bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Education To Develop Innovative And Self-Directed Engineers
Authors: Matsuishi Masakatsu , Takemata Kazuya , Nakamura Sumio
Published: August 2014

The educational goal of the Kanazawa Institute of Technology (henceforth, KIT) is to develop innovative and selfdirected engineers. KIT developed a new curriculum, of which main pillars are engineering design education and engineering ethics education, and established an innovative facility “Factory for Dreams & Ideas” (henceforth, “Yumekobo”, which is the original Japanese name for the factory), to achieve its educational goal. Assessment of educational objectives and data are discussed in the paper. Students developed original, viable, and ethical design solutions in engineering design courses using either appropriate technology, advanced technology, or a suitable combination of both. Students' understanding and behaviour with regards to engineering design and engineering ethics advanced steadily during the courses. Students, who actively worked on Yumekobo projects, developed their technical competencies and professional skills.
Blast Furnace In Engineering Education
Authors: Petrescu Valentin , Popescu Florian , Gligor Alina
Published: August 2014

Using blended learning method, Blast Furnace subject was analysed inside the DidaTec Project. The analysed factors were the quality of presentation, quantity of information per page and human – computer interaction. The analysis shows the preference of students to work with different learning environments.
Study On Implementation Of Tablet Computers In Engineering Design Courses
Authors: Pusca Daniela , Eiliat Hoda
Published: August 2014

Rapid development and employment of modern technologies has changed humankind life style drastically. Education has always been an essential human virtue and a necessity for society. The question of how to engage technological tools in order to expand teaching benefits and increase learning capacity is on the rise. This paper is intended to contribute in assessing usage of stylus and tablet in place of traditional pencil and paper in design oriented engineering courses offered to undergraduate engineering students. The paper presents suggestions for how to use the tablet computers to deliver course material along with results of student surveys on how tablets are being used in class, their usefulness and effectiveness.
The Role Of Client – Centered Therapy Principles In Developing Praxiologic Competences Of Students In Rehabilitation Engineering Area
Authors: Raveica Gabriela , Mohora Cristina , Raveica Ionel – Crinel , Militaru Gheorghe
Published: August 2014

The paper's purpose was to prove that teaching the principles of client – centred therapy on students from rehabilitation engineering area, is an important step in developing their praxiologic competences. The new qualification, supported by project TEORO - POSDRU/86/1.2/S/63545, “rehabilitation engineering” was developed in a new master degree program, in 3 universities from Romania, were the students are trained to adapt the environment to functional potential of persons with disabilities in order to facilitate their independence in daily activities. The research started from the observation that this kind of tools is not often found on the market. According to client – centred therapy principles, the person with disabilities should be the key point in the reasoning process, because it means that he/she will use the adjustment made by specialist. Our research was focused in the first session, on discovering the client point of view concerning the adapted equipment. The conclusion of this research confirms the hypothesis presented in the paper and from the teaching process perspective, all the students recognized as an important experience their involvement in the experimental research made by questionnaires, interview and results statistics.
Face To Face Intercultutral Workshops: Are They Worth The Money?
Authors: Temple Bryan , Orme Philip , Kälviäinen Mirja , Kurula Mervi , Silvan Tommi , Mantzalos Costas , Horký Emil , Stoklasa Michal , Silva Paulino , Da Silva Rui Filipe Pereira Bertuzi
Published: August 2014

A series of two-week international workshops was held in Joensuu, Finland during February 2010, in Glasgow, Scotland in February 2011 and again in Nicosia, Cyprus during February 2012. Entitled “Intercultural Innovation Insight Workshop” (3EYES), they were sponsored by the European Lifelong Learning programme. Students from Portugal, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland and the United Kingdom were placed in multi-cultural teams of five. Each team had two product designers, one graphic designer, one financial and one marketing student. They were set the task of devising new product ideas for a local company and they had two weeks within which to do it. These intensive workshops comprised lectures and practical tutorials as well as ideation sessions for the new product ideas and represent one way in which international issues may be appreciated and accommodated. During the first innovation camp the students examined product futures for a fairly large Finnish ceramics company, the Glasgow workshop liaised with a micro-company and during the third 3EYES workshop, the Municipality of Nicosia was helped in its bid to become the European City of Culture 2017. All three events dealt with a completely different clientele: the first was a medium sized company, the second a micro company and the third a Municipal authority. The output of the first two was expected to be a physical product or product idea whereas the third did not need to be a product of any sort. The previous paper, which was delivered in the South African conference last year, compared the first two events and discussed issues of social responsiveness, shared goals and identity. Now that the third (and last) event has taken place, it is time to take stock. We conclude that the students gain greatly from both cultural and functional interaction on a way that cannot be reproduced by means of local teaching. This experience is attitude forming and can transform motivation. It also has the desired effect of increasing the desire to go on Erasmus placements in subsequent years. The perceptions from staff who attended are compared with similar reflections from staff who worked on a different, video conference based, approach. The differences in the financial sustainability of such projects are discussed and the benefits of each model evaluated.
Electronic Infrastructure Aimed At Improving Comunication And Education For Business And Academia
Authors: Agnola Liviu , Cofaru Ileana Ioana
Published: August 2014

