Internal Factors Research Articles

Optimized sliding mode control for improved frequency response in an Islanded microgrid system

ABSTRACT This paper presents an enhanced Sliding Mode Control (SMC) approach in an Islanded Microgrid (IMG) system for regulating its frequency. The system encounters unpredictable disturbances arising from internal and external factors such as fluctuations in generation and demand, parameter variations, time delay, and many more. These factors challenge the frequency control during load fluctuations. To overcome these challenges, an Integral Sliding Mode-Load Frequency Control (ISM-LFC) as a robust control strategy employing integral sliding surface is proposed to regulate the system frequency. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique is used for optimal performance of ISM-LFC by meticulously determining the control variable parameters. A Simulink model of the IMG system in MATLAB is developed for conducting a comprehensive simulation analysis under diverse operational scenarios. The result outcomes affirm the effectiveness of the proposed controller using Integral sliding surface and modified saturation function-based control law for improved frequency response. Furthermore, comparative analysis with other alternative control strategies validates the improved performance of optimised ISM-LFC for frequency stabilisation.

Emperor Menelik’s Attempts of Decentralized Governance

Abstract Emperor Menelik’s expansion was by and large a reunification process. After the first expansion, Ethiopia was parcelized due to internal and external factors, which resulted Menelik’s reunification process. After the reunification process, Menelik’s governance structure followed a decentralized system. This article looks into the evidences whereby the policies and actions of the emperor attest this. In this regard, the imperial authority was exercised through the annual collection of tribute rather than by means of direct intervention in local administration. Emperor Menelik pursued a policy of peacemaking even with the objectors against him and letting them remain on power. Menelik’s policy of tolerance and reconciliation was also demonstrated in the North-east Shoa area. The Emperor also allowed provincial governors to form their own local authorities. As a result, the article concludes that the policies and actions of the emperor was tantamount to the devolution dimension of decentralization and therefore analogous to a federal system.

Evaluasi Kinerja Keuangan PT PLN (Persero) dalam Satu Dekade: Pendekatan Deskriptif dan Naratif

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the financial performance of PT PLN (Persero) over the last decade. This study identifies the trends, changes, and factors affecting companies’ financial performance. Research methodology: The methodological approach used in this research was descriptive and narrative. The financial data of PT PLN (Persero) are collected from annual reports, financial statements, and other secondary data sources. Results: This study found that the financial performance of PT PLN (Persero) showed significant variation over the past decade. While there were improvements in some financial ratios, there were also periods of decline caused by internal and external factors, such as regulatory changes, fuel price fluctuations, and government policy changes. These findings indicate the need for more adaptive and innovative management strategies to improve future financial performance. Limitations: This study has several limitations, including the limitation of data covering only one decade and reliance on secondary data that may not accurately reflect the current conditions. Additionally, this research focuses only on financial aspects and does not cover non-financial factors that may affect the performance of PT PLN (Persero). Contribution: This study contributes to the literature on the evaluation of the financial performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Indonesia, particularly in the energy sector. The findings of this study can be used in the management of PTPLN (Persero) to improve financial and operational strategies.

Cyber Diplomacy during the Biden Administration and Future Prospects

The Biden administration has placed a high priority on cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy during its tenure. This paper delves deeply into the Biden administration's various efforts in the realm of cyber diplomacy, aiming to forge cyber alliances guided by cybersecurity strategy and the concept of small multilateralism. The Biden administration seeks to leverage cyber diplomacy to repair relationships with traditional allies while also strengthening cooperation with emerging market countries, thereby maintaining and enhancing the United States' leadership in global cyber policy. The paper also analyzes the main challenges faced by the Biden administration, including rapidly advancing technology, domestic and international political factors, and competition with global adversaries. Finally, the paper evaluates the current effectiveness of the Biden administration's cyber diplomacy, noting some achievements while arguing that the U.S. cyber diplomacy strategy will need further adjustments and optimizations to address the continuously changing global political and economic landscape.

