bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Movilidad estudiantil: una maleta llena de recuerdos
Authors: Romero Hernández Viridiana , López Domínguez Martha , Leonardo Almaraz Alan Jesús , Dzul Escamilla Marisela
Published: January 2018

La Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo es una de las instituciones de educación superior pioneras en la entidad en buscar la internacionalización; una de sus actividades es ofrecer al alumnado un programa de Movilidad Estudiantil, mismo que tiene como premisa que los estudiantes obtengan experiencias en el ámbito académico y cultural mediante las vivencias, la interacción y permanencia en el país o estado en el que conviven durante un semestre o un año, que es el tiempo oficialmente establecido por esta casa de estudios. Los alumnos que son favorecidos con este programa tienen la oportunidad de adentrarse a un mundo multicultural y globalizado; por medio de ello enriquecer su formación en el área disciplinar que estudian, lo que les permite regresar a la UAEH con una maleta llena de recuerdos, aprendizaje, madurez, aprecio por su profesión y su país.
El debate del capital social
Authors: Miguez Gutiérrez Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2018

El planteamiento del siguiente ensayo, se centra en identificar las diferencias de las propuestas que se han realizado en torno al concepto de capital social y la manera en que los diferentes autores lo han recuperado. El objetivo es recuperar el pensamiento de los tres primeros autores que propusieron el concepto y entender, a partir de sus diferencias y similitudes, como han influenciado sus propuestas en autores posteriores. Ubicando el concepto dentro de un debate en cuanto a los alcances que tiene, al ocuparlo en una serie de amplios fenómenos de estudio.
Las repercusiones de la posmodernidad en el trabajo del científico
Authors: Díaz Fernández Acmed
Published: January 2018

La ciencia se ha articulado bajo la idealización de que se encuentra alejada de lo social, principalmente los representantes de tal postura son los científicos de las ciencias naturales, quienes trabajan con conceptos abstractos, utilizan un lenguaje propio y desarrollan su investigación dentro de laboratorios. Sin embargo, son influenciados de la misma manera que cualquier miembro de la sociedad, en es este sentido conviene analizar qué sucede con los científicos en la etapa de la posmodernidad, caracterizada por una individualización, la búsqueda del placer que convergen en la ruptura de la ética del trabajo planteada en la modernidad.
APPLICABILITY OF CONSOLIDATED TECHNIQUES IN THE VIEW OF ROMANIAN ACCOUNTING REGULATIONS
Authors: Rosu Cristina
Published: January 2018

The accounting regulations are more and more interested in groups of companies. In some cases, these regulations require for preparing the consolidated financial statements. This is the task of the parent company who keeps the consolidated accounts. To accomplish its goals, the consolidated accounting uses a couple of, so-called, consolidation techniques. These are applied in the case of groups of companies with a complex structure. Their goal is to elaborate the consolidated financial statements using a set of methods and empirical skills. In this article we synthetize and apply the consolidation techniques in the view of Romanian accounting regulations. The Romanian practice has revealed, especially, two techniques: one based on direct consolidation and another one based on multiple levels (phased consolidation). Therefore, this work regards only the technical side of consolidated accounting, accounting records being evaded. Furthermore, we focus only on the preparation of the consolidated balance sheet in the case of some hypothetical groups of companies.
THE SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT AND NONTRANSITORY INCREASE IN PRICES (SSNIP) TEST
Authors: Niminet Liviana
Published: January 2018

The Small but Significant Nontransitory Increase in Price Test was designed to define the relevant market by concepts of product, geographical area and time. This test, also called the ,,hypothetical monopolistic test” is the subject of many researches both economical and legal as it deals with economic concepts as well as with legally aspects.
THE POSSIBILITIES FOR THE CREATION OF A LANGUAGE XML FOR THE FORMALIZATION OF THE ACCOUNTING RECORDS
Authors: Popescu Aurora
Published: January 2018

During the nineties the main trend in the development of the applications was the supply of support and accessibility for the computers connected on the internet to a wide range of informational resources (data basis, applications). A witness in this are the numerous languages and technologies which permit an easy development of the applications for the processing of data bases with a simple web browser as, for example, the script languages ASP, PHP, JSP etc. Many changes took place in the last years regarding the informational needs or the equipments used by different users. So, today not only the computers are connected on the internet, but also a wide range of equipments as mobile phones and many home utility devices. As a result of these needs, it became an imperative necessity the conception of an universal language that be understood by all these diverse equipments. XML is the answer to this requirement, this language representing a new step in the development of the informational epoch. XML appeared as a consequence of the limits of the HTML (the language of the web pages), this last one being incapable to use data for other applications.
Informational system. Documents management
Authors: Iacob Vladut
Published: January 2018

