Small Power Research Articles

The United States, Sweden, and the military intervention in Libya: explaining the similar foreign policy responses of a great power and a small state

The United States, Sweden, and the military intervention in Libya: explaining the similar foreign policy responses of a great power and a small state

Parliamentary acceptability of EU military deployments in member states: beyond rubber-stamping?

ABSTRACT This article examines national parliamentary debates in 13 EU member states of eight CSDP military deployments underway between 2016 and 2021. It reviews discussions about whether, and why, to send troops on EU missions and operations, and the extent to which these debates differ from expectations in the literature derived from involvement in NATO operations. The survey includes small states, which have been previously excluded from such analysis. Drawing on a dataset of 411 statements by national parliamentarians from across Europe, the article employs eight discursive frames to understand how MPs articulate their acceptance (or not) of CSDP deployments. We supplement this with detailed data on national troop contributions. We find that CSDP debates in national parliaments resemble those of ‘high-salience’ deployments when considering frame usage and party position. We present limited evidence supporting the claim that small states frame deployment debates similarly to large states.

Life's a ditch: demographic history and environmental factors shape fine-scale local adaptation within small populations of brook trout

Many studies have investigated the loss of adaptive potential in endangered or exploited species experiencing recent population declines. Less research has studied adaptive genomic variation in small populations known to have persisted for long periods, despite the unique contribution that such populations provide for determining mechanisms underlying population persistence in evolutionary and conservation modeling. Small populations of Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) have persisted in Cape Race, Newfoundland for >12,000 years. We used genotyping-by-sequencing data to investigate the demographic history and adaptive genomic variation of 26 populations with effective population sizes (Ne) ranging from 11 to 442, and to explore mechanisms underlying long-term persistence. We show that all populations experienced demographic declines following postglacial colonization but have remained in their current, small Ne state for thousands of years. We also reveal greater homozygosity in adaptive alleles within the smallest populations and found signatures of adaptive divergence in small populations relating to several abiotic and biotic factors. Our study illustrates how the demographic history of a species can influence the adaptive dynamics of small populations persisting over long time periods.

Civilian knowledge industries and the ascendance of small and medium-sized states in world politics

In the evolving landscape of international politics, the ascent of small and medium-sized (SMS) states in knowledge industries is notable. As these states, exemplified by Israel, Sweden, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, harness advanced technological capabilities, their global influence grows. Unlike great powers, SMS states face a heightened risk in developing advanced technology due to limited national resources and the absence of technological redundancies. Our examination of Israel’s experience in the satellite, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence industries serves as a case study demonstrating how an SMS state can establish competitive knowledge sectors. These technologically advanced SMS states attain a status akin to middle powers, challenging conventional perceptions. Analyzing Israel’s commitment to securing these technological fields reveals government intervention aimed at cultivating sustainable knowledge industries and preserving critical knowledge. While diverse motivations drive the technological development of SMS states, their capabilities reshape conventional notions of middle powers and global power distribution.

Nepal’s Geostrategic Location: Realist Imperatives on Foreign Policy

Realist imperatives in foreign policy emphasize the pursuit of national interests, power balance, and pragmatic decision-making in an anarchic international system. This study aims to analyze Nepal's foreign policy through a realist perspective, focusing on its historical evolution, challenges, and opportunities. An exploratory research design is employed, using secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, historical records, academic books, policy reports, and governmental publications. The publication period of the sources ranges between 1963 and 2023. The study finds that Nepal’s foreign policy decisions are significantly influenced by its geopolitical position and the need to balance relationships with neighboring powers India and China. The implication of this study is that realist theory provides a valuable framework for understanding how small states like Nepal navigate complex international dynamics to safeguard their national interests.

