bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Mobility Using Fuels with Pathways to Low Emissions
Authors: Kulzer André Casal , Deeg Hans Peter , Villforth Jonas , Schwarzenthal Dietmar , Schilling Max , Barrientos Eduardo , Kanach Brianne , Lindner Matthew
Published: April 2020

Regulations around the globe are driving the adoption of alternative fuels and vehicles through the implementation of stricter standards aimed at reducing carbon footprint and criteria emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions. Low emission zones have been implemented across Europe which restrict access by some vehicles with the aim of improving the air quality. The Paris Agreement on climate change declared governments’ intentions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as outlined in each country’s nationally determined contribution. Providing affordable energy to support prosperity while reducing environmental impacts, including the risks of climate change, is the dual challenge for the energy and transport industries.

Development and deployment of low-emission liquid fuels and complementary engine hardware optimization could provide options to meet air quality as well as proposed, ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. To take advantage of these potential benefits, these fuels must be compatible with the existing fleet and comply with current fuel standards. This work represents a joint effort by Porsche and ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company. The goal of this work is to evaluate the potential of low-emission fuels to improve tailpipe emissions from in-use and new vehicle fleets.

In this study, a number of fuels with various qualities and low-emissions potential were tested for resulting criteria emissions (NOx, PM, THC). A research Porsche single cylinder engine, including advanced engine combustion design elements, was used for combustion and emissions analysis. The tests were done under stationary and dynamic load as well as under different temperature conditions.

Significant reductions to criteria emissions were obtained with the new fuel formulations, when compared to an existing European market fuel. Reductions of more than 90% in particulate emissions, 10 to 20% in NOx emissions, and up to 30% in THC emissions were achieved. Additionally, vehicle test results on both, a 1996 993 and a 2016 991.2 Porsche Carrera, with some selected fuels are presented and compared. Emission reduction potential with the 993 (23 years old vehicle) were similar to the 991.2 by using the low emission formulations showing the potential of the fuels in legacy vehicles, not equipped with gasoline particulate filters (GPF), to comply with current emission regulations. Furthermore, these fuels can be formulated to be compliant with existing European fuel regulations.
Vibration and Dynamic Analysis of Right-Angle Geared Drives
Authors: Hua Xia
Published: April 2020

The dynamics of hypoid or spiral bevel gears like most high-speed precision gears employed in the powertrains of automobiles, commercial trucks, and off highway vehicles are significantly influenced by the design of the shafts. The finite element modeling approach is one of the useful methodologies applied to perform gear dynamic analysis. One of the major advantages of the finite element modeling approach is that it can account for the gear-shaft-bearing assembly design more accurately than other modeling approaches, for example, the lumped parameter modeling approach. In this paper, the finite element formulation, which can generally represent more complete characteristics of the gear-shaft-bearing assembly design, is employed to investigate how the temperature change, shaft material type and shaft size influence the dynamics of spiral bevel gear system.
Determination of Octane Index and K in a 2.0L, 4-Cylinder Turbocharged SI Engine Using the Primary Reference Fuel (PRF) Method
Authors: Gopujkar Siddharth , Worm Jeremy , Duncan Joel , Hansley William
Published: April 2020

Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON) have traditionally been used to describe fuel anti-knock quality. The test conditions for MON are harsher than those for RON, causing the RON for a particular fuel to be higher than the MON. Previous researchers have proposed the anti-knock performance of a fuel can be described at other operating conditions using the Octane Index (OI), defined as OI=RON-K (RON-MON), where ‘K’ is a weighing factor between RON and MON, and is a function of engine operating condition. The K-factor indicates that at a particular operating condition, knock tolerance is better described by RON as K approaches a value of 0, and MON as K approaches a value of 1. Previous studies claim that K-factor is dependent only on the engine combustion system and the speed-load point, and that it is independent of fuel chemistry. In most of these studies, K was determined experimentally using linear regression. In this particular study, K was determined using the PRF method for two test fuels; EPA certification tier 2 and tier 3 fuel. K was calculated for these fuels at multiple test points and the results showed that the K was different for the two fuels and thus it did depend on fuel chemistry. For a majority of the test points, the fuel with the lower RON and MON values (tier 3 cert fuel) had a lower K-factor as compared to the tier 2 cert fuel. A parameter was developed to relate engine speed, combustion phasing and cylinder trapped mass to predict K-factor, independent of the fuel. The correlation of K with end gas conditions was also investigated as a part of this project.
Assessing Fit and Finish Design Sensitivity by Mapping Measurements to Utility
Authors: Slon Christopher , LI Xiaona , Valetchikov Vita , Pandey Vijitashwa
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a method to evaluate the sensitivity of the perceived quality of a panel interface design to variation in the measurements of fit and finish. The novelty of this approach is in the application of the concept of utility to fit and finish. The significance is in the ability to evaluate alternative designs with regard to perceived quality long before time and money are spent on their realization. In the automotive industry “fit and finish” is the term applied to the precision of the alignment of one part to another. Fit and finish gives the buyer a sense of the overall quality of the vehicle purely from an aesthetic perspective. Fit and finish is usually evaluated by the manufacturer through dimensional measurements of the gap and flushness conditions between panels. Since variation in gap and flushness increases the probability that a vehicle will result in poorly perceived fit and finish, limits are put on the variation to reduce the potential detriment to perceived quality. It is suspected that the customer’s perception of quality is highly influenced by the design of the geometrical interface between panels but there is currently inadequate means of evaluating that influence.
A Novel Prediction Algorithm for Heavy Vehicles System Rollover Risk Based on Failure Probability Analysis and SVM Empirical Model
Authors: Zhu Tianjun , Yin Xiaoxuan , Wang Zhenfeng , Wang Dong , Li Fei , Wang Xinyu , Ma Wei , Wang Zheng
Published: April 2020

