bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Remittances on Socio-Economic Development - The Case of Kosova
Authors: Cuci Qëndresë
Published: July 2017

Another important indicator of a country’s economic development is the inflation and the unemployment rate, and according to the latest report of Kosova Agency of Statistics, the percentage of unemployment in Kosova is around 30.9% and this is an indicator that the unemployment rate has been reduced compared to the previous years, on the other hand, the number of families receiving remittances is decreased for 2.6% compared to 2011 according to a ASK report.1 Also the number of startups in 2012 has increased to 7,8792 which created new jobs. So, remittances re very important especially for developing countries such as Kosova. Taking into consideration the fact that Kosova is in the development phase, and the standard of living is very low, the number of population seeking to migrate is increasing continuously. According to statistics, the number of male migrants is higher compared with female igrants and rural settlements have shown an increase in migration compared to urban settlements. Our community is convinced that diaspora is an indicator in the economic development of our country, such as skills development for knowledge that they would benefit from, education, for consumption and commercial investments, all these for a higher standard of living.
European Integration and Competitiveness of EU New Member States
Authors: Chistruga Boris , Crudu Rodica
Published: July 2017

This research is intended to evaluate the influence of the European integration, through the EU financing dimension, upon the evolution of external competitiveness of countries part of the EU community since the enlargements of 2004 and, respectively, 2007, excluding Malta and Cyprus (hereafter called as New Member States (NMS)). The paper methodology is based on appropriate research of relevant economic indicators intended to evaluate the EU funds’ influence on the industrial development and external competitiveness of NMS. Therefore, in the analysis performed there were figured out and calculated correlations between the following indicators: EU expenditure by NMS, Current Account to GDP ratio, Industrial Performance index, Global Innovation Index and Index of Economic Freedom. These indicators characterize the NMS’ business environment, institutional framework and, consequently, the degree of international competitiveness. The research contributes to confirm the assumptions about the European integration and the EU financing instruments had important effects in improving the industrial performance, in particular, and international competitiveness of NMS, in general. However, the differences in the correlations calculated between EU financing received by the NMS and different analysed indicators, suggest that EU funds were not the only drivers of the increasing competitiveness of the analyzed countries.
The Public Expenditures and Economic Growth: DSGE model for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Bošnjak Nikolina
Published: July 2017

The DSGE (Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium) methodology attempts to explain the behavior of aggregate economic phenomena, such as economic growth, business cycle, and the effects of monetary and fiscal policy, using macroeconomic models derived from microeconomic foundations. DSGE models study the economy evolution (dynamics) over time. They take into consideration the fact that economy may be affected with random (stochastic) shocks. Still, they include all markets in the economy and assume that those markets balance out rapidly (general equilibrium). DSGE models have become the main tool of macroeconomic analysis, and until now, a huge number of different DSGE models have been developed. They are used for forecasting, different economic policies analysis and giving policy advices. Due to data scarcity and lack of knowledge, indevelopment and many other reasnos, until now there was no application of DSGE models to Bosnia and Herzegovina case. That is why we were motivated to calibrate a small size DSGE model for Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this research we will calibrate a small open economy DSGE model for Bosnia and Herzegovina and use its results to give some advices for economic growth of Bosnia and Herzegovina improvement. The special attention will be given to Public expenditures and TFP influence on Bosnian macroeconomic variables.
MSMEs Productivity in Nigeria
Authors: Ajuwon Oluseye Samuel , Ikhide Sylvanus , Akotey Joseph Oscar
Published: July 2017

This study uses the World bank enterprise survey data for Nigeria to examines Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) productivity rate in the Nigerian economy. The study explores factors that constrain MSMES output growth in Nigeria. Some of the factors identified include huge infrastructural gap, inadequate institutional support and low access to credit. The resultant effect is a low investment commitment amongst MSMEs thus hampering the productivity of MSMEs in the Nigerian economy. The MSMEs productivity growth rate was measured using annual sales of firms from the World bank enterprise survey data for Nigeria. This research employs the non-parametric variance estimation using the locally-weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) method on three sets of two-points data (2006 and 2003, 2008 and 2002, and finally 2012 and 2009) of annual fiscal sales for each category of firms comprising micro, small, medium and large firms. The result shows that the small businesses have a negative productivity growth rate in Nigeria. This in line with IFC (2013) which found that small businesses have the least productivity growth rate amongst firms of all sizes. However, this study departs from IFC findings which states that small businesses’ low productivity growth rate is tenable across all the sectors of the economy. The study found that small businesses actually recorded high productivity growth rate in some subsectors of the economy that specializes in product customization such as garment and furniture. Therefore, this study validates the flexible specialization theory that emphases the economic importance of MSMEs in the post-industrial era where product customization is the new order of production. The policy implication of this study is that any targeted intervention in the MSMEs sub-sector of the economy designed to increase productivity, should be channeled into the subsector with the most employee specialization as well as product customization.Keyword(s): MSMEs, small business, Output, Productivity, JEL Classifications: P42 M13 O55
Building an information system to enhance innovative SMEs in Albania
Authors: Rembeci Godiva
Published: July 2017