Micro and Small Business Growth Drivers in Nigeria: Evidence from Small Cities Small Federating State

This study involves a comprehensive survey of about 1500 micro and small businesses across three major cities in one of the smallest states in Nigeria (Ebonyi State). Based on the cross-sectional data generated, a linearized Tobit regression and a robust T-Test statistical technique are applied to comparatively examine how internal firm attributes, market attributes, and socioeconomic and macroeconomic conditions affect the growth of micro and small businesses in a typical small state and small cities. The results reveal a key challenge to be the dominance of the business space in small cities by micro and largely informal enterprises.

Mathematical modeling for the efficiency function of the Retiro small hydroelectric power plant turbine-generator set

ABSTRACT Many authors use an efficiency constant for the turbine-generator set to calculate energy generation in hydroelectric projects. This often does not reflect reality because the efficiency of this system is relative and is related to the potential of the net head height and the flow of turbine discharge. The present work aims to perform a mathematical modeling for an analysis of the efficiency of the Turbine-Generator Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHPP) Retiro. To perform this analysis, a model based on a second-degree polynomial function was employed. A multivariate regression technique was applied by the Least Square Method (LSM) to obtain the coefficients of the function. To verify the behavior of the measured and adjusted data, the Determination Coefficient (R2) of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) algorithm was applied. The RMSE Mean of 0.022 and the RMSE Std of 0.029 suggest that the second-degree polynomial function is more consistent and stable across different training and validation datasets. The R2 value of 0.993 indicates that 99.3% of the variability in the data is explained by the model. The Omnibus, Durbin-Watson, and Jarque-Bera tests were applied to diagnose potential issues related to normality, autocorrelation, and adequacy, thereby validating the accuracy and significance of the model. The Hessian matrix technique was also used to verify the critical points of the function. The critical point corresponding to a water head of 11.47 meters and a turbine flow of 145.1 m3/s presented the highest operational efficiency. This study allows presenting a turbine efficiency function, its Hill Curve and a generator efficiency function with its corresponding Efficiency Curve. For efficiency analysis in several flow, height and power settings. The technique has proved efficient and can be an applicable tool in energy parameter studies for other hydroelectric projects with the same characteristics as SHPP Retiro.

The impact of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth on the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with chronic constipation.

Existing studies have rarely considered the impact of the small intestine's microbial state on the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), nor have they extensively explored the effect of the small intestine's microbial state on the recovery of colonic motility. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) on the efficacy of FMT in treating constipation, specifically the impact of the microbial state of the small intestine on the restoration of colonic homeostasis, and consequently on the recovery of colonic motility.

Correction: Operational and Environmental Tests of Nanomembrane-Produced Rapeseed Biodiesel at a Small Biomass-Fuelled Power Plant

Correction: Operational and Environmental Tests of Nanomembrane-Produced Rapeseed Biodiesel at a Small Biomass-Fuelled Power Plant

Population Health Implications of Medicaid Prerelease and Transition Services for Incarcerated Populations.

As states expand prerelease and transition services for incarcerated individuals under the Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity, we sought to systematically inform Medicaid state and plan administrators regarding the population size and burden of disease data available on incarcerated populations in both jails and prisons in the United States. We analyzed data on eligibility criteria for new Medicaid prerelease and transition services based on incarceration length and health conditions across states. We estimated the potentially eligible populations in prisons and jails, considering various incarceration lengths and health status requirements. We also compared disease prevalence in the incarcerated population with that of the existing civilian Medicaid population. We found that rural and smaller states would experience a disproportionately large proportion of their Medicaid populations to be eligible for prerelease and transition services if new Medicaid eligibility rules were broadly applied. Self-reported psychological distress was notably higher among incarcerated individuals compared with those currently on Medicaid. The prevalence rates of previously diagnosed chronic hepatitis C and kidney disease were also much higher in the incarcerated population than the existing civilian Medicaid population. We estimated large volumes of potentially Medicaid-eligible entrants as coverage policy changes take effect over the coming years, particularly impacting smaller and more rural states. Our findings reveal very high disease prevalence rates among the incarcerated population subject to new Medicaid coverage, including specific chronic, infectious, and behavioral health conditions that state Medicaid programs, health plans, and providers may benefit from advanced planning to address.

