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The European Union (EU) considers renewable hydrogen a key priority for achieving climate neutrality and therefore needs to develop competitive and secure renewable hydrogen supplies. International trade could play a major role in meeting EU hydrogen needs and will require the creation of highly integrated markets between member states. This article analyzes three strategic scenarios in which the EU prioritizes energy independence, cost optimization, or energy security using an optimization model of international hydrogen trade based on production potentials and cost curves in EU countries and potential trade partners. The results show that, while the EU could become hydrogen independent, imports from neighboring countries could minimize overall costs despite higher transportation costs. However, imports from neighboring countries may reproduce past energy dependence patterns. Our results show that to limit reliance on a single supplier without increasing overall costs, the EU could leverage long-distance imports. [Display omitted] • Prioritizing energy independence, cost or security will shape EU hydrogen markets. • Integrated EU hydrogen markets could allow the bloc to become hydrogen independent. • Imports from neighboring states minimize costs but raise supply security concerns. • Long-distance imports can boost security by limiting reliance on a single supplier. • Sensitivity analyses show capital, renewables & electrolysis cost drive supply cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research first examines the link connectivity of major Northeast Asian carriers at country levels, and then uses a dynamic network DEA model to assess these carriers' efficiency performance. The connectivity measure suggests that although China, Japan and Korea differ in the size of domestic markets, the major carriers of the three countries do not differ much in terms of their connectivity performance in their key international markets. Chinese and Japanese carriers are quite similar in technical efficiency while Korea's two carriers take the lead in this measure. We thus present an argument that most of the carriers in this region are operating at a near-level playing field and it is time to push forward the aviation market integration agenda in Northeast Asia. • Link connectivity of major Northeast Asian carriers. • Assess these carriers' efficiency performance using a dynamic network DEA model. • Most of the carriers in this region operate at a near-level playing field. • Time to push forward the aviation market integration agenda in Northeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers an active distribution network (ADN) that can benefit from price-responsive demands, inverter-based photovoltaic (PV) generating units, and battery energy storage systems (BESSs) to participate in the real-time energy market. However, a challenging issue arises due to the coupling of energy offerings in the market and Volt-Var schedules of system devices. This paper develops an integrated framework of energy management system and Volt-Var optimization (EMS-VVO) in the ADN. This application is in bidirectional communication with the energy market and electricity assets. In the first stage and some minutes before each hour, the EMS-VVO unit makes the offering decisions in the energy market, as well as the schedules of demands and slow-acting devices (i.e., on-load tap changers (OLTCs) and capacitors) under uncertainties in the market prices, PV power production, and power loads. In the second stage, when the actual values of available PV productions and the updated market prices are known during the power delivery, this application controls the voltage in minutes by dispatching the fast-acting devices (i.e., PV generating units and BESSs) throughout the distribution network in minutes. A number of comparative out-of-sample simulations through a 69-node test system demonstrate how the offering and controlling decisions of the ADN can be modified under different PV penetration levels, voltage violation penalties, demand flexibility levels, and reactive power capabilities of fast-acting devices. • Scheduling model couples energy management system and Volt-Var optimization. • ADN profitably offers in real-time energy market through the scheduling model. • Voltage violation decreases by a higher penalty factor at the expense of lower profit. • Voltage violation is more crucial without reactive power support of fast-acting devices. • More flexible demands can result in a higher profit from offering in the energy market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A strategy of integrated marketing communication requires a holistic approach. • Hospitality businesses benefit from the effective implementation of IMC. • Integrated marketing communication positively relates to sales-related performance. • Integrated marketing communication impacts positively on brand advantage. • Integrated marketing communication enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty. Over the last decade, scholars have recently emphasized the need for tourism marketers to orchestrate the wide range communication activities and forms via the adoption of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC). However, prior research has almost neglected the role of IMC in hospitality management. This paper adopts a broad organizational approach conceiving IMC as a concept that involves the whole organizational entity and aims to analyze the effects of IMC on market performance, in terms of superior sales and financial results, greater brand advantage and customer-related outcomes for those businesses providing lodging services. To pursue this research purpose, a survey has been conducted among corporate-level senior managers of lodging businesses operating in Spain. The findings provided further and more compelling empirical proof of the positive influence of IMC on market performance, responding to the call for more rigorous empirical research to demonstrate the beneficial effects of firm-wide IMC on market performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from paddy rice are significant, so reducing these emissions has significant potential for climate change mitigation. We investigated alternate wetting and drying (AWD) as part of an integrated management approach to enhance mitigation, together with combinations of mineral nitrogen (N), reduced tillage, a suitable combination of plant residues and well decomposed manure. To quantify GHG emissions, and the potential for mitigation without yield decline, a process-based model, DayCent was used to simulate methane (CH 4) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions from paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Bangladesh. The four test sites selected were amended with mineral N fertilizer or an organic amendment (rice straw). A good agreement (p < 0.05) was observed between model simulated and measured daily CH 4 flux at most of these test sites with no