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This chapter builds on the authors’ research into the internationalization of China’s higher education (HE) as soft power with “Chinese characteristics” (Lo & Pan, 2020). It rethinks the “Chinese characteristics” in contemporary China’s internationalization of HE as soft power, by contextualizing them in the historico-cultural rootedness that legitimizes the sense of Chinese exceptionalism in the Party-state’s global re-emergence. It also sheds light on the tension and paradox therein through analyzing the conflicts generated by the Party-state’s attempts at re-globalizing the Chinese world order alongside the Westphalian system. In addition to integrating the soft-power concepts coined by Joseph Nye (1990) with the dimensional perspectives on the internationalization of HE framed by Jane Knight (1997), this study also puts in China’s perspectives that stand in contrast to, and yet in confluence with, some of the current norms and values being espoused by the West. In so doing, it demonstrates the potentiality of employing comparative lenses that cut across times, spaces and cultures in the research into internationalization of HE as soft power with national characteristics.

This paper aims to examine the customer-based and supplier-based trade credit gaps for USA firms from 1970 to 2020.

The authors' study examines USA companies from 1970 to 2020. The authors begin with an analysis of the trends in aggregate working capital, the capital's components and the trade credit gaps. Various regression models are used to estimate the impacts of identified firm characteristics and unidentified sources on customer-based and supplier-based trade credit gaps over time. The authors then decompose the impacts of firm characteristics to further understand whether changing firm characteristics and/or changing sensitivity to firm characteristics drive the variation in trade credit gaps.

There is a gradual reduction in the customer-based trade credit gap and a substantial expansion in the supplier-based trade credit gap. Though identified firm characteristics have dominant impacts on observed trade credit gaps, there is evidence of the effects of time and unobservable factors. The main source of changes in customer-based and supplier-based trade credit gaps lies in changes in sensitivity to firm characteristics. In addition, the authors find that firm age is the factor with the largest average effect on both trade credit gaps when examining the full sample period. However, different firm characteristics appear to be the key driver of variations in trade credit gaps over time and across the two types of trade credit gaps. The authors also find that financial distress has the least impact on both customer-based and supplier-based trade gaps. There are variations in the firm characteristics with the largest impacts when evaluating decade-long evaluation periods.

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to examine the customer-based and supplier-based trade credit gaps. The connection between trade credit and the trade credit's corresponding inventory (INV) component extends prior literature on the joint management of trade credit and INV. The authors analyze both identified firm characteristics and unidentified sources in the search for explanations of the trade credit gaps. Furthermore, the authors' study explores the channels through which firm characteristics affect different types of trade credit gaps. The authors' findings help identify relevant and irrelevant risk factors of corporate working capital policy.

The present work aims to explain how the nonlinear average model can be used in power electronic integration design as a behavioral model.

The nonlinear average model is used in power electronic integration design as a behavioral model, where it is applied to a voltage source inverter based on IGBTs. This model was chosen because it takes into account the nonlinearity of the power semiconductor components and the wiring circuit effects, which can be formalized by the virtual delay concept. In addition, the nonlinear average model cannot distinguish between slow and quick variables and this is an important feature of the model convergence.

The paper studies extensively the construction of the nonlinear average model algorithm theoretically. Detailed explanations of the application of this model to voltage source inverter design are provided. The study demonstrates how this model illustrates the effect of the nonlinearity of the power semiconductor components' characteristics on dynamic electrical quantities. It also predicts the effects due to wiring in the inverter circuit.

More simulations and experimental analysis are still necessary to improve the model's accuracy, by using other static characteristic approaches, and to validate the applicability of the model to different converter topologies.

The paper formulates a simple nonlinear average model algorithm, discussing each step. This model was described by VHDL‐AMS. On the one hand, it will assist theoretical and practical research on different topologies of power electronic converters, particularly in power integration systems design such as the integrated power electronics modules (IPEM). On the other hand, it will give designers a more precise behavioral model with a simpler design process.

The nonlinear average model used in power electronic integration design as behavioral model is a novel approach. This model reduces computational costs significantly, takes physical effects into account and is easy to implement.

This paper aims to explore business relationship framework between two companies. In this research, relationship marketing and transaction cost were used as frameworks to analyze business relationship of two different kinds of companies in Indonesia, oil company and hypermarket. Gronroos (1994) defines relationship marketing is establishing, maintaining and enhancing relationships with customers and other partners, at a profit, so that the objectives of the parties involved are met. This is achieved by a mutual exchange and fulfillment of promises. This definition is a key to analyze the relationship of retailer and their supplier. In contrast, Williamson (1980) argued that relationship in business organization is based on their economic interest, and this approach is known as transaction cost approach. In this kind of relationship, business organizations consider cost and benefit of business relationship.

The design of this study is triangulation. Two approaches were used to answer the research questions. A survey involving 204 respondents was conducted. These are companies in Indonesia oil and gas and retail industries. The types of power of those companies were analyzed using descriptive statistic and paired t test. Also, case study was conducted to gain depth information of two companies, with a large number of business partners among the respondents. The design of case study is holistic case study.