Evaluation Market Penetration of Infrastructure as A Service (IaaS) to Formulate Marketing Strategy: Study Case Lumos Tech Indonesia

The forecasted revenue growth of cloud computing has become a huge opportunity for IT infrastructure providers, especially for Infrastructure as a Services (IaaS) which have the biggest portion of the cloud computing business. International Data Corporation claims that the estimate revenue for IaaS in 2026 will reach USD 65.5 billion with CAGR 22.8%. Lumos Tech is an alias name that is used to protect the true identity of the firm that is being studied. As a global technology company who provides IT Infrastructure including IaaS offer, ideally Lumos Tech Indonesia should be able to capture this opportunity. However, the company is having a slow penetration rate which approximate to 0.2% for the IaaS offer. It is essential for the company to find factors that hinder the market penetration rate and design a marketing strategy to improve the business performance. The study adopts a mixed methodology where quantitative method is adopted to perform market assessment and the qualitative method focus on assessing the current condition to define the internal factors that hamper market penetration for IaaS offer. The data collection is categorized into two; the external data collection covers the data gathering from outside Lumos Tech through questionnaire, reports and journals and the internal data collection is done by doing an in-depth semi structure interview with the owner of the problem. Furthermore, the analysis is performed by utilizing PESTEL, Porter’s 5 Forces, quantitative descriptive and coding process. The objective of this study is to formulate marketing strategy for Lumos Tech’s IaaS offer by leveraging a modified Business to Business (B2B) marketing mix.

Analisis Strategi Pengembangan Usaha Jasa Kebersihan: Studi Kasus Usaha Jasa Sini Sa Clean

The cleaning service business SINI sa CLEAN is a business that has quite promising potential for development, even though it is very promising, SINI sa CLEAN is currently unable to compete in a broad scope. SINI sa CLEAN must be able to develop and continue to innovate so that it can survive and be able to compete. So an appropriate development strategy is needed. The type of research used in this research is descriptive qualitative and the data sources in writing this article were taken from primary data and secondary data. The analysis technique used in this research is the SWOT analysis technique, recording and observation to produce accurate information. The aim of this research is to determine the internal and external factors of the SINI sa CLEAN cleaning service business to find out the business development strategy and to find out the SINI sa CLEAN cleaning service business development strategy. The research results show that the total internal factors of strengths and weaknesses as the X axis are 0.73, while the total external factors of opportunities and threats as the Y axis are 2.83. So the strategic position for developing the SINI sa CLEAN cleaning service business is in quadrant I, namely in the S-O strategy position which has the strength and opportunity to be able to develop the SINI sa CLEAN cleaning service business.

Sustainable mobility and sports tourism: applying the theory of planned behaviour to football supporters

ABSTRACT Today, the importance of sustainable tourism has become a global issue. Sport tourism is a relatively recent area of focus, and football tourism is probably the most popular in leisure sport travel. Sustainable mobility is vital to reducing the environmental impact of sport tourism. Since attending football matches has a significant impact in terms of travel, this study investigated football spectators’ behaviours in relation to sustainable mobility. By administering approximately 1,500 questionnaires to French football supporters, this study explored what affects supporters’ decisions regarding mobility options. Based on the theory of planned behaviour, this study investigated the individual behaviour resulting from intentions, which in turn is influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. This study also considered the role played by other internal factors, such as environmental concerns. Using structural equation modelling, the results highlight that supporters’ attitudes and opinions, and their perceived control of the behaviour and society’s subjective norms influence their behavioural intention in relation to adopting sustainable mobility actions. This study recognizes the strong willingness to adopt green behaviours among football supporters, which football organizations and tourism actors should support.

Development of gastronomic tourism in the Bakas Klungkung tourism village

Bakas Village is located in Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia, and is known as a tourist village. Bakas Village offers visitors an authentic cultural and natural experience. Even though it may not be as big as culinary tourism destinations in larger areas, Bakas Village can provide a unique Balinese gastronomic tourism experience. Gastronomic tourism is a fun way to travel, while experiencing cultural diversity through food. Gastronomic tourism has a unique appeal because it allows tourists to explore new flavors and tastes. The development of gastronomic tourism in Bakas Village, Klungkung Regency, has local culinary potential as the main tourism attraction. This research aims to identify internal and external factors that influence the development of gastronomic tourism in Bakas Village, Klungkung Regency using a qualitative descriptive method through SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats). The results of this research found that by creating authentic culinary experiences through collaboration with industry players, involving local communities, utilizing digital technology, and partnerships with local educational institutions, Bakas Village can increase the visibility and attractiveness of gastronomic tourism.