The study of heavy vehicles rollover prediction, especially in algorithm-based heavy vehicles active safety control for improving road handling, is a challenging task for the heavy vehicle industry. Due to the high fatality rate caused by vehicle rollover, how to precisely and effectively predict the rollover of heavy vehicles became a hot topic in both academia and industry. Because of the strong non-linear characteristics of Human-Vehicle-Road interaction and the uncertainty of modeling, the traditional deterministic method cannot predict the rollover hazard of heavy vehicles accurately. To deal with the above issues, this paper applies a probability method of uncertainty to the design of a dynamic rollover prediction algorithm for heavy vehicles and proposes a novel algorithm for predicting the rollover hazard based on the combined empirical model of reliability index and failure probability. Moreover, the paper establishes a classification model of heavy vehicles based on the support vector machine (SVM) and uses the Monte Carlo method to calculate the failure probability of rollover limit state of heavy vehicles. The fishhook, double lane change, and slalom maneuver tests of heavy vehicles are used to predict and validate the proposed algorithm in real-time. The simulation results show that the rollover prediction method based on failure probability is accurate and real-time, and can effectively improve the rollover prediction accuracy. Meanwhile, the proposed approach reduces the external interference of strong non-linear characteristics of Human-Vehicle-Road interaction and the uncertainty of the modeling to the system, thus significantly improving the prediction accuracy of active safety performance of heavy vehicles.
Experimental Interpretation of Compression Ignition In-Cylinder Flow Structures
Authors: Knight Tristan , Long Edward , Yuan Ruoyang , Garner Colin , Hargrave Graham
Published: April 2020

Understanding and predicting in-cylinder flow structures that occur within compression-ignition engines is vital if further optimisation of combustion systems is to be achieved. To enable this prediction, fully validated computational models of the complex turbulent flow-fields generated during the intake and compression process are needed. However, generating, analysing and interpreting experimental data to achieve this validation remains a complex challenge due to the variability that occurs from cycle to cycle. The flow-velocity data gathered in this study, obtained from a single-cylinder CI engine with optical access using high-speed PIV, demonstrates that significantly different structures are generated over different cycles, resulting in the mean flow failing to adequately reflect the typical flow produced in-cylinder. Additionally, this high level of variability is shown by the work to impact the assessment of turbulence throughout the cycle, influencing the values often used to validate mathematical models. The original work in this paper analyses experimental PIV data from the single cylinder engine, to characterise the differences between individual cycles’ bulk flow structures and the resultant turbulent fields. The analysis approach presented uses proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and spatial filtering to interpret the progression of the flow structures and energy throughout compression, giving an understanding of the actual flow structures that are most likely to be produced in the engine. This analysis of the data provides a meaningful understanding of the nature of the bulk flow variations and how the turbulent field develops over a given cycle, from the intake stroke to the end of compression.
Development of New Hybrid System for Mid-Size SUV
Authors: Kanayama Takeshi , Yanagida Eiji , Kano Sa , Geller Benjamin , Nakao Yu , Fukao Mitsuhiro
Published: April 2020

Fuel economy and emission regulations for Light-duty Trucks (LDT) are becoming increasingly restrictive year by year. At the same time, Mid-size SUV demands are increasing all over the world. The advancement of Toyota Hybrid System (THS) aims to meet increasingly strict fuel economy regulations and rapidly advance vehicle technologies to meet electrification goals by 2050 (Figure 1). Toyota has been committed to the evolution of hybrid technology starting with the first Prius in 1997 and continues to develop industry leading electrification technologies. The updated hybrid system for the brand-new Highlander was developed to meet worldwide regulations and have competitive class leading fuel economy with an affordable price. This technology is necessary not only to anticipate expanding SUV sales around the world, but to also keep environmental impact to a minimum. This paper explains the performance and technology in the updated THS developed for the brand-new Highlander HV 2.5L E-Four and highlights environmental and performance comparisons to the MY2019 RAV4 HV and the previous generation Highlander HV.
Integrated Regenerative Braking System and Anti-Lock Braking System for Hybrid Electric Vehicles & Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Yao Yixin , Zhao Yanan , Yamazaki Mark
Published: April 2020