SMEs play an important role in the national economic development of any country. Now days SMEs are becoming more and more a subject of high attention of policy makers especially to developing countries due to their great potential in contribution of sustainable economic growth and employment generation for the national economy. In Albania, SMEs represent about 98% of the total enterprises in the country with a contribution to national GDP for about 70%.The economic performance and the structure of national economy is depended very much on the performance and the contribution of SMEs. Therefore, building an information system on SMEs performance is very important especially related to the objective for enhancing the innovative SMEs in the country. To measure SMEs’ ability to compete on national, regional and international markets requires a lot of information on all aspects,not only insights from SMEs but also contribution from SME experts, policy makers, representatives of associations of private enterprises dealing with SME issues. In addition, survey data analysis, is very useful instrument to establish the set of proper indicators (employment, productivity, adopted technology, access to credit, to market) to measure to what extend these indicators are fulfilled by Albanian SMEs. To achieve this objective, the author have used the data collected through sample survey carried out by regional development agency, to 150 SMEs engaged in industrial production, located in 4 regions of the country. The sample results shows that despite the worldwide economic crisis, SMEs in Albania have contributed in growth of new jobs and investments in new technologies. Nevertheless currently SMEs still lack an adequate level of experience with regards to their functioning in the context of a market economy and open competition. The objective of the article, based on sample survey data is to prepare a set of recommendations both for SME’s and the stakeholders committed to SMEs development.
Cross Border Shopping from the Perspective of Domestic Tourists in Padang Besar, Perlis
Authors: Azmi Azila , Ibrahim Nurdin , Idris Aida Khalida Mohamed , Ahmad Zamri , Nor Norfezah Md
Published: July 2017

Padang Besar is a border town in Malaysia and it is located in the northern part of Perlis, which shares a border with the province of Songkhla, Thailand. This border town is popular for shopping activities among Malaysian and Thai. Most visitors and tourists come during the weekends, sometimes up to thousands at one time. This research paper examines the motivations of cross border shoppers from the perspective of domestic tourists in Padang Besar, Perlis. The objective is to identify the consumer characteristics and analyze the relationship between market characteristics with cross border shopping. This study employs quantitative method and the data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Statistical software was used to analyze the 375 returned questionnaires. The findings revealed that most of the domestic tourists came from the lower income group and most of them were day tripper. They tend to spend more on food and beverages, while their average spending is more than RM300. Moreover, market characteristics show strong positive relationship towards this shopping activity. The information gathered is beneficial for both neighbouring countries as the government can help to improve the shopping area by facilitating the development with related tourism infrastructure and amenities.
The Analysis of the Labor Market in Albania
Authors: SINAJ Zamira
Published: July 2017

Albania's economic growth after 1990 was among the highest of all the economies in transition. Economic activity, as measured at the fair value of the gross domestic product (GDP) for the period 1996-2015 grew at an average annual rate of 5.6 percent, despite the shock of 1997 because of the collapse of the pyramid schemes and the contraction in GDP growth in 20014-2015 due to the impact of the economic and financial crisis. Such high levels of economic growth, has been preceded by economic and structural reforms and the expansion of services and construction, spurred by remittances and informal activities.
Comparative Performance Analysis of Public Sector Sponsored and Private Sector Sponsored Mutual Funds in India
Authors: Thakuria Anupam , Kashyap Shikha
Published: July 2017

The concept of mutual funds in India dates back to the year 1963. The era between 1963 and 1987 marked the existence of only one mutual fund Company in India, namely the Unit Trust of India (UTI), with Rs. 67 billion assets under management (AUM). Few other mutual fund companies entered the mutual fund market later on. The private sector funds started penetrating the fund families during 1993. Kothari Pioneer was the first private sector mutual fund company in India which has now merged with Franklin Templeton. By the end of 1993, the total AUM of the industry was Rs. 470. 04 billion. Just after ten years with private sector penetration, the total assets rose up to Rs. 1218. 05 billion and till 2004, it reached the height of 1540 billion. The total AUM of the mutual fund industry has risen up to 14000 billion in April, 2016. Today there are 43 mutual funds in India offering a number of schemes suited to the needs of different type of customers. It has been noticed that the private sector mutual funds have been taking more risks and have also been able to gain higher returns on an average. This paper tries to highlight the comparative performance of public and private sector mutual funds and also throw light on the scope of the existing potential of the fund market in the face of traditional risk aversion of the investors and huge rise in financial assets.
Remittance Inflows, Real Exchange Rate Movements and Sectoral Performance in Nigeria
Authors: Adejumo Afolabi O. , Ikhide Sylvanus I.
Published: July 2017