significant bias. The seasonal CH 4 emission from a site receiving mineral N fertilizer at a rate of 110 kg N ha−1 was predicted by the model to be 210 and 150 kg ha−1 for the water management scenarios of continuous flood (CF) and AWD, respectively. These values compare well with estimates of CH 4 emissions using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change tier 1 methods for the different water regimes. Our model results suggest emission factors for N 2 O of 0.4% and 0.6% of applied fertilizer under CF and AWD water regimes, respectively. Based on modelling studies, AWD was found to be an important strategy not only with respect to reducing GHG emissions, but also in terms of cost effectiveness. We also found that integrated management is a promising option for farmers and policy makers interested in either yield increase, GHG mitigation or both. Yield scaled emissions intensity under AWD was found to be about 24% lower than under CF, followed by integrated management. Highlights • Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rice were simulated with the DayCent model. • DayCent simulates methane and nitrous oxide emissions well in paddy rice. • Alternate wet and drying is the most effective mitigation option to mitigate GHGs. • Integrated management is promising for increasing yield and for GHG mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of periods of price exuberance in equity markets is of great interest to policy makers and financial investors. In this paper, we identify financial bubble periods within the major equity markets in Latin America. We use the recently developed recursive Augmented Dickey-Fuller methods and propose similar recursive procedures based on Phillips-Perron. We find that conditional on bubbles in the S&P 500, there are strong links between bubble episodes across equity markets in Latin America. In addition, the financial bubble periods in Latin America begin earlier and last longer than bubble periods in the United States during the 2008 financial crisis. Price bubbles were identified prior to the establishment of the Integrated Latin American Market (MILA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the light of the rapid advances in renewable energy technologies, they have become an appropriate option to supply energy with numerous advantages. Besides, the coordination of different energy resources and the proliferation of energy conversion technologies such as Combined Heat and Power (CHP) has facilitated the raising of new energy prosumers called Smart Energy Hub (S.E.Hub). This paper utilizes an innovative model to propose a secured decentralized energy market architecture that consists of S.E.Hubs, energy utility grids, energy consumers, and an aggregator. The interaction among these players is modeled as a bilevel optimization problem. This problem has been transformed into a single-level mixed integer linear problem by means of the Strong duality theorem. Numerical results show how the pricing method influences S.E.Hubs' motivation to provide more energy on high-demanded hours. Furthermore, two-sided cooperations could be seen among S.E.Hubs that facilitate their energy bill reduction. • Aggregators' behavior towards S.E.Hubs in LEM is modeled by a bilevel problem. • The model balances energy prices in all hours. • Our design optimizes multi-energy consumers' cost and S.E.Hubs' profit. • The stochastic behavior of renewables is modeled with Beta and Weibull functions. • Results validate the effectiveness of the proposed design of local energy markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A price mechanism design for regional integrated energy market considering carbon emissions is proposed. The highlights of this paper are as follows: • Establish optimization models for integrated energy suppliers and consumers, respectively. Besides, carbon emissions are considered in the integrated energy production process. • Based on the linear price function, a non-cooperative game is used to design a price mechanism for integrated energy transactions between integrated energy suppliers and large users. • To protect the privacy of market members, a distributed iterative method for solving transaction models is proposed. With the popularization of regional integrated energy system, there are a large number of integrated energy suppliers and consumers in regional integrated energy market. Transactions between integrated energy suppliers and consumers can create substantial social benefits, and the reasonable price mechanism will become very critical. In addition, low carbonization has become one of the goals of integrated energy market construction. Therefore, a price mechanism for regional integrated energy market considering carbon emissions is designed. First, based on the linear price function, a non-cooperative game model of integrated energy suppliers and consumers in the regional integrated energy market considering carbon emission is established. Further, a price mechanism is designed using the Nash equilibrium of the non-cooperative game. To protect the privacy of the market members, a distributed algorithm is proposed to solve the integrated energy trading model. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to verify the validity of the proposed price mechanism, and the impact of carbon price changes is revealed through sensitivity analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A peer-to-peer trading mechanism is proposed for electricity-carbon integrated market on basis of Stackelberg game, which allows prosumers to change the roles between buyers and sellers flexibly. • The existence and uniqueness of Stackelberg equilibrium is demonstrated for the established electricity-carbon integrated market. • Both centralized analytical algorithm and decentralized iterative algorithm are expounded to solve the game model. • A two-stage peer-to-peer trading framework is extended to the electricity-carbon integrated market to support the transactive results of electricity and carbon allowance. The emergence of prosumers with considerable renewables promotes the lower-carbon operation of distribution network. However, prosumers' flexible roles also bring new challenges to establish a fairness distribution-level transactive market and ensure the security in distribution network. To address this issue, this paper presents a network-secure peer-to-peer (P2P) market with two-stage framework. In the first stage, a multi leaders multi followers (MLMF) Stackelberg game is utilized to establish the P2P electricity-carbon integrated market, which considers stakeholders' changeable roles between producer and consumer in the energy and carbon allowance transaction. The existence and uniqueness of the market equilibrium are also verified. In the second stage, network reconfiguration is taken into consideration to support the transactive results and avoid the restriction on node injected power to the largest extent. Numerical results show that the established P2P electricity-carbon integrated