bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le Produit d’épargne retraite populaire (Perp) : caractéristiques des détenteurs et projection des niveaux de rentes
Authors: Direr Alexis , Roger Muriel
Published: June 2014

Un produit d’épargne retraite universel a été lancé en France en 2003, le Plan d’Épargne Retraite Populaire (Perp), dont l’objectif est de permettre aux ménages de compléter leur retraite future. À l’aide de données issues d’une large enquête réalisée par TNS-Sofres en 2007, dont un volet porte sur les ménages détenteurs d’un Perp, nous montrons que ce produit s'est diffusé dans l’ensemble des couches sociales et touche en proportion aussi bien les cadres et professions libérales que les ouvriers ou les employés. L’âge des détenteurs suit approximativement une courbe en U, avec une participation relativement plus importante des 25-34 ans et des 50-54 ans. Nous appliquons dans un second temps la méthode des résidus simulés pour obtenir des distributions de capital et de versements à partir des données en tranches fournies par l’enquête. Cela nous permet d’estimer le montant accumulé par les ménages de l’échantillon au moment de la liquidation de leur plan et d’évaluer ainsi quel supplément de ressources ces derniers sont susceptibles d’obtenir pendant la retraite en proportion du dernier revenu d’activité. Les résultats des simulations indiquent que la plupart des souscripteurs bénéficieront d’un revenu d’appoint inférieur à 1 % de leur dernier revenu d’activité.
Quels pays émergents ont été victimes d’un arrêt brutal des entrées de capitaux pendant la crise ?
Authors: Berthaud Fabrice , Colliac Stéphane
Published: June 2014

Cet article se propose d’appliquer la technique d’identification des arrêts brutaux des flux de capitaux (sudden stops) de Calvo, Izquierdo et Mejia (2004) à la crise mondiale de 2008-2009. Cette technique permet d’identifier les périodes où les flux de capitaux diminuent suffisamment brutalement pour engendrer des contraintes de financement de nature à forcer une réduction de la demande. Cela a été le cas dans 25 des 35 pays émergents inclus dans l’analyse , avec une intensité qui a été plus conséquente dans l’Europe émergente. Au terme de la crise, la croissance a redémarré rapidement dans la majorité des pays concernés, ce qui est un trait commun avec les précédentes crises de ce type.
Les déterminants du stress professionnel ressenti : une estimation par la méthode des équations d’estimation généralisées
Authors: Bellinghausen Lisa , Vaillant Nicolas
Published: June 2014

Cet article étudie les facteurs explicatifs du niveau de stress auto-déclaré des salariés d’une grande firme française. L’échelle dite de Stress Perçu à 10 items est utilisée. Sur la base de la méthodologie GEE (Generalized Estimating Equations), nous obtenons deux résultats. Tout d’abord, il existe de nombreuses différences de stress perçu liées au genre. En outre, l’utilisation d’un score de stress construit comme une combinaison linéaire des scores obtenus à chaque item se révèle discutable. En dépit des informations obtenues dans l’analyse, il reste qu’il existe de nombreux facteurs exogènes susceptibles de jouer sur le niveau de stress ressenti, parfois difficiles à mesurer (prédispositions physiologiques, influence des partenaires sociaux et professionnels, etc .).
L’évaluation du prix des actions par les fondamentaux : analyse du marché français
Authors: Pépin Dominique
Published: June 2014

Cet article propose un modèle d’actualisation des profits pour tester si les mouvements du prix des actions peuvent être expliqués par les variations de la composante fondamentale. L’application empirique sur un indice du marché français des actions montre que les profits expliquent de façon significative les fluctuations de l’indice. Cependant, moins de la moitié seulement des variations des prix d’actifs sont expliquées par celles du profit agrégé, indiquant que la majeure partie des cycles financiers est d’origine non fondamentale. Il est aussi montré que, sur longue période, le prix théorique des actions est difficile à estimer précisément. La valeur fondamentale des actions s’estime difficilement, même lorsque le profit est simplement égal à sa valeur de longue période.
Reprise américaine : quel contenu en emplois ?
Authors: Rivaud Sophie , Grossmann-Wirth Vincent
Published: June 2014

Our study does not challenge the mainly cyclical nature of the net job losses observed in the U.S. in the 2007-2009 crisis. However , we show that the U.S. labor market’s responsiveness to post-crisis GDP changes is relatively similar to the pattern observed in the “ jobless recoveries ” after the 1990 and 2001 recessions. This econometric result is supported by the available data on flows into and out of unemployment, on part-time work, and on the number of hours worked. A breakdown by economic sector shows that the phenomenon is partly due to the decline in the share of manufacturing jobs in total employment. This leaves the service sector, which is less cyclical, as the main source of job creation during recoveries.
Convergence et « déconvergence » des niveaux de vie des nouveaux États membres de l’Union européenne
Authors: Kammourieh Sima
Published: June 2014