The impact of remittance on international trade is often comparable to tariff changes—since exchange rate represents price of tradable goods. The appreciation of real exchange rate brings about increase in relative demand for competing importing tradable goods above domestic tradable goods given demand for non-tradable, since foreign goods are now cheaper in terms of domestic currency and there is high purchasing ability to do so. Resources re-allocation between tradable and non-tradable sector has been significant in Nigeria. Contribution of the agricultural sector to Nigeria’s GDP has shrunk over the years with the attendant threat to food production and loss of employment opportunities. This study investigates the linear relationship between remittances and real effective exchange rate on one hand and the impact of remittances and exchange rate on tradable and non-tradable sector in Nigeria. Employing DOLS regression technique on annual data ranging from 1981 and 2013, The study found that remittances influence performance of tradable agriculture, manufacturing sector and merchandise export sector in line with Dutch disease idea. Also, we found evidence that changes in exchange rate act as a channel of impact of Dutch disease on all sectors.
Humor in Advertising
Authors: Koneska Prof. Dr. Ljiljana , Teofilovska Prof. Dr. Jasna , Dimitrieska Prof. Dr. Savica
Published: July 2017

Creating good advertising message is very important segment in the promotion of a company. Companies use different advertising appeals to encourage consumers to buy products and services. Humor is one of those advertising appeals. The first task of humor is to attract the consumers’ attention through an interesting, entertaining, provocative, unexpected, sudden and memorable message. Humor aims to help consumers in decision-buying process. However, humor can cause negative side effects if it insults, is used in inappropriate manner or is too excessive. Recent studies show that companies are successful if they use “intelligent” humor that is related to the products’ nature and function. The purpose of this paper is to present the attitude of consumers towards the humorous advertisements and to explore the concept and usage of humor in advertising to find out its impact on consumer’s purchase decision.
Earning Per Share Under International Accounting Regulations and Based on the Example of Companies Listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange
Authors: Prewysz-Kwinto Piotr , Voss Grażyna
Published: July 2017

Earnings per share is one of the most important financial ratios facilitating investors make decisions about the choice of a company to invest in. To fulfill this role, it should be calculated according to the same rules by all companies, so that the results can be compared correctly. Therefore, the IASB (International Accounting Standards Board) issued a special standard comprehensively regulating the rules of its calculation and presentation in financial statement. It is International Accounting Standard 33 – Earning per share, which was released in December 2003. It was first applied to financial statements prepared for the reporting period starting after January 1, 2005. The standard was revised once – in 2008. This standard requires calculation and presentation in financial statement basic and diluted earnings per share and accurately specifies how to do it. The aim of this paper is to describe the rules of calculating, presenting and disclosure information about earning per share under IAS 33 as well as to analyze the presentation of such information in financial statements of the largest companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The main methods used include the analysis and evaluation of legal acts and subject-related literature as well as the analysis of information disclosed in financial statements of the largest companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
A Fresh Apple or a New Barrel: Business Ethics from an Individual to Corporate Level
Authors: Thomas Sibel Oktar
Published: July 2017

The moral nature of corporations has been discussed for a long time. But, since 2001, with enormous economic effects of the misconduct of some corporations this discussion gained another dimension, it moved into the public sphere, the subject became more sensitive. The anger and mistrust of the public toward business triggered legislators and corporations to take urgent action. For example, just after the collapse of Enron (2001) the American Congress passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002) that covers the responsibilities of boards of directors and requires compliance training at all levels. It also revived the old controversial arguments about the nature of business – whether the only purpose of business is to make profits, the relationship of business and ethics – whether business ethics is an oxymoron, and human nature – whether it is ‘bad apples’ or ‘bad barrels’. Yet, with new sets of regulations, in 2017, we are still witnessing the misconduct of corporations on a global scale. This article investigates the effectiveness of corporate efforts such as revisiting mission statements, polishing the codes of ethics and conducting training, by evaluating the nature of business, human nature and the understanding of ethics in the workplace. By looking through the lens of utilitarianism of ethical issues in business, I will argue that codes of ethics and ethics training are necessary but not sufficient. Within the scope of this paper I wish to pave the way to a holistic approach which is necessary and sufficient to create ethical businesses.
For Reducing Energy Consumption in Public Transportation
Authors: Chenche Sara
Published: July 2017

