2023
Authors
Canizes, B; Costa, J; Bairrao, D; Vale, Z;
Publication
ENERGIES
Abstract
The transition from the current energy architecture to a new model is evident and inevitable. The coming future promises innovative and increasingly rigorous projects and challenges for everyone involved in this value chain. Technological developments have allowed the emergence of new concepts, such as renewable energy communities, decentralized renewable energy production, and even energy storage. These factors have incited consumers to play a more active role in the electricity sector and contribute considerably to the achievement of environmental objectives. With the introduction of renewable energy communities, the need to develop new management and optimization tools, mainly in generation and load management, arises. Thus, this paper proposes a platform capable of clustering consumers and prosumers according to their energy and geographical characteristics to create renewable energy communities. Thus, this paper proposes a platform capable of clustering consumers and prosumers according to their energy and geographical characteristics to create renewable energy communities. Moreover, through this platform, the identification (homogeneous energy communities, mixed energy communities, and self-sufficient energy communities) and the size of each community are also obtained. Three algorithms are considered to achieve this purpose: K-means, density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise, and linkage algorithms (single-link, complete-link, average-link, and Wards' method). With this work, it is possible to verify each algorithm's behavior and effectiveness in clustering the players into communities. A total of 233 members from 9 cities in the northern region of Portugal (Porto District) were considered to demonstrate the application of the proposed platform. The results demonstrate that the linkage algorithms presented the best classification performance, achieving 0.631 by complete-ink in the Silhouette score, 2124.174 by Ward's method in the Calinski-Harabasz index, and 0.329 by single-link on the Davies-Bouldin index. Additionally, the developed platform demonstrated adequacy, versatility, and robustness concerning the classification and sizing of renewable energy communities.
2023
Authors
Navaia, E; Moreira, A; Ribau, C;
Publication
ECONOMIES
Abstract
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in economic and development growth, particularly in developing countries. Their success depends on the expansion of their markets across borders, based on the strategies adopted, in which differentiation strategies and positional advantages play an important role. As an emerging country, Mozambican SMEs face a lack of resources and business environmental challenges in deploying their unique advantages when competing abroad. As such, the objective of this paper is to study the impact of differentiation strategies on the export performance of Mozambican SMEs, and the mediating effect of positional advantage on the relationship between the differentiation strategy and export performance of SMEs. To achieve this objective, an empirical study was conducted, based on a sample of 250 Mozambican firms, to test a theoretical model that applied Structural Equation Modeling using the Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) algorithm, based on SmartPLS software version 3.3.6 (SmartPLS GmbH, Oststeinbek, Germany). The results show that differentiation strategies positively impact the export performance of SMEs and that positional advantage mildly mediates the relationship between the differentiation strategy and export performance. This suggests that Mozambican SMEs may not be properly taking advantage of the positional advantage of the differentiation strategies, as the added value generated by the positional advantage is relatively modest. As such, Mozambican SMEs still need to support their positional advantages to overcome fierce international competition. This study contributes to the knowledge about the consequences of adopting differentiation strategies and positional advantages on the export performance of SMEs, particularly in the context of emerging countries.
2023
Authors
Pires, PB; Santos, JD; Pereira, IV; Torres, AI;
Publication
Confronting Security and Privacy Challenges in Digital Marketing
Abstract
Marketing, and specifically its digital marketing component, is being challenged by disruptive innovations, which are creating new, unique, and unusual opportunities, and with the emergence of new paradigms and models. Other areas of knowledge have embraced these innovations with swiftness, adapting promptly and using them as leverage to create new paradigms, models, and realities. Marketing, in clear opposition, has been somewhat dismissive, ignoring the potential of these new contexts that are emerging, some of which are already unavoidable. Confronting Security and Privacy Challenges in Digital Marketing identifies the most relevant issues in the current context of digital marketing and explores the implications, opportunities, and challenges of leveraging marketing strategies with digital innovations. This book explores the impact that these disruptive innovations are having on digital marketing, pointing out guidelines for organizations to leverage their strategy on the opportunities created by them. Covering topics such as blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, this book is ideal for academicians, marketing professionals, researchers, and more. © 2023 by IGI Global. All rights reserved.