Cet article analyse le recul des niveaux de vie enregistrés par les nouveaux États membres (NEM) de l’Union européenne suite à la crise financière, à la lumière des évolutions connues au cours des dix dernières années et de leur modèle de croissance. Les NEM ont vu leur niveau de vie progresser de manière significative au cours de la dernière décennie, la Bulgarie, la Roumanie et les trois pays baltes se distinguant par la rapidité du processus de convergence de leurs niveaux de vie. Ces pays sont aussi ceux parmi les NEM à avoir le plus « déconvergé » suite à la crise, en raison de l’accumulation préalable de déséquilibres macroéconomiques. Ceci devrait les inciter à mettre en œuvre une stratégie de croissance plus équilibrée.
L’impact de la réglementation sur l’innovation : une analyse des performances selon la proximité à la frontière technologique
Authors: Ledezma Ivan , Demmou Lilas , Amable Bruno
Published: June 2014

Une littérature récente traite des effets positifs de la concurrence sur les marchés de biens et services sur l’innovation à proximité de la frontière technologique. Cet article teste les effets de la réglementation du marché de produits sur l’innovation, à l’aide de variables mesurant l’intensité de dépôt de brevets. L’échantillon comprend un panel de 15 industries pour 17 pays de l’OCDE sur la période 1979-2003. Les résultats suggèrent que l’effet marginal de la réglementation sur l’innovation tend à croître avec la proximité vis-à-vis de la frontière technologique. Pour de nombreuses configurations, il est significativement positif au voisinage de la frontière. Nos résultats ne soutiennent donc pas l’idée selon laquelle une politique de déréglementation serait systématiquement favorable à l’innovation dans les pays développés.
Signaux-prix et équilibre de long terme : reconsidérer les formes d’organisation sur les marchés de l’électricité
Authors: Marty Frédéric , Defeuilley Christophe , Finon Dominique
Published: June 2014

The decentralised electricity market model illustrates several market flaws in the linkage between short-term and long-term decisions. Because of highly specific problems of risk management and market incompleteness, the model does not allow effective allocation of investment in base-load and peak-load capacities leading to an optimal generation system. This makes it necessary to (1) establish regulations to provide a credible basis for remunerating generation capacity, so as to create incentives for investment in peak-load units ; (2) accept vertical arrangements enabling operators to share risk with consumers, even if these arrangements constitute market imperfections that will constrain competition.
Structure financière et dépenses de R&D
Authors: Guille Marianne , Cavaco Sandra , Belin Jean
Published: June 2014

This article offers a dynamic analysis of the debt ratio of a broad panel of French firms , incorporating R & D activity and using the system GMM estimation method. The results show that R & D intensity (ratio of R & D expenditures to sales) has a negative influence on the ratios of bank debt to total resources and to total debt. Profitability also has a negative impact on these ratios, even as small businesses and listed firms have a higher proportion of bank debt. Lastly, these effects prove robust to the introduction of additional explanatory variables, several of which are found to be significant. For instance, the use of bank debt increases with loan guarantees and decreases with financing by the enterprise group.
Étude prospective sur la seconde génération de biocarburants : une analyse de leur efficacité économique et environnementale
Authors: Ollivier Timothée , Departe Alba
Published: June 2014

Cet article cherche à évaluer, sur la base des données techniques de 2009, l‘efficacité économique de trois technologies de production de biodiesel de seconde génération dans le cadre de la lutte contre l’effet de serre, en estimant les coûts de réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre associés. Les résultats montrent des bilans environnementaux particulièrement intéressants, mais des coûts de production encore élevés. Il en résulte des coûts à la tonne de CO2 évitée élevés, supérieurs à 100 € pour l’ensemble des technologies étudiées. Il existe toutefois une incertitude forte sur de nombreux paramètres. En outre, les gains potentiels de réduction des coûts liés au progrès technique, qui peuvent être importants, n’ont pas été évalués.
Y a-t-il un problème d’insertion des titulaires de doctorat dans les centres de R&D des entreprises ?
Authors: Zaiem Meryam , Riedinger Nicolas
Published: June 2014

French PhDs have trouble entering the labour market. Their unemployment rate is higher than those of other graduates with at least five years of higher education. Nevertheless, the low rate of PhD hirings in the private sector is not a specifically French feature but is common to almost all developed countries. Based on an econometric analysis, we conclude that the productivity of PhDs in private-sector research does not differ significantly from that of engineering-school graduates. There is no advantage to holding both diplomas versus holding only one. Moreover, a PhD working in private-sector research earns as much as an engineering-school graduate with the same seniority and position. Engineers thus do not seem advantaged relative to PhDs.
Asymmetric Ugi 3CR on isatin-derived ketimine: synthesis of chiral 3,3-disubstituted 3-aminooxindole derivatives
Authors: Lesma Giordano , Meneghetti Fiorella , Sacchetti Alessandro , Stucchi Mattia , Silvani Alessandra
Published: June 2014