Preparation and implementation of the “Greater Albania” project: historical and geopolitical aspects (1944-1980s)

The Kosovo issue is currently “settled” by the actual functioning of the Republic of Kosovo and by providing it with all the attributes of statehood during the Belgrade-Pristina negotiations (completeness of territory, border, customs, army, independent telecommunications and electricity system, international telephone number, etc.). When studying the Kosovo problem, it is logical to raise the question: why and how it was resolved in this particular way, what were the internal and external factors that ensured the stunning success of the separatist Pristina, which achieved an unprecedented permission for the Albanians, bypassing international and domestic law, for another national self-determination in the form creation of a second state? Often, when talking about the Kosovo confl ict, the hot phase of which occurred in 1998–1999, the main focus is on the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and their Western and non-Western patrons. However, no paramilitary unit that is relatively small in number, extremely weak in military training, and has a sabotage and punitive nature, even with external support, is capable of achieving a goal of this level in such a short period of time. It would take decades to prepare for its implementation — and they were at the disposal of Albanian tribal leaders and socially signifi cant fi gures who managed to ensure their interests in this way (the issue was not caring for the Albanian people, only gaining infl uence and extracting specifi c material benefi ts). Albanian organizations of the interwar period (Kosovo Committee, 1918–1925) and the leaders of the bandits, who psychologically and emotionally consolidated the practice of terror against the Serbs of Kosmet, laid a “strong foundation”. However, post-war Albanian emigration played a key role in the Kosovo confl ict of the 1990s. Moreover, Albanian emigration is also not a random phenomenon; it has a consistent development and direct historical continuity from Albanian organizations since the end of the 19th century. The article analyzes the Albanian nationalist organizations created in Kosovo and Metohija at the fi nal stage of the Second World War, as well as the political organizations of the Albanian emigration of the post-war period, identifying the continuity of ideology and practice that laid a solid foundation and created the conditions for the emergence of the Kosovo Liberation Army and political movements that ensured the creation of the Republic of Kosovo.

Deciphering how promoting land consolidation for village revitalization in rural China: A comparison study

As an efficient toolkit to relieve and resolve rural issues, land consolidation (LC) has been suggested as a promising policy instrument for sustainable rural development. Villages are the most basic units of rural planning and development. However, few studies have examined and compared the relationships between LC and rural revitalization at the village level. Given the sophisticated experience of Eastern China in LC practices, this study, based on theoretical analysis of the relationship between land use and village revitalization, compared two Chinese villages in this region with distinct spatial locations from neighboring cities to analyze and reveal the mechanisms of LC in promoting local revitalization. The results show that under the combined effect of internal and external factors, LC programs have been successfully implemented in the two case villages, during which the interactive mechanism between various aspects, mainly involving industry, habitat, and governance, has been created to promote local revitalization. In the absence of changes in resource endowments, policy support and the efforts of local elites are the key factors for the success of LC in the two villages. However, due to different economic and socio-cultural conditions between the two villages, there are also differences in their revitalization mechanisms. Parts of the lessons learned from the case villages can be useful for villages with similar situations in plain areas. These findings can advance the understanding of how to promote LC for village development and serve as a reference point for other developing countries and regions with similar socio-cultural backgrounds eradicating poverty and revitalizing localities through LC.

Marketing Strategy for Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Cultivation in Rantau Balai Village, Aranio District, Banjar Regency

This research identifies internal and external factors influencing red ginger marketing in Rantau Balai Village, Aranio District, Banjar Regency, and proposes strategies to enhance its market potential. Using IFAS, EFAS, SWOT, and BMC analysis, the study finds that strengths (score: 1.81) exceed weaknesses (score: 1.15), and opportunities (score: -1.61) outweigh threats (score: -1.23), indicating favorable conditions. The farming is positioned in quadrant I, suggesting it is in a strong state, and an aggressive strategy is recommended. Proposed strategies include product diversification, strengthening industrial relations, optimizing supply chains, improving farmer education and training, and expanding marketing channels to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Enhancing Wear Resistance of Marine Steel with Fe Based Amorphous Coating Via HVOF Spraying