This paper describes development of an integrated regenerative braking system and anti-lock brake system (ABS) control during an ABS event for hybrid and electric vehicles with drivelines containing a single electric motor connected to the axle shaft through an open differential. The control objectives are to recuperate the maximum amount of kinetic energy during an ABS event, and to provide no degraded anti-lock control behavior as seen in vehicles with regenerative braking disabled. The paper first presents a detailed control system analysis to reveal the inherent property of non-zero regenerative braking torque control during ABS event and explain the reason why regenerative braking torque can increase the wheel slip during ABS event with existing regenerative braking control strategies. Then, the regenerative brake control problem during ABS events is formulated with a unified control system architecture where the regenerative braking torque is coordinated with the friction braking torque of ABS system. An integrated closed loop based wheel slip control including both regenerative braking control loop and friction braking control loop during ABS event, referred to as RBS-ABS event control, is developed. The maximum regenerative braking is achieved and optimal vehicle braking performances and vehicle stability are maintained during ABS event. Finally, simulation tests are provided to illustrate RBS-ABS event control as an effective solution to satisfy desired wheel slip with the same level of stop distance in comparison with that of ABS control only while performing energy recuperation.
The Application of Simplified Loadpath Models to Improve Body Structure Knowledge
Authors: Truskin James
Published: April 2020

Simplified Loadpath Models (SLMs) of the advanced body in white (BIW) design concept provide a highly flexible and rapid platform to explore body structure loadpath alternatives and conduct performance:weight optimization. The SLM modelling process combines higher order Beam and Bush finite elements with coarsened Shell-meshed panels to represent the body structure. While the benefits of loadpath optimization through Beam element parameter variation is well-documented and applied extensively for these types of models, this paper covers another valuable benefit of the SLMs; to provide a better understanding of the sensitivities and influence of joint stiffnesses on key body structure attributes. This data provides valuable information that can be leveraged to support more intelligent and efficient body structure joint designs.
Assessment of Collision Markings on Non-Used Vehicle Seat Belt Restraint Systems
Authors: Gregg Richard H. , Petroskey Karla J.
Published: April 2020

Forensic investigators of automobile collisions are commonly tasked with determining whether physical evidence observed on restraint systems is consistent with the occupant’s use or non-use of the seat belt restraint. The characteristics of collision-induced markings generated on seat belt systems are not solely dependent on the belted status of the occupant, but also the technological features incorporated in the seat belt assembly. As the state-of-the-art for seat belt assemblies has changed over time, so has the constellation of physical evidence typically created on seat belt restraint systems. Pretensioner deployment can leave physical evidence on restraint system hardware in the absence of occupant loading. This study presents examples of physical evidence collected from seat belt systems involved in real-world collisions, which were initially alleged to affirm proper belt use, but were ultimately proven to be evidence of non-use. Several laboratory demonstrations were conducted to investigate physical evidence created on restraint system hardware as a result of pretensioner deployments of non-used seat belts in a variety of incompletely stowed conditions. The demonstrations show the initial positions of the seat belt assemblies necessary to produce the distinct physical evidence documented in the real-world samples. The physical evidence observed on the real-world restraint systems were consistent with the markings produced in the laboratory demonstrations. The presence of physical evidence on restraint system hardware and webbing is inadequate to conclude that a seat belt restraint was in use. Careful consideration of restraint system physical evidence combined with restraint system geometry and incorporated technological features can distinguish physical evidence related to seat belt use or non-use during a collision event. These examples will be useful to investigators for the assessment of physical evidence and diagnosis of seat belt use.
The Roles of Vehicle Seat Cushion Stiffness and Length in Child Restraint System (CRS) Performance
Authors: Mansfield Julie , Kwon HyunJung , Kang Yun-Seok
Published: April 2020