An efficient Ugi three-component reaction of a preformed chiral ketimine derived from isatin with various isonitrile and acid components has been developed. The reactions proceeded smoothly and in a stereocontrolled manner with regard to the new center of the Ugi products due to the stereoinduction of the amine chiral residue. A wide variety of novel chiral 3,3-disubstituted 3-aminooxindoles were obtained, a selection of which were subjected to post-Ugi transformations, paving the way to application as peptidomimetics.
A complete series of 6-deoxy-monosubstituted tetraalkylammonium derivatives of α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrin with 1, 2, and 3 permanent positive charges
Authors: Popr Martin , Hybelbauerová Simona , Jindřich Jindřich
Published: June 2014

An efficient synthetic route toward the preparation of a complete series of monosubstituted tetraalkylammonium cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives is presented. Monotosylation of native CDs (α-, β-, γ-) at position 6 gave the starting material. Reaction of monotosylate (mono-Ts-CD) with 45% aqueous trimethylamine gave CDs substituted with one cationic functional group in a single step. Derivatives equipped with a substituent containing two cationic sites separated by an ethylene or a propylene linker were prepared by reacting mono-Ts-CD with neat N,N,N’-trimethylethane-1,2-diamine or N,N,N’-trimethylpropane-1,3-diamine and subsequent methylation by CH3I in good yields. Finally, analogues bearing a moiety with three tetraalkylammonium sites were synthesized by reacting mono-Ts-CD with bis(3-aminopropyl)amine and subsequent methylation. The majority of the presented reactions are very straightforward with a simple work-up, which avoids the need of chromatographic separation. Thus, these reactions are suitable for the multigram-scale production of monosubstituted cationic CDs.
Association between aflatoxin M1 exposure through breast milk and growth impairment in infants from Northern Tanzania
Authors: Magoha H. , Kimanya M. , De Meulenaer B. , Roberfroid D. , Lachat C. , Kolsteren P.
Published: June 2014

Infants breastfeeding from mothers consuming aflatoxin contaminated foods may be exposed to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a metabolite of aflatoxin B1. This study estimated the association between AFM1 exposure levels and growth indicators, for infants under six months of age in the Rombo district in Northern Tanzania. A total of 143 infants and their mothers were involved. Breast-milk samples, infants' anthropometric data and 24 h dietary recall for mothers were taken at the 1st, 3rd and 5th months of children age. AFM1 contaminations in the samples were determined using HPLC. Aflatoxin M1 exposure by an infant was estimated by multiplying contamination in the breast milk consumed by him/her with the breast milk intake recorded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for infants of his/her age divided by the infant's body weight. All the breast-milk samples were contaminated by AFM1 at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.55 ng/ml. Above 90% of samples exceeded the EU limit of 0.025 ng/ml for infants' foods while over 76% exceeded the EU limit of 0.05 ng/ml for dairy milk and milk products. Only 1% of the samples exceeded the limit of 0.5 ng/ml set for dairy milk in the United States and several countries in Asia. AFM1 Exposures ranged from 1.13-66.79 ng/kg body weight per day. A small but significant (P<0.05) inverse association was observed between AFM1 exposure levels and weight for age Z-score or height for age Z-score. Appropriate strategies should be applied to minimise aflatoxin B1 exposure in lactating mothers in order to protect infants from AFM1 exposure.
Mass Murder and the Violent Paranoid Spectrum
Authors: Knoll James L. , Meloy J. Reid
Published: June 2014

Mass murderers who capture media attention often appear to be suffering from psychosis. However, no research has clearly established that most are psychotic or even suffering from a serious mental illness (SMI). In contrast, individual case studies examining the psychological makeup of mass murderers often reveal paranoid themes in their cognitions. For example, many have been found to be preoccupied with feelings of social persecution and revenge against their perceived tormentors. In addition, they share an inability to accept their apparent circumstances and choose to obliterate reality with an act of violent revenge.

In this article, it is suggested that the psychology of paranoid mass murderers can be understood as existing on a continuum of paranoia ranging from mistrust to frank paranoid delusions. This can be demonstrated by careful forensic psycholinguistic analysis of the communications they frequently leave behind. Finally, this article seeks to outline a psychoanalytically informed cognitive progression seen in paranoid spectrum mass murderers in the hopes of delineating stages for earlier recognition and possible intervention.
Understanding Gender Variance in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Simons Lisa K. , Leibowitz Scott F. , Hidalgo Marco A.
Published: June 2014

Gender variance
is an umbrella term used to describe gender identity, expression, or behavior that falls outside of culturally defined norms associated with a specific gender. In recent years, growing media coverage has heightened public awareness about gender variance in childhood and adolescence, and an increasing number of referrals to clinics specializing in care for gender-variant youth have been reported in the United States. Gender-variant expression, behavior, and identity may present in childhood and adolescence in a number of ways, and youth with gender variance have unique health needs. For those experiencing gender dysphoria, or distress encountered by the discordance between biological sex and gender identity, puberty is often an exceptionally challenging time. Pediatric primary care providers may be families’ first resource for education and support, and they play a critical role in supporting the health of youth with gender variance by screening for psychosocial problems and health risks, referring for gender-specific mental health and medical care, and providing ongoing advocacy and support.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2014; 43(6):e126–e131.]
Beyond the Guidelines: Challenges, Controversies, and Unanswered Questions
Authors: Radix Anita , Silva Manel
Published: June 2014