Modeling and Visualization of Coolant Flow in a Fuel Rod Bundle of a Small Modular Reactor

This article presents the results of an experimental study of the coolant flow in a fuel rod bundle of a nuclear reactor fuel assembly of a small modular reactor for a small ground-based nuclear power plant. The aim of the work is to experimentally determine the hydrodynamic characteristics of the coolant flow in a fuel rod bundle of a fuel assembly. For this purpose, experimental studies were conducted in an aerodynamic model that included simulators of fuel elements, burnable absorber rods, spacer grids, a central displacer, and stiffening corners. During the experiments, the water coolant flow was modeled using airflow based on the theory of hydrodynamic similarity. The studies were conducted using the pneumometric method and the contrast agent injection method. The flow structure was visualized by contour plots of axial and tangential velocity, as well as the distribution of the contrast agent. During the experiments, the features of the axial flow were identified, and the structure of the cross-flows of the coolant was determined. The database obtained during the experiments can be used to validate CFD programs, refine the methods of thermal-hydraulic calculation of nuclear reactor cores, and also to justify the design of fuel assemblies.

Central banks, economic statecraft and offshore banking: Comparing financial internationalization strategies in Latvia and Estonia

Small states play a critical role in the operation of the Global Wealth Chains, storing capital assets and funnelling financial flows. However, the knowledge of how such practices of financial transit emerge remains scant. Focussing on the 1990s as the formative decade of post-Soviet capitalism, the article focuses on the variegated financial internationalization in the Baltics, as Latvia developed a vibrant offshore banking sector, whereas Estonia pursued complete Westernization in bank ownership. Challenging the literature that relates the emergence of Baltic offshore finance with right-wing politics, and existing trade and cultural links with Russia, the article argues that the varieties of financial internationalization in the Baltics were due to ‘economic statecraft’ by the Central Banks (CBs). Drawing upon a survey of CB reports, parliamentary speeches, press archives, memoirs, and elite interviews, the article argues that the Baltic CBs’ path-setting decisions shaped the two distinct financial internationalization paths through three interventions: currency reforms, agenda setting, and banking regulation. Drawing on the literature on social embeddedness of CBs, the article attributes the differences in the two CB approaches to their informal alliances with broader society – domestic financiers in Latvia and the government in Estonia.

The continuing significance of the council of the EU presidency for small states: agenda setting or painting-by-numbers?

ABSTRACT While not uncontested, it is an oft-quoted assumption that the Presidency of the Council of the EU gives member states a unique opportunity to influence the EU agenda and to parachute national priorities onto the Brussels’ stage, an assumption which is even more pronounced in the small state literature. This article seeks to test this assumption by undertaking a content analysis of the presidency of two of the Union’s smallest states, namely Cyprus and Malta. Taking these presidencies from 2012 (Cyprus) and 2017 (Malta), we undertake a content analysis which determines which of the items listed in the priorities and programme of each presidency overlap with items listed in Commission, European Council and Parliament documents which predated these presidencies. From this content analysis, we discover that the overriding feature is that the vast bulk of items can be traced to earlier, EU documents and that only a small number of issues appear to be truly unique to either presidency. Based on those unique items, we then undertake a qualitative discussion to assess whether the Presidency still remains, post-Lisbon Treaty, a unique opportunity for placing items on the EU’s agenda which are niche issues, of political or economic importance to the country.