This paper will present an educational method that will help link academia and business. This method will help improve the relations between academia and business in the field of building and testing memory systems. We will provide the basic theoretical structure of our method, and will provide our readers with a case study of one particular testing method that can breach the barrier between academia and business. This method will help both parts in improving their production methods and testing techniques. Our method will promote extended communication by using electronic means (e.g. e-mail, electronic reports, etc.), which will help the two parties work together more efficiently. We will provide an electronic infrastructure that will ease the communication between the two parties. We will also provide a study on a particular example that will prove that there are significant improvements regarding communication and learning, while also reducing the time needed for the academia methods to be implemented in business.
Development Of Food Engineering Graduates' Professional Insertion On The Labor Market
Authors: Darie Neli , Bratu Iuliana , Ognean Mihai , Ognean Claudia Felicia
Published: August 2014

The improvement of the food engineering graduates insertion on labour market it's an important target even during the educational training. The paper provides the four complementary levels followed in steps of the development reach: level 1 - connections with top food companies on industry processes (dairy, cereals, meat, additives, starch); level 2 – development of a systematically training and increment of the business customer faith; level 3 – food engineering's graduates employment; level 4 – development of necessary projects to social and economic adjustments to communion acquits.
Building Partnerships Between Businesses And Romanian Universities: A New Strategic Approach
Authors: Ilie Livia , Horobet Alexandra , Bondrea Ioan
Published: August 2014

The development of viable partnerships with the business community is crucial for a sustainable development of universities in the current economic framework. The dialogue between academia and businesses may take place in different areas, like competences and skills needed to be developed for graduates, internships in companies, common research projects, trainings, funding a.s.o. The paper aims to present the experience of different universities across the world in developing successful partnerships and some of the success stories that can be identified in Romania, with the goal of proposing a framework for good practices within Romanian universities that will allow them to benefit from an appropriate dialogue with the business community in accordance with the European Union policies and that will foster their expansion.
Designing Futuristic Eyeglasses With Innovative Marketing Strategy Using Product Life Cycle Management
Authors: Mohsin Khalil Ahmed , Dobrota Georgiana , Paul Susu , Brindasu Paul Dan
Published: August 2014

Glasses are becoming more and more important as part of our daily life. The product is an interesting and general. People's needs in this regards are different. In this research work a case study of product life cycle management of smart glasses for future use is presented. Research is thorough and quantitative. Basic objectives that were to establish are the reasons for wearing sunglasses, the most important characteristics that glasses must meet, setting the fashion trends for glasses and provides market strategy for selling glasses until recycling. On the basis of research done on sample of 30 people, different option were put in front of them the most important were chosen, which are, built-in speaker for playback, capacity to store memory, connectivity to external devices (PC) and Radio/MP3. Market strategy is also set for the glasses from factory to the recycling including customer feedback, environmental concerns. Conceptual design of the glasses using computer aided design is also presented. This multidimensional product is an achievement in innovation, entrepreneurship and gives good insight into the implementation of engineering education through product life cycle.
Developing A Model For Advanced Planning And Design Of The Processes In Automotive Industry
Authors: Zerbes Mihai Victor , Pascu Radu Vasile , Popescu Liliana Georgeta
Published: August 2014

Increasingly, organisations are realising that the first step in almost any major project is to analyse and define their business processes, and then communicate those processes to those who need them. Process design is concerned with designing a business’ processes to ensure that they are optimised, effective, meet customer requirements, and support and sustain organisational development and growth. A well-designed process will improve efficiency and deliver greater productivity. In this paper the authors presents a model for advanced planning for processes. In this paper is presented a conceptual model used in advanced planning of processes. The model was simulated in a private organization based in Sibiu, Romania - SC Compa SA - which produces mainly automotive components.
Communication Process Modeling In Research Projects
Authors: Pop Alexandra-Mihaela , Pop Ioan , Dumitraşcu Dănuţ D.
Published: August 2014