The objective is to determine whether responses and injury risks for pediatric occupants in child restraint systems (CRS) are affected by vehicle seat cushion stiffness and fore/aft cushion length. Eighteen sled tests were conducted using the Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 frontal pulse (48 km/h). Seats from a recent model year vehicle were customized by the manufacturer with three different levels of cushion stiffness: compliant, mid-range, and stiff. Each stiffness level was quantified using ASTM D 3574-08 and all were within the realistic range of modern production seats. The usable length of each seat cushion was manipulated using foam spacers provided by the manufacturer. Two different seat lengths were examined: short (34.0 cm) and long (43.5 cm). Three different types of CRS were tested with size-appropriate anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs): rear-facing (RF) CRS with 12-month-old CRABI, forward-facing (FF) CRS with Hybrid III 3-year-old, and high-back booster with Hybrid III 6-year-old. Each CRS, vehicle seat (including cushion and frame), seat belt webbing and buckle were replaced after every test. ATD kinematic and kinetic data were compared across seat cushion lengths and cushion stiffness levels to determine which seat configurations were the most beneficial for each type of CRS. For RF CRS, short vehicle seats allowed more y-axis rotation (SAE J211) but reduced several injury metrics including HIC36. For FF CRS, long and short seats resulted in similar injury metrics across matched conditions. For boosters, short seats increased chest resultant acceleration but did not have a noticeable effect on other injury metrics. The range of cushion stiffness examined in this study did not have a consistent or relevant effect on any of the CRS or occupant responses.
Innovative Active Head Restraint System in a Car: Safety Assessment with Virtual Human Body Model
Authors: Vychytil Jan , Hlucha Jana , Kovar Ludek , Kostikova Martina , Moravcova Pavlina , Bucsuhazy Katerina
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study is to use numerical simulations for safety assessment of an innovative active head restraint system. This system was developed to protect the head and neck of an occupant in a car without a head airbag during a side impact. Its FE model is created and embedded it in a model of a small car with a side airbag. The dynamics of the head restraint activation are also taken into account. The virtual human body model Virthuman is used to represent occupants. The model is scaled for pre-selected human individuals to cover large numbers of occupants of different sizes. It extends conventional virtual evaluation of new safety designs via existing pre-defined mono-purpose side dummies and their FE models. The benefit of the head restraint system is evaluated in side impact scenarios inspired by the pole tests performed by EuroNCAP. Transversal impacts to a pole at 29 and 32 km/h are considered at 90° and 75° angles from driver and the opposite side. Also, the far side impact prescribed with an acceleration pulse according to EuroNCAP is considered. Various initial driver sizes in standard seated positions are tested. To extend the study beyond standard testing protocols, out-of-position of driver is also considered, leading to more than 100 simulations of impact scenarios in total. The effect of the innovative head restraint system is assessed from the point of view of driver injury risk.
A Novel Asynchronous UWB Positioning System for Autonomous Trucks in an Automated Container Terminal
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Zhou Aiguo , Chen Xinbo , Shen Yong , Li Zhenyu
Published: April 2020

As a critical technology for autonomous vehicles, high precise positioning is essential for automated container terminals to implement intelligent dispatching and to improve container transport efficiency. Because of the unstable performance of global positioning system (GPS) in some circumstances, an ultra wide band (UWB) positioning system is developed for autonomous trucks in an automated container terminal. In this paper, an asynchronous structure is adopted in the system, and a three-dimensional (3D) localization method is proposed. Other than a traditional UWB positioning system with a server, in this asynchronous system, positions are calculated in the vehicle. Therefore, propagation delays from the server to vehicles are eliminated, and the real-time performance can be significantly improved. Traditional 3D localization methods based on time difference of arrival (TDOA) are mostly invalid with anchors in the same plane. However, in order to guarantee anchors and tags in line of sight (LOS), anchors have to be installed in a vertical plane under the tire cranes. Given this problem, an improved method is presented, which overcomes the matrix singularity. Three hyperboloids can be drawn according to three TDOAs. Either two of them intersect to a plane curve, summing up to three planes in all. Two of them intersect in one line. The line and the hyperboloids intersect at two symmetrical points about the anchor-plane. Then positions of tags can be quickly confirmed as positional relations between trucks and the anchor-plane have been determined when anchors installed. Extensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the performance in comparison to existing TDOA methods. As shown by experimental results, the proposed method performs better than traditional methods in location accuracy and stability.
Evaluation of Trajectory Based Combustion Control for Electrical Free Piston Engine
Authors: Nahin Minal , Tripathi Abhinav , Sun Zongxuan
Published: April 2020

Previously, the authors have proposed a novel strategy called trajectory based combustion control for the free piston engine (FPE) where the shape of the piston trajectory between top and bottom dead centers is used as a control input to modulate the chemical kinetics of the fuel-air mixture inside the combustion chamber. It has been shown that in case of a hydraulic free piston engine (HFPE), using active motion control, the piston inside the combustion chamber can be forced to track any desired trajectory, despite the absence of a crankshaft, providing reliable starting and stable operation. This allows the use of optimized piston trajectory for every operating point which minimizes fuel consumption and emissions. In this work, this concept is extended to an electrical free piston engine (EFPE) as a modular power source. A dynamic model of a linear electrical free piston engine unit has been developed which consists of a single phase linear generator driven by a single cylinder engine. The linear generator unit not only provides the required electromagnetic force to ensure precise trajectory tracking for the piston in the combustion chamber, but also efficiently extracts the combustion energy to charge the battery. The concept has been experimentally validated in a hardware-in-loop setup. The combustion data corresponding to a predetermined piston trajectory is obtained from a controlled trajectory rapid compression and expansion machine (CT-RCEM) and the dynamic model is used to evaluate the electrical output corresponding to the combustion data.
Application of a Method for the Estimation of Transmissivity of Transparent Surfaces to Exterior Lighting Applications
Authors: Stahlbaum Ruben , Günther Bert , Kleimeyer Martin
Published: April 2020

