute resolution platforms have occurred and started to provide solutions to blockchain-based disputes. Yet, they are still far from being perfect and should be improved by legal standards and frameworks, as well as employing technical tools. This paper focuses on on-chain dispute resolution mechanisms for blockchain-related disputes, particularly those derived from smart legal contracts
Türk yeni evli çiftlerde ebeveyn kabul-reddi, evlilik doyumu ve reddedilme duyarlılığı arasındaki ilişki: Çift analizi
No full textThis research examined the dyadic relationships between remembered parental acceptance- rejection and marital satisfaction of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot newlyweds with the mediating mechanism of rejection sensitivity. The study's sample consisted of 111 heterosexual spouses (111 wives and 111 husbands; age range from 21 to 53 years) who have been married for at most 5 years. Both wives and husbands completed all questionnaires: Adult Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire Short Form (both the mother and the father form; Rohner, 2005), Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (Berenson et al., 2009) Satisfaction Level Sub-scale of Investment Model Scale (Rusbult et al., 1998) and demographic information form. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) and APIM Mediation Model (APIMeM) analyses were conducted. Results indicated statistically significant relationship between husbands' maternal acceptance and their own marital satisfaction (direct actor effect, husbands) and between husbands' maternal acceptance and their wives' marital satisfaction (direct partner effect, husbands to wives). Wives' maternal acceptance as well as paternal acceptance had positive indirect effects on wives' marital satisfaction through wives' rejection sensitivity (indirect actor effects, wives). Similarly, husbands' maternal and paternal acceptance had positive indirect effects on husbands' marital satisfaction through husbands' rejection sensitivity (indirect actor effects, husbands). The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to previous literature and Parental Acceptance-Rejection Theory (Rohner, 1986), Family System Theory (Bowen, 1978) and Rejection Sensitivity Model (Downey & Feldman, 1996). Clinical implications of these dyadic findings are discussed.Bu araştırmada Türk ve Kıbrıslı Türk yeni evlilerin hatırlanan ebeveyn kabul-reddi ve evlilik doyumu arasındaki ilişkide, reddedilme duyarlılığının aracı mekanizması aktör partner ilişkilerine bakarak incelenmiştir. Araştırmanın örneklemini en fazla 5 yıldır evli olan 111 heteroseksüel eş (111 kadın ve 111 erkek; yaş aralığı 23 – 54 yıl) oluşturdu. Hem kadınlar hem de erkekler araştırmanın bütün anketlerini tamamladı: Yetişkin Ebeveyn Kabul-Red Ölçeği Kısa Formu (anne ve baba formları; Rohner, 2005), Yetişkin Reddedilme Duyarlılığı Ölçeği (Berenson ve ark., 2009) Yatırım Modeli Ölçeğinin İlişki Doyumu Düzeyi Alt Ölçeği (Rusbult ve ark., 1998) ve demografik bilgi formu. Aktör-Partner Karşılıklı Bağımlılık Modeli (APIM) ve APIM Aracılık Modeli (APIMeM) analizleri yapılmıştır. Sonuçlar, erkeklerin anne kabulü ile kendi evlilik tatmini arasında (doğrudan aktör etkisi, erkekler) ve erkeklerin anne kabulü ile kadınların evlilik doyumu arasında (erkekten kadına doğrudan partner etkisi) istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir pozitif ilişki olduğunu göstermektedir. Kadınların hem anne hem de baba kabulü, kadınların kendi reddedilme duyarlılığı yoluyla, kendi evlilik doyumları üzerinde olumlu dolaylı bir etkiye sahipti (dolaylı aktör etkileri, kadınlar). Benzer şekilde, erkeklerin hem anne hem de baba kabulü, erkeklerin kendi reddedilme duyarlılığı yoluyla, kendi evlilik doyumları üzerinde olumlu dolaylı bir etkiye sahipti (dolaylı aktör etkileri, erkekler). Bu bulguların sonuçları, önceki literatür ve Ebeveyn Kabul-Red Kuramı (Rohner, 1986), Aile Sistemleri Teorisi (Bowen, 1978) ve Reddetme Duyarlılığı Modeli (Downey ve Feldman, 1996) ışığında tartışılmıştır. Bu çift analizi bulgularının klinik çıkarımları da tartışılmıştır