Productivity growing, as well as reducing of operational costs in a company can be achieved by adopting a document management solutions. Such application will allow management and structured and efficient transmission of information within the organization.
FMCG companies specific distribution channels
Authors: Barin Ioana
Published: January 2018

Distribution includes all activities undertaken by the producer, alone or in cooperation, since the end of the final finished products or services until they are in possession of consumers. The distribution consists of the following major components: distribution channels or marketing channels, which together form a distribution network; logistics o rphysical distribution. In order to effective achieve, distribution of goods requires an amount of activities and operational processes related to transit of goods from producer to consumer, the best conditions, using existing distribution channels and logistics system. One of the essential functions of a distribution is performing acts of sale, through which, with the actual movement of goods, their change of ownership takes place, that the successive transfer of ownership from producer to consumer. This is an itinerary in the economic cycle of goods, called the distribution channel.
Contributions to Positioning Accounting in Relation to Scientific Research
Authors: Patrut Vasile
Published: January 2018

The paper approaches some epistemological and methodological aspects of scientific research in accounting, such as: the distinction between accounting research and scientific research in accounting; the products, dynamics and mechanism of scientific creation; scientific research as a fundamental premise of scientific creation; the challenges and conditions of scientific creation; the double standing of accounting, as object and result of the research, in relation to scientific research.
Issues regarding environmental protection in Romania
Authors: Draghicescu Mirela
Published: January 2018

The “environmental protection” activity in our country should be approached by taking into consideration its entire complexity, and the most reliable solutions may be provided only by direct and permanent reference to the vast issue of social development in its entirety. The present work aims to draw attention towards pollution, the main cause of environmental deterioration in Romania, as well as towards the management of waste materials, while taking into account the national strategy. In Romania, environmental protection is a distinct domain of the national policy, establishing the priority objectives by “The National Strategy for Environmental Protection”, according to the communitarian strategy, as well as to the tendencies and initiatives existing at global level. Our country’s efforts over the past years with respect to environmental protection are very important in the framework of contemporary economy and are reflected in the expenses incurred for environmental protection.
The importance of efficient territory management in distribution planning
Authors: Olariu Ioana
Published: January 2018

The current paper is a theoretical approach to the management of territories according to sales force, which has an important role in the realization of distribution. The central element is the way in which agents split their efforts between the activities and routes they are responsible with. A related issue is that of establishing what comes first – defining the sales territory or performing the selling. The effects of the interaction between the number of distribution representatives and the delimiting of the territory they cover influence the measurement of the individual elements that contribute to achieving commercial performance.
Ecotourism – model of sustainable tourist development
Authors: Stefanica Mirela , Vlavian-Gurmeza Maria
Published: January 2018

In the last years, the tendency in the tourism industry was that of return towards nature and towards the authentic cultural values. Among all the forms of tourism, ecotourism distinguishes itself through the strongest connection with the natural and cultural environment, representing the most valuable form of manifestation of sustainable tourism, with the fastest growth rhythm worldwide. Integrated in the sustainable development, ecotourism involves activities that directly contribute to the nature protection and to keeping the old human creations unaltered.
The importance of knowledge on the evaluation criteria in university scientific research projects
Authors: Toma Cristian
Published: January 2018

Scientific research is part of any university mission, at least of big universities, as it represents the complementary element required by the learning process. A learning process based on engendering knowledge is much more valuable and competitive than a learning process which is reduced to a mere transfer of knowledge from the teacher to the students. The important universities consider that “the development of scientific research as a fundamental competence is essential for survival in a more and more competitive environment on global level and that is why, research should be part of the university mission”1. This study aims to highlight how important it is for the university members to be aware of the evaluation criteria for the research projects they undertake. For this purpose, I have interviewed a number of 55 persons, project managers and team members in the projects from the “Research for Excellency” program and the National Plan of Research, Development and Innovation PN II 2007 – 2013. Out of the evaluation criteria for research, the most important ones were considered to be the scientific quality of the project and the quality of the human resources involved in the project.
The Discriminant Analysis: an Exploratory Study Concerning the Degree of Financial Autonomy of Companies in the Context of the Romanian Business Environment
Authors: Mironiuc Marinela , Robu Mihaela , Robu Ion
Published: January 2018

This study aims at analyzing the evolution of financial autonomy on a sample of 80 companies quoted in the Bucharest Stock Exchange, between 2006-2008. Classically, financial autonomy is measured using the global and day-to-day rates of financial autonomy. However, this study has tested the dependency between the global rate of financial autonomy (Own Capital/ Total debts) and a series of economic and financial indicators, with the purpose of obtaining both a score function that would help making a classification of the companies subject to our analysis, in performance groups (companies with a high financial autonomy, companies with a medium financial autonomy, companies with a low financial autonomy, and companies with no financial autonomy), and quantifying the influence of the relative variations of these economic and financial indicators on the relative variation of financial autonomy. In order to calculate the results, the statistic instrument SPSS 15.0 was used, and the work method was the discriminant analysis and the regression and multiple correlation analysis.
Importance of database for direct marketing campaigns
Authors: Prihoanca Diana
Published: January 2018