The concept of sustainable development, applied to cities, leads necessarily to give a large place to pedestrians, to cyclists and to public transport, which returns the viability to cities, by eliminating the enlargement of cars number, urban sprawl, accidents, traffic, pollution, and especially the huge consumption of energy, caused by cars and private transport. Mobility problems (traffic, transport...) are became more and more important, to study and resolve, because of their highest consumption of energy. Our research task is focused especially on the road transport of passengers, because it is a mode very large-scale consumer of energy which is often aimed by the energy policies. This leads us to study the dependence between energy and transport, then to study the intramodality of transport by encouraging public transport. But for that the passengers leave their cars and move towards public transport, this requires the development of a high-quality public transport, which is conquering with that of private vehicles, and therefore moderate the high consumption of energy. For that one of an important problem of stop location especially in the big cities is set.
ON THE DERIVATION OF THERMODYNAMIC QUANTITIES OF IDEAL FERMI GAS IN HARMONIC TRAP
Authors: VINH PHẠM NGUYỄN THÀNH
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we provide comprehensive study of the thermodynamic quantities of the ideal Fermi gas confined in a three-dimensional harmonic trap by using the properties of Fermi – Dirac integral function both analytically and numerically. The dependences of the chemical potential, total energy and heat capacity on the temperature are obtained via the appropriately approximated analytic formulae. Afterwards, the results are compared with the exact numerical ones in order to evaluate the applicability of these formulae.
PERLINDUNGAN HUKUM BAGI PARA PIHAK DALAM E-COMMERCE SEBAGAI AKIBAT DARI GLOBALISASI EKONOMI.
Authors: Hanim Lathifah
Published: July 2017

Globalization's impact on the development of technological advances free trade between countries. through international trade spawned free trade rules and more focus on the development of a free market, quickly in a life without limits. The realization of the consequences of free trade globalization is the emergence of the phenomenon of Electronic Commerce. The research method used is normative juridical. legal research literature is legal research conducted by examining the library materials or secondary data. The results obtained that legal protection for parties in e-commerce as a result of economic globalization include the two sides are in agreement and outside the Agreement, as well as E-Commerce Transactions settings in Act No. 11 of 2008 can be described as the need for the existence of an Institution Certification Reliability to certify to the party who will conduct electronic transactions (Article 10); Setting the implementation of the Electronic Transactions (Article 17 Paragraph (3)); Regulation on Electronic Contract for Electronic Transactions (Article 18 Paragraph (1)); Dispute Resolution on Electronic Transactions (Article 18, Paragraph (3)); Electronic system as a system implementation Electronic Transactions (Article 19); Regulation on Electronic Agents as intermediaries in Electronic Transactions (Article 21 and 22).
Precision Farming in Hilly Areas: The Use of Network RTK in GNSS Technology
Authors: Marucci Alvaro , Colantoni Andrea , Zambon Ilaria , Egidi Gianluca
Published: July 2017

The number of GNSS satellites has greatly increased over the last few decades, which has led to increased interest in developing self-propelled vehicles. Even agricultural vehicles have a great potential for use of these systems. In fact, it is possible to improve the efficiency of machining in terms of their uniformity, reduction of fertilizers, pesticides, etc. with the aim of (i) reducing the timeframes of cultivation operations with significant economic benefits and, above all, (ii) decreasing environmental impact. These systems face some perplexity in hilly environments but, with specific devices, it is possible to overcome any signal deficiencies. In hilly areas then, the satellite-based system can also be used to safeguard operators’ safety from the risk of rollover. This paper reports the results obtained from a rural development program (RDP) in the Lazio Region 2007/2013 (measure project 1.2.4) for the introduction and diffusion of GNSS satellites systems in hilly areas.
Thermal Performance of Concrete with Recycled Aggregates from CDW Plants
Authors: Bravo Miguel , Brito Jorge , Evangelista Luís
Published: July 2017

This investigation intends to analyse the thermal performance of concrete with recycled aggregates (RA) from construction and demolition waste (CDW) collected from several locations in Portugal. A total of 17 concrete mixes were analysed by means of thermal conductivity tests. Firstly, the composition and characteristics of the aggregates (natural and recycled) used in the production of the concrete mixes were analysed thoroughly, by means of several physical and chemical tests. Later, in order to evaluate the thermal behaviour of the mixes, several tests were performed and their results analysed, both on the fresh-state (slump with the Abrams cone test, density and air content) and the hardened state (compressive strength and thermal conductivity). The analysis of the thermal behaviour showed that the use of RA improves the thermal performance of the concrete mixes. The extent of this change was shown to be quite variable depending on the origin of the RA used.
Analysis of Precipitation Extremes in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China: Spatio-Temporal Characteristics and Topography Effects
Authors: Ge Genbatu , Shi Zhongjie , Yang Xiaohui , Hao Yuguang , Guo Hao , Kossi Fandjinou , Xin Zhiming , Wei Wei , Zhang Zhiyong , Zhang Xiao , Liu Yanshu , Liu Junhui
Published: July 2017