The paper derives a practical method for analysing transmission rates for light passing through transparent media like outer lenses of head lamps and tail lamps. It is shown that only two geometric parameters are needed to do the analysis, as are the angle of incidence measured to the surface normal and the surface normal itself. The surface is needed to be described mathematically - whether analytical (CAD) or discretised (FE or CFD), but no thickness is necessary. Two fields of application will be shown. The first one is the estimation of light performance or module position of head lamps in the early design process. A second one addresses the optimal time to doing outdoor weathering tests with respect to maximal impact of solar irradiation.
Hardware and Virtual Test-Rigs for Automotive Steel Wheels Design
Authors: Rovarino Davide , Actis Comino Luca , Bonisoli Elvio , Rosso Carlo , Venturini Simone , Velardocchia Mauro , Baecker Manfred , Gallrein Axel
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper is to study in deep the peculiar test-rigs and experimental procedures adopted to the fulfilment of the principal requirements of automotive steel wheels, in particular regarding fatigue damaging. In the discussion, the standard requirements, the OEM specifications and the dimensional and geometric tolerances are approached. As result of an increasingly necessity to improve the performance of the components, innovative virtual test benches are presented. Differently from their traditional precursors, virtual test-rigs give an extended view of the physical behaviour of the component as the possibility to monitor stress-strain distribution in deep. In the first section, the state of the art and the specifications are listed. Secondly, the adopted hardware test-rigs as the experimental tests are described in detail. In the third one, proposed virtual test-rig is discussed. Finally, an experimental to numerical results comparison is performed focusing on the obtainable details.
On-Glass Antenna for Connected Vehicle Communications
Authors: Dai David
Published: April 2020

In this paper, an aperture coupled glass patch antenna suitable for 5 GHz WLAN/Wi-Fi, Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications is presented. The proposed antenna is embedded into a laminated vehicle window glass. The laminated vehicle window is formed of outer and inner glass plies bonded together by an interposed layer, preferably of a standard polyvinylbutyral (PVB) or similar plastic material. The patch antenna uses the inner layer glass and the PVB layer as antenna substrate. The ground plan of the patch antenna is a layer of silver screen printed onto inner surface of the inner glass. The patch antenna is fed by a coupled aperture on the ground plan; therefore, no hole is required on the glass to feed the antenna. The antenna is conformal to the glass and can be hidden under the black paint around the perimeter of the window glass. The simulated and measured results are shown for the patch antenna and the designed antenna shows good return loss from 5.1 GHz to 6.1 GHz. The antenna can be embedded into windshield, back window and side windows for a combined omnidirectional far field radiation pattern in terrestrial direction. Since the antenna is part of the window glass, no additional antenna packaging required. In addition the patch antenna can be embedded around the perimeter of window glass which offers more flexibility to package the antennas on the vehicle for reliable high speed data communication.
Predictive Break-In and Rapid Efficiency Characterization of Beam Axles
Authors: Guarino William D. , Bias Patrick R. , Schumaier Timothy , Wei Siqin , Grzadzinski Timothy , Singh Jasbir , D'Anna Thomas , Torres Joe
Published: April 2020

Given continued industry focus on reducing parasitic losses, the ability to accurately measure the magnitude of losses on all driveline components is required. A standardized test procedure enables manufacturers and suppliers to measure component losses consistently, in addition to offering a reliable process to assess enablers for efficiency improvements. This paper reviews the development of SAE draft standard J3218, which is a comprehensive test procedure to break-in and characterize the efficiency of beam axles. Focus areas of the study included ensuring the axle’s efficiency does not change as it is being characterized, building a detailed map of efficiency at a wide range of operating points, and minimizing test time. The resulting break-in procedure uses an asymptotic regression approach to predict fully broken in efficiency of the axle and determine how much the efficiency of the axle changes during the characterization phase. This paper outlines several temperature control methods and approaches to efficiency characterization. The paper goes on to define the proposed break-in and efficiency characterization procedures including results from characterization of several production axles.
Financial Soundness Indicators Compilation Guide 2019
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Statistics Dept.
Published: April 2020

The 2019 Financial Soundness Indicators Compilation Guide (2019 Guide) includes new indicators to expand the coverage of the financial sector, including other financial intermediaries, money market funds, insurance corporations, pension funds, nonfinancial corporations, and households. In all, the 2019 Guide recommends the compilation of 50 FSIs—13 of them new. Additions such as new capital, liquidity and asset quality metrics, and concentration and distribution measures will serve to enhance the forward-looking aspect of FSIs and contribute to increase policy focus on stability of the financial system.
Unlocking Access to Finance for SMEs
Authors: Fouejieu Armand , Ndoye Anta , Sydorenko Tetyana
Published: April 2020