Bringing Realism to the Idealism of Small States: Norway and Atrocity Prevention at the UN Security Council

ABSTRACT This article examines Norway’s approach to the responsibility to protect (R2P) norm and atrocity prevention during its term on the UN Security Council (2021–22). Because it is a small state with high ambitions for its international human rights and humanitarian profile, one might expect Norway to be a strong defender of the R2P norm, in line with the idea that small states are often norm entrepreneurs. However, this article argues that prioritizing R2P and atrocity prevention norms in the Security Council may conflict with other Norwegian foreign policy interests such as peace diplomacy and consensus building. Indeed, in its approach to its Security Council seat, Norway prioritised agendas that fit a neutral, diplomatic approach to conflict prevention and civilian protection. Taking a pragmatic approach to problem solving in the Council was a strategy that served Norwegian interests. In a time when extremely tense global relations hamper the Security Council’s work, small states may not find it in their interest to take strong and outspoken positions on the gravest human rights abuses. Advocates of the R2P norm should look to other institutions to secure international involvement in atrocity prevention and promote R2P.

National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) 2024 annual meeting: advanced and small modular nuclear power reactors**The authors have confirmed that any identifiable participants in this study have given their consent for publication.

On 25-26 March 2023, the U.S. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) held its 2024 annual meeting in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. The NCRP dates from 1929, and this meeting celebrated the 60th anniversary of receiving a U.S. Congressional Charter. For this annual meeting the NCRP felt it was essential to provide a briefing about advanced and small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). The Journal of Radiological Protection is delighted to publish the following synopsis of material presented at the U.S. NCRP meeting. This synopsis is divided into five sections. The first section provides an overview of the whole meeting together with summaries of two context setting overview papers. The following four sessions of this synopsis are specific to advanced and small modular nuclear power reactors. The meeting also included keynote presentations by three of NCRP annual award recipients. The meeting topical areas were Technology Overview and Critical Issues. The individual papers laid the groundwork to understanding reactor technologies, terminology, and the fundamental concepts and processes for electrical generation. The perspectives of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and states, through the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors were provided. The papers included a discussion of diverse topics including potential emergency preparedness considerations, radiological survey requirements, an evaluation of the future of nuclear power, the economics of reactors (both large and small), and the critical issues identified by the recent National Academies of Sciences' study on advanced reactors. The summary papers were developed to briefly document the major points and concepts presented during the oral papers presented at the 2024 NCRP Annual Meeting. The meeting heralded the dawn of a new era for commercial nuclear power.

Innovation in clean energy from man-made wind and small-wind generation

The need to reduce global emissions leads us to look for various sources of clean energy. In recent decades, wind technology has advanced significantly, enabling large-scale power generation in both marine and terrestrial environments, as well as the development of mini-wind solutions. However, we often underestimate the capacity of certain human activities and production processes to generate clean energy, wasting their true potential. This work focuses on using artificially generated wind gusts to transform them into clean electricity through small wind turbines. The proposal is developed in four phases: (1) identify activities that generate wind, (2) collect data on wind speed and direction, (3) perform a descriptive statistical analysis of the wind resource, and (4) select the appropriate technology to calculate the electricity generation. The proposal is evaluated using the air flow produced by the air conditioning systems of a data center in Colombia. The results are analyzed from technical, economic, environmental, and political perspectives. Through small wind power, an annual production of approximately 468 MWh is estimated, avoiding the emission of 300 metric tons of CO2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{CO}}_2$$\\end{document}.

Future armed conflicts - A new point of view

This article focusses on future wars and the resulting consequences for the development of the armed forces. The purpose of this study is to indicate the course of future armed conflicts on the base of the forecasts presented by the largest research centres as well as to signal the need to look at them from a new point of view, disregarding the current tense situation in the world. The subjects of the research are armed conflicts, and above all, the possible ways of conducting them in the future, as well as the domains in which they will be fought. The authors assume that the causes and forms of future armed conflicts will evolve. Changes will depend on the time and place of the outbreak of conflicts, the technology used, as well as the scale of their play. It is also assumed that future armed conflicts will take place in all domains, between equal opponents or between great powers and smaller states or organizations, which are weaker to them in every respect. In the paper, the authors took an attempt to answer the following questions: How will the geopolitical and economic situation in the world change, also in the context of progressing climate change? How will armed conflicts evolve in a changing world? How will future wars play out and what capabilities should military forces have to fight them? According to the analysis, the authors claim that future armed conflicts will: take place in all domains; require a rapid situation assessment and decisions; conducted in a complex environment; include hybrid strategies; increasingly difficult to resolve; non-linear; took the form of asymmetric activities; periodically conducted without electronic devices (an opponent can disable devices or track them); implemented by modular units capable of conducting independent activities at the lowest levels; saturated with robots and drones.

