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In most maximum power point tracking (MPPT) methods described in the literature, the optimal operating point of the PV systems is estimated by linear approximations. These approximations can reduce considerably the performances of the PV systems. This paper seeks to provide comparative analyses of different MPPT methods used in photovoltaic (PV) systems and proposes a new approach that uses a nonlinear expression of the optimal voltage in combination with perturbation and observation (P&O) methods.

First, an analytical model for determining the nonlinear PV optimal operating point is detailed and each equation is explained. Second, a combination of the new method with P&O method is proposed to reduce the PV losses.

The simulation results showed that the approach improves clearly the tracking efficiency of the maximum power available at the PV modules output. The implementation of this new method will improve PV systems energy production rate and its long‐term storage in hydrogen form.

The simulation results showed that the new approach improves the MPP's tracking efficiency of the PV system on average at 92 percent. The implementation of the developed approach in a PV system with hydrogen storage increased the energy transfer from PV modules to the electrolyzer.

This paper proposes a new approach to determine the maximum power point (MPP) from the measurement of the open circuit voltage of PV modules. A nonlinear expression of the optimal voltage was developed and is used in combination with P&O methods. The proposed approach largely improves the performance of the MPP tracking of the PV systems.

The purpose of this paper is to develop a linearized equivalent electrical circuit of a photovoltaic generator. This circuit is appropriate to confront problems such as numerical instability, increased computational time and nonlinear/non‐canonical form of system equations that arise when a photovoltaic system is modelled, either with differential equations or with equivalent resistive circuits that are generated by electromagnetic transient software packages for power systems studies.

The proposed technique is based on nonlinear and well‐tested i_pv−v_pv equations which are however used in an alternative mathematical manner. The application of the Newton‐Raphson algorithm on the i_pv−v_pv equations leads to uncoupling of the i_pv and v_pv quantities in each time step of a digital simulation. This uncoupling is represented by a linearized equivalent electrical circuit.

The application of nodal analysis equivalent resistive circuits using the proposed equivalent photovoltaic generator circuit leads to a system model based on linear algebraic equations. This is in opposition to the nonlinear models that normally result when a nonlinear i_pv−v_pv equation is used. In addition, using the proposed scheme, the regular systematic methods of circuit analysis are fully capable of deriving the differential equations of a photovoltaic system in standard form, thus avoiding the time‐consuming solution process of nonlinear models.

In this paper, a new method of using the i_pv−v_pv characteristic equations is proposed which remarkably simplifies photovoltaic systems modeling. Moreover, a very important practical application is that by using this methodology one can develop a photovoltaic generator element in electromagnetic transient programs for power systems analysis, of great value to power engineers who are involved in photovoltaic systems modeling.

This paper aims to focus on analysing the prerequisites that small cities need to create smart governance, namely, the conditions for establishing smart government, the stakeholder engagement and the tools used in smart governance.

This paper presents research results from a questionnaire survey conducted in 2021 among a representative sample of 51 small cities (5,000–49,999 inhabitants) in the Slovak Republic. From an international perspective, they are seen as small cities and cities with a rural feel. The survey’s main objectives are to assess the conditions that must be met in order for smart governance to be developed, as well as to identify stakeholders and provide tools for their engagement.

This study shows that the adoption of smart governance in small cities is not greatly affected by the citýs size. Although larger cities may use more smart governance tools, the overall quality of governance remains consistent across cities of different sizes. Moreover, the proximity to a regional capital does not have a significant impact on the implementation of smart governance. This study underscores the need for small cities to focus on internal capabilities, innovative use of existing resources and stakeholder engagement to effectively implement smart governance.

This paper develops the knowledge on smart governance in small cities, namely, the specifics of smart governance, the stakeholder engagement and the tools used. The research findings may also serve as an inspiration for study conducted elsewhere because the institutional and social environments are comparable in Central and Eastern European nations.

This study suggests that small cities should prioritise the innovative use of their current resources to implement smart governance. This may involve using strong community networks, focusing on internal capabilities and using low-cost tools.

This paper identifies barriers and formulates recommendations for further development of smart governance in small cities. The research results indicate that even small cities can adopt smart governance practices, despite having fewer resources compared to larger cities. To facilitate this process, political commitment, strategic management support, active community participation and the steady development of the professional, financial and technical infrastructure required to generate smart solutions are all important. Small cities should put more effort into implementing co-creation and co-production techniques to be more creative and effective in allocating resources and responsibilities.

This paper presents the results of a pilot study and critically compares and discusses them with theoretical assumptions related to the implementation and development of smart governance in small cities.

The chapter looks for the conditions of a contribution of microcredit to poverty alleviation.

It uses socioeconomical hypotheses for defining a direct and fast positive effect of microcredit on the income of the poorest. The contribution raises ten issues or conditions at a micro, meso and macro level.

It is not often that these ten conditions are all completely met. So, the impact of microcredit is generally low as regards the alleviation of poverty. The problems to achieve them are linked to the specificities of the clients and of the prevailing institutions in various sub-Saharan Africa countries.

The chapter clearly identifies the limits of microcredit and their reasons.