market can reduce carbon emissions by over 6% without harming prosumers' total revenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The creation of an algorithm based on Differential Geometry for the resolution of a distributed energy generation model thought a market between producers and consumers. • Application of low-cost technologies. • The development of a scalable method for resource management technologies (SMART) based on stochastic procedures. • The use of metadomotic technics as a tool for both comfort improvement and energy sharing. During the development of the S3Unica project (Smart Specialisation University Campus) and its application in the ASSET project (Advanced Systems Studies for Energy Transition), both within the European Commission, the resolution of the distributed energy generation model was proposed through the creation of an algorithm that would allow the shared market between producers and consumers. From this premise arose the need to create a replicable system to resolve this situation in the new shared generation environment, using low-cost technologies. This work develops the scalable method for resource management technologies (SMART), based on stochastic procedures, which generates microgrids with an integrated energy market. The interest of this work is based on the incorporation of real-time analysis, applying stochastic methods, and its fusion with probabilistic predictive methods that evolve and harmonise the results. The fact that the process is self-learning also enables the use of metadomotic as a tool for both comfort improvement and energy sharing. The most important results developed were the design of the internal scheme of the low-cost SMART control device together with the developments of both individual and collective resolution algorithms. By achieving the incorporation of internal and external producers in the same numerical procedure, the distributed and hybrid generation models are solved simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study represents an initial step in the empirical understanding of integration as it relates to the advertising and public relations fields. Using a survey of practitioners (n = 1076) it finds that while many practitioners are aware of integration efforts within organizations, they may be less than enthusiastic about the concept. The results offer suggestions both for the practice and education of professional communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern marketing communication requires more than just making the product target customers. In the modern era, organizations must communicate with their customers by means that are available to them and that search. One of the key tools for integrated marketing communication is the Internet. Creative use of the Internet to disseminate messages of communication contributes to the enhancement of integrated communication for its interactivity, and continuity with globality. In the future it can be expected that interactive marketing communications becomes a crucial form of communication in some areas. Internet marketing is becoming a “superhighway” and therefore is an important medium of integrated marketing communications [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proposal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals will inevitably promote the large-scale development of renewable energy, and the market mechanism is also being pushed forward to absorb more renewable energy in China. Considering electricity-carbon integrated market mechanism, this paper constructs a hybrid game model to study the evolutionary process of renewable energy generation companies (GENCOs) in market trading by setting up three renewable energy bidding modes. Among them, the leader-follow relationship between GENCOs and the day-ahead electricity market is reflected by the Stackelberg game model, and the bidding behavior of different GENCOs is described by cooperative and non-cooperative game models. The role of different stages for the carbon emissions trading (CET) market on the electricity market is discussed based on the sensitivity analysis. The simulation results show that the bundled sales between wind, photovoltaic and thermal power GENCOs could improve the expected profits of each GENCO and reduce the total carbon emissions. As the proportion of renewable energy in the electricity market increases, the clearing prices will decrease. Meanwhile, the peak-shaving times of thermal power units will raise, and thermal power GENCOs are more willing to participate in the auxiliary service market. Besides, the complete marketization of renewable energy GENCOs will affect the recovery of the initial investment. Moreover, it can be found that lower free carbon quota, higher CET and Chinese certified emission reduction (CCER) prices can effectively guide the electricity market to be cleaner. • Propose effective bidding modes for renewable energy. • Consider the impact of electricity-carbon integration mechanism on renewable energy. • Determine the optimal alliance of different types GENCOs for bundling electricity. • Set dynamic CET and CCER prices to better reflect market supply and demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As the most recent approach of communication management, the integrated marketing communication (IMC) programmes, enhanced by the advancements in information and communication technology (ICT), are considered an important contribution to the brand equity building. However, hardly any research has been done on the role of this new communication practice in the hospitality industry. Moreover, previous studies have mainly focused on managers’ opinions, overlooking customers’ perceptions of both marketing communications and advanced technology. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to examine, from the customer perspective, the impact of integrated marketing communications on hotel brand equity, considered as a multidimensional construct composed of brand image, perceived quality, and brand loyalty. In addition, the moderating role of advanced technology on these relationships is tested. While the findings show positive relationships between the studied constructs, the moderating role of technology is not corroborated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] IMC may be a marketing-dominant concept, but public relations stand to gain from its emphasis of relationships with all stakeholders. [•] Practitioners can contribute to IMC in three areas: advisory, stakeholders and stakes, and relationships. [•] Public relations are a natural leader of IMC for its focus on stakeholder needs and relationships. [•] This paper recommends the term iComm over the marketing-dominant IMC for its holistic focus on communication rather than marketing. [•] Scholars should examine iComm in the areas of internal relations, employee communication, and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of market integration among the primary energy commodities in Europe can best be tested using a DCC GARCH approach to account for time-varying dynamics. This approach is shown to be superior to co-integration and correlation techniques. The results challenge the notion of a European ‘energy complex,’ which implies that important diversification advantages can be obtained from the European energy portfolio. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent years, important changes have had an impact on economic and social life. The Internet makes no exception, it provides a lot of opportunities, like interaction and customization, and it can be used by both consumers and organizations. Should not be overlooked the fact that organization is no longer the only source of information for consumers, Internet provides them an enormous potential of information and communication and the possibility of interaction with each other. The main objective of this article is to find an answer to the question: how can we integrate the Internet in organization‘s communication activities, so that we can obtain synergy?. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Context: The IOM released an expert committee report in 2005 that assessed the nature, extent, and influence of food and beverage marketing practices on the diets and health of American children and adolescents. The report concluded that prevailing marketing practices did not support a healthful diet and offered recommendations for diverse stakeholders to promote a healthful diet. The investigators evaluated progress made by food, beverage, and restaurant companies; trade associations; entertainment companies; and the media to achieve the IOM report recommendations over 5 years. Evidence acquisition: A literature review was conducted of electronic databases and relevant government, industry, and media websites between December 1, 2005, and January 31, 2011. Evidence selection was guided by the IOM LEAD principles (i.e., locate, evaluate, and assemble evidence to inform decisions) and five qualitative-research criteria, and it was validated by data and investigator triangulation. The investigators selected and categorized 117 data sources into two evidence tables used to evaluate industry progress (i.e., no, limited, moderate, and extensive). Evidence synthesis: Food and beverage companies made moderate progress; however, limited progress was made by other industry subsectors. Industry stakeholders used integrated marketing communications (IMC) to promote primarily unhealthy products, which threaten children''s and adolescents'' health and miss opportunities to promote a healthy eating environment. Conclusions: Diverse industry stakeholders have several untapped opportunities to advance progress by promoting IMC to support a healthful diet; substantially strengthening self-regulatory programs; supporting truthful and non-misleading product labeling and health claims; engaging in partnerships; and funding independent evaluations of collective efforts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper employs a web-based conjoint-type questionnaire to examine empirically user preference for a hypothetical Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) unlock situation in Japan’s mobile phone market. This paper also analyzes carriers’ other marketing strategies to lock in consumers. The empirical analysis in this study reveals the following: over 80% of survey respondents evaluate a highly compatible platform with the SIM unlocked. Approximately 70% of consumers find that the value of discounts on initial payments exceeds the discounts on one-year monthly payments. In addition, conditions set by continuing agreements for mobile carriers and mobile handsets reduce consumer benefit by 35% at the median in the case of SIM unlocking with compatible platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study adopts integrated marketing view to examine the citizens' intention. • We utilize a PLS-SEM to analyze the research model. • The results shows that relational bonds enhance the trust leads to intention. The E-government development index (2020) for the southern Asian region is below the world average, with Pakistan placing seventh out of eight nations. Although Pakistan's government developed the Electronic Government Directorate (EGD) in 2005, the country's adoption rate of e-government services is extremely low. This research aimed to expand the decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB), which is based on the Unified Model of electronic government adoption (UMEGA), to more comprehensively understand the determinants of e-government adoption behaviour among 396 citizens in Pakistan. The extension is implemented by adding the impact of relational bonds (economic, social and structural) on trust. The findings show that the following four factors have a significant effect on citizens intention to adopt e-government services: (a) attitude, (b) subjective norm, (c) perceived behaviour control (d) trust. These four factors are predicted by effort expectancy and performance expectancy, mass media influence and family influence, self-efficacy, economic, structural and social bonds, respectively. Furthermore, this research validates the applicability of the DTPB model and demonstrates that the extended DTPB model, which is based on the UMEGA model, has excellent predictive power in understanding citizens intention to adopt e-government services. Based on these findings, implications for policymakers and recommendations for further future research are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Firms frequently utilize multiple communications instruments as part of their marketing campaign. Interactions between these instruments suggest that firms should apply Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) to benefit from the synergies. We review different IMC models and then present a stochastic IMC model for which explicit closed-loop solutions of the optimal advertising and market share are obtained. This enables us to understand the role of firm and market parameters such as synergy on the optimal advertising budget and allocation. For the proposed and existing IMC models, we show that the budget and allocation decisions can be made independently, greatly simplifying the implementation of IMC. We also show that there is an optimal long-run market share that the firm should try to maintain through appropriate use of IMC. Finally, the model and results are generalized to multiple (>2) instruments and multiple competitors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The transaction and dispatch of energy (carbon) is realized through cloud technology, which avoids the problems of distrust and high cost existing in traditional third-party institutions. • The combination of blockchain technology and Internet of things technology provides a new way of energy trade and dispatch, and expands to carbon trading. • Use Antchain technology to improve the deposit speed of cloud service platform blockchain and reduce running costs. Traditional integrated energy