Optimal power management of a stand-alone hybrid energy management system: Hydro-photovoltaic-fuel cell

The field of electrical engineering with renewable energy systems has witnessed a remarkable improvement due to an increase in the world's growing population as available resources become limited. This study proposes an optimal and efficient hybrid energy management system that combines photovoltaic, hydro, and fuel cell renewable energy resources that can solve the drawbacks of current energy setups and offer a dependable power source for stand-alone purposes. This novel AC-linked hybrid energy system features a comprehensive power management strategy with actual weather data and a realistic load demand profile. The HOMER Pro technique is employed for calculating the emission of toxic gases, system economic benefits, sensitivity analysis and cost minimization of the system while providing sustainability. The numerical outcomes show optimal results as compared to the existing systems in the literature. The system consists of 55 kW of PV modules, a 30 kW FC generator, and 40 kW of hydropower, suggesting optimal and excellent economic and environmental sustainability. This system appeared to be an especially cost-effective solution, with a net present cost (NPC) of $248,773 and a cost of energy (COE) of $0.0546/kWh. The results show that the system can meet energy needs while utilising the available resources efficiently in different weather conditions. The proposed system has the potential to increase the sustainability and dependability of power generation in a variety of applications and aid in the design and implementation of alternative energy systems, particularly in off-grid or remote areas. The proposed system can be extended to other such locations that will provide a scalable and flexible solution for electricity generation, making it suitable for a variety of applications, from small rural power plants to large industrial power supplies. Overall, the proposed study provides an important resource for development in hybrid energy system design and operation, with far-reaching implications for the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon future.

Research on the influence of different organizational structures on the electrical life of sealed relays

Abstract A sealed relay is a type of power relay mainly used in fields with harsh environments, low noise requirements, or high-reliability requirements. It is used in scenarios such as vehicle loads, household appliances, industrial control, and motors. At the same time, when the input meets certain specified conditions, it is a device that can generate a jump in one or more electrical output circuits, playing a role in controlling the on/off current of the connected circuit. Power relays have been widely used in various fields due to their small size, low noise, and low power consumption advantages. This article mainly studies the electrical parameters such as arc energy, arc time, welding force, and contact burning principle of silver tin oxide electrical contact materials produced by different processes, providing a reference for the development of electrical contact materials.

Investment cost analysis in small hydropower plants in terms of efficiency and a case study in the Euphrates and Tigris basins

Flow rate is the basic parameter for calculating the energy capacity and investment costs of small hydropower plants. Because energy costs are directly related to energy capacity. While the energy capacity increases, the investment cost of the hydropower plant increases also. However, if the energy capacity is high, the energy production will be high and the investment cost will be amortized in a short time. In this study, small rivers in the Euphrates and Tigris Basins with previously determined hydropower capacities were selected, and the investment costs of small hydroelectric power plants to be designed on these rivers were analysed. For this analysis, 10 streams were selected from the Euphrates and Tigris Basins, and only Baskoy and Celebiyan streams have flow observation stations. The flow values of the remaining 8 streams were found by regression analysis using the basin and flow values of Baskoy and Celebiyan streams. Therefore, cost–benefit analyses were carried out separately for these flows in this study. In this study, because it includes the most effective hydrological parameters as well as many technical and economical parameters, the SMART Mini Hydro Tool Program was used.