Transgender and gender-nonconforming youth have unique medical and psychosocial needs that frequently go unmet. For youth who wish to have their physical appearance congruent with their gender identity, treatment guidelines are available that advocate the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues (puberty blockers) and cross-sex hormone regimens. Although medical transition was once considered highly controversial, there is a mounting body of evidence that providing a supportive and affirming environment, as well as appropriate medical intervention, results in improved health outcomes. Primary care pediatricians may be unaware of current guidelines and consequently the need for treatment and/or timely referrals. Transgender youth often face other hurdles to initiation of therapy, including refusal of care and harassment in medical settings, denial of coverage by insurance plans, and the high cost of puberty blockers. Because transgender youth younger than 18 years depend on their families for medical decision making, they may be unable to access necessary medical treatment when parents do not support their transition plan. Medical transition impacts many aspects of the medical system, such as insurance coverage, billing, electronic health records, and preventive health care maintenance. These issues may become more apparent with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and increased use of electronic records and clinical decision support. The implementation of the ACA may also present new opportunities and protections for transgender individuals. Primary pediatricians are often the first providers families and youth reach out to for advice, and they can assist families with negotiating these complex medical, legal, social, and economic challenges and optimizing access to safe and appropriate health care services.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2014; 43(6):e145–e150.]
What It Takes: Perspectives From Developing Nurse Scientists
Authors: Hill Nikki L. , Yevchak Andrea , Kolanowski Ann M. , Penrod Janice , Milone-Nuzzo Paula F. , Sawyer Amy M. , Metzger Bonnie , Therrien Barbara
Published: June 2014

The need for nurse scientists has never been greater, given the complexity of health problems facing our world and the rising cost of providing care to prevent and treat them. The development of nurse researchers is critical to preserve and advance the scientific foundation of the discipline. In this article, two successful doctoral students present their personal views about the cognitive and behavioral transformation they experienced during their program of study, highlighting what they believe to be important resources that enhance doctoral education and sharing how they overcame the challenges encountered. The framework of transformational leadership is used to highlight important aspects of their development as nurse scientists. Action steps for attracting a greater number of nurses to a career in science are recommended. [
J Nurs Educ.
2014;53(7):403–409.]
Remedios para un cuerpo político que declina. El arbitrismo de Manuel Gaytán de Torres y el estrechamiento de los vínculos transatlánticos de la monarquía hispánica (siglo XVII)
Authors: Amadori Arrigo
Published: June 2014

Este artículo analiza los memoriales del jerezano Manuel Gaytán de Torres, quien elaboró un arbitrismo de gran envergadura, heterogeneidad y originalidad de síntesis que articula problemáticas y espacios geográficos diversos en una propuesta funcional del mundo ibérico. Su obra permite contemplar la construcción intelectual de la monarquía policéntrica desde la óptica de un arbitrismo en el que los virreinatos americanos se relacionan de forma sistémica con el mundo europeo, reproduciendo las percepciones contemporáneas acerca de las dificultades y de las soluciones para los disfuncionamientos de las posesiones de los Austrias.
«El mejor arbitrio, el sermón». Discurso religioso y representación política en el Perú del siglo XVII
Authors: Gálvez Peña Carlos M.
Published: June 2014

El artículo analiza el significado histórico de los arbitrios escritos por intelectuales de las órdenes franciscana, dominica y jesuita en el Perú entre 1630 y 1659. En particular, se estudia su impacto para negociar una cuota de representación política para las órdenes y las elites del virreinato peruano en este período. Adicionalmente, estos memoriales son vistos como expresión de la modernidad teórica de la iglesia criolla en la era de la confesionalización.
Mestizaje y globalización en la arquitectura en Filipinas. Obando y Los Baños, dos casos de iglesias franciscanas de la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII
Authors: Luengo Gutiérrez Pedro
Published: June 2014

La presencia de los franciscanos en los alrededores de Manila tuvo una gran relevancia arquitectónica durante la segunda mitad del siglo XVIII. Recientemente se han localizado en el AFIO dos nuevos dibujos de esta fecha. Se trata de los croquis de la ermita de la Virgen de Salambao (1765) y de la iglesia de Los Baños (1782). Las constituciones franciscanas tenían especial cuidado con la arquitectura, lo que obligó a plantear soluciones concretas que afectarían más tarde a otras obras.
Aspectos climatológicos en las obras de funcionarios reales e ingenieros militares del siglo XVIII hispanoamericano
Authors: Molina García Juan Alberto
Published: June 2014

En el siglo XVIII, los funcionarios reales y los ingenieros militares alcanzaron un considerable conocimiento de los climas americanos y de sus vínculos con aspectos de la realidad natural y social. Permanecieron durante largos períodos en las colonias hispánicas y los gobiernos les encomendaron la integridad del imperio y la resolución de asuntos relacionados con el clima. Sus procedimientos de indagación se basaron en la acción colectiva, así como en la división de tareas.
El «pueblo» bogotano en la revolución del 20 de julio de 1810
Authors: Pareja Ortiz Manuel
Published: June 2014