market has problems such as single transaction type, opaque dispatch subsidies, and lack of institutions that can provide professional and fair services in the integrated energy market. Therefore, based on the smart contract of blockchain, this paper designs the cloud service platform for integrated energy market. The participants in the integrated energy market are divided into integrated energy suppliers and integrated energy users. The two can use the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP) to trade energy (carbon) in the blockchain smart contract provided by cloud service platform, as well as implement decentralized intelligent dispatch by using blockchain Internet of things technology. The smart contract designed by Antchain is used to simulate the energy trading and dispatch process of cloud service platform, and the verifiable simulation results are given. It is proved that the integrated energy market cloud service platform based on the blockchain smart contract designed in this paper can effectively realize not only the security and convenience of energy trading, but also the efficiency and intelligence of energy dispatch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of accurate day-ahead electricity price forecasts is pivotal for electricity market participants. In the context of trade liberalisation and market harmonisation in the European markets, accurate price forecasting becomes difficult for electricity market participants to obtain because electricity forecasting requires the consideration of features from ever-growing coupling markets. This study provides a method of exploring the influence of market coupling on electricity price prediction. We apply state-of-the-art long short-term memory (LSTM) deep neural networks combined with feature selection algorithms for electricity price prediction under the consideration of market coupling. LSTM models have a good performance in handling nonlinear and complex problems and processing time series data. In our empirical study of the Nordic market, the proposed models obtain considerably accurate results. The results show that feature selection is essential to achieving accurate prediction, and features from integrated markets have an impact on prediction. The feature importance analysis implies that the German market has a salient role in the price generation of Nord Pool. • Propose three LSTM-based deep learning hybrid architectures for electricity price forecasting, considering market coupling. • Apply a broad set of explanatory variables from the Nord Pool and its six integrated markets. • Conduct comprehensive comparisons for various feature selection algorithms. • Detect the feature importance from integrated markets by applying a Shapley value-based approach. • Conclude that the influence of feature selection is significant on the forecasting accuracy of LSTM-based hybrid models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide full supports for carbon market risk management and strengthen anti-risk capacity. We propose an assessment index system with 25 indices in terms of 10 dimensions from three levels of internal, external and interface risks. Furthermore, we propose an integrated model incorporating rough set and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to assess the risk of carbon market. Selecting the data of China as a research example, the empirical results show that the risk of carbon market presents obvious fluctuation in China during 2013–2017. Although the overall risk has declined compared with the beginning of carbon market, it is still at a high level and the gap between carbon markets is gradually increasing affected by regional economic differences and system design. It is also found that external risk is unpredictable, uncontrollable and destructive, meanwhile operational risk in internal risk remains high. • An assessment index system of 25 indices is proposed for carbon market risk. •An integrated model incorporating rough set and TOPSIS is built to assess carbon market risk. •China's carbon market risks present obvious fluctuations during 2013–2017. •The overall risk of China's carbon market is at a high level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cooperative and non-cooperative modes of energy hubs to seek profit maximization. • Spatiotemporal correlations of renewable energies and price responsive loads. • Nonlinear AC power flows and Weymouth equations in an integrated energy market. • Nash equilibrium in game-theoretic approach for the behaviour of strategic players. Utilizing renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels is increasing annually due to environmental and economic opportunities. Wind speed and solar irradiation depend on the time of day and the location of the site. The correlation of renewable energies with load and consequently with price in an energy market yields a more accurate estimation of energy optimization and consumption patterns. This problem will be more complicated when energy hubs choose to play in the integrated energy markets based on their coalitions with other energy hubs. An energy hub may join another energy hub to cooperate in an energy market or play self-autonomous to maximize its profit. This paper proposes a spatiotemporal correlation of wind speed, solar irradiation, and price responsive loads considering cooperative and non-cooperative modes of energy hubs based on a game-theoretic approach in an integrated energy market. This paper applies mathematical programming with equilibrium constraints to solve the highly competitive behavior of the energy hubs in this market considering loss. Two comparative and comprehensive case studies demonstrate the strategic actions of the energy hubs in these complicated conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A DP model is proposed considering the fluctuation of the day-ahead price. • A two-step settlement mode is adopted for DP. • The optimal strategies of the community energy system under DP are presented. • DP has a good adaptability that can be beneficial to both the retailer and all residents. • DP can achieve the precise positioning of floating incentives among residents. The imbalance between fixed retail prices and fluctuating wholesale prices imposes enormous stresses on the profits of residential retailers. Dynamic pricing (DP) can be regarded as an effective measure for retailers to motivate demand resources and reduce their market risks. However, existing DP programs cannot be adapted to all residents, as these programs can bring financial risk to some groups, influencing their marketability to some extent. In this study, a DP model is proposed considering the fluctuation in the day-ahead market from the view of retailers. This model consists of two parts: (i) the fixed price, representing the existing price, and (ii) the floating price, which is a real-time reflection of the fluctuating day-ahead price. Then, a two-step settlement mode is adopted for this DP to ensure that there is no expenditure supplement