The Equity-Efficiency Relationship: the Double Criterion versus Pareto-Efficiency

The paper is devoted to the analysis of the equity-efficiency relationship from the standpoint of the proposed double criterion of efficiency as opposed to the criterion of Pareto-efficiency. The equity-efficiency relationship with an extremum, obtained in the paper exceeds the boundaries of the traditional approach to this problem. Empirical verification of the proposed model shows that it corresponds to the facts much better than the traditional equity-efficiency trade-off model.equity-efficiency trade-off, Pareto-efficiency, double criterion of efficiency.

The Equity-Efficiency Relationship: The Double Criterion versus Pareto-Efficiency

The paper is devoted to the analysis of the equity-efficiency relationship from the standpoint of the proposed double criterion of efficiency as opposed to the criterion of Pareto-efficiency. The equity-efficiency relationship with an extremum, obtained in the paper exceeds the boundaries of the traditional approach to this problem. Empirical verification of the proposed model shows that it corresponds to the facts much better than the traditional equity-efficiency trade-off model

Central Bank Independence, Accountability and Transparency: The Case of Ukraine

This paper discusses different dimensions and measurements of central bank independence, the arguments and possible drawbacks of granting more autonomy to central banks, factors influencing the degree of central bank independence, the experience of different countries, as well as objectives and procedures for strengthening central bank accountability and transparency. The paper makes an attempt to measure formal and actual degree of independence of the National Bank of Ukraine, to highlight the main problems undermining and effective independence, accountability and transparency of the Bank and, on the basis of conducted analysis, provides recommendations aimed at enhancing policy in the direction

New DRIE-Patterned Electrets for Vibration Energy Harvesting

This paper is about a new manufacturing process aimed at developing stable SiO2/Si3N4 patterned electrets using a Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) step for an application in electret-based Vibration Energy Harvesters (e-VEH). This process consists in forming continuous layers of SiO2/Si3N4 electrets in order to limit surface conduction phenomena and is a new way to see the problem of electret patterning. Experimental results prove that patterned electrets charged by a positive corona discharge show excellent stability with high surface charge densities that may reach 5mC/m^2 on 1.1\mu m-thick layers, even with fine patterning and harsh temperature conditions (up to 250{\deg}C). This paves the way to new e-VEH designs and manufacturing processes.Comment: Proc. European Energy Conference, 201

25th Anniversary Article: A Soft Future: From Robots and Sensor Skin to Energy Harvesters

Scientists are exploring elastic and soft forms of robots, electronic skin and energy harvesters, dreaming to mimic nature and to enable novel applications in wide fields, from consumer and mobile appliances to biomedical systems, sports and healthcare. All conceivable classes of materials with a wide range of mechanical, physical and chemical properties are employed, from liquids and gels to organic and inorganic solids. Functionalities never seen before are achieved. In this review we discuss soft robots which allow actuation with several degrees of freedom. We show that different actuation mechanisms lead to similar actuators, capable of complex and smooth movements in 3d space. We introduce latest research examples in sensor skin development and discuss ultraflexible electronic circuits, light emitting diodes and solar cells as examples. Additional functionalities of sensor skin, such as visual sensors inspired by animal eyes, camouflage, self-cleaning and healing and on-skin energy storage and generation are briefly reviewed. Finally, we discuss a paradigm change in energy harvesting, away from hard energy generators to soft ones based on dielectric elastomers. Such systems are shown to work with high energy of conversion, making them potentially interesting for harvesting mechanical energy from human gait, winds and ocean waves

Modeling electromechanical properties of layered electrets: Application of the finite-element method

We present calculations on the deformation of two- and three-layer electret systems. The electrical field is coupled with the stress-strain equations by means of the Maxwell stress tensor. In the simulations, two-phase systems are considered, and intrinsic relative dielectric permittivity and Young's modulus of the phases are altered. The numerically calculated electro-mechanical activity is compared to an analytical expression. Simulations are performed on two- and three-layer systems. Various parameters in the model are systematically varied and their influence on the resulting piezoelectricity is estimated. In three-layer systems with bipolar charge, the piezoelectric coefficients exhibit a strong dependence on the elastic moduli of the phases. However, with mono-polar charge, there is no significant piezoelectric effect. A two-dimensional simulation illustrated that higher piezoelectricity coefficients can be obtained for non-uniform surface charges and low Poisson's ratio of phases. Irregular structures considered exhibit low piezoelectric activity compared to two-layer structures.Comment: To be appaer in J Electrostatic