The communication process, a very important part in project management, is a subset of components that compete for their success. In this paper we present a model of the communication process for research projects through which we can obtain a work methodology in terms of communication efficiency. In the last part of the paper some test results are presented obtained by applying this model. Statistical representations, graphical views of data set analyses are made from machine learning methods for data mining. The aim is to obtain a relevant analysis of the communication process within research projects. The proposed model can also be the basis of future decisions made by project managers.
Conception And Fabrication Of Straight Axes Using Knowledge Management Principles
Authors: Rotaru Ionela Magdalena , Borza Sorin
Published: August 2014

the paper continues the research started in the paper “Conception and fabrication using knowledge management principles”. The theoretical guidelines found in the mentioned paper crystallises at a practical level in an original product – a software solution. The proposed solution has as a central element notion concerning the design and manufacturing of straight axes in the automotive industry. The application field for the proposed example regards the educational area; the software guides the user by theoretical concepts, examples, problems through practical aspects concerning the design and manufacturing of a part belonging to the axes family specific to the automotive industry. The software was developed using the Access work environment.
Research Evaluation In Engineering Schools
Authors: Kifor Claudiu Vasile , Crângaău Magdalena , Lungu Alina , Lal Mohan Baral
Published: August 2014

The term “research evaluation” defines the endeavours of quantitative and/or qualitative analysis of the research results, performed by a research unit (e.g.: department, centre, research school). Among the decisions based on the evaluation’s results, the most important are formulation of strategies and funding. The decision-factors in higher education require a broad range of information to help build policies, to allow strategies development. This information is used for marketing purposes: helps at recruiting students and researchers, at establishing research partnerships and supports philanthropic liaisons. The research presented in the paper addressed for the first time the researcher view in the research evaluation process and can be used by policies makers if combined with stakeholders’ view (funding agencies, industry etc.) in order to have a realistic view on priorities in this field at national level.
Implementing Alternative Methods For Quality Evaluation That Aim The Development Of A Sustainable Business
Authors: Şogorascu Irina , Bucur Amelia , Oprean Constantin , Zerbes Mihai Victor , Rus Alina
Published: August 2014

Global macro economical context, forced the researchers and organization from food industry, to focus more on identifying and developing of new alternative methods that might lead to a good performance in crisis conditions. These new methods aim a cost optimization, reduction of the environmental impact and the increase of customer satisfaction, while all the organizations pursue the sustainability of their own business.

The method presented in this paper, confirms the efforts of the researchers and organizations in food industry. In this study, food quality was defined throughout attributive and quantitative dimensions in order to establish a correlation between them. Sensory method it is proposed as an alternative in the educational system with the purpose of training the future specialists for sustainable development of the society.
European Initiatives In Quality Management Of Systems For Education And Training
Authors: Voinia Claudiu Sorin , Tuşa Ana , Simion Carmen
Published: August 2014

European initiatives on quality education started in higher education and vocational education and training. Objectives: Identification of the main EU initiatives in quality assurance; Analyzing the stage of applying the European Parliament and Council Recommendation on the European constitution European Framework of Reference for Quality Assurance in Education and Training; There were studied the official EU documents and other papers in the subject matter. Intermediate results show:

It is necessary to ensure inter-comparability of educational systems, using indicators and through the establishment and adherence to common principles of quality assurance in education. Implications of the European approach is to develop national quality assurance systems.
Premises For Establishing An Integrated Management System In Higher Education Institutions. Case Study: “Lucian Blaga” University Of Sibiu
Authors: Lobonţ Lucian , Pascu Radu Vasile
Published: August 2014

In the context of increased requirements of an ongoing developing market, nowadays organizations are implementing management systems able to respond the specific requirements concerning quality assurance, environment, health and security. By integrating the existent distinct management systems, it becomes possible to minimize overlapping, align the objectives and reduce costs. The concept of integrated management system tends to be adopted not only by production organizations, but also by higher education institutions. This paper analyses the premises for establishing such a system at “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu. There are analyzed the benefits an integrated management system would present, the steps necessary for creating such a system, as well as the possible obstacles when implementing it. Our research shows that an integrated management system will constitute a unitary frame for ensuring that both external and internal norms that regulate the activity of a university are complied and the objectives of the institution are efficiently pursued.
E-Learning Courses In Engineering Education With Scorm Standards
Authors: Borza Sorin
Published: August 2014

Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a collection of standards and specifications for computer-assisted learning (e-learning). This collection of standards was defined by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), an organization within the U.S. Defense Department. SCORM is a set of technical standards for e-learning software. SCORM says programmers how to write their code so that it was “fit” with several-learning software. This paper reflects the author's research, on how to set up an e-learning course using a SCORM-compliant software. The paper shows how can the software CourseLab achieve in any field of engineering courses, courses that contain in addition to presenting information, in a static and dynamic field and quizzes to check students' knowledge.
Comparative Analysis For The Implementation Of The Concept: Lifelong Learning In Places Like France, Germany, Finland, Romania
Authors: Tuşa Ana , Voinia Claudiu Sorin , Dumitraşcu Dănuţ Dumitru
Published: August 2014

The paper includes a comparative analysis in terms of lifelong learning in countries like France, Germany, Finland and Romania. The objectives: Update on the definition of each star on lifelong learning concept; Comparison strategies associated with lifelong learning for the countries analyzed; Tracking the contribution of different levels of educational system in terms of lifelong learning. The research was based on studying scientific literature from the country and abroad and it was based on questionnaires distributed. The results of investigation showed that success is related to the projects in terms of institutions, local projects and the project of the entire state that must ensure quality education. After implementing the research, conclusions are that the exchange of information between countries is needed, exchange of experience should head the true value, strategic cooperation should increase and innovation in lifelong learning through study visits for Education and training professional.
Research On The Construction And Operation Mode Of College Student Entrepreneurship Alliance – Taking Hebei Province As An Example
Authors: Liang Bo , Zhang Ke , Li Baihua
Published: August 2014

The construction and good operation of college student entrepreneurship organizations play an important role in the cultivation of college student entrepreneurship awareness and the improvement of college student entrepreneurship ability and success rate. This paper summarizes the factors restricting student entrepreneurship and proposes the suggestion of constructing student entrepreneurship alliance based on the analysis of the education and the current operation status of entrepreneurship organizations in Hebei Province. With the idea of “Promoting employment by entrepreneurship to realize social entrepreneurship” and the target of “Improving college student entrepreneurship success rate”, college student entrepreneurship alliance integrates multi social resources with the involvement of the government, society, enterprises and colleges. The operation of the alliance is divided into education stage, incubation stage and marketing operation stage. By the three stages’ cultivation to college students, it plays a positive role in aspects such as the participation of college education and social education, the promotion of entrepreneurship education development and college student entrepreneurship success rate and district economic development.
A Modern 2.0 E-Learning Platform Implemented At Lucian Blaga University Of Sibiu
Authors: Ciora Radu Adrian , Stoica Eduard
Published: August 2014

Our proposal explores access issues, availability and potential of e-Learning education in creating a modern learning environment as well as enhancing cultural understanding for both Romanian and foreign students at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu. We argue that the use of e-Learning can be further extended to corporate training and other learning environments whose primary aim is facilitating knowledge, increasing access and enhancing cultural understanding and building mutual trust. Moreover it squeezes out the old-fashioned learning which is limited and constraint. Unlike that, a learner should be given a free hand with regard to selecting the course schedule. One should be allowed to learn just-in-time, on-demand. Moreover, he/she should have influence on the contents of the classes. Learning should be customized, initiated by user profile and demands. This is actually what e-Learning is aiming at.
Using The Finite Element Method In Teaching Students About The Phenomena Occurring At The Flow Of Methane Gas Through Pipes And Faucets
Authors: Gligor Alina , Oleksik Valentin , Petrescu Valentin , Deac Cristian , Huidan Alecu Sorin
Published: August 2014

Due to the fact that it has been shown that students have difficulties in understanding the complex phenomena occurring at the flow of methane gas through pipes and faucets as taught in the classical, analytical manner, the current paper suggests the usage of the finite element method for aiding the teaching of these phenomena. This method allows the determining of important parameters such as the gas speed, the occurring pressure losses, the energy consumed in various flow types without requiring the memorizing or deduction of complex equation systems. The main benefit brought by this method in the teaching of undergraduate students, graduate students or doctoral students is that the visual impact it brings helps to increase the degree of comprehension and also the students’ interest in furthering their technical training.
New Methods For Learning In Computer Science Education
Authors: Borza Iunia-Cristina
Published: August 2014