of residents compared with the existing price. Further, in a community energy system, an integrated demand response strategy for profit maximization of the retailer is proposed to determine the optimal DP, in which the response behavior of residents is established using the demand price elasticity matrix on the whole. A detailed case study is conducted in three price scenarios to verify its applicability and effectiveness. The results show that DP strategies are beneficial for both the retailer and all residents. In addition, this approach can benefit residents who use more energy in valley hours but less energy during peak hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A region-user bi-level joint market architecture is constructed. • A regional level electricity-gas-heat integrated energy market framework is constructed. • A user-level P2P transaction mechanism is established based on a non-cooperative game. • The influence factors of region-level energy coupling market are analysed. • The economic and technical benefits of the P2P transaction are quantified analyzed. Electric power system reform and innovative energy transaction policies have become increasingly common. In view of the fact that research on today's multi-energy coupled market have not yet incorporated multi-energy substitution characteristics on the supply and demand sides, nor the coordination between regional and user level markets. A joint energy market was developed in this study for the procurement of local integrated energy system services considering demand flexibility. The transaction mechanisms of the regional level energy coupled market and user level Peer-to-Peer (P2P) distributed transaction market were determined accordingly. The multi-energy and complementary regional energy market was coupled with the user-level distributed transaction market that considering flexible demand response characteristics to establish a regional integrated energy system joint market. The electricity, gas, and heat markets in the regional market were modeled separately, then a joint clearing mechanism of the energy coupled market was established. An autonomous scheduling model for distributed market participants at the user level and a P2P transaction mechanism considering multi-agent non-cooperative game was proposed. The bidding behaviors of different energy operators in the regional level market were simulated to assess the influencing factors. The economic and technical benefits of P2P transactions at the user level as remitted to market participants were quantitatively determined with specific indexes. The correlations and interactions between the region level and user level markets were also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Develop an integrated model of location-inventory-routing for perishable products in an emerging market. • Propose a new perspective to consider the economic cost, freshness and carbon emissions factors. • A multi-objective planning model is constructed, and constraints are established based on actual location-inventory-routing situations. The demand for perishable products in emerging markets has been increasing. However, the perishability of products brings tremendous challenges for firms to build a sustainable supply chain. In this paper, we propose an integrated model of location-inventory-routing for perishable products, considering the factors of carbon emissions and product freshness. First, the economic cost, carbon emission levels, and freshness of the perishable products are analyzed. Second, with the goals of achieving the lowest economic cost and carbon emissions and the highest product freshness, a multi-objective planning model is developed, and constraints are established based on the actual location-inventory-routing situation. Third, the YALMIP toolbox is used to solve the model, and the optimal solution to this complex multi-objective problem is obtained. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method are verified by the case study, as well as the sensitivity vehicle speed to the results. It is found that the integrated model proposed in this paper is able to significantly improve the efficiency of perishable goods supply chain management from the perspective of global optimization, and vehicle speed is able to significantly affect economic costs and carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An ongoing crisis of confidence in the banking and financial industry in Nigeria''s emerging economy calls for using integrated marketing communications (IMC) in optimizing five potentially normative actions as a beachhead in procuring corporate benefits from three variables that predict significantly customers’ favorable impressions of business: satisfaction, trust, relationship commitment. The actions: (a) personalize the stakeholder experience, (b) integrate ethics into the workplace and into corporate communications, (c) participate in training sessions in applied ethics, (d) use brandstanding expansively and integratively, and (e) conduct rigorous outcomes assessment and disseminate its results promptly to stakeholders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A local electricity-heat integrated energy market clearing method is proposed. • Local electricity and heat markets are cleared simultaneously. • The equilibrium between DSO and TSO is considered. • The model is transformed into an MISOCP problem. With the increasing interconnection of active distribution network (ADN) with the integration of distributed generations (DGs) and district heating network (DHN), local electricity-heat integrated energy market provides the opportunity of coordinated energy pricing and trading with transmission system operator (TSO). The market clearing results of distribution system operator (DSO) on local electricity and heating markets will be affected wholesale market clearing. This paper proposes a bi-level optimization model for local electricity-heat integrated energy market clearing for integrated ADN and DHN, and distribution locational marginal pricing coordinated with the wholesale market clearing of transmission system. In the proposed model, the upper-level model indicates the local electricity-heat integrated market clearing by DSO and the lower-level model indicates the wholesale electricity market clearing by TSO. The locational marginal price (LMP) of the substation of the PCC point will affect the market clearing of ADN and DHN, and further affect the distribution locational marginal price (DLMP). Moreover, the market clearing actions of DSO would affect the wholesale electricity market clearing and LMP. The equilibrium of DSO and TSO is found by transforming the proposed bi-level model into a mathematical program with equilibrium constraint (MPEC) model. The MPEC formulation is further converted into mixed integer second order cone programming (MISOCP) for effectively solving. The effectiveness of the proposed model on reducing the DLMP and improving economy of ADN and DHN are demonstrated through