Direct marketing activities involve interactivity and customization which requires a good knowledge of current and potential customers. Information that define consumer profile from geographical, demographic, psychographic and behavioral point of view are contained within a database.
THE REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF MARGINAL INTRA-INDUSTRY SPECIALIZATION
Authors: Stângaciu Oana Ancuţa
Published: January 2018

The dynamics of intra-industry specialization was shown by means of the regional indices of marginal specialization, indices which break down the changes which appear in the specialization processes into two components: the marginal intra-industry specialization and the inter-industry specialization. The regional assessment of the marginal intra-industry specialization was done on the level of the sections in the Combined Register, and the results of the analyses confirm the fact that the dynamics of the specialization processes in the Romanian regions was greatly influenced by the increase of intra-industry specialization, increase manifested especially in the specialization process pertaining to the manufacturing of products which use intensively the human capital and high technology.
FEATURES OF THE INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL WITHIN ROMANIAN SMES
Authors: Feraru Andreea
Published: January 2018

Intellectual capital has become a key element of the knowledge economy and the knowledge economy, which includes today even the SMEs from Romania, alongside with other types of organizations, puts a great emphasis on the exploitation of the intellectual capital. The SMEs employees create a constructive work environment, they manifest a mutual trust and most of them have an appropriate work behavior conforming to the internal standards. The jobs and the teams formed inside the analyzed SMEs are stimulating the development of the intellectual skills, which reduces the need of involving external experts, appealing those experts would transform tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. The organizational communication provides the necessary information for the employees and contributes to the establishment of certain fair and effective relationships between managers and employees, between colleagues, but also with the people outside the organization.
SELLING, DELIVERY AND TRADE MARKETING – AN OPERATIONAL TRIDENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Authors: Olariu Ioana
Published: January 2018

This paper highlights the way in which a distribution system can be made operational in FMCG, starting from the interaction between three components of the system: selling, delivery and trade marketing. On this basis, I have categorized the improvement opportunities of each component, using the appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) of the system objectives. The optimal configuration of instruments and successful interaction of these components, improve the distribution system contribution to company performance. A specific system, defined for solving marketing problems, must be designed according to this purpose, and in this regard, all the significant elements and relationships must be subordinate to the objective by which it will achieve the desired solution. Business objectives achievement can be measured as effectiveness - the degree to which objectives were achieved, or as efficiency - the degree to which objectives have been achieved in the available resources. For evaluating the effectiveness with which an operative marketing system turns its sources into necessary results to solve a problem, it requires certain criteria to measure performance. These three elements: selling, delivery and trade marketing, are a trident of distribution which can lead to an optimal approach of market opportunities.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SEASONAL VARIATION OF MOLDOVAN MIGRANTS’REMITTANCES DURING THE PERIOD 2003-2013
Authors: Balan Christiana , Jaba Elisabeta , Pârţachi Ion , Chistrugă Boris
Published: January 2018

As a consequence of the increased number of Moldovan migrants, the volume of remittances inflows to Moldova raised steadily. Previous studies on labor migration and remittances in Republic of Moldova underline both the role of remittances in generating increased consumption of the population and its impact on the economic development of the country. In this paper, we aim to analyze the variation of money transfers of Moldovan migrants in order to estimate the trend of the remittances inflows and the seasonal variations under the impact of the global crisis. The data on remittances are available from the National Bank of Moldova, on a monthly basis, for the time span 2003-2013. The study’s results highlight an upward trend and the seasonal variation of money transfer of Moldovan migrants for the considered time span.
ANALYSIS ON THE ENTROPIC MODEL OF THE INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL. CASE STUDY OF THE SMES IN THE NORTH EAST REGION
Authors: Mironescu Roxana , Feraru Andreea , Turcu Ovidiu
Published: January 2018

The intellectual capital in its dynamic approach focusses on the development of the entropic model, which expresses the dynamic transformation of the theoretical intellectual capital in a concrete and useful intellectual capital. The aim of the present paper is to perform a detailed analysis of the intellectual capital inside the SMES of the North-Est region of the country. It also speaks about the influence of the main integrators of the intellectual capital, divided into three elements: the cognitive, the emotional and the spiritual capital, about how they are acting as a field of forces upon the basic components of the intellectual capital, such as knowledge, intelligence and values and how they determine the generation and development of the intellectual capital in the eastern analyzed SMEs. Both jobs and teams inside the analyzed SMEs are stimulating the development of the intellectual skills, which reduces the need for involving the external experts, by appealing only those specialists who could transform the tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. The organizational communication provides the necessary information and contributes to the establishment of a fair climate and of the effective relationships between managers and employees, between work mates, and also with the people outside the organization.
INSIGHTS INTO QUALITATIVE VARIABLES ASSESSMENT IN MARKETING RESEARCH
Authors: Timiras Laura Catalina
Published: January 2018