The impact of rapidly developing technologies on digitalization of production and planning has affected all sectors in a short period. This impact has led to both positive and negative outcomes. While it is helping the decision-makers to make better and more productive choices, it also can create a cluster of information and data that can put an undue burden on processes. Today, we call this Industry 4.0, which is defined as the use of digital technologies, based on data processing, the end-to-end connection of value chains, and ensuring data fluidity. Industry 4.0 consists of technologies such as cyber-physical systems, internet of things, cloud computing, big data and analysis, autonomous vehicles, and augmented reality. With the digitalization of the entire production and planning processes, data-based applications are made; thus it is important to protect data in this context, pointing to the critical importance of cybersecurity. Companies are constantly working on taking the necessary cybersecurity measures to prevent exposure to any cyberattacks. One of the biggest steps toward the development of production and planning is undoubtedly the integration and adaptation of blockchain technology. The use of blockchain technologies has been a major breakthrough for the sector in order to effectively meet customer needs, ensure information security, reduce costs, and achieve rapid growth. With digital transformation, production and planning must comply with the principle of transparency. In this context, integrating blockchain technologies into the production and planning ecology for data security will provide companies with a serious competitive advantage.

A strong anti-immigrant and anti-refugee sentiment permeates the political discourse in the United States and many Western European countries. This political discourse, along with policies designed to limit immigration, is likely to influence the academic motivation of students from immigrant groups. In this chapter, we consider how anti-immigrant sentiment in the host countries may affect the motivation and achievement of immigrant and refugee students. Specifically, we apply findings from research examining stress and anxiety, belonging, identity, teacher expectancies, and stereotype threat to speculate about how these motivational factors may be affected by anti-immigrant rhetoric. Next, we use Maehr’s (1984) theory of personal investment (PI) as a framework for integrating the various components of motivation that can be applied to the current plight of immigrant and refugee students. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion about the steps we can take, both at the personal and the policy levels, to counteract the hostile political discourse and promote higher levels of PI in education among immigrant and refugee students.

The procurement reforms carried out by the Government of Ghana have led to the creation of the Public Procurement Authority and the passage of the Public Procurement (Amended) Act 2016. Nevertheless, many obstacles could prevent an open and fair competition during the procurement of works. This significantly affects the success of Ghanaian construction projects. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the factors to enhance the success of the contractor selection phase of the Ghanaian public labor-based construction project.

A quantitative research approach was adopted by this study. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire to 377 respondents across Ghana. The data was then analyzed using structural equation modeling.

This study revealed that external, project procedures and project management factors impact the Ghanaian labor-based contractor selection phase success.

This study is limited to the contractor selection phase of Ghanaian public labor-based projects and developing nations with similar socioeconomic characteristics.

Strict adherence to this study’s findings will enable the government to undertake more infrastructure projects to raise the standard of living for its populace.

Although several studies have been conducted to improve the success of construction projects in developing nations, very little focus has been placed on the success factors of the contractor selection phase of public construction projects. These findings are vital in discovering for the first-time factors influencing the success of the tender stage of public labor-based projects in Ghana and developing nations with similar socioeconomic characteristics.

Since the first automated container terminal (ACT) was introduced at Europe Container Terminals Delta Terminal in Port Rotterdam back in the year 1992, a lot of research had been done to improve the management of ACT. However, up until recently, the number of literature available still appeared scarce. Hence, this paper aims to review the collection of literature about ACT to generate an exhaustive summary to answer the formulated review question in this study.

Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses to narrow down the search parameters of literature retrieved so that only relevant articles were only selected. The systematic literature reviews were applied to analyse the content of the articles retrieved to determine its journal ranking, research findings and timeline of publications.

The adoption of ACT technology by container terminal operators could increase the terminal efficiency in productivity, cost reduction and environmental sustainability. Owing to global environmental awareness, the research trend of container terminal field and container terminal operator in the terminal design is much more environmentally friendly oriented.

The limited numbers of experts in the management of ACT are causing challenges in data collections.

The analysis of the global ACT trend could help academicians and industrial investors to review the revolution timeline of maritime technology in port and shipping that is happening rapidly.

The analysis of timeline and collective literature leads to the propose of the conceptual framework to determine the relationship between increased productivity, cost reduction and environmentally sustainable.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a disastrous impact on a substantial number of Filipino seafarers. The government agencies played a crucial role in helping the seafarers. This paper aims to explore the challenges that the Filipino seafarers faced amid the pandemic and initially evaluate the Philippine government’s countermeasures.

This paper reviewed academic literature and secondary data to identify and analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on seafarers. To identify the full range of policies and measures that have been adopted by the Philippines’ government amid the pandemic to mitigate the impact on seafarers, an extensive survey of various sources was conducted. Furthermore, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) survey was conducted from seafarers' perspective to analyze the priority of these government initiatives.

This study identifies four key challenges for seafarers during the pandemic: crew change crisis, healthcare shortages, certification and the derived problems including financial and mental health issues. Notably, mental health problems are prevalent but receive limited government attention. Despite the government’s efforts to assist seafarers, the AHP survey identifies crew change assistance as the most crucial issue, possibly impacting all others.

This paper recognizes the significant information regarding aid in recovery management and provides much-needed assistance to seafarers during the pandemic and similar crisis situations. It bridges the research gaps and contributes knowledge to the government, stakeholders and various entities such as shipping companies, ship management firms and seafarers' manning agencies.