Tallinn University of Technology

About: Tallinn University of Technology is a education organization based out in Tallinn, Estonia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: European union & Computer science. The organization has 3688 authors who have published 10313 publications receiving 145058 citations. The organization is also known as: Tallinn Technical University & Tallinna Tehnikaülikool.

Long surface wave dynamics along a convex bottom

Abstract: [1] Long linear wave transformation in a basin of varying depth is studied for a case of a convex bottom profile h(x) ∼ x4/3. This bottom geometry provides the “nonreflecting” wave propagation at least in the framework of the one-dimensional shallow water equation. In this case, shoaling effects are very strong and wave reflection occurs in the immediate vicinity of the shoreline. The existence of traveling wave solutions (which propagate without reflection) in this geometry is established through construction of a 1:1 transformation of the general 1-D wave equation to the analogous wave equation with constant coefficients. The general solution of the Cauchy problem consists of two traveling waves propagating in opposite directions and allows a detailed description of the wavefield (vertical displacement and depth-averaged flow). It is found that generally a zone of weak current is formed between these two waves. Waves are reflected from the coastline so that their profile is inverted with respect to the calm water surface. Long-wave runup on a beach with this profile is studied for the sine pulse, Korteweg-de Vries soliton, and N wave. It is shown that in certain cases the runup height along the convex profile is considerably larger than for beaches with a linear slope. The analysis of wave reflection from the border of a shallow coastal area of constant depth and a section with the convex profile shows that a transmitted wave always has a sign-variable shape. Results of the wave transformation above the convex beach and beaches following a general power law are compared. This simplified model demonstrates the potential importance of the tsunami wave transformation along convex beaches.

Economic development and evolving state capacities in Central and Eastern Europe: can “smart specialization” make a difference?

Abstract: We position “smart specialization” (SS) as the third external and conditionality-based reform of economic policy rationales – after Washington Consensus and Europeanization – in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). We discuss what kind of state, policy, and administrative capacities, or routines, SS presumes. We show that over the years CEE economies have built very different routines, especially for policy coordination and public–private interactions. Design and implementation of functional SS strategies requires critical attention and development of these routines through contextual policy experimentation in all CEE regions. We provide some general guidelines for this.

Financial and economic crisis in Eastern Europe

Abstract: Most Eastern European policymakers acted as if they had been completely taken by surprise when the global financial crisis hit them in late 2008. This paper argues that the partially enormous imbalances, particularly in the Baltic economies, were, however, visible far and beyond. The foreign savings-led strategy that relied on foreign direct investments, cross-border lending, and exports created an almost decade-long carry trade of easy credit in Eastern Europe in the 2000s that, first, transformed the domestic financial sector into largely foreign-owned universal banks with weak linkages toward the domestic productive sector and, second, burdened Eastern European consumers and producers with both interest and currency risks. The paper further argues that Eastern European economies are experiencing decreasing returns from integration into European production networks as they still seriously lag behind European core economies and East Asian catching-up countries both in productivity and knowledge intensity...