In this paper we present a number of issues to be taken into account in assessing the marketing qualitative variables. Thus, the opinions, the preferences, the attitudes, etc. of the consumers are qualitative variables whose measurement requires the use of different scales presented in the literature and, where appropriate, the researcher must develop scales adapted to the particularities of the study undertaken. Using a certain scale it is not random action. The literature presents both comparative methods and non-comparative scaling methods. Each of these categories generates certain types of information, and also they are complementary in the evaluation of various products, brands, organizations etc. Thus, if in a non-comparative scaling method can get information about how a product is evaluated (favorable or unfavorable, for example) by the respondents, comparative scaling method allows us to determine where that product is in a series of investigated competing products. Another aspect to be taken into account in the construction of the scales is the number of levels used. It is intended to obtain information with high degree of detail, but without the risk of increasing the rate of non-response due to inability of respondents to make assessments through scales with too many levels. Finally, the expression used to collect information from respondents is essential in obtaining accurate and comparable information, with the emphasis on avoiding ambiguity in drawing scales.
CONSIDERATIONS ON CONSUMER PERCEIVED RISK
Authors: Timiras Laura Catalina
Published: January 2018

In this article we identified a number of factors influencing the consumers’ perceived risk. In the first part we conducted a review of the main issues that define the perceived risk by the consumer at the time of purchase, some of the lines of action of the organizations to diminish this risk perception and a number of influencing factors presented in the literature, with significant impact on the intensity with which risk is perceived by consumers. The second part of the article is based on the statistical information regarding e-commerce market, market in which the perceived risk plays an important role in the purchasing decision. Thus, based on available official statistics provided by Eurostat we have revealed the existence of certain links between electronic commerce and orientation towards risk and income levels, age and consumer educational level. The review is not intended to be exhaustive, the study taking into consideration only those links that can be identified from using official statistical data.
THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Tudose Brindusa
Published: January 2018

The main objective of the study is to examine the role that financial management plays in ensuring regional development. This is because the crisis, economic globalisation, the increasing external growth of companies and the institutionalisation of the autonomy of local communities have fuelled the interest in identifying alternatives to local and thereby regional development. The targeted operational objectives were: to define the preliminary coordinates of regional development; to identify the role of private and public financial management in supporting regional development; and to present the financing framework of the Siret-Prut-Nistru Euroregion. The main financial levers with a direct impact on regional economic development there are: tax incentives; using EU financing programmes; leverage based on ownership of buildings and land; business incubators, etc. The study suggests that financial management (both public and private) plays an important role in the development of the Euroregion, with wide-ranging present (in the post-crisis) as well as future implications.
FEMININE VS. MASCULINE GESTURAL MARKETING. CASE STUDY: THE FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ON MAY 2, 2007
Authors: Amălăncei Brînduşa-Mariana
Published: January 2018

The gestures of presidential candidates can have an important contribution to the shaping of their mediatized image, together with the other components of nonverbal communication as well as together with words. Even more, gestures can have an impact on the evaluation made by a part of the electorate concerning the candidates. Starting from the functions of gestures in which the raised index finger is involved, as established by Geneviève Calbris (1979), we will endeavour to conduct a comparative analysis of the co-verbal gestures made by the two candidates to the presidency of France, Ségolène Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy, during their debate on May 2 2007. The identification of these functions does not include the gestures made with the index finger in combination with other facial components, as well as the gestures where the index finger describes lines drawn in space. The article uses as a research method the contents analysis of these gestures and is based on a scheme of categories that comprises the following indicators: designation/localization, important declaration, (drawing) attention to oneself, uniqueness, reference, refusal/negation, opposition/objection, threat/warning, or accusation.
CONVENTIONAL AND UNCONVENTIONAL MONETARY POLICY. THE CASE OF ROMANIA
Authors: Plescau Ioana
Published: January 2018

The aim of our paper is to analyze the conventional and unconventional monetary policy in Romania, in the context of the recent financial crisis. We study the relationship between interest rates and credit risk, but also the non-standard monetary measures that were adopted by the National Bank of Romania and their impact on the banking system. Our results point to a decrease of interest rates in the years after the crisis, which is in line with the majority of central banks that have reduced monetary rates in order to sustain the economy and the credit activity.
PREFERENCES OF YOUTH IN RELATION TO THE ORIGIN OF BRANDS - ROMANIAN AND FOREIGN - AND ITS MAIN MOTIVATION
Authors: Timiras Laura Catalina
Published: January 2018