Mechanical friction in marine environments poses significant challenges, leading to resource depletion and energy consumption. Tribocorrosion, combining electrochemical corrosion and friction wear, jeopardizes metal components, necessitating robust protective measures. Despite minimal wear of marine equipment, even slight mass reductions can trigger catastrophic failures, resulting in substantial maintenance expenses. Steel structures in marine settings are vulnerable to corrosion from aggressive external and internal factors. ASTM AH36 steel, widely used in marine construction, faces wear challenges despite corrosion resistance, prompting the need for surface treatments and coatings to enhance longevity. Previous research emphasizes thermal spray methods, particularly HVOF-applied coatings, as eco-friendly solutions for improving wear resistance on marine steels. Fe-based coatings, characterized by improved hardness and corrosion resistance, offer promising solutions in abrasive marine environments, igniting fervent research efforts. This study conclusively demonstrates that AH36 steel samples coated with Fe-based amorphous layers exhibit substantially reduced wear rates.

Transfer learning-based Gaussian process classification for lattice structure damage detection

This study presents a novel approach for real-time vision-based structural health monitoring, focusing on evaluating the deformation state of lattice structures. The structures are renowned for their remarkable recovery capabilities and exhibit similar mechanical responses under compressive loads. Despite these characteristics, quickly assessing the health status of the applied structure using knowledge from another related lattice structure is usually time-consuming and impractical. To address this, we propose to combine Gaussian process classification with transfer learning, termed TL-GPC, to detect damage states under compressive loads while also achieving uncertainty quantification. By employing structural deformations captured via the optical flow algorithm as inputs, the internal transfer kernel factor in TL-GPC is tailored to model knowledge transfer between source and target domain inputs. Experimental results show that the proposed TL-GPC model can deliver higher damage detection accuracy while ensuring stable uncertainty quantification in scenarios with limited and unbalanced experimental data.

Local environmental organizations and long-term investor value appropriation

This study uses datasets representing local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to examine how local environmental organizations enhance long-term investor value appropriation (LIVA). We explore how external and internal firm factors influence the impact of local activism. Our results indicate a positive effect of local activism on LIVA, particularly in contexts where local communities and firm governance structures prioritize long-term value. Furthermore, in examining the mechanisms through which local environmental organizations affect LIVA, we find that firms tend to increase their environmental disclosures in response to local activism. These findings support the social movement theory that social activities inspire firms' social and environmental activities and reporting practices, subsequently affecting LIVA.

Pemetaan Tren: Analisis Bibliometrik dari Audit Report Lag yang Terindex Google Schoolar

Financial reports are an important thing that is really needed by a company. The audit assessment has an impact on the financial reports that will be published. The study of audit delays is experiencing rapid growth. This has attracted the interest of many researchers to continue developing it, including analyzing internal and external company factors that influence audit delays. However, until now, publications related to this topic have not been well organized. This research aims to map research publications related to audit delays in a database context, with the keyword "audit delays" with the VOSviewer Bibliometric research study. The analytical method used is a quantitative method. Data sources were taken from journals indexed by Google Scholar, Sinta, and Emerald, then analyzed with the help of Publish or Perish and Mendeley Desktop software to screen the data. The results of this research show that in the Vosviewer Bibliometric study there are 3 Clusters and 24 main topics related to Audit Report Lag. This research provides an overview of relevant topic mapping for further research.

The interrelationship between sovereignty, state building, and good governance: the case of the Kurdistan region

ABSTRACT The process of state building and sovereignty has long been debated in the literature to hinge on international recognition. Despite the importance of the international factor, an equally important factor in this process is the establishment of good governance grounded in democratic institutions and a culture of democratic decision-making practices. The link that will be established is between state building and governance. This will be investigated in the context of unrecognized and de facto states. By problematizing the question of sovereignty, I argue that these states should adopt the idea of reversed sovereignty whereby priority is given to governmentality and the art of government rather than to sovereignty. The case study that I will rely on for this argument is the Kurdistan Region in Iraq (KRI) and its governmental body, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Whilst the focus is on a single country study, the theoretical line has a wider reach that is intended to be applicable to a larger body of cases of unrecognized and de facto states, which are on the trails of seeking state formations.

Factors Influencing Maternal Substance Use and Recovery in the Perinatal Period.