2023
Authors
Goncalves, PP; Stenovec, M; Gracio, L; Kreft, M; Zorec, R;
Publication
CELL CALCIUM
Abstract
Regulated exocytosis consists of the fusion between vesicles and the plasma membranes, leading to the formation of a narrow fusion pore through which secretions exit the vesicle lumen into the extracellular space. An increase in the cytosolic concentration of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+](i)) is considered the stimulus of this process. However, whether this mechanism can be preserved in a simplified system of membrane lawns with docked secretory vesicles, devoid of cellular components, is poorly understood. Here, we studied peptide discharge from individual secretory vesicles docked at the plasma membrane, prepared from primary endocrine pituitary cells (the lactotrophs), releasing hormone prolactin. To label secretory vesicles, we transfected lactotrophs to express the fluorescent atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP.emd), previously shown to be expressed in and released from prolactin-containing vesicles. We used stimulating solutions containing different [Ca2+] to evoke vesicle peptide discharge, which appeared similar in membrane lawns and in intact stimulated lactotrophs. All vesicles examined discharged peptides in a subquantal manner, either exhibiting a unitary or sequential time course. In the membrane lawns, the unitary vesicle peptide discharge was predominant and slightly slower than that recorded in intact cells, but with a shorter delay with respect to the stimulation onset. This study revealed directly that Ca2+ triggers peptide discharge from docked single vesicles in the membrane lawns with a half-maximal response of similar to 8 mu M [Ca2+], consistent with previous whole-cell patch-clamp studies in endocrine cells where the rapid component of exocytosis, interpreted to represent docked vesicles, was fully activated at <10 mu M [Ca2+]. Interestingly, the sequential subquantal peptide vesicle discharge indicates that fluctuations between constricted and dilated fusion pore states are preserved in membrane lawns and that fusion pore regulation appears to be an autonomously controlled process.
2023
Authors
Koprinska, I; Mignone, P; Guidotti, R; Jaroszewicz, S; Fröning, H; Gullo, F; Ferreira, PM; Roqueiro, D; Ceddia, G; Nowaczyk, S; Gama, J; Ribeiro, RP; Gavaldà, R; Masciari, E; Ras, ZW; Ritacco, E; Naretto, F; Theissler, A; Biecek, P; Verbeke, W; Schiele, G; Pernkopf, F; Blott, M; Bordino, I; Danesi, IL; Ponti, G; Severini, L; Appice, A; Andresini, G; Medeiros, I; Graça, G; Cooper, LAD; Ghazaleh, N; Richiardi, J; Miranda, DS; Sechidis, K; Canakoglu, A; Pidò, S; Pinoli, P; Bifet, A; Pashami, S;
Publication
PKDD/ECML Workshops (2)
Abstract
2023
Authors
Bairrao, D; Soares, J; Almeida, J; Franco, JF; Vale, Z;
Publication
ENERGIES
Abstract
Hydrogen is a promising commodity, a renewable secondary energy source, and feedstock alike, to meet greenhouse gas emissions targets and promote economic decarbonization. A common goal pursued by many countries, the hydrogen economy receives a blending of public and private capital. After European Green Deal, state members created national policies focused on green hydrogen. This paper presents a study of energy transition considering green hydrogen production to identify Portugal's current state and prospects. The analysis uses energy generation data, hydrogen production aspects, CO2 emissions indicators and based costs. A comprehensive simulation estimates the total production of green hydrogen related to the ratio of renewable generation in two different scenarios. Then a comparison between EGP goals and Portugal's transport and energy generation prospects is made. Portugal has an essential renewable energy matrix that supports green hydrogen production and allows for meeting European green hydrogen 2030-2050 goals. Results suggest that promoting the conversion of buses and trucks into H2-based fuel is better for CO2 reduction. On the other hand, given energy security, thermoelectric plants fueled by H2 are the best option. The aggressive scenario implies at least 5% more costs than the moderate scenario, considering economic aspects.
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