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The paper presents a techno-economic analysis of the electromechanical equipment of traditional vertical axis water mills (VAWMs) to help investors, mill owners and engineers to preliminary estimate related benefits and costs of a VAWM repowering.

Two sustainable repowering solutions were examined with the additional aim to preserve the original status and aesthetics of a VAWM: the use of a vertical axis water wheel (VAWW) and a vertical axis impulse turbine. The analysis was applied to a database of 714 VAWMs in Basilicata (Italy), with known head and flow.

Expeditious equations were proposed for both solutions to determine: (1) a suitable diameter as a function of the flow rate; (2) the costs of the electromechanical equipment; (3) achievable power. The common operating hydraulic range of a VAWM (head and flow) was also identified. Reality checks on the obtained results are shown, in particular by examining two Spanish case studies and the available literature. The power generated by the impulse turbine (Turgo type) is twice that of a VAWW, but it is one order of magnitude more expensive. Therefore, the impulse turbine should be used for higher power requirements (>3 kW), or when the electricity is delivered to the grid, maximizing the long-term profit.

Since there is not enough evidence about the achievable performance and cost of a VAWM repowering, this work provides expeditious tools for their evaluation.

Value creation based on artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly change global healthcare. Diagnostics, therapy and drug discovery start-ups are some key forces behind this change. This article aims to study the process of start-ups' value creation within healthcare.

A multiple case study method and a business model design approach were used to study nine European start-ups developing AI healthcare solutions. Obtained information was performed using within and cross-case analysis.

Three unique design elements were established, with 16 unique frames and three unifying design themes based on business models for AI healthcare start-ups.

Our in-depth framework focuses on the features of AI start-up business models in the healthcare industry. We contribute to the business model and business model innovation by systematically analyzing value creation, how it is delivered to customers, and communication with market participants, as well as design themes that combine start-ups and categorize them by specialization.