This paper is based on some results of a direct research conducted among youth 18-30, students of the Faculty of Economic Sciences of the Vasile Alecsandri University of Bacau. The research was conducted in the month of April 2016 on a sample of 100 students selected by group sampling scheme and has an exploratory character offering a guideline on youth preference for Romanian or foreign brands for product categories: food products, alcohol beverages, personal hygiene products, cosmetics, cleaning products, clothing, footwear, consumer electronics and cars. They are also shown and the main reasons underlying preferences in terms of brand origin. The results of study highlights that the youth prefer in a greater extent Romanian food products compared to foreign ones, but, for products encompassing high technology (cars, appliances and electronics) and for fashion products (clothing and footwear) over 50% of respondents prefer foreign brands.
LABOR PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN THE EU - GAP AMONG THE MEMBER STATES
Authors: Stangaciu Ancuta
Published: January 2018

In our endeavor to analyze the labor productivity gap among the member states for the period 2000-2015, we started by assessing, on territorial profile, the indicators pertaining to descriptive statistics and the results of the hierarchical cluster analysis. In order to highlight the convergence of labor productivity growth in the EU28, two regression equations have been drawn up, in which the independent variable was labor productivity in 2000, and the dependent variable was the dynamics of the indicator registered in 2015 compared to 2000, respectively its value at the end of the period subjected to the analysis.
First application of segmental trabecular metal cones in a custom-made revision tumor prosthesis of the knee: A technical note
Authors: Hackenberg Roslind Karolina , Nessler Jochen , König Dietmar Pierre
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND:

Tumor prostheses are established as a standard procedure in tumors of the lower extremities. Septic and aseptic loosening remains the main reason for the failure of tumor prostheses. Due to bone defects, the possibilities of anchoring revision prostheses are limited. Trabecular metal cones are established in prosthetic revision surgery. However, the use of segmental trabecular metal cones in a custom-made tumor revision prosthesis has not yet been described.

OBJECTIVE:

A 58-year-old patient, who initially received a resection of the distal femur and reconstruction with a tumor prosthesis due to chondrosarcoma, attended our clinic. Because of aseptic loosening of this tumor prosthesis, revision surgery was indicated.

METHODS:

On account of huge bone defects, a reconstruction using a modular standard prosthesis was not possible. In order to prevent further resection of the bone and not replace the total femur, a custom-made revision tumor prosthesis was implanted.

RESULTS:

After preoperative planning and explantation of the loosened prosthesis, a partially cemented custom-made revision tumor prosthesis was successfully implanted using a Revitan[Formula: see text] Curved revision stem with a custom-made Revitan[Formula: see text] -Taperadapter and a custom-made segmental trabecular metal cone connected to a custom-made titanium segmental distal femur and a Zimmer[Formula: see text] NexGen[Formula: see text] RH Knee Tibia with a straight stem (Zimmer, Inc., USA).

CONCLUSIONS:

The application of segmental trabecular metal in a custom-made revision tumor prosthesis offers a new option to the previously existing treatment strategies.
Contributions of psychological needs, self-compassion, leisure-time exercise, and achievement goals to academic engagement and exhaustion in Canadian medical students
Authors: Babenko Oksana , Mosewich Amber , Abraham Joseph , Lai Hollis
Published: January 2018

Purpose: To investigate the contributions of psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and coping strategies (selfcompassion, leisure-time exercise, and achievement goals) to engagement and exhaustion in Canadian medical students. Methods: This was an observational study. Two hundred undergraduate medical students participated in the study: 60.4% were female, 95.4% were 20–29 years old, and 23.0% were in year 1, 30.0% in year 2, 21.0% in year 3, and 26.0% in year 4. Students completed an online survey with measures of engagement and exhaustion from the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory–student version; autonomy, competence, and relatedness from the Basic Psychological Needs Scale; self-compassion from the Self-Compassion Scale–short form; leisure-time exercise from the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire; and mastery approach, mastery avoidance, performance approach, and performance avoidance goals from the Achievement Goals Instrument. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed.Results: The need for competence was the strongest predictor of student engagement (β= 0.35, P= 0.000) and exhaustion (β= −0.33, P= 0.000). Students who endorsed mastery approach goals (β= 0.21, P= 0.005) and who were more self-compassionate (β= 0.13, P= 0.050) reported greater engagement with their medical studies. Students who were less self-compassionate (β= −0.32, P= 0.000), who exercised less (β= −0.12, P= 0.044), and who endorsed mastery avoidance goals (β= 0.22, P= 0.003) reported greater exhaustion from their studies. Students’ gender (β= 0.18, P= 0.005) and year in medical school (β= −0.18, P= 0.004) were related to engagement, but not to exhaustion. Conclusion: Supporting students’ need for competence and raising students’ awareness of selfcompassion, leisure-time exercise, and mastery approach goals may help protect students from burnout-related exhaustion and enhance their engagement with their medical school studies.
Models for Multiple Attribute Decision-Making with Dual Generalized Single-Valued Neutrosophic Bonferroni Mean Operators
Authors: Wang Jie , Tang Xiyue , Wei Guiwu
Published: January 2018