Countries in the MENAP and CCA regions have the lowest levels of financial inclusion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the world. The paper provides empirical evidence on the drivers of SME access to finance for a large sample of countries, and identifies key policy priorities for these two regions: economic and institutional stability, competition, public sector size and government effectiveness, credit information infrastructure (e.g., credit registries), the business environment (e.g., legal frameworks for contract enforcement), and financial supervisory and regulatory capacity. The analysis also shows that improving credit information, economic competition, the business environment along with economic development and better governance would help close the SME financial inclusion gap between MENAP and CCA regions and the best performers. The paper concludes on the need to adopt holistic policy strategies that take into account the full range of macro and institutional requirements and reforms, and prioritize these reforms in accordance with each country’s specific characteristics.
Systemic Risk Modeling
Authors: Espinoza Raphael , Segoviano Miguel , Yan Ji
Published: April 2020

We propose a framework to link empirical models of systemic risk to theoretical network/
general equilibrium models used to understand the channels of transmission of systemic
risk. The theoretical model allows for systemic risk due to interbank counterparty
risk, common asset exposures/fire sales, and a “Minsky" cycle of optimism. The empirical
model uses stock market and CDS spreads data to estimate a multivariate density of equity
returns and to compute the expected equity return for each bank, conditional on a bad
macro-outcome. Theses “cross-sectional" moments are used to re-calibrate the theoretical
model and estimate the importance of the Minsky cycle of optimism in driving systemic
risk.
De grondslag van HRM: Een overzicht van theorieën en hun grondleggers
Authors: de Lange Willem , De Prins Peggy , van der Heijden Beatrice
Published: April 2020

Dit artikel is gebaseerd op (de inleiding van) de Canon van HRM, Vijftig theorieën over een vakgebied in ontwikkeling. Het boek geeft in vijftig hoofdstukken een overzicht van de meest relevante theorieën en hun grondleggers vanaf het eind van de jaren vijftig van de vorige
eeuw. De redactie bestond uit de schrijvers van dit artikel (in het vervolg zullen we dan ook de wij-vorm hanteren). Er is aan meegewerkt door meer dan zestig auteurs, voornamelijk wetenschappers uit Nederland en Vlaanderen. De Canon geeft een overzicht van hoe het vakgebied zich sinds de
jaren zestig heeft ontwikkeld, en nog steeds volop in ontwikkeling is. In dit artikel wordt hier nader op in gegaan.
Technical note: A two-sided affine power scaling relationship to represent the concentration–discharge relationship
Authors: Tunqui Neira José Manuel , Andréassian Vazken , Tallec Gaëlle , Mouchel Jean-Marie
Published: April 2020

Abstract. This technical note deals with the mathematical representation of
concentration–discharge relationships. We propose a two-sided affine power
scaling relationship (2S-APS) as an alternative to the classic one-sided
power scaling relationship (commonly known as “power law”). We also
discuss the identification of the parameters of the proposed relationship,
using an appropriate numerical criterion. The application of 2S-APS to the
high-frequency chemical time series of the Orgeval-ORACLE observatory is
presented here (in calibration and validation mode): it yields better results for
several solutes and for electrical conductivity in comparison with the power
law relationship.
Gender: Identity and Social Change
Authors: England Erica
Published: April 2020

Gender: Identity and Social Change (hereafter Gender) provides researchers with access to key primary documents over three centuries of gender history through personal diaries, correspondence, newspapers, photographs, ephemera, and organizational records. Thematic highlights include
women’s suffrage, feminism, domesticity and the family, sex and sexuality, and the organizations and associations associated with gender-specific movements. This research tool also includes essays by, and interviews with, featured academics, and also visual material, including photographs,
posters, and scrapbooks. The materials have been sourced from participating library/archive institutions across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K.
Cultural Values on Continuous Improvement in Private Schools in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Haimer Al-Merri Ali Salem Saleh , Irtaimeh Hani J.
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to identify the impact of cultural values on continuous improvement in Kuwaiti private schools. The study was applied over a convenient sample amounting 100 administrators.

