Moving forward responsibly: Oversight for the nanotechnology-biology interface

Challenges and opportunities for appropriate oversight of nanotechnology applied to or derived from biological systems (nano-bio interface) were discussed in a public workshop and dialog hosted by the Center for Science, Technology, and Public Policy of the University of Minnesota on September 15, 2005. This paper discusses the themes that emerged from the workshop, including the importance of analyzing potential gaps in current regulatory systems; deciding upon the general approach taken toward regulation; employing non-regulatory mechanisms for governance; making risk and other studies transparent and available to the public; bolstering mechanisms for public participation in risk analysis; creating more opportunities for meaningful discussion of the social and ethical dimensions of the nano-bio interface; increasing funds for implications and problem-solving research in this area; and having independent and reliable sources for communication. The workshop was successful in identifying ways of moving forward responsibly so that ultimately nanotechnology and its products can succeed in developers’, researchers’, regulators’, and the public’s eyes.     

The dynamics of functioning investigating societal transitions with partial differential equations

In this article a mathematical framework is introduced and explored for the study of processes in societal transitions. A transition is conceptualised as a fundamental shift in the functioning of a societal system. The framework views functioning as a real-valued field defined upon a real variable. The initial status quo prior to a transition is captured in a field called the regime and the alternative that possibly takes over is represented in a field called a niche. Think for example of a transition in an energy supply system, where the regime could be centrally produced, fossil fuel based energy supply and a niche decentralised renewable energy production. The article then proceeds to translate theoretical notions on the interactions and dynamics of regimes and niches from transition literature into the language of this framework. This is subsequently elaborated in some simple models and studied analytically or by means of computer simulation.

Complex joint R&D projects: From empirical evidence to managerial implications

At present, the role of joint R&D projects becomes fundamental for understanding the process of innovation. An extensive bibliography exists on the study of the organizations; however, the networks for the development of joint R&D projects themselves as a new form of organization are still a growing field of study. The aim of this article is to provide empirical evidence on joint R&D projects management. To approach this question the starting point will be that joint R&D projects are complex phenomena whose complexity derives from the heterogeneity of agents to take part, the technological process developed and from the organizational form that supports R&D projects. The empirical evidence through European R&D Programs shows the multidimensional character of the joint R&D project concept and allows analyze their different subsystems that is, technological, structural, and governance subsystem. This study not only offers a conceptual framework to help manage these projects, but also discusses practical guidelines that may be useful for its running and management. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2009     

Non-Gaussian series and series with non-zero means: Practical implications for time series analysis

This paper presents a discussion of the relationship between the distribution of the input and the distribution of the output of linear filters. The purpose of the discussion is to focus attention on several fundamental aspects of developing ARIMA models which seem to be overlooked routinely in practice. The authors discuss the implications of non-normally distributed time series realizations and examine the effect of failure to estimate the constant parameter in developing ARIMA models.     

ηproduction in proton-nucleus collisions near threshold

The η-meson production in proton-nucleus(pA)collisions near threshold is studied within a relativistic meson-exchange model.The primary production amplitude is presented in the distorted-wave impulse approximation for the nucleus with isospin 0 or [1]by assuming that N*(1535)is excited via a meson exchange and then decays into η and nucleon pair(ηN).Taking 18O and 12C nuclei as examples,we evaluate the production cross sections as a function of the incident proton energy,and analyze the effects of nuclear medium and various meson-exchange contributions.Finally we discuss implications for further experimental studies at the Cooling Storage Ring(CSR)in Lanzhou.     

The emergence and policy implications of converging new technologies integrated from the nanoscale

Science based on the unified concepts on matter at the nanoscale provides a new foundation for knowledge creation, innovation, and technology integration. Convergent new technologies refers to the synergistic combination of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive sciences (NBIC), each of which is currently progressing at a rapid rate, experiencing qualitative advancements, and interacting with the more established fields such as mathematics and environmental technologies (Roco & Bainbridge, 2002). It is expected that converging technologies will bring about tremendous improvements in transforming tools, new products and services, enable human personal abilities and social achievements, and reshape societal relationships.After a brief overview of the general implications of converging new technologies, this paper focuses on its effects on R&D policies and business models as part of changing societal relationships. These R&D policies will have implications on investments in research and industry, with the main goal of taking advantage of the transformative development of NBIC. Introduction of converging technologies must be done with respect of immediate concerns (privacy, toxicity of new materials, etc.) and longer-term concerns including human integrity, dignity and welfare. The efficient introduction and development of converging new technologies will require new organizations and business models, as well as solutions for preparing the economy, such as multifunctional research facilities, integrative technology platforms, and global risk governance.(*) This is an extension of the presentation made at the Converging Technologies Conference, February 26, 2004, New York.This revised version was published online in August 2005 with a corrected issue number.     

Possibilities for global governance of converging technologies

The convergence of nanotechnology, modern biology, the digital revolution and cognitive sciences will bring about tremendous improvements in transformative tools, generate new products and services, enable opportunities to meet and enhance human potential and social achievements, and in time reshape societal relationships. This paper focuses on the progress made in governance of such converging, emerging technologies and suggests possibilities for a global approach. Specifically, this paper suggests creating a multidisciplinary forum or a consultative coordinating group with members from various countries to address globally governance of converging, emerging technologies. The proposed framework for governance of converging technologies calls for four key functions: supporting the transformative impact of the new technologies; advancing responsible development that includes health, safety and ethical concerns; encouraging national and global partnerships; and establishing commitments to long-term planning and investments centered on human development. Principles of good governance guiding these functions include participation of all those who are forging or affected by the new technologies, transparency of governance strategies, responsibility of each participating stakeholder, and effective strategic planning. Introduction and management of converging technologies must be done with respect for immediate concerns, such as privacy, access to medical advancements, and potential human health effects. At the same time, introduction and management should also be done with respect for longer-term concerns, such as preserving human integrity, dignity and welfare. The suggested governance functions apply to four levels of governance: (a) adapting existing regulations and organizations; (b) establishing new programs, regulations and organizations specifically to handle converging technologies; (c) building capacity for addressing these issues into national policies and institutions; and (d) making international agreements and partnerships. Several possibilities for improving the governance of converging technologies in the global self-regulating ecosystem are recommended: using open-source and incentive-based models, establishing corresponding science and engineering platforms, empowering the stakeholders and promoting partnerships among them, implementing long-term planning that includes international perspectives, and institute voluntary and science-based measures for risk management.

Distributive equations of implications based on nilpotent triangular norms

In this paper, we explore the distributive equations of implications, both independently and along with other equations. In detail, we consider three classes of equations. (1) By means of the section of I, we give out the sufficient and necessary conditions of solutions for the distributive equation of implication I(x, T(y, z)) = T(I(x, y), (x, z)) based on a nilpotent triangular norm T and an unknown function I, which indicates that there are no continuous solutions satisfying the boundary conditions of implications. Under the assumptions that I is continuous except the vertical section I(0, y), y ∈ [0, 1), we get its complete characterizations. (2) We prove that there are no solutions for the functional equations I(x, T(y, z)) = T(I(x, y), I(x, z)), I(x, I(y, z)) = I(T(x, y), z). (3) We obtain the sufficient and necessary conditions on T and I to be solutions of the functional equations I(x, T(y, z)) = T(I(x, y), I(x, z)), I(x, y) = I(N(y), N(x)).