In this article, we expand the dual generalized weighted BM (DGWBM) and dual generalized weighted geometric Bonferroni mean (DGWGBM) operator with single valued neutrosophic numbers (SVNNs) to propose the dual generalized single-valued neutrosophic number WBM (DGSVNNWBM) operator and dual generalized single-valued neutrosophic numbers WGBM (DGSVNNWGBM) operator. Then, the multiple attribute decision making (MADM) methods are proposed with these operators. In the end, we utilize an applicable example for strategic suppliers selection to prove the proposed methods.
Piezoelectric Motor Using In-Plane Orthogonal Resonance Modes of an Octagonal Plate
Authors: Spanner Karl , Koc Burhanettin
Published: January 2018

Piezoelectric motors use the inverse piezoelectric effect, where microscopically small periodical displacements are transferred to continuous or stepping rotary or linear movements through frictional coupling between a displacement generator (stator) and a moving (slider) element. Although many piezoelectric motor designs have various drive and operating principles, microscopic displacements at the interface of a stator and a slider can have two components: tangential and normal. The displacement in the tangential direction has a corresponding force working against the friction force. The function of the displacement in the normal direction is to increase or decrease friction force between a stator and a slider. Simply, the generated force alters the friction force due to a displacement in the normal direction, and the force creates movement due to a displacement in the tangential direction. In this paper, we first describe how the two types of microscopic tangential and normal displacements at the interface are combined in the structures of different piezoelectric motors. We then present a new resonance-drive type piezoelectric motor, where an octagonal plate, with two eyelets in the middle of the two main surfaces, is used as the stator. Metallization electrodes divide top and bottom surfaces into two equal regions orthogonally, and the two driving signals are applied between the surfaces of the top and the bottom electrodes. By controlling the magnitude, frequency and phase shift of the driving signals, microscopic tangential and normal displacements in almost any form can be generated. Independently controlled microscopic tangential and normal displacements at the interface of the stator and the slider make the motor have lower speed–control input (driving voltage) nonlinearity. A test linear motor was built by using an octagonal piezoelectric plate. It has a length of 25.0 mm (the distance between any of two parallel side surfaces) and a thickness of 3.0 mm, which can produce an output force of 20 N.
Preliminary Correlations for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Sizing
Authors: Gómez-Rodríguez Álvaro , Sanchez-Carmona Alejandro , García-Hernández Luis , Cuerno-Rejado Cristina
Published: January 2018

The field of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) is currently undergoing a noteworthy expansion. The diverse types of missions that these aircraft can accomplish, both in military and civil environments, have motivated an increase of interest in their study and applications. The methods chosen to develop this study are based on the statistical analysis of a database including numerous models of RPAS and the estimation of different correlations in order to develop a design method for rapid sizing of H-tail RPAS. Organizing the information of the database according to relevant characteristics, information relative to the state-of-the-art design tendencies can be extracted, which can serve to take decisions relative to the aerodynamic configuration or the power plant in the first phases of the design project. Furthermore, employing statistical correlations estimated from the database, a design method for rapid-sizing of H-tail RPAS has been conducted, which will be focused on the sizing of the wing and tail surfaces. The resulting method has been tested by applying it to an example case so as to validate the proposed procedure.
An Indication of Reliability of the Two-Level Approach of the AWIN Welfare Assessment Protocol for Horses
Authors: Czycholl Irena , Büttner Kathrin , Klingbeil Philipp , Krieter Joachim
Published: January 2018

To enhance feasibility, the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) assessment protocol for horses consists of two levels: the first is a visual inspection of a sample of horses performed from a distance, the second a close-up inspection of all horses. The aim was to analyse whether information would be lost if only the first level were performed. In this study, 112 first and 112 second level assessments carried out on a subsequent day by one observer were compared by calculating the Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient (RS), Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Smallest Detectable Changes (SDC) and Limits of Agreements (LoA). Most indicators demonstrated sufficient reliability between the two levels. Exceptions were the Horse Grimace Scale, the Avoidance Distance Test and the Voluntary Human Approach Test (e.g., Voluntary Human Approach Test: RS: 0.38, ICC: 0.38, SDC: 0.21, LoA: −0.25–0.17), which could, however, be also interpreted as a lack of test-retest reliability. Further disagreement was found for the indicator consistency of manure (RS: 0.31, ICC: 0.38, SDC: 0.36, LoA: −0.38–0.36). For these indicators, an adaptation of the first level would be beneficial. Overall, in this study, the division into two levels was reliable and might therewith have the potential to enhance feasibility in other welfare assessment schemes.
Genotypic and Environmental Effects on Tocopherol Content in Almond
Authors: Kodad Ossama , Socias i Company Rafel , Alonso José
Published: January 2018