La revolución santafereña del 20 de julio de 1810 fue pensada, dirigida y realizada por un grupo relativamente pequeño de patricios neogranadinos y algunos peninsulares. Sin embargo, sin la actuación de los llamados «chisperos» el viernes 20 de julio y las semanas sucesivas, posiblemente hubiera fracasado el inicio de la transformación política en Nueva Granada. En este artículo se pretende llevar a cabo una aproximación prosopográfica sobre quiénes eran los chisperos, cómo estaban organizados, y quiénes eran sus principales dirigentes durante las jornadas del 20 de julio al 13 de agosto de 1810. Para llevar a cabo esta tarea se han utilizado principalmente veinticinco testimonios redactados por testigos oculares de esas jornadas.
Las patentes en la introducción del hormigón armado en España: caso de estudio de la Alhóndiga de Bilbao
Authors: Marcos I. , San José J. T. , Cuadrado J. , Larrinaga P.
Published: June 2014

Las estructuras de hormigón armado se introducen en España por influencia principalmente francesa. Esto sucede a finales del siglo XIX, siguiendo el esquema de funcionamiento a través de sistemas patentados imperantes en Europa. Los sistemas inicialmente cuentan con poco soporte científico, llegando a suponer incluso a principios del siglo XX un obstáculo al desarrollo de las estructuras de hormigón, tanto por la escasez de conocimiento que demuestran como por una serie de accidentes. Por ello, a partir de finales de la primera década del siglo se promulgan una serie de normativas en muchos países, que cambiarán el diseño y cálculo de las estructura de hormigón armado. Conocer el entorno del sistema de patentes, sus comienzos y las circunstancias de su aplicación permiten comprender los condicionantes de la estructuras de esa época, como se analiza con el caso de la alhóndiga de Bilbao (1906).
Identity-Based Consumer Behaviour, Self-Congruity, and Retailer-Consumer Relationships
Authors: Maggioni Isabella
Published: June 2014

Consumer-Brand Identification (CBI) has been identified as an important antecedent of consumer-brand relationships. Consumers show positive attitudes towards brands that reflect their self-concept and are more likely to express and enhance their identity. In this sense, Consumer-Retailer Identification (CRI) represents a powerful tool for retailers to develop meaningful relationships by strengthening emotional connections with their customers. This chapter proposes a literature review of previous research on the role of consumer's self-concept in the development of retailer-customer relationships. Focusing on identity-based consumer behaviour, the chapter provides a comprehensive picture of the past research and the emerging trends on CBI and then proposes a conceptual framework of CRI.
Understanding Consumers' Behaviour Change in Uncertainty Conditions
Authors: Duţu Amalia
Published: June 2014

An economic crisis is an uncertainty situation with negative economic evolutions like unemployment, inflation rate increasing, freezing or decreasing of the wages, purchasing power decrease, investments value reduction, fluctuations in consumer prices, restrictions in accessing loans, and fluctuations in currency exchange rate that represent economic shocks hitting most of the consumers to some extent. During economic turbulent times, consumers are highly exposed to such risks. The present chapter is intended to explain the consumers' behaviour alteration and spending patterns in recession conditions dealing with the panic mechanism that shapes the consumers' behaviour in this particular context, analyzing it from an economic and psychological perspective. The chapter is organized in two complementary parts in an attempt to present a comprehensive picture of consumers' behaviour change in uncertainty conditions. Readers can find answers to the “HOW” question and also to the “WHY” question placed behind consumers' behaviour alterations during recession.
A New Systems Perspective in Retail Service Marketing
Authors: Barile Sergio , Saviano Marialuisa
Published: June 2014

The aim of this chapter is to highlight the necessity of a change in perspective and a new approach to Retail Service Marketing by addressing the recent challenges posed by a radical rethinking of market exchange logic using a service view. Recent Service Marketing advances are analyzed, which lead to the Service Dominant Logic proposal to take a general service view of market exchange, envisaging an emerging paradigm change. However, the key to this potential paradigm change is not yet well focused. A gap in the theoretical approach emerges that can be closed by adopting the Viable Systems Approach and the structure-system interpretation scheme. Their implications for retailing are discussed, and the key to change is emphasized. This chapter introduces a new theoretical and conceptual framework rooted in systems thinking, which recommends a Service Systems Approach to Retail Marketing.
Atmosphere as a Store Communication Tool
Authors: Renko Sanda
Published: June 2014

Many studies have found that within an intensely competitive market, it is difficult for retailers to gain advantages from products, prices, promotions, and location. They have to work hard to keep their stores favourable in the mind of consumers. Both practitioners and researchers recognize store atmosphere as a tool for creating value and gaining customers. This chapter provides a conceptual framework for studying the influence of store atmosphere on the store patronage. The chapter presents the main dimensions that constitute conventional retail stores' atmosphere and clarifies the manipulation of elements such as colour, lighting, signage, etc. within the store to communicate retailers' messages to customers. The topic is investigated from both retailers` and customers` perspective. The chapter concludes that both consumers and retailers prioritize functional cues in modern retailing forms.
Retail and Social Media Marketing
Authors: Negri Francesca
Published: June 2014

