Abstract

Abstract
Modernization of electricity networks is currently being carried out using the concept of the smart grid; hence, the active participation of end-user consumers and distributed generators will be allowed in order to increase system efficiency and renewable power accommodation. In this context, this paper proposes a comprehensive methodology to optimally control lead-acid batteries operating under dynamic pricing schemes in both independent and aggregated ways, taking into account the effects of the charge controller operation, the variable efficiency of the power converter, and the maximum capacity of the electricity network. A genetic algorithm is used to solve the optimization problem in which the daily net cost is minimized. The effectiveness and computational efficiency of the proposed methodology is illustrated using real data from the Spanish electricity market during 2014 and 2015 in order to evaluate the effects of forecasting error of energy prices, observing an important reduction in the estimated benefit as a result of both factors: 1) forecasting error and 2) power system limitations.

Abstract
Model-Based learning is a methodology that facilitates students' construction of scientific knowledge, which, sometimes, includes restructuring their mental models. Taking into consideration students' learning process, its aim is to promote a deeper understanding of phenomena's dynamics through the manipulation of models. Our aim was to ascertain whether the use of three different types of models, integrated into an intervention program whose goal was to teach the "seismic effects on soils and buildings", would influence the learning process of graduation students or not. For a better understanding of the results, the data were collected and analyzed through a combination of methods using, simultaneously, quantitative and qualitative method. And results not only confirmed the importance of the use of models, but also led us to the conclusion that despite the potential and limitations of all three models, mixed models are better for restructuring students' mental models and the development of meaningful learning.

Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to analyze the aftermath of business failure (BF) by addressing: how the individual progressed and developed new ventures, how individuals changed business behaviors and practices in light of a failure, and what was the effect of previous failure on the individual's decisions to embark on subsequent ventures. Design/methodology/approach - The authors resort to qualitative methods to understand the aftermath of BF from a retrospective point of a successful entrepreneur. Specifically, the authors undertook semi-structured interviews to six entrepreneurs, three from the north of Europe and three from the south and use interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings - The authors found that previous failure impacted individuals strongly, being shaped by the individual's experience and age, and their perception of blame for the failure. An array of moderator costs was identified, ranging from antecedents to institutions that were present in the individual's lives. The outcomes are directly relatable to the failed experience by the individual. The authors also found that the failure had a significant effect on the individual's career path. Originality/value - While predicting the failure of healthy firms or the discovery of the main determinants that lead to such an event have received increasingly more attention in the last two decades, the focus on the consequences of BF is still lagging behind. The present study fills this gap by analyzing the aftermath of BF.

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Abstract
Teachers’ mobility is one of the facets of Higher Education Institutions internationalization, and despite its importance in implementing the program's purposes it is still disregarded by researchers, with most mobility studies focusing on students. This research concentrates on highly active mobility teachers and aims to delve into their experiences, namely by identifying facilitators and goals for this repeated internationalization and by analyzing the outcomes of these initiatives in their personal lives, professional activity, home and host students, and for their Universities as a whole. This study adopts a qualitative exploratory approach. Having as sample universe the teachers of one Portuguese University that in a 7-year period (2009-2016) engaged in mobility experiences under the Erasmus program (N = 107), 8 were identified as having the highest number of initiatives and were invited to participate in this study. From these mobility champions, 5 accepted, resulting in 5 phenomenological interviews. Data was collected in January 2017. The participants shared an integrated view of the Erasmus mobility, being essential for its success the additional opportunities of joint research and the strengthening of international relationships and networks. Prior relations with teachers from the host University and ongoing research projects stood out among the facilitators. The opportunity to observe and get to know other cultural settings was also mentioned as one determinant stimulus. Still, the outcomes in terms of teaching methodologies and best practices as well an effective impact in home students seemed residual. Moreover, the ability to encourage other teachers to join the program was very limited, often confined to close colleagues and research partners. Despite its exploratory nature, this study demonstrates the relevance of further research on mobility champions to assess the success and possible pitfalls of repeated mobility experiences in terms of extended institutional outcomes and well as individual gratification of the teachers involved. Based on the results, we suggest the consideration of a wider set of outcomes in the appraisal of mobility initiatives, as well as the widespread of champions’ insights on the topic in order to motivate inexperienced teachers to embrace internationalization. Hopefully this paper is able to inspire not only research but also teaching mobility initiatives.