The study concluded that there is an effect of cultural values on continuous improvement in private schools in Kuwait. The researcher recommends that there is a need to train employees in private schools to practice cultural values that contribute to continuous improvement, In addition to focus on enhancing work spirit within one team between teachers and school personnel, and to focus on enhancing cultural values prevailing in Kuwaiti society among school students.
Perceptions and Attitudes of University Students of Five Mexican Public Institutions on the Labeling of Products Made with Genetically Modified Organisms
Authors: Franco-Perez Emeterio , Montesinos-Lopez Osval Antonio , Garcia Martinez J Jesus , Pastrana Palma Alberto , Salinas-Ruiz Josafhat , Sandoval Carrillo Sara
Published: April 2020

Introduction: To know the perceptions and attitudes about the labeling of products made with genetically modified organisms (GMO), of students from five universities in central Mexico, in the following areas of knowledge: natural sciences, health sciences, chemical sciences, economic and administrative sciences and biological and agricultural sciences. Methodological design and approach: In the study, 2923 students answered a questionnaire with Likert scale of five questions. It is important to mention that the original questionnaire has 64 variables and 11 factors to measure the perceptions, attitudes, benefits and risks on the production and consumption of GMO. Results: Of the total sample 16.60% always read the labels, 85.70% agree that the label should show the characteristics of the product. 82.90% said that when making promotions should be reported on the label the characteristics of the product and finally 82.90% answered that the Mexican government should legislate a legal framework to regulate the mandatory labeling of products made with GMOs. Discussion or Conclusion. The sample only cover 5 Mexican universities. The relevant contribution of this research provides an empirical knowledge about the perceptions and attitudes regarding the labeling of products with GMOs content from a sample of the population of five public universities in central Mexico. This study is an important contribution for Mexican society, because there is no legal framework to regulate the labeling of products with GMO content and that it is essential to strengthen the training of university students with scientific information in this field. The labeling of products made with GMOs is generating relevant controversies worldwide, so it is important to know and spread the perceptions and attitudes of the sample considered in this study.
Pitch Stability Analysis for Mechanical-Hydraulic-Structural-Fluid Coupling System of High-Lift Hoist Vertical Shiplift
Authors: Zhang Yang , Shi Duanwei , Xiao Tong , Zhou Ji , Cheng Xionghao
Published: April 2020

Pitch stability of the high-lift wire rope hoist vertical shiplift under dynamic hydraulic levelling has always been an issue of concern. It not only affects working efficiency but also brings significant challenges to operational safety. A new mechanical-hydraulic-structural-fluid (MHSF) coupling dynamics model and a developed semi-analytical method are presented for stable property analysis. The models of the hydraulic levelling subsystem, shallow water sloshing subsystem, the main hoist mechanical subsystem, and the shiplift chamber structure subsystem are built using a closed-loop transfer function, multi-modal theory, and an second-type Lagrangian equation, respectively. Then, a core twenty-one order state matrix of the MHSF coupling system is established using the state-space method. Subsequently, the Lyapunov motion stability theory and Eigen-analysis method are used in combination to judge the pitch stability and analyse the characteristics of the subsystems. Taking four typical high-lift hoist vertical shiplifts as examples, the rationality of the proposed model and method is validated. The results indicate that although the pitch stability safety factor under hydraulic dynamic levelling is reduced by about 15 % to 44 % with respect to hydraulic static levelling, hydraulic dynamic levelling still can meet stability requirements. Furthermore, for the designed 200 m level hoist vertical shiplift, the preliminary design parameters can ensure the pitch stability safety factor under dynamic hydraulic levelling of not less than 1.1. The element most prone to instability is the shallow water sloshing subsystem; increasing the synchronous shaft stiffness or the water boundary layer damping ratio can effectively enhance the pitch stability.
Gale’s Economy with Multiple Turnpikes. “Strong” and “Very Strong” Turnpike Effect
Authors: Panek Emil
Published: April 2020

This paper refers to the Panek (2016b) which contained proof of “weak” multiple turnpike’s theorem in the Gale’s stationary economy. Here we present “strong” and “very strong” multiple turnpike’s theorem. We show that, despite the generalization of this model – involving the replacement of a single turnpike (von Neumann’s ray) with the bundle of turnpikes, which we call multilane turnpike – the previously proven turnpike’s main properties of the optimal growth processes of the Gale’s economy do not change.
Iterative Method for Linear Ordering of Multidimentional Objects
Authors: Sokołowski Andrzej , Markowska Małgorzata
Published: April 2020

Transformation into [0;1] interval combined with changing destimulants into stimulants is the most popular method for standardizing variables used in linear ordering of multidimentional objects. Minimum and maximum values are used as reference points. Outliers and very skewed distributions result in artificial weighing of variables, imposing higher relative importance of the variable with positive skewness and lower with negative skewness. A new linear ordering procedure is proposed to overcome this problem. Ranking positions are identified one at a time, and assigned object is then eliminated from the lot. Such iterative procedure needs a new method for obtaining composite indicators, and it is also proposed in the paper.
Tax revenues in the European Union countries
Authors: Szymańska Agata
Published: April 2020