Although precipitation extremes exert a major influence on populations and the environment, trend analysis for the entire Qinghai-Tibetan plateau (QTP) has not previously been undertaken. In this study, meteorological data from 83 weather stations was used to analyze the temporal trends and spatial distribution of 10 extreme precipitation indices over the QTP during 1975–2014. The Mann Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator were used to determine significances and magnitudes of station trends. Spatially, stations recording increasing trends were mainly distributed in the southwestern, central and northern regions. Stations with decreasing trends were centered on the eastern and southeastern areas. Temporally, all indices had an increasing trend except for consecutive dry days (CDD) and consecutive wet days (CWD) during the study period. The contribution of extreme precipitation to total precipitation showed a significant increasing trend. These findings may be due to the complex interaction between the large-scale circulation and topography. In general, the changes of extreme precipitation indicated an enhanced tendency, with the frequency, intensity and amount of heavy precipitation increasing over time. Furthermore, altitude dependency of extreme precipitation does not exist in QTP, with topography effects on changes in precipitation extremes being more obvious in the higher elevation, flat, and hill stations.
In Vitro Quantified Determination of β-Amyloid 42 Peptides, a Biomarker of Neuro-Degenerative Disorders, in PBS and Human Serum Using a Simple, Cost-Effective Thin Gold Film Biosensor
Authors: Dai Yifan , Molazemhosseini Alireza , Liu Chung
Published: July 2017

A simple in vitro biosensor for the detection of β-amyloid 42 in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and undiluted human serum was fabricated and tested based on our platform sensor technology. The bio-recognition mechanism of this biosensor was based on the effect of the interaction between antibody and antigen of β-amyloid 42 to the redox couple probe of K4Fe(CN)6 and K3Fe(CN)6. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) served as the transduction mechanism measuring the current output derived from the redox coupling reaction. The biosensor was a three-electrode electrochemical system, and the working and counter electrodes were 50 nm thin gold film deposited by a sputtering technique. The reference electrode was a thick-film printed Ag/AgCl electrode. Laser ablation technique was used to define the size and structure of the biosensor. Cost-effective roll-to-roll manufacturing process was employed in the fabrication of the biosensor, making it simple and relatively inexpensive. Self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) was employed to covalently immobilize the thiol group on the gold working electrode. A carbodiimide conjugation approach using N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N–hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) was undertaken for cross-linking antibody of β-amyloid 42 to the carboxylic groups on one end of the MPA. The antibody concentration of β-amyloid 42 used was 18.75 µg/mL. The concentration range of β-amyloid 42 in this study was from 0.0675 µg/mL to 0.5 µg/mL for both PBS and undiluted human serum. DPV measurements showed excellent response in this antigen concentration range. Interference study of this biosensor was carried out in the presence of Tau protein antigen. Excellent specificity of this β-amyloid 42 biosensor was demonstrated without interference from other species, such as T-tau protein.
Highly ordered Nanomaterial Functionalized Copper Schiff Base Framework: Synthesis, Characterization, and Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition Performance
Authors: Rajabi Fatemeh , Pinilla-de Dios María , Luque Rafael
Published: July 2017

An immobilized copper Schiff base tridentate complex was prepared in three steps from SBA-15 supports. The immobilized copper nanocatalyst (heterogeneous catalyst) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), cross polarization magic angle spinning (CP-MAS), 13-carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2-physisorption. Moreover, morphological and structural features of the immobilized nanocatalyst were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction spectrometry (PXRD). After characterizing the nanocatalyst, the catalytic activity was determined in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition. The high decomposition yield of H2O2 was obtained for low-loaded copper content materials at pH 7 and at room temperature. Furthermore, the nanocatalyst exhibited high activity and stability under the investigated conditions, and could be recovered and reused for at least five consecutive times without any significant loss in activity. No copper leaching was detected during the reaction by AAS measurements.
Recyclable Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Catalysts for Aza-Michael Addition of Acryl Amides by Magnetic Field
Authors: Li Zhen-Xing , Luo Dan , Li Ming-Ming , Xing Xiao-Fei , Ma Zheng-Zheng , Xu Hao
Published: July 2017

A nanostructure-based catalytic system has the advantages of both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. It is of great significance to develop the sustainable and green process of homogeneous catalytic reaction. We report a novel, efficient and recyclable magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles-catalyzed aza-Michael addition reaction of acryl amides, and the magnetic nanoparticles catalysts can be recovered by external magnetic field. Both primary amine and secondary amine can react with various acryl amides providing a good output to target products successfully at room temperature. Further experiments reveal that the magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles-based catalyst shows excellent yields, which can be recycled 10 times, and, at the same time, it maintains a high catalytically activity. In this catalytic system, the tedious separation procedures are replaced by external magnetic field, which gives us a different direction for choosing a catalyst in a nanostructure-based catalytic system.
Enhancing Dark Shade Pigment Dyeing of Cotton Fabric Using Plasma Treatment
Authors: Kan Chi-Wai , Man Wai-Shan
Published: July 2017