Computer Science has an important impact on our every-day lives. Education in Computer Science is a difficult process that in the last decade has known radical transformations. New concepts were brought to life, for example K12, which regulates the way that the education develops in this domain from an educational system point of view and also from the teaching ways of the professors. The wide-range development of the Internet generated new ways of teaching in computer science. In this paper, I would like to present the way in which an interactive lecture can be held between a student and its teacher, a course that respects the SCORM standards of WEB implementation. Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) is a collection of standards and specifications for e-learning. This collection of standards is defined by the de Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), an organization from the USA Defence Department.
University Promotion – Key Factor Of The Use Of Marketing Strategies, In The Context Of Improving The Romanian Higher Education. Case Study
Authors: Nen Madlena , Nicolescu Cristina , Rădulescu Crina
Published: August 2014

This scientific approach was triggered by the interest to analyze the ability of Romanian higher education to use the marketing strategies, such as the use of promotion, (as instrument of the marketing mix), as strategies of boosting their competitive advantage. The research final conclusions highlight, however, an incipient crystallization of this ability, standing by the initial statement, according to which the Romanian higher education institutions have not yet reached the maturity level in using the marketing instruments, which calls for, in a fairly foreseeable future, the need to adjust their using manner.
Emotional Learning Based Intelligent Controllers for Rotor Flux Oriented Control of Induction Motor
Authors: Abdollahi Rohollah , Farhangi Reza , Yarahmadi Ali
Published: August 2014

This paper presents design and evaluation of a novel approach based on emotional learning to improve the speed control system of rotor flux oriented control of induction motor. The controller includes a neuro-fuzzy system with speed error and its derivative as inputs. A fuzzy critic evaluates the present situation, and provides the emotional signal (stress). The controller modifies its characteristics so that the critics stress is reduced. The comparative simulation results show that the proposed controller is more robust and hence found to be a suitable replacement of the conventional PI controller for the high performance industrial drive applications.
Global drivers effect in multi-annual variability of runoff
Authors: Fendeková Miriam , Pekárová Pavla , Fendek Marián , Pekár Ján , Škoda Peter
Published: August 2014

Changes in runoff parameters are very important for Slovakia, where stream-flow discharges, being supplied by precipitation and groundwater runoff, are preferentially influenced by climatic conditions. Therefore, teleconnections between runoff parameters, climate parameters and global atmospheric drivers such as North Atlantic Oscillation, Southern Pacific Oscillation, Quasi-biennial oscillation and solar activity were studied in the Nitra River Basin, Slovakia. Research was mostly based on records of 80 years (1931-2010) for discharges and baseflow, and 34 years for groundwater heads. Methods of autocorrelation, spectral analysis, cross-correlation and coherence function were used. Results of auto- correllograms for discharges, groundwater heads and base flow values showed a very distinct 11-year and 21-year periodicity. Spectrogram analysis documented the 11-year, 7.8-year, 3.6-year and 2.4-year periods in the discharge, precipitation and air temperature time series. The same cycles except of 11-years were also identified in the long-term series of the North Atlantic Oscillation and Southern Pacific Oscillation indices. The cycle from approximately 2.3 to 2.4-years is most likely connected with Quasi-biennial oscillation. The close negative correlation between the North Atlantic Oscillation winter index and the hydrological surface and groundwater parameters can be used for their prediction within the same year and also for one year in advance.
Influence of surface water level fluctuation and riverbed sediment deposits on groundwater regime
Authors: Koczka Bara Márta , Velísková Yvetta , Dulovičová Renáta , Schügerl Radoslav
Published: August 2014

The spatial and temporal patterns of surface water (SW) - groundwater (GW) exchange are significantly affected by riverbed silting, clogging or erosion processes, by altering the thickness and hydraulic conductivity of riverbed sediments. The duration of SW-GW exchange is controlled by the drainage and infiltration resistance of river bottom sediments (e.g. Andrássy et al., 2012). Generally, these two parameters primarily depend on the hydraulic conductivity and on the thickness of clogged layer.