The aim of this paper is to analyse tax revenues and examine similarities of selected tax revenues (mainly VAT, CIT, PIT and excise duty) in the European Union countries. The analysis of the EU members concerns the period between 2003 (i.e. the year preceding the biggest enlargement of the EU) and 2012 (due to data completeness). Tax rates and the structure of tax revenues in the EU countries were compared and then the cluster analysis was applied to assess the similarity of tax revenues. The analysis suggests that the process of tax harmonization, which took place in the period considered, did not exert a significant impact on the similarity of the structure of tax revenues in the EU countries. The structure seems to be still determined by e.g. social, economic or historical factors, which influenced the tax systems creation in particular EU countries.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF EQUALITY AND THE PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION IN THE ACTIVITIES
OF THE OMBUDSMAN AS AN INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY FOR EQUAL TREATMENT
Authors: Hrynkiewicz Radosław
Published: April 2020

The article is aimed at explaining and defining the activities of the Ombudsman (the Commissioner for Human Rights) as an independent authority for equal treatment. In Poland, as well as in European countries, the issue of equal treatment and preventing discrimination is becoming more and more of a social, legislative and also political challenge. On account of the growing tendency to intensify behavior such as hate speech, xenophobia, racism, chauvinism and discrimination, it is necessary to take more effective steps at various levels in order to limit this phenomenon. It is vital to initiate and support information policy on legal effects, consequences and the impact of this type of behavior on the society to an even greater extent. The Ombudsman plays the fundamental and leading role among a number of institutions and organizations that actively support the policy of preventing such phenomena.
Classification of rural households due to directions and types of outgoings
Authors: Piekut Marlena
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study is to isolate groups of rural households with similar outgoings and to describe them by socio-demographic and economic characteristics. It was carried out using multivariate statistical methods such as k-means cluster and discriminant function analysis. Data from the CSO survey of household budgets for the years 2004 and 2012 were used for the research purpose. The research resulted in the division of rural households into four groups considering the outgoings, where one group covered more than 2/3 of the households. Variables which discriminated the membership of rural households to certain groups to the largest extent were the number of people in the household and disposable income per capita.
Loyalty and the rule of law in the employment relationship
Authors: Miśkowicz Tomasz
Published: April 2020

This article will be devoted to the relations between loyalty and the rule of law under an employment relationship, previously defined terms, whether the loyal side of this legal relationship is always a party following the binding legal order, and if not then can one speak of the loyalty of one of the parties to the employment relationship to the other party of the employment relationship. The study will, therefore, be devoted to employee loyalty, but not only, it will also mention the loyalty of the employer to the employee and the effects of their mutual relations.
Ratio analysis of the enterprises duration in Łódzkie voivodship
Authors: Mikulec Artur
Published: April 2020

This article aims to present the results of enterprise duration ratio analysis in Łódzkie voivodship in 2001—2015 conducted on the basis of data from the National Official Business Register REGON. Particularly, it characterizes enterprises in total, active, created and liquidated. It contains the results of average duration time as well as intensity indicators of enterprises — birth and death rate as well as fluctuations and net rate of business population. The obtained results indicated the occurrence of creative destruction of enterprises in 11 powiats of Łódzkie voivodship (excluding Łódź, Piotrków Trybunalski and Skierniewice). In these cities, although not simultaneously, an agglomeration effect of enterprises occurred in the years 2002—2010 and 2012.
2-Nitroanisole. Determining in workplace air with gas chromatography
Authors: Jeżewska Anna , Woźnica Agnieszka
Published: April 2020

2-Nitroanisole is a colourless or slightly yellowish liquid. This substance is mainly used in the production of o-anisidine
(2-methoxyaniline), which is directly or indirectly used for the production of more than 100 azo dyes. 2-Nitroanisole
may cause cancer to humans. The aim of this study was to develop a method for determining concentrations of
2-nitroanisole in workplace air in the range from 1/10 to 2 of maximum admissible concentration (MAC) values.
The developed method is based on the adsorption of 2-nitroanisole on a silica gel, extraction with methanol and
chromatographic analysis of the resulting solution. The tests were performed using a liquid chromatograph (HPLC)
1200 series of Agilent Technologies with a diode array detector (DAD). Determinations were performed using an Ultra
C18 column (25 cm × 4.6 mm, dp = 5 µm). The procedure was validated according to Standard No. EN 482. The method
can be used to determine 2-nitroanisole in workplace air in the concentration range from 0.16 to 3.2 mg/m3, i.e., from
1/10 to 2 MAC values. In that range, the obtained calibration curve was linear, as evidenced by the regression coefficient
of 1. The overall accuracy of the method was about 5.3% and its relative total uncertainty was 23%. This method enables
selective determination of 2-nitroanisole in workplace air in the presence of other compounds, such as methanol,
o-anisidine, 3-nitroanisole, 4-nitroanisole and 1-chloro-2-nitrobenzene. The method for determining 2-nitroanisole has
been recorded in the form of an analytical procedure (see Appendix). This article discusses the problems of occupational
safety and health, which are covered by health sciences and environmental engineering.