This study is intended to investigate the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on dark shade pigment dyeing of cotton fabric. Experimental results reveal that plasma-treated cotton fabric can attain better color yield, levelness, and crocking fastness in dark shade pigment dyeing, compared with normal cotton fabric (not plasma treated). SEM analysis indicates that cracks and grooves were formed on the cotton fiber surface where the pigment and the binder can get deposited and improve the color yield, levelness, and crocking fastness. It was also noticed that pigment was aggregated when deposited on the fiber surface which could affect the final color properties.
Linking the Power and Transport Sectors—Part 2: Modelling a Sector Coupling Scenario for Germany
Authors: Robinius Martin , Otto Alexander , Syranidis Konstantinos , Ryberg David S. , Heuser Philipp , Welder Lara , Grube Thomas , Markewitz Peter , Tietze Vanessa , Stolten Detlef
Published: July 2017

“Linking the power and transport sectors—Part 1” describes the general principle of “sector coupling” (SC), develops a working definition intended of the concept to be of utility to the international scientific community, contains a literature review that provides an overview of relevant scientific papers on this topic and conducts a rudimentary analysis of the linking of the power and transport sectors on a worldwide, EU and German level. The aim of this follow-on paper is to outline an approach to the modelling of SC. Therefore, a study of Germany as a case study was conducted. This study assumes a high share of renewable energy sources (RES) contributing to the grid and significant proportion of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) in the year 2050, along with a dedicated hydrogen pipeline grid to meet hydrogen demand. To construct a model of this nature, the model environment “METIS” (models for energy transformation and integration systems) we developed will be described in more detail in this paper. Within this framework, a detailed model of the power and transport sector in Germany will be presented in this paper and the rationale behind its assumptions described. Furthermore, an intensive result analysis for the power surplus, utilization of electrolysis, hydrogen pipeline and economic considerations has been conducted to show the potential outcomes of modelling SC. It is hoped that this will serve as a basis for researchers to apply this framework in future to models and analysis with an international focus.
Secure Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Charging in a Smart Grid Network
Authors: Shuaib Khaled , Barka Ezedin , Abdella Juhar , Sallabi Farag , Abdel-Hafez Mohammed , Al-Fuqaha Ala
Published: July 2017

Charging of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) exposes smart grid systems and their users to different kinds of security and privacy attacks. Hence, a secure charging protocol is required for PEV charging. Existing PEV charging protocols are usually based on insufficiently represented and simplified charging models that do not consider the user’s charging modes (charging at a private location, charging as a guest user, roaming within one’s own supplier network or roaming within other suppliers’ networks). However, the requirement for charging protocols depends greatly on the user’s charging mode. Consequently, available solutions do not provide complete protocol specifications. Moreover, existing protocols do not support anonymous user authentication and payment simultaneously. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive end-to-end charging protocol that addresses the security and privacy issues in PEV charging. The proposed protocol uses nested signatures to protect users’ privacy from external suppliers, their own suppliers and third parties. Our approach supports anonymous user authentication, anonymous payment, as well as anonymous message exchange between suppliers within a hierarchical smart grid architecture. We have verified our protocol using the AVISPA software verification tool and the results showed that our protocol is secure and works as desired.
Design of a H∞ Robust Controller with μ-Analysis for Steam Turbine Power Generation Applications
Authors: Iannino Vincenzo , Colla Valentina , Innocenti Mario , Signorini Annamaria
Published: July 2017

Concentrated Solar Power plants are complex systems subjected to quite sensitive variations of the steam production profile and external disturbances, thus advanced control techniques that ensure system stability and suitable performance criteria are required. In this work, a multi-objective H∞ robust controller is designed and applied to the power control of a Concentered Solar Power plant composed by two turbines, a gear and a generator. In order to provide robust performance and stability in presence of disturbances, not modeled plant dynamics and plant-parameter variations, the advanced features of the μ-analysis are exploited. A high order controller is obtained from the process of synthesis that makes the implementation of the controller difficult and computational more demanding for a Programmable Logic Controller. Therefore, the controller order is reduced through the Balanced Truncation method and then discretized. The obtained robust control is compared to the current Proportional Integral Derivative-based governing system in order to evaluate its performance, considering unperturbed as well as perturbed scenarios, taking into account variations of steam conditions, sensor measurement delays and power losses. The simulations results show that the proposed controller achieves better robustness and performance compared to the existing Proportional Integral Derivative controller.
Analysis of GHG Emission Reduction in South Korea Using a CO2 Transportation Network Optimization Model
Authors: Jin Suk , Bai Lianxi , Kim Jang , Jeong Suk , Kim Kyung
Published: July 2017