The result shows that, in the oil company, the relationship between a company and their supplier is tied on a strict contract. In fact, the relationship of supplier and company in a fuel company based on transaction cost theory. In the retail company, the relationship of supplier and retailer based on trust, commitment and satisfaction. Those three construct are the foundation of relationship marketing. Companies in those two industries tend to use non-coercive power to influence their business partners.

This study analyzes type of business relationship in industries in emerging markets. It also discusses type of influence strategy used by companies to control their business partners to gain mutual benefit.

A solution to increase the energy production rate of the wind turbine is proposed by forcing more air to move through the turbine working section. This can be achieved by equipping the rotor with a diffusing channel ended with a brim (diffuser augmented wind turbine – DAWT). The purpose of this paper is to design an experimental stand and perform the measurements of velocity vector fields through the diffuser and power characteristic of the wind turbine.

The experiments were carried out in a small subsonic wind tunnel at the Institute of Turbomachinery, Lodz University of Technology. An experimental stand design process as well as measurement results are presented. Model size sensitivity study was performed at the beginning. The experimental campaign consisted of velocity measurements by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV) and pneumatic pitot probe as well as torque and rotational velocity measurements.

Characteristics (power coefficient vs tip speed ratio) of the bare and shrouded wind turbine were obtained. The results show an increase in the wind turbine power up to 70-75 per cent by shrouding the rotor with a diffuser. The mechanisms responsible for such a power increase were well explained by the PIV and pneumatic measurement results revealing the nature of the flow through the diffuser.

Experimental stand for wind turbine rotor testing is of a preliminary character. Most optimal methodology for obtaining power characteristic should be determined now. Presented results can serve as good input for choice of stable and reliable control system of wind turbine operational parameters.

A 3 kW DAWT is being developed at the Institute of Turbomachinery, Lodz University of Technology. Aim of the study is to design a compact and smart wind turbine optimised for low wind speed conditions. Developed wind turbine has a potential to be used as an effective element within a net of distributed generation, e.g. for domestic use.

Research carried out is the continuation of theoretical study began in 1970s. It was also inspired by practical solutions proposed by Japanese researchers few years ago. Presented paper is the summary of work devoted to optimisation of the DAWT for wind conditions in the region. Original solution has been applied, e.g. for experimental stand design (3D printing application).

The use of a designed quality plan for application in the electrical power industry is presented. Some contributions of Taguchi’s technique in power process parameter design are reviewed. Recommendations are made for developing a quality‐training plan that will incorporate the design of experiments and description of training sources. A case study of the experiment design in the Hellenic power production process is discussed. Difficulties with design of experiments applications to the power process are outlined and suggestions are offered for resolving these difficulties.

In Fig. 29 are plotted the data obtained during a dynamometer calibration of the DB‐601A engine. The family of curves on the left hand side of the figure gives the sea level power characteristics for various r.p.m. in the operating range, plotted against absolute manifold pressure in inches of mercury. From these curves it will be noted that the automatic boost control takes charge to restrict the manifold pressure to a limiting value of 39 in. of mercury absolute at engine speeds above 1,900 r.p.m. Below 1,900 r.p.m. the full throttle manifold pressure is less than the boost limit established by the automatic regulator. The normal rating of the engine at 2,400 r.p.m. is thus established at 995 horsepower. For take‐off the automatic regulator is overruled by the pilot's throttle for a time interval of one minute established by an automatic clock mechanism, to produce an excess boost in the manifold which, at an engine speed of 2,500 r.p.m., gives the take‐off rating of 1,150 horse‐power at 43·2 in. of mercury absolute manifold pressure. The take‐off power at 2,500 r.p.m. versus absolute manifold pressure characteristics are shown at the upper left hand portion of Fig. 29. The sea level power ratings are somewhat flexible since it is possible to adjust the oil How into the fluid coupling of the supercharger and, by changing the slip, vary the effective impeller ratio. Thus it may be desirable for bomber installations involving take‐off with heavy loads to increase the effective impeller ratio for the maximum boost possible with the quality of fuel available.

The purpose of this study was to examine the dimensions of athletic star power associated with Generation Y sports consumption. Multivariate analyses revealed that athletic star power factors (Professional Trustworthiness, Likeable Personality, Athletic Expertise, Social Attractiveness and Characteristic Style) were positively (p < .05) predictive of the sport consumption factors (Event Consumption and Merchandise Consumption).

The purpose of this paper is to propose and compare two energy management strategies (EMSs). First, a classic method based on frequency separation with fixed limits on fuel cell (FC) power is presented and tested. Then, the improvement of the classic strategy is developed and implemented when the main enhancements are its ease of implementation, hydrogen economy and extending hybrid source lifetime.

The proposed EMS is developed using an online variable power limitation of the FC depending on the battery state of charge while ensuring that the energy of batteries remains in its operating depth of discharge (DOD) range.

In the objective to show the benefits of the developed strategy, a comparative analysis was conducted between two strategies. The simulation and experimental results show the effectiveness and gains obtained by the improved energy management system (IEMS) in terms of fuel economy (13 per cent) and decreasing the applied stress on the FC (22 per cent) which leads to a longer life span of the whole system.

The proposed approach is developed and tested by simulation. To confirm it, a test bench has been assembled as hardware in the loop (HIL) real-time system. The presented experimental results confirm the efficiency and show the providing gains of the IEMS.