Substance use disorders (SUD) in the perinatal period have risen dramatically over the past 2 decades. Substance use disorders can have deleterious effects on maternal-infant health. Recovery can improve quality of life but can be challenging for women with SUD in the perinatal period. It is important for health care providers to have an understanding of factors associated with maternal substance use and recovery. The purpose of this qualitative review was to identify factors influencing substance use and recovery in women with SUD in the perinatal period. A systematic search was conducted using the databases of CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PubMed along with a manual search of Google Scholar. The studies were assessed using criteria from the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. Findings from 16 qualitative studies were synthesized. Six descriptive subthemes identifying factors influencing substance use and recovery were revealed: (1) Infant Care, (2) Stigma, (3) Social Settings Involving Substance Use, (4) Internalized Stigma and Mental Health Symptoms, (5) Addiction Concerns, and (6) Coping Abilities. Participants described external and internal factors that influenced their substance use and recovery. The findings suggest health care providers refer women to residential addiction treatment, use destigmatizing language, promote access to peer services, and provide trauma-informed care.

Internal determinants of financial performance among listed food supermarkets in the South African economy

This study aims to examine the internal determinants of financial performance of food supermarkets listed on the South African stock exchange. Food supermarkets play an integral role in socio-economic development of the country. The study employed an econometric approach utilizing fixed effect panel data. Drawing information from audited financial statements, data were gathered from four major listed food supermarkets in South Africa covering the period from 1994 to 2022, resulting in a total of 116 observations over 29 years. The robust longitudinal statistics obtained from balanced data revealed a significant positive correlation between equity financing, size of corporate governance, and current debt with financial performance, as measured by sales revenue at 0.0000, 0.054, and 0.000 significance levels, respectively. The findings indicate that as these variables increase, the financial performance of the studied food supermarkets (Shoprite, Woolworths, Spar, and Pick n Pay) also increases. Conversely, a negative and significant relationship is noted between company age, current assets, and financial performance at significance levels of 0.007 and 0.002, respectively. This suggests that as these variables increase, financial performance will decrease. As per the research findings, it is imperative for supermarkets to uphold a well-rounded blend of equity and debt and adopt inventive business approaches as they mature to improve financial outcomes. Therefore, the study proposes a framework focusing on internal factors that impact the financial performance of listed food supermarkets in South Africa.

Electric bikes charging anomaly detection from alternating current side based on big data

With the widespread use of electric bikes (E-bikes), charging safety incidents occur frequently, even causing serious hazards. However, detecting and warning of unsafe charging from the E-bikes side is a challenge due to the lack of full-featured battery management systems and communication means vehicles and chargers in majority E-bikes. Aim for this, a diagnosis scheme is proposed to detect E-bikes’ abnormal charging from the alternating current (AC) side of the charging pile. Initially, 91,282 charging records are collected from charging piles to analyze the correlations between the current features and the battery working principle, charging mode, and user behavior in depth. Then, ten current features and six feature sequences are formulated, and two algorithms based on the first-order difference and pattern-matching are proposed to recognize and extracted these features and feature sequences. A feature-based random forest model is presented to identify the abnormal charging. Empirical studies show that the anomaly recognition performance of the proposed framework exceeds that of the baselines, achieving a recognition precision of 0.89 and an F1-score of 0.86. The application of this scheme can provide early warning for unsafe charging from the charging pile side without modification of the existing E-bikes, and can be extended to diagnose the charging safety of other battery-powered system, such as electric vehicles. Meanwhile, the analysis of internal and external factors that lead to abnormal charging is beneficial for charging operation companies and government to develop charging security specifications and regulate charging behaviors.

Association change and its relationship with designs in context and form: how product evaluation is affected by negative framings

This study explores the interplay between internal factors (e.g. personal values) and external factors (e.g. product framing and representation form) in shaping user perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards products. A between-participants experiment (N = 52) was designed using deliberately an iconic product (Haribo gummy bears) to be presented either as image or a tangible item, as well as framed either positively or negatively. The aim is to examine the impact of these manipulated internal and external factors on users’ evaluations and their subsequent behaviour. The effects of framing, and markedly negative framing, were considerably larger than those of forms of representations, whose role was limited for the studied product. However, the effect of framing on evaluations is amplified after interacting with the real product. Despite its significance, negative product framing cannot change behaviour as much as user personal values. These insights suggest designers pay attention to how products are portrayed to potential users. Particular attention should be paid to aligning products with the personal values of the target users since this turned as the main determinant for product appreciation. Hence, this research urges designers to pay attention to the fact that products have to resonate with users so to enhance their acceptance.