Almond is the most important nut species worldwide and almond kernels show the highest levels of tocopherols among all nuts. In almond, tocopherols not only play a substantial role as a healthy food for human consumption, but also in protecting lipids against oxidation and, thus, lengthening the storage time of almond kernels. The main tocopherol homologues detected in almond in decreasing content and biological importance are α-, γ-, δ-, and β-tocopherol. Tocopherol concentration in almond depends on the genotype and the environment, such as the climatic conditions of the year and the growing management of the orchard. The range of variability for the different tocopherol homologues is of 335–657 mg/kg of almond oil for α-, 2–50 for γ-, and 0.1–22 for β-tocopherol. Drought and heat have been the most important stresses affecting tocopherol content in almond, with increased levels at higher temperatures and in water deficit conditions. The right cultivar and the most appropriate growing conditions may be selected to obtain crops with effective kernel storage and for the most beneficial effects of almond consumption for human nutrition and health.
Health Impact Assessment Associated with Exposure to PM10 and Dust Storms in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Hemoud Ali , Al-Dousari Ali , Al-Shatti Ahmad , Al-Khayat Ahmed , Behbehani Weam , Malak Mariam
Published: January 2018

Little information is available on the assessment of health impact concerning the Middle Eastern dust storms and PM10 concentration levels despite the aridity of the region and frequent dust storms occurring in this part of the world. A prospective study was conducted to determine the association between dust particles and morbidity and mortality rates for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Kuwait. Spearman and Pearson’s correlations were used to identify such associations. Results revealed a significant correlation between dust storms, suspended dust and rising dust (p < 0.01). Correlation between the occurrence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and dust storms showed that PM10 concentrations were significantly correlated with bronchial asthma at the 0.05 level (Pearson r = 0.292). Significant correlations at the 0.01 level were shown between bronchial asthma and both acute lower respiratory tract infection (r = 0.737) and acute upper respiratory tract infection (r = 0.839). Respiratory and cardiovascular mortality rates were both equal to 0.62 per 10,000 persons, each corresponding to 8.7% proportionate mortality rate. This study provides a good evidence of the consistent relationship between dust storm events, PM10 concentration levels, and respiratory diseases.
Looking Deeper into the Galaxy (Note 7)
Authors: Loveridge Melanie , Remy Guillaume , Kourra Nadia , Genieser Ronny , Barai Anup , Lain Mike , Guo Yue , Amor-Segan Mark , Williams Mark , Amietszajew Tazdin , Ellis Mark , Bhagat Rohit , Greenwood David
Published: January 2018

Li-ion cell designs, component integrity, and manufacturing processes all have critical influence on the safety of Li-ion batteries. Any internal defective features that induce a short circuit, can trigger a thermal runaway: a cascade of reactions, leading to a device fire. As consumer device manufacturers push aggressively for increased battery energy, instances of field failure are increasingly reported. Notably, Samsung made a press release in 2017 following a total product recall of their Galaxy Note 7 mobile phone, confirming speculation that the events were attributable to the battery and its mode of manufacture. Recent incidences of battery swelling on the new iPhone 8 have been reported in the media, and the techniques and lessons reported herein may have future relevance. Here we look deeper into the key components of one of these cells and confirm evidence of cracking of electrode material in tightly folded areas, combined with a delamination of surface coating on the separator, which itself is an unusually thin monolayer. We report microstructural information about the electrodes, battery welding attributes, and thermal mapping of the battery whilst operational. The findings present a deeper insight into the battery’s component microstructures than previously disseminated. This points to the most probable combination of events and highlights the impact of design features, whilst providing structural considerations most likely to have led to the reported incidences relating to this phone.
Actinic Keratosis and Non-Invasive Diagnostic Techniques: An Update
Authors: Casari Alice , Chester Johanna , Pellacani Giovanni
Published: January 2018

Actinic keratosis represents the earliest manifestation of non-melanoma skin cancer. Because of their risk of progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma, an earlier diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. Their diagnosis sometimes could represent a challenge even for expert dermatologists. Dermoscopy, confocal laser microscopy and optical coherence tomography could help clinicians in diagnosis.
Neurodegeneration and Sensorimotor Deficits in the Mouse Model of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Bhowmick Saurav , D‘Mello Veera , Ponery Nizmi , Abdul-Muneer P.
Published: January 2018

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in persistent sensorimotor and cognitive deficits, which occur through a cascade of deleterious pathophysiological events over time. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that neurodegeneration caused by TBI leads to impairments in sensorimotor function. TBI induces the activation of the caspase-3 enzyme, which triggers cell apoptosis in an in vivo model of fluid percussion injury (FPI). We analyzed caspase-3 mediated apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and annexin V western blotting. We correlated the neurodegeneration with sensorimotor deficits by conducting the animal behavioral tests including grid walk, balance beam, the inverted screen test, and the climb test. Our study demonstrated that the excess cell death or neurodegeneration correlated with the neuronal dysfunction and sensorimotor impairments associated with TBI.
The Sustainability of Tall Building Developments: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Al-Kodmany Kheir
Published: January 2018