Korea’s national carbon capture and storage (CCS) master plan aims to commercialize CCS projects by 2030. Furthermore, the Korean government is forced to reduce emissions from various sectors, including industries and power generation, by 219 million tons by 2030. This study analyzes a few scenarios of Korean CCS projects with a CO2 pipeline transportation network optimization model for minimizing the total facility cost and pipeline cost. Our scenarios are based on the “2030 basic roadmap for reducing greenhouse gases” established by the government. The results for each scenario demonstrate that the effective design and implementation of CO2 pipeline network enables the lowering of CO2 units cost. These suggest that CO2 transportation networks, which connect the capture and sequestration parts, will be more important in the future and can be used to substitute and supplement the emission reduction target in case the execution of other reduction options faces uncertainty. Our mathematical model and scenario designs will be helpful for various countries which plan to introduce CCS technology.
Economic Impact of the Use of Inertia in an Urban Bus Company
Authors: Tuero Alejandro , Pozueco Laura , García Roberto , Díaz Gabriel , Pañeda Xabiel , Melendi David , Rionda Abel , Martínez David
Published: July 2017

Public transport companies face great expenses. In order to be profitable companies, they need to reduce costs in all aspects. In addition, many countries have increased taxes to force transport companies to reduce their fuel consumption and, thus, greenhouse effect emissions. Efficient driving is the cheapest way to achieve this goal. In this paper, we analyze the economic impact of one of the most influential efficient driving techniques in an urban bus company. We calculate the difference of consumption between a well-performed deceleration using the inertia of the vehicle and a loss of speed obtained by using the brakes. For this purpose, we compare a real track performed by any driver in a precise vehicle with a simulated ideal track. To obtain the deceleration of the simulation, we develop a linear regression model on over 170,000 samples captured from the same vehicle over a period of one month. The results show that the costs of the vehicle under test in one month may be reduced by more than 2500 €
Multidisciplinary Energy Assessment of Tertiary Buildings: Automated Geomatic Inspection, Building Information Modeling Reconstruction and Building Performance Simulation
Authors: Patiño-Cambeiro Faustino , Bastos Guillermo , Armesto Julia , Patiño-Barbeito Faustino
Published: July 2017

There is an urgent need for energy efficiency in buildings within the European framework, considering its environmental implications, and Europe’s energy dependence. Furthermore, the need for enhancing and increasing productivity in the building industry turns new technologies and building energy performance simulation environments into extremely interesting solutions towards rigorous analysis and decision making in renovation within acceptable risk levels. The present work describes a multidisciplinary approach for the estimation of the energy performance of an educational building. The research involved data acquisition with advanced geomatic tools, the development of an optimized building information model, and energy assessment in Building Performance Simulation (BPS) software. Interoperability issues were observed in the different steps of the process. The inspection and diagnostic phases were conducted in a timely, accurate manner thanks to automated data acquisition and subsequent analysis using Building Information Modeling based tools (BIM-based tools). Energy simulation was performed using Design Builder, and the results obtained were compared with those yielded by the official software tool established by Spanish regulations for energy certification. The discrepancies between the results of both programs have proven that the official software program is conservative in this sense. This may cause the depreciation of the assessed buildings.
A Robust Battery Grouping Method Based on a Characteristic Distribution Model
Authors: Yang Yuxiang , Gao Mingyu , He Zhiwei , Wang Caisheng
Published: July 2017

The inconsistent characteristics of individual power batteries in a battery pack can seriously affect the performance and service life of the whole pack. Battery grouping is an effective approach for dealing with the inconsistency problem by grouping batteries with similar characteristics in the same battery pack. In actual production, the battery grouping process still relies on the traditional manual method, which results in high labor and time costs. In this paper, a robust and effective battery grouping method based on the characteristic distribution model is developed. Specifically, a novel characteristic distribution model is proposed to determine the grouping priority of different batteries. Then, an improved k-nearest-neighbor algorithm is used to decide which batteries should be group into the same battery pack. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Seismic Fragility Analysis of Monopile Offshore Wind Turbines under Different Operational Conditions
Authors: Mo Renjie , Kang Haigui , Li Miao , Zhao Xuanlie
Published: July 2017

