High-cost technology

Mass Spectrometers as Process Analyzers. The use of mass spectrometers in process analysis lias not been widespread because nl its perceived complexity and high cost. Technological advancements over the past decade or two have reduced costs and simplified mass spectrometry to the point where it is suitable lor a number of process analytical applications in place of infrared absorption or gas chromatography mass spectrometer is well accepted in such applications hecause of low cosi. good reliability, and ease of cnmpuicr-controllcd interfaces. 

The distribution and use of technology is closely linked with equity concern and the gap between the haves and have-nots. In many countries, sophisticated tertiary hospitals heavily concentrated in the largest cities and dominated by indiscriminate use of low-volume, high-cost technology are often available only for those who can afford them. At the same time, there is a severe shortage of essential services of a higher priority at a district level and for primary health care in cities themselves, which makes those who are most in need— the rural population and urban poor—suffer most. 

The market pull for premium power to date has come from countries with less access to a widespread grid. These include the African nations, India, and many Latin American countries. As these countries cannot afford to be first adopters of very high-cost technology, there is a market-induced lag between the pull and push of the technology. 

Since the first photovoltaic (PV) cells were fabricated for the U.S. space program in 1958, PV technology has evolved from once being a very high cost but essential and effective space power source to later becoming a small but diversified and enduring worldwide industry (1 6). Led by firms based in the United States, Japan, and Germany, this industry serves multiple markets (see Photovoltaic cells). 

The reaction is carried out in the Hquid phase at 373—463 K and 3 MPa (30 atm) of carbon monoxide pressure using nickel salt catalyst, or at 313 K and 0.1 MPa (1 atm) using nickel carbonyl as both the catalyst and the source of carbon monoxide. Either acryHc acid or methyl acrylate may be produced directly, depending on whether water or methanol is used as solvent (41). New technology for acryHc acid production uses direct propjdene oxidation rather than acetylene carbonylation because of the high cost of acetjdene. This new process has completely replaced the old in the United States (see... 

During the 1960s, air conditioning system control began to shift from simple electrical or pneumatic control to electronic and rudimentaiy computer control. This new technology was applied to commercial, institutional and commercial buildings where the high cost and complicated nature justified its use. 

Basically growth hormones alter the normal growth of some insect species. The juvenile growth hormone worked effectively to kill some insects in the laboratory, but when applied in the field for pest control, the hormone was not effective. Its problems centered on its high cost, rapid rate of breakdown after application, and its broad spectrum effects. For example, the hormone was found to kill beneficial species as well as pest species, much like insecticides. Thus far, it has not proven to be a useful technology for pest control (42). 

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