As cities cope with rapid population growth—adding 2.5 billion dwellers by 2050—and grapple with expansive sprawl, politicians, planners, and architects have become increasingly interested in the vertical city paradigm. This paper reviews and examines shortfalls of tall buildings found in the literature to inform future developments. The paper gathers a vast amount of fragmented criticism and concerns, and organizes them around the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental. Mapping out the “unsustainable” aspects forms the foundation for addressing them in future research and tall building developments.
Adsorption of Bovine Serum Albumin on Carbon-Based Materials
Authors: Seredych Mykola , Mikhalovska Lyuba , Mikhalovsky Sergey , Gogotsi Yury
Published: January 2018

The protein adsorption plays a very important role in biotechnology, biomolecular engineering and it is one of the main factors determining bio- and hemocompatibility of biomedical materials in medical applications, such as blood purification and wound healing. Here we report adsorption properties of two carbon-based materials, thermally expanded graphite (EGr) and graphene nanoplatelets (GnP), for bovine serum albumin (BSA), the most abundant blood plasma protein. The influence of the surface chemistry of expanded graphite on the mechanism of BSA adsorption was studied by using EGr modified with oxygen or nitrogen functionalities. Having low microporosity and the specific surface area in the range of 5 to 50 m2/g, the expanded graphite exhibits high protein adsorption capacity at high equilibrium concentrations, which makes this material a potential candidate for biomedical applications as a carrier for high molecular weight (HMW) drug delivery or adsorption of HMW metabolites. At low equilibrium concentrations, the effect of specific protein-surface functional groups interaction reveals the differences between the adsorption affinity of different surface modified EGr materials to BSA. The adsorption of BSA on GnP with a specific surface area of 286 m2/g and a developed micro-/mesoporous structure did not follow the same mechanism as seen with EGr materials. At low equilibrium concentration of BSA, GnP exhibits high adsorption efficiency. An important finding is that no release of nanoparticles from expanded graphite adsorbents was observed, which makes them potentially suitable for direct contact with blood and other tissues while very small nanoparticles were noticed in the case of graphene nanoplatelets.
New Interactors of the Truncated EBNA-LP Protein Identified by Mass Spectrometry in P3HR1 Burkitt’s Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Chelouah Sonia , Cochet Emilie , Couvé Sophie , Balkaran Sandy , Robert Aude , May Evelyne , Ogryzko Vasily , Wiels Joëlle
Published: January 2018

The Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen leader protein (EBNA-LP) acts as a co-activator of EBNA-2, a transcriptional activator essential for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced B-cell transformation. Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) cells harboring a mutant EBV strain that lacks both the EBNA-2 gene and 3′ exons of EBNA-LP express Y1Y2-truncated isoforms of EBNA-LP (tEBNA-LP) and better resist apoptosis than if infected with the wild-type virus. In such BL cells, tEBNA-LP interacts with the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit (PP2A C), and this interaction likely plays a role in resistance to apoptosis. Here, 28 cellular and four viral proteins have been identified by mass spectrometry as further possible interactors of tEBNA-LP. Three interactions were confirmed by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting, namely with the A structural subunit of PP2A (PP2A A), the structure-specific recognition protein 1 (SSRP1, a component of the facilitate chromatin transcription (FACT) complex), and a new form of the transcription factor EC (TFEC). Thus, tEBNA-LP appears to be involved not only in cell resistance to apoptosis through its interaction with two PP2A subunits, but also in other processes where its ability to co-activate transcriptional regulators could be important.
Regions Subject to Rainfall Oscillation in the 5–10 Year Band
Authors: Pinault Jean-Louis
Published: January 2018

The decadal oscillation of rainfall in Europe that has been observed since the end of the 20th century is a phenomenon well known to climatologists. Consequences are considerable because the succession of wet or dry years produces floods or, inversely, droughts. Moreover, much research has tried to answer the question about the possible link between the frequency and the intensity of extra-tropical cyclones, which are particularly devastating, and global warming. This work aims at providing an exhaustive description of the rainfall oscillation in the 5–10 year band during one century on a planetary scale. It is shown that the rainfall oscillation results from baroclinic instabilities over the oceans. For that, a joint analysis of the amplitude and the phase of sea surface temperature anomalies and rainfall anomalies is performed, which discloses the mechanisms leading to the alternation of high and low atmospheric pressure systems. For a prospective purpose, some milestones are suggested on a possible link with very long-period Rossby waves in the oceans.