case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transactive energy framework was proposed in the recent years to enable the distributed energy trading among distributed integrated energy market. However, sharing energy might lead to profit loss to some participants. As a result, the incentive of joining the coalition for some participants will be diminished. Currently, researches have focused on encouraging participants to share energy by offering compensation, but the incentive compatibility is not modeled effectively. To address this problem, this paper, for the first time, develops an optimization model for the market organizer (i.e., the integrated energy service provider) to allocate the cooperative surplus according to the market contribution while the crucial attributes of the market mechanism are ensured (i.e., social welfare maximization, individual rationality, cost recovery and incentive compatibility), so that market participants can earn their fair shares and profit reductions can be circumvented. On the other hand, the problem caused by the highly uncertain and intermittent power outputs from distributed renewable energy resources imposes additional challenge for organizing a transactive energy market, which calls for the exploitations of effective algorithms to identify representative scenarios. In this paper, adaptive robust optimization algorithm is adopted to identify the scenarios that enhances conservativeness and economy and improves the efficiency of market clearing process, which transforms the problem into a tri-level model and solves by iterating between internal and external formulations. Simulation results show that social welfare increases $2,751 compared with independent operation mode, and calculation efficiency can be improved by 71.55% utilizing the ARO method. • An incentive-compatible trading mechanism is designed for integrated energy users. • Adaptive robust optimization formulation is developed to optimize system operation. • Efficient solution algorithm is developed to handle large-scale random scenes. • Four attributes are met ensuring the fair and effective distribution of benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A grading dynamic aggregation method is proposed for a virtual energy plant. • A decentralized multi-energy resources aggregation strategy is proposed based on bi-level interactive transactions. • Grading aggregation strategies can improve the enthusiasm of decentralized multi-energy resources. Under the integrated energy system, user-side resources have strong flexibilities and the number of resources is huge. It is challenging to aggregate user-side decentralized multi-energy resources to participate in integrated energy market transactions. The threshold for the transaction access is an important factor in the low participation rate of decentralized multi-energy resources on the user side for the trading and operation of integrated energy systems. To this end, this paper builds an operating framework of the grading dynamic aggregation platform, and proposes a decentralized multi-energy resources aggregation strategy based on bi-level interactive transactions of virtual energy plant (VEP). First, we put forward the operation model of VEP, and analysis the market influencing factors of VEP in bi-level interactive transactions. Secondly, a decentralized multi-energy resources grading dynamic aggregation model based on VEP is established and applied to the VEP optimal scheduling model. Finally, taking a regional integrated energy system as an example, including electricity, gas and heat systems. The results show that the proposed method can dynamically aggregate decentralized multi-energy resources that do not meet the entry rules to participate in system transactions and operations. Compared with the fixed aggregation method, the decentralized resource utilization rate is increased by 25.87%. Moreover, the proposed model effectively improves the bidding efficiency of the VEP and the economic benefits are increased by 6.52%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DC distribution systems are a promising alternative to existing AC distribution systems. They connect customers to local energy sources without conversion, thus reducing power losses. However, the unique features of DC impose strict requirements for system operation compared to AC. Within the context of a liberalized energy market, this article demonstrates three promising market designs—an outcome of a comprehensive engineering design framework—that meet those DC requirements. They are an integrated market design, which incorporates all system costs into energy prices; a market design that passes wholesale energy prices directly to prosumers; and a locational energy market design that relieves congestion with nodal prices. An optimization model estimates the three market designs' performance by simulating a realistic DC distribution system, featuring a high share of electric vehicles. Results indicate that the integrated market design is optimal in theory but computationally infeasible in practice. The wholesale energy price design aiming at constraint-free energy trading requires substantial investments in flexibility. The locational energy market design yields nearly optimal operation in urban networks and is considered the best feasible market design for DC distribution systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive international markets imply adjustments towards competitive spatial equilibrium in which excess from one market is transferred to another and prices are equilibrated except for remaining differences that can be assigned to transfer costs. The European market for wood pellets used in small-scale heating systems has been expanding significantly over the past decade. Small scale pellet heating is arguably a mature technology, but whether the market is mature is another question. In this paper we analyse recent data on trade flows and price developments between Italy, Austria, Germany and France to understand the developments of wood pellet market efficiency and to draw conclusions about market function. The objective of this study is to establish a framework to test the European residential wood pellet market for competitive spatial equilibrium using modern trade theory. We find mainly inefficiently integrated markets with remaining positive marginal profits and detectable arbitrageurs' activity. Based on a thorough discussion of these findings and the underlying data we outline possible methodology advancements and list policy recommendations to secure access and affordability of this renewable heating commodity in the long run. • EU pellet for residential heating markets are found to be inefficiently integrated. • Accessibility and quality of trade & price data since 2012 enable a joint analysis. • Competitive equilibrium theory is transferred from agricultural to energy economics. • Price differences do not significantly alter predictive power of trade models. • Stronger efforts in the provision of