Offshore wind turbines in seismic active areas suffer from earthquake impacts. In this study, seismic fragility analysis of a monopile offshore wind turbine considering different operational conditions was performed. A finite element model for a 5 MW monopile offshore wind turbine was developed using the OpenSees platform. The interaction between the monopile and the seabed soil was modeled as a beam-on-nonlinear-winkler-foundation (BNWF). A nonlinear time history truncated incremental dynamic analysis (TIDA) was conducted to obtain seismic responses and engineering demand parameters. Potential damage states (DSs) were defined as excessive displacement at the nacelle, rotation at the tower top, and the allowable and yield stresses at the transition piece. Fragility curves were plotted to assess the probability of exceeding different damage states. It was found that seismic responses of the wind turbine are considerably influenced by environmental wind and wave loads. Subject to earthquake motions, wind turbines in normal operation at the rated wind speed experience higher levels of probability of exceeding damage states than those in other operational conditions, i.e., in idling or operating at higher or lower wind speed conditions.
Regenerative Braking Control Strategy of Electric-Hydraulic Hybrid (EHH) Vehicle
Authors: Yang Yang , Luo Chang , Li Pengxi
Published: July 2017

A novel electric-hydraulic hybrid drivetrain incorporating a set of hydraulic systems is proposed for application in a pure electric vehicle. Models of the electric and hydraulic components are constructed. Two control strategies, which are based on two separate rules, are developed; the maximum energy recovery rate strategy adheres to the rule of the maximization of the braking energy recovery rate, while the minimum current impact strategy adheres to the rule of the minimization of the charge current to the battery. The simulation models were established to verify the effects of these two control strategies. An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fuzzy control strategy is also developed and simulated. The simulation results demonstrate that the developed control strategy can effectively absorb the braking energy, suppress the current impact, and assure braking safety.
Study on the Bearing Mode and Force Transfer Path of Composite Bucket Foundations
Authors: He Shaohua , Zhang Puyang , Ding Hongyan
Published: July 2017

This paper elaborates on a new composite bucket foundation (CBF) structural system for offshore wind turbines. The proposed CBF consists of a special force transition section, a beam system structure upper steel bucket cover and a large-scale steel bucket with honeycomb structure rooms. It can be prefabricated onshore, self-floated on the sea and then towed to the appointed sea area before sinking to the sea soil under negative pressure. This is called the “one-step” installation technology. Arc- and line-type bucket foundations are calculated by both theory and the finite element method to discuss their force transfer paths and bearing modes. Owning to the special structural form, the transition section can effectively convert the huge load and bending moment into controllable tension and compressive stress, as well as adjust the structure balance. The bearing model and percentage of each part of the composite foundation under monotonous and ultimate load conditions are also calculated. Results indicate that the bearing mode of CBF is a typical top cover mode. In addition, the curvature impact of arc-type is studied and the results reveal that the structure type of the transition section is more important than the diameter ratio between the bottom transition section and the bucket.
A Control Strategy for Mode Transition with Gear Shifting in a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Sim Kyuhyun , Oh Sang-Min , Kang Ku-Young , Hwang Sung-Ho
Published: July 2017

The mode transition from electric propulsion mode to hybrid propulsion mode is important with regard to the power management strategy of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This is because mode transitions can occur frequently depending on the power management strategies and driving cycles, and because inadequate mode transitions worsen the fuel efficiency and drivability. A pre-transmission parallel PHEV uses a clutch between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor (EM) to connect or disconnect the power source of the ICE for a mode transition. The mode transition requires additional energy consumption for clutch speed synchronization, and is accompanied by a drivetrain shock due to clutch engagement. This paper proposes a control strategy for the mode transition with gear-shifting to resolve the problems of energy consumption and drivetrain shock. Through the development of a PHEV performance simulator, we analyze the mode transition characteristics and propose a control strategy considering the vehicle acceleration and gear state. The control strategy reduces the duration required for the mode transition by moving the start time of the mode transition. This helps to improve energy efficiency while maintaining adequate drivability.
Simulation of Contamination Deposition on Typical Shed Porcelain Insulators
Authors: Lv Yukun , Zhao Weiping , Li Jingang , Zhang Yazhao
Published: July 2017

The contamination deposition characteristics of insulators can be used in the development of antifouling work. Using COMSOL software, numerical simulations on the pollution-deposited performance of a porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator in a wind tunnel were conducted, and the simulated results were compared with the tested results. The comparison shows that the deposit amount is consistent with the order of magnitude and presents a similar tendency with Direct Current (DC) voltage variation; then the rationality of the simulation is verified. Based on these results, simulations of the natural contamination deposition on porcelain insulators and the distribution of pollution along the umbrella skirt were performed. The results indicates that, under a same wind speed, contamination of the porcelain three-umbrella insulator and porcelain bell jar insulator under DC voltage was positively correlated with the particle size. With the same particle size, the proportion of the deposit amount under DC voltage (NSDDDC) to the deposit amount under AC voltage (NSDDAC) of both insulators decreases with the increase in wind speed. However, the ratio increases as particle size increase. At a small wind speed, the deposit amount along the umbrella skirt of the two insulators displays a U-shaped distribution under DC voltage while there is little difference in the contamination amount of each skirt under Alternating Current (AC) voltage.