In this study the flow processes between GW and SW were modeled by model TRIWACO for different infiltration resistance and drainage resistance of riverbed sediments. The model area is situated on the Rye Island, which is a lowland area with very low slope. In this area a channel network was built up, where the flow conditions are controlled by water-gates. Because of the low slope and the system of water gates built on the channels, the riverbeds are influenced by intensive clogging processes. First, the applicability of model TRIWACO in the study area was tested by modelling the response of GW on SW level fluctuation. It was simulated, how the regulation of water level and flow direction in the channels influence the GW level, especially in extreme hydrological conditions (drought/flood), and if the GW flow direction and GW level change as it was expected. Next, the influence of channel network silting up on GW-SW interaction was modeled. The thickness of riverbed sediments was measured and their hydraulic conductivity from disturbed sediment samples was evaluated. The assessed hydraulic conductivity was used to calculate the infiltration resistance and the drainage resistance of riverbed sediments in the study area. Then, the GW level and flow direction was simulated for different infiltration resistance and drainage resistance of sediments.
Susceptibility To Breast Cancer And Intron 3 Ins/Del Genetic Polymorphism Of DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Gene XRCC4
Authors: Saadat Mostafa , Saadat Shekoofeh
Published: August 2014

Background: Since genetic variations in X-ray cross-complementing group 4 (XRCC4; OMIM: 194363) repair gene might be associated with a reduction in cellular DNA repair capacity, it is hypothesized that XRCC4 Ins/Del (I/D) polymorphism (in intron 3 of the gene; rs28360071) may be a risk factor for breast cancer. Therefore, the present case-control study was carried out.

Methods: The present case-control study included 407 females with breast cancer and a total of 394 healthy females from the general population matched with patients according to age. Genotypic analysis for the XRCC4 I/D polymorphism was performed by PCR. In order to investigate the effect of XRCC4 I/D polymorphism on age at diagnosis of breast cancer, the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazards regression model were used.

Results: Based on the present case-control study, the ID (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.69–1.31, P=0.781) and DD (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 0.84–1.83, P=0.274) genotypes were not associated with breast cancer risk compared with the II genotype. Based on the Cox regression model, there was significant association between genotypes of I/D polymorphism and age at diagnosis of breast cancer (ID+DD vs II; HR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.64–0.98, P=0.036).

Conclusion: Although there was no significant association between XRCC4 I/D polymorphism and risk of breast cancer, patients having the II genotype have lower age at diagnosis in comparison with patients having ID+DD genotypes.
Computer Synthesis Approaches of Hyperboloid Gear Drives with Linear Contact
Authors: Abadjiev Valentin , Kawasaki Haruhisa
Published: August 2014

The computer design has improved forming different type software for scientific researches in the field of gearing theory as well as performing an adequate scientific support of the gear drives manufacture. Here are attached computer programs that are based on mathematical models as a result of scientific researches. The modern gear transmissions require the construction of new mathematical approaches to their geometric, technological and strength analysis. The process of optimization, synthesis and design is based on adequate iteration procedures to find out an optimal solution by varying definite parameters.

The study is dedicated to accepted methodology in the creation of soft- ware for the synthesis of a class high reduction hyperboloid gears - Spiroid and Helicon ones (Spiroid and Helicon are trademarks registered by the Illinois Tool Works, Chicago, Ill). The developed basic computer products belong to software, based on original mathematical models. They are based on the two mathematical models for the synthesis: “upon a pitch contact point” and “upon a mesh region”. Computer programs are worked out on the basis of the described mathematical models, and the relations between them are shown. The application of the shown approaches to the synthesis of commented gear drives is illustrated.
Using A Particular Sampling Method for Impedance Measurement
Authors: Lentka Grzegorz
Published: August 2014

The paper presents an impedance measurement method using a particular sampling method which is an alternative to DFT calculation. The method uses a sine excitation signal and sampling response signals proportional to current flowing through and voltage across the measured impedance. The object impedance is calculated without using Fourier transform. The method was first evaluated in MATLAB by means of simulation. The method was then practically verified in a constructed simple impedance measurement instrument based on a PSoC (Programmable System on Chip). The obtained calculation simplification recommends the method for implementation in simple portable impedance analyzers destined for operation in the field or embedding in sensors.
The Comparative Analysis of the Thermal Regime in the Rucăr-Bran Corridor and the Prahova-Timiş Corridor
Authors: Teodoreanu Elena , Havriş (Mic) Loredana-Elena
Published: August 2014