market data is needed to increase transparency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A monopoly technical supplier and two major manufacturers in a local duopoly market. • It integrates warranty and pricing decisions into a synthetic strategy. • The impact of a technical supplier's loyalty to the manufacturers is investigated. • The game equilibrium concerning with warranty and pricing for durable products. • Industrial applications: electricity appliance, industrial facilities, machinery equipment. In recent years, product warranties have become a promotional or competing instrument for the manufacturer. Although providing a warranty will benefit both transaction sides, it is impractical for the manufacturer to provide an unlimited warranty to monopolize the market since the related operating costs will eventually exceed the profits. Accordingly, to provide a proper warranty is a crucial issue for the manufacturer. However, the related studies overly focused on the issue of price competition. Actually, with regard to durable products, market competition exists in price and post-sale service. Accordingly, price and warranty should be equally important when manufacturers make their integrated marketing strategies. A rational non-cooperative game model will be proposed in this study. A duopoly market is considered, and the two manufacturers will pay the royalty to obtain critical techniques and parts from a technical supplier to produce and sell highly substitutable products to a local market. The study indicates as follows: once the duopoly market equilibrium is reached, no single manufacturer can increase its profits by means of raising its price or extending its warranty term since the two manufacturers' decisions always react to each other. Moreover, the manufacturers cannot fully transfer the increment of the royalty to customers by means of raising price. In addition, increasing demand's competitive intensity with respect to warranty will amplify a manufacturer's warranty elasticity if its warranty term is shorter than that of its rival. Due to the practicality of this issue, more managerial insights and suggestions are included in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal interests constitute the emphasis of client-centered, personalized marketing, which leads to personalized client fulfillment. Current shoppers are interested in more than simply buying products and services; shoppers are also interested in the surroundings of the shopping site. Everywhere in the world, an analysis of marketing value, with rare exceptions, does not integrate criteria relevant to the emotional, affective and biometrical states, valence and arousal of potential buyers. Such parameters require assessment for implementing an accurate and more effective, client-centered marketing process. This research, which required developing the Emotional, Affective and Biometrical States Analytics of the Built Environment (VINERS) Method, provides a "big picture" of built environment neuromarketing. A multiple-criteria analysis integrated the emotional, affective and biometrical states of potential buyers and the surrounding environment (its physical, economic, social and environmental criteria). Neuro-decision and neuro-correlation matrices analysis constituted its basis. This research involved the accumulation and analysis of over 350 million remote data points, which aimed to ascertain the development of the biometrical, affective and emotional maps and sought to determine over 35,000 of average and strong correlations. The obtained dependencies constituted the basis for calculating and graphically submitting the VINERS circumplex model of affect, which the authors of this article had developed. This model is similar to Russell's circumplex model of affect. However, now, the VINERS Method has provided supplements offering new opportunities. Determination of an integrated emotional market rental (IEMR) value, provision of digital tips and optimization of the IEMR value are made possible by the VINERS Method. • Neuro-decision and neuro-correlation matrix applications are part of this personalized, video neuromarketing research. • Over 350 million anonymized data and 35,000 average and strong correlations were examined. • Obtained dependencies help in calculating and visualizing the VINERS circumplex model. • Influences of emotional, affective and biometrical states on the integrated, emotional market (IEMR) value of property. • Pollution influences on emotional, affective and biometrical states; all these interrelate with the IEMR value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the analysis of the world, OPEC and non-OPEC oil production by testing the degree of persistence of the series throughout fractional integration. The analysis is relevant in the sense that it allows us to determine if shocks in the series have permanent or transitory effects. The results indicate evidence of mean reversion in the three series, especially for the world and OPEC production. We also notice evidence of multiple breaks though the degree of persistence seems to be relatively stable across the subsamples, with most of the values in the range [0.5, 1) implying non-stationary and mean reverting behavior. • Oil production is examined through fractional integration. • World, OPEC and non-OPEC data are used. • Evidence of mean reversion is found in the three series. • Multiple breaks are also detected. • The degree of persistence seems to be relatively stable across the subsamples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel distributed control strategy for large scale deployment of demand response. In the considered framework, large populations of storage devices and electric vehicles (EVs) participate to an integrated energy-reserve market. They react to prices and autonomously schedule their operation in order to optimize their own objective functions. The price signals are obtained through the resolution of an optimal power flow problem that explicitly takes into account the impact of demand response on the optimal power dispatch and reserve procurement of committed generation. Differently from previous approaches, the adopted game-theoretic framework provides rigorous theoretical guarantees of convergence and optimality of the proposed control scheme in a multi-price setup that includes ancillary services. The performance of the coordination scheme is also evaluated in simulation on the PJM 5-bus system, demonstrating its capability to flatten demand profiles and reduce the costs of generators and flexible devices. • Distributed large-scale coordination of storage operation and charging of electric vehicles. • Minimization of energy costs and optimal provision of reserve are combined. • Multi-agent framework based on sequential price broadcasts and operational updates. • Price signals are derived from an integrated energy-reserve market. • Rigorous proof of convergence and global optimality of the proposed scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]