The Internet has revolutionized almost every facet of business and personal life. We are facing a far-reaching revolution, driven by Social Networking Sites (SNSs) where people talk about their life, purchases, and experiences. Mobile devices and tablets are replacing computers as the main access point to the Internet. Customer expectations are rising constantly with the development of new technologies. Social Media comes in many forms: blogs, media sharing sites, forums, review sites, virtual worlds, social networking sites, etc. Social Networking Sites (SNSs), the focus of this chapter, are the most disruptive social media and a key opportunity for business. Most industries recognized in that shift the potential for a more intimate and productive relationship with customers. Nowadays, retailers have no choice in whether they do social media: they only have the choice of how well they do it. Retailers need to convert browsers to buyers, and one-time customers to loyal sharing fans, so that they become advocates in the real and virtual worlds. The shift is deep: from one-way communication to conversation, and from advertising as an interruption to the interactivity in all locations. The originality of the chapter consists on its introduction of the concept of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) as an integration of the retailing marketing mix, defining its role in a marketing strategy, and providing some managerial implications for practitioners. After an introductive overview of the trend adopting a retailer point of view, four are the chapter's cornerstones: opportunities belonging from geolocation; how to plan a social media strategy; a new channel of interaction between customers and retailers: the social customer service; how to face a crisis in a Web 2.0 context. These are four brand new ways to engage consumers. This topic is relatively new and in continuous becoming, and much of interest remains to be said about it. The chapter's approach is to present what the authors believe to be the most relevant for a retailer facing a social networking challenge.
Singapore's Online Retail Deviants
Authors: de Kervenoael Ronan , Hallsworth Alan , Tng David
Published: June 2014

Geography, retailing, and power are institutionally bound up together. Within these, the authors situate their research in Clegg's work on power. Online shopping offers a growing challenge to the apparent hegemony of traditional physical retail stores' format. While novel e-formats appear regularly, blogshops in Singapore are enjoying astonishing success that has taken the large retailers by surprise. Even though there are well-developed theoretical frameworks for understanding the role of institutional entrepreneurs and other major stakeholders in bringing about change and innovation, much less attention has been paid to the role of unorganized, nonstrategic actors—such as blogshops—in catalyzing retail change. The authors explore how blogshops are perceived by consumers and how they challenge the power of other shopping formats. They use Principal Components Analysis to analyze results from a survey of 349 blogshops users. While the results show that blogshops stay true to traditional online shopping attributes, deviations occur on the concept of value. Furthermore, consumer power is counter intuitively found to be strongly present in the areas related to cultural ties, excitement, and search for individualist novelty (as opposed to mass-production), thereby encouraging researchers to think critically about emerging power behavior in media practices.
About the Challenges to Start E-Commerce Activity in SMEs
Authors: Rusko Rauno , Pekkala Joni
Published: June 2014

This chapter introduces the challenges that SMEs face while starting e-commerce activity in the Northern Finland context. Based on the project results, six interviews, and the preliminary outcomes of the questionnaire, this study focuses on push-pull effects to start e-commerce activities. Following this framework, the structure of this study is twofold. At first, the authors ask why a firm, which already has an existing traditional brick-and-mortar shop, would develop its business exploiting digital solutions and e-commerce. In other words, what is the attainable incremental value for this kind of firm via e-commerce? Second, what kinds of attractive possibilities will e-commerce provide for the business of the firm? Both of these perspectives are concentrated on the phase in which the firm takes in the use e-commerce activities. The authors study this phase, basing the analysis on the literature review, questionnaire, and six interviews of SME entrepreneurs. The outcomes of this chapter show the relevance of push-pull perspective in the studies about the first steps of e-commerce.
Analysis and Design of Single Phase AC-DC Modified SEPIC Converter
Authors: Gnana Vadivel J. , Revathy K. Sree , Christa S.T. Jaya , Kumar N. Senthil
Published: June 2014

Power electronic devices with front-end rectifier are widely used in industry, commerce and transportation, which result in low power factor. Though there are several proposed solutions to this, Single Ended Primary Inductance Converter (SEPIC) converter was the most successful one. But the conventional SEPIC converters suffer from high switching losses. Hence in this paper, a modified SEPIC converter is used to improve the power factor at the mains side. This paper presents the simulation and analysis of single phase single-switch, converter topologies of AC-DC SEPIC converter and modified SEPIC converter for Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) of operation with 48V, 100W output power. The results of SEPIC converter and modified SEPIC converter are compared for closed loop analysis in simulation which is done in PSIM. It is found that modified SEPIC converter has high regulated output voltage and high power factor.
Predetermination of Higher Order Harmonics by Dual Phase Analysis
Authors: Vijayalakshmi V.J. , Ravichandran C.S. , Amudha A.
Published: June 2014