Comparative analysis of thermal regime in the Rucăr-Bran Corridor and the Prahova-Timiş Corridor. The authors analyze the thermal regime of two close corridors - one in the mountains and one in a valley; the first one - the Rucar-Bran Corridor is situated in the east of the Southern Carpathians e separates the Bucegi group from the Fagaras group; the second - the Prahova Timis Corridor is situated at the contact between the Southern and the Eastern Carpathians, between the Bucegi-Postavaru Mountains and Teleajenului Mountains. In order to determine from a thermal point of view the similarities and the differences between the two negative landforms, the authors used the vertical temperature gradients on the northern, southern, eastern and western slopes, based on the annual average temperatures and of the two characteristic months of the year (January/February and July/August) from seven weather stations installed in the region, at altitudes between 461 and 2504 meters, for a 47 year period (1961-2007). This way, they discussed the temperature differences in winter and summer between the mountain peaks and the depression areas, as well as the thermal anomalies caused by the geographic location: the position of the corridors’ regions with regard to the main atmospheric circulation and the exposure of the slopes to the sun, as well as the landform, which can alter the general distribution of the air temperature on the vertical.
Data-Mining – A Valuable Managerial Tool for Improving Power Plants Efficiency
Authors: Danubianu Mirela , Danubianu Dragos Mircea , Teodorescu Cristian , Constantin Lucian
Published: August 2014

Energy and environment are top priorities for the EU’s Europe 2020 Strategy. Both fields imply complex approaches and consistent investment. The paper presents an alternative to large investments to improve the efficiencies of existing (outdated) power installations: namely the use of data-mining techniques for analysing existing operational data. Data-mining is based upon exhaustive analysis of operational records, inferring high-value information by simply processing records with advanced mathematical / statistical tools. Results can be: assessment of the consistency of measurements, identification of new hardware needed for improving the quality of data, deducing the most efficient level for operation (internal benchmarking), correlation of consumptions with power/ heat production, of technical parameters with environmental impact, scheduling the optimal maintenance time, fuel stock optimization, simulating scenarios for equipment operation, anticipating periods of maximal stress of equipment, identification of medium and long term trends, planning and decision support for new investment, etc. The paper presents a data mining process carried out at the TERMICA - Suceava power plant. The analysis calls for a multidisciplinary approach, a complex team (experts in power&heat production, mechanics, environmental protection, economists, and last but not least IT experts) and can be carried out with lower expenses than an investment in new equipment. Involvement of top management of the company is essential, being the driving force and motivation source for the data-mining team. The approach presented is self learning as once established, the data-mining analytical, modelling and simulation procedures and associated parameter databases can adjust themselves by absorbing and processing new relevant information and can be used on a long term basis for monitoring the performance of the installation, certifying the soundness of managerial measures taken and suggesting further adjustments
The potential role of O-GlcNAc modification in cancer epigenetics
Authors: Forma Ewa , Jóźwiak Paweł , Bryś Magdalena , Krześlak Anna
Published: August 2014

There is no doubt that cancer is not only a genetic disease but that it can also occur due to epigenetic abnormalities. Diet and environmental factors can alter the scope of epigenetic regulation. The results of recent studies suggest that O-GlcNAcylation, which involves the addition of N-acetylglucosamine on the serine or threonine residues of proteins, may play a key role in the regulation of the epigenome in response to the metabolic status of the cell. Two enzymes are responsible for cyclic O-GlcNAcylation: O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which catalyzes the addition of the GlcNAc moiety to target proteins; and O-GlcNAcase (OGA), which removes the sugar moiety from proteins. Aberrant expression of O-GlcNAc cycling enzymes, especially OGT, has been found in all studied human cancers. OGT can link the cellular metabolic state and the epigenetic status of cancer cells by interacting with and modifying many epigenetic factors, such as HCF-1, TET, mSin3A, HDAC, and BAP1. A growing body of evidence from animal model systems also suggests an important role for OGT in polycomb-dependent repression of genes activity. Moreover, O-GlcNAcylation may be a part of the histone code: O-GlcNAc residues are found on all core histones.
On Gelfand-Mazur theorem on a class ofF-algebras
Authors: Anjidani E.
Published: August 2014

A topological algebraAis said to be fundamental if there existsb> 1 such that for every sequence(xn) inA, (xn) is Cauchy whenever the sequencebn(xn−xn-1) tends to zero as n → ∞. Let A be a complex unital fundamentalF-algebra with bounded elements such thatA* separates the points onA. Then we prove that the spectrum σ(a) of every element a ∈ A is nonempty compact. Moreover, if A is a division algebra,then A is isomorphic to the complex numbers ℂ. This result is a generalization of Gelfand-Mazur theoremfor a large class ofF-algebras, containing both locally bounded algebras and locally convex algebras withbounded elements.
The hanta hunting study: underdiagnosis of Puumala hantavirus infections in symptomatic non-travelling leptospirosis-suspected patients in the Netherlands, in 2010 and April to November 2011
Authors: Goeijenbier M , Hartskeerl R A , Reimerink J , Verner-Carlsson J , Wagenaar J F , Goris M G , Martina B E , Lundkvist Å , Koopmans M , Osterhaus A D , van Gorp E C , Reusken C B
Published: August 2014

Leptospirosis and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) are hard to distinguish clinically since these two important rodent-borne zoonoses share hallmark symptoms such as renal failure and haemorrhage. Leptospirosis is caused by infection with a spirochete while HFRS is the result of an infection with certain hantaviruses. Both diseases are relatively rare in the Netherlands. Increased incidence of HFRS has been observed since 2007 in countries that border the Netherlands. Since a similar rise in incidence has not been registered in the Netherlands, we hypothesise that due to overlapping clinical manifestations, hantavirus infections may be confused with leptospirosis, leading to underdiagnosis. Therefore, we tested a cohort of non-travelling Dutch patients with symptoms compatible with leptospirosis, but with a negative diagnosis, during 2010 and from April to November 2011. Sera were screened with pan-hantavirus IgG and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Sera with IgM reactivity were tested by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). ELISA (IgM positive) and IFA results were confirmed using focus reduction neutralisation tests (FRNTs). We found hantavirus-specific IgG and/or IgM antibodies in 4.3% (11/255) of samples taken in 2010 and in 4.1% (6/146) of the samples during the 2011 period. After FRNT confirmation, seven patients were classed as having acute Puumala virus infections. A review of hantavirus diagnostic requests revealed that at least three of the seven confirmed acute cases as well as seven probable acute cases of hantavirus infection were missed in the Netherlands during the study period.
GIS-Based Landslide Susceptibility Mapping on the Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece
Authors: Chalkias Christos , Ferentinou Maria , Polykretis Christos
Published: August 2014

: In this paper, bivariate statistical analysis modeling was applied and validated to derive a landslide susceptibility map of Peloponnese (Greece) at a regional scale. For this purpose, landslide-conditioning factors such as elevation, slope, aspect, lithology, land cover, mean annual precipitation (MAP) and peak ground acceleration (PGA), and a landslide inventory were analyzed within a GIS environment. A landslide dataset was realized using two main landslide inventories. The landslide statistical index method (LSI) produced a susceptibility map of the study area and the probability level of landslide occurrence was classified in five categories according to the best classification method from three different methods tested. Model performance was checked by an independent validation set of landslide events. The accuracy of the final result was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. The prediction ability was found to be 75.2% indicating an acceptable susceptibility map obtained from the GIS-based bivariate statistical model.
Trafficking of Kainate Receptors
Authors: Pahl Steffen , Tapken Daniel , Haering Simon , Hollmann Michael
Published: August 2014

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) mediate the vast majority of excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system of vertebrates. In the protein family of iGluRs, kainate receptors (KARs) comprise the probably least well understood receptor class. Although KARs act as key players in the regulation of synaptic network activity, many properties and functions of these proteins remain elusive until now. Especially the precise pre-, extra-, and postsynaptic localization of KARs plays a critical role for neuronal function, as an unbalanced localization of KARs would ultimately lead to dysregulated neuronal excitability. Recently, important advances in the understanding of the regulation of surface expression, function, and agonist-dependent endocytosis of KARs have been achieved. Post-translational modifications like PKC-mediated phosphorylation and SUMOylation have been reported to critically influence surface expression and endocytosis, while newly discovered auxiliary proteins were shown to shape the functional properties of KARs.
Impact of the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) Effect and Cathepsins Levels on the Activity of Polymer-Drug Conjugates
Authors: Rajora Amit , Ravishankar Divyashree , Osborn Helen , Greco Francesca
Published: August 2014

Polymer-drug conjugates have demonstrated clinical potential in the context of anticancer therapy. However, such promising results have, to date, failed to translate into a marketed product. Polymer-drug conjugates rely on two factors for activity: (i) the presence of a defective vasculature, for passive accumulation of this technology into the tumour tissue (enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect) and (ii) the presence of a specific trigger at the tumour site, for selective drug release (e.g., the enzyme cathepsin B). Here, we retrospectively analyse literature data to investigate which tumour types have proved more responsive to polymer-drug conjugates and to determine correlations between the magnitude of the EPR effect and/or expression of cathepsin B. Lung, breast and ovarian cancers showed