Previous research was mainly concentrated on eliminating the selected lower order harmonics depending on the level of inverter which was assumed to be high. The harmonics may be present even in the higher order also. The analysis of harmonic spectrum by Finite Fourier Transform yields a very accurate result for lower order harmonics. For obtaining accurate Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) value and the harmonic spectrum, inclusion of higher order harmonics is essential. The method for accurate estimation is proposed in this paper. In normal practice, the higher order harmonics present in the output of the inverter are suppressed by using filters. In order to obtain more optimized higher order harmonics, it is necessary to obtain an accurate assessment of the higher order spectrum. The higher order spectrum is predetermined by proposed technique termed as Dual Phase Analysis (DPA) so as to obtain more optimized switching angles with the application of any Optimization Technique. This is an effective tool to analyze the various higher order components of the harmonic spectrum.
A Novel Soft Switching Based Fuzzy Logic Control for Single Phase Inverter
Authors: Kani N. Ismayil , Manikandan B.V. , Perciyal Prabakar
Published: June 2014

—This The Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) DC-to-AC inverter has been widely used in many applications due to its circuit simplicity and rugged control scheme. It is however driven by a hard-switching pulse width modulation (PWM) inverter, which has low switching frequency, high switching loss, high electro-magnetic interference (EMI), high acoustic noise and low efficiency, etc. To solve these problems of the hard-switching inverter, many soft-switching inverters have been designed in the past. Unfortunately, high device voltage stress, large dc link voltage ripples, complex control scheme and so on are noticed in the existing soft-switching inverters. This proposed work overcomes the above problems with simple circuit topology and all switches work in zero-voltage switching condition. Comparative analysis between conventional open loop, PI and fuzzy logic based soft switching inverter is also presented and discussed. Keywords—Zero voltage switching, Inverter, Dc link, PI controller, Fuzzy logic system control ,Modulation strategy, Soft switching
Power Optimization in Domino Circuits Using Current Mirror Based Leakage Compensating Keeper
Authors: Karthikeyan P. , Saravanan R. , Saravanan N.
Published: June 2014

In this work low leakage and high noise immunity domino circuit with negligible speed degradation is proposed. Wide Fan-In Gates are widely used as address decoders in memories. Wide Fan-In Gates increase the capacitance of the dynamic node which reduces the speed in domino circuits. Current contention exists between keeper transistor and evaluation network adding to speed reduction. To overcome this problem logic implementation network in the proposed Leakage Compensating Keeper (LCK) is separated from the dynamic node by current comparison stage in which the current of the pull up network is used to charge the capacitor at the dynamic node. Since capacitance is reduced the loss in speed due to additional transistors is compensated. Because of reduced parasitic capacitance Current Mirror based LCK is enough to design faster circuits. LCK improves the noise immunity by grounding the pull up networks leakage current. Simulation results shows that the proposed circuit has 22% power reduction compared to Standard Footless Domino for a 64bit input OR gate.
SRAM Based Random Number Generator for Non-Repeating Pattern Generation
Authors: Ramesh G.P. , Rajan A.
Published: June 2014

—Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) optimized random number generators (RNGs) are more resource-efficient than software-optimized RNGs because they can take advantage of bitwise operations and FPGA-specific features. A random number generator (RNG) is a computational or physical device designed to generate a sequence of numbers or symbols that lack any pattern, i.e. appear random. The many applications of randomness have led to the development of several different methods for generating random data. Several computational methods for random number generation exist, but often fall short of the goal of true randomness though they may meet, with varying success, some of the statistical tests for randomness intended to measure how unpredictable their results are (that is, to what degree their patterns are discernible).LUT-SR Family of Uniform Random Number Generators are able to handle randomness only based on seeds that is loaded in the look up table. To make random generation efficient, we propose new approach based on SRAM storage device. Keywords: RNG, LFSR, SRAM
Low Power Parallel Prefix Adder
Authors: Kowsalya P. , Malathi M. , Ramanathan Palaniappan
Published: June 2014

Addition is a fundamental operation of all Arithmetic and Logic Units (ALU).The speed of addition operation decides the computational frequency of ALU. In order to improve the performance of the binary adder, the parallel prefix adder are preferred. There are various parallel prefix adders available. This work focuses on designing 8-bit prefix adders such as Brent Kung ,Kogge Stone and Sklansky adders using GDI technique. The performance of these GDI based prefix adders are compared with that of CMOS based prefix adder. GDI based prefix adders out performs CMOS based prefix adders in terms of power delay product (PDP). The design is implemented and simulated by DSCH2 and MICROWIND tool .The simulation result reveal about 31%,40% and 50 % of power saving is attained and the number of transistors also reduced.
Nonlinear Interacting System with Neuro-PID Controller
Authors: Ravi V.R. , Darsana U. , Thyagarajan T.
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a control methodology for nonlinear interacting system is developed, in which the PID controller is implemented by neural networks trained by mean square error (MSE) criterion. The mean square error can be estimated recursively by utilizing receding horizon window technique. The measurable disturbances in nonlinear interacting system are input to the Neuro-PID controller besides the sequences of tracking error and hence the feed-forward control is combined with feedback control in the developed scheme. The applicability of the developed control scheme is demonstrated on Two Conical Tank Interacting Level System (TCTILS) which exhibits dynamic non linearity and coupling dynamics. Simulation results show that the developed control scheme realized a good dynamic behavior of the TCTILS and a perfect level tracking.
Design of Specification Oriented Compensator with a PID Controller for Load Frequency Control
Authors: Anbarasi Soundarapandian , Muralidharan Srinivasan
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes a design of Specification Oriented Compensator (SOC) with a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller for Load frequency Control (LFC) in a thermal power system. The phase margin which is derived from the computationally tuned response of PID controller is considered as a desirable specification and it is used to design the compensator. The different structures of compensator like lead, lag and lead-lag were first simulated in a single area power system and better results are found in Specification Oriented Lead Compensator (SOLC). The simulation study of two area thermal power system with SOLC is then performed and their frequency deviation and tie-line power deviation characteristics are compared with conventional PID controller, Integral controller and also with a non controller system. The Integral Absolute Error (IAE) and Integration Time Absolute Error (ITAE) are considered as performance indices to scrutinize the system robustness. The simulation studies clearly reveal the superiority of the proposed SOLC with PID controller over others in way of enhanced system transient response, improved the stability and robustness of the system. All the simulations in this paper are performed using Matlab software.
Comparison of DC-DC Converter in PV System Using Soft Computing Technique
Authors: Sugumaran Ganesan , Suresh Kumar Rajagopal , Divya Kannusamy , Saravanan Subramani
Published: June 2014

To improve the tracking capability of the PV, soft computing technique is used to utilize the PV power effectively. Here, DPSO is used to maximize the PV power. In this paper Performance of SEPIC converter compared with buck-boost converter under both normal and partial shading conditions of PV system. This paper gives the new intelligent control technique in order to track the global maxima of PV power effectively and also gives MATLAB-Simulink to control the system parameters via DPSO method.
Performance Investigation of D-Q Model for PI and Fuzzy Controller Based UPFC
Authors: Poun Raj K. , Raja Sekaren V. , Selvaperumal S. , Mageswari N.
Published: June 2014

– The unified power flow controller (UPFC) is the most versatile and complex power electronic equipment that has emerged as the indispensable equipment for the control and optimization of power flow in electrical power transmission system. In this manuscript is investigated the control of real and reactive power flow through a transmission line with the use of UPFC at the sending end. Computer simulation using MATLAB Simulink is done and the behavior of the UPFC is studied. In the UPFC based control of transmission line parameter control systems, it is observed that whenever the SSSC sources some real power into the transmission line it is manifested as a voltage drop across the DC link. Reactive power demand is indicated as fall in the bus bar AC voltage. The fall of the DC link voltage is an indication of real power demand from the receiving end. Similarly a fall of the bus bar AC voltage is an indication of reactive power demand from the receiving end. Fuzzy Logic and PI controllers are used in this works, the control of DC voltage, AC voltage and power transfer.
Extended Kalman Filter for Vehicle Suspension System
Authors: Rajeswari K. , Anjali
Published: June 2014

This paper presents an estimator for a nonlinear active suspension system considering the hydraulic actuator dynamics. PID controller is used to control the Active suspension system of nonlinear quarter car model. Extended Kalman filter is designed to estimate the states from the measurement model perturbed with noise. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the PID based active suspension system in reducing the vertical acceleration transmitted to the passengers thereby improving the ride comfort. Also the effectiveness of the Extended Kalman filter in estimating the actual vehicle states is demonstrated.
Performance Comparison of Moisture Control in Paper Industry Using Soft Computing Techniques
Authors: Kumar M. Senthil , Mahadevan K.
Published: June 2014

In this paper, Genetic Algorithm (GA) method has been applied in the moisture control system for auto tuning (PID) parameters. Proportional – Integral – Derivatives control scheme is used to provide an efficient and quiet easier in control engineering applications. Most of the PID tuning methods are used as manually which is difficult and time consuming. Genetic Algorithm which leads to improve the efficiency of tuning of process. The proposed algorithm is used to tune the PID parameters and its performance has been compared with Fuzzy logic techniques.Compare to the fuzzy logic technique dynamic performance specfications such as rise time, peak time and peak overshoot optimal values produced by GA. The plant model represented by the transfer function is obtained by the system identification tool box.
Automatic Power Supply for Residential Consumer Using Microgrid with Hybrid Power Supply
Authors: Poovitha K. , Jagatheesan Rajendran , Naganathan G.S. , Rajithkhan A. Mohamed , Jeyaraj M. Paul
Published: June 2014

Abstract. This paper proposes a Power Management System (PMS) designed to supply continuous power for residential using low voltage Microgrid. The Microgrid equipped with a hybrid power supply includes, battery storage system and three power supplies: a wind mill, photovoltaic (PV) emulator and proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell (FC). The connections of the energy resources to the common ac bus make use of power inverters with specific functionalities. The automatic power management system for the operation and control of the distributed energy resources connected to residential electric power installations, taking into account both the grid connected operating mode and the islanded operating mode. The PMS provides rapid response to support the critical load. It can also operate as a standalone system in case of grid failure like an incessant power supply. The operating behavior of the proposed automatic system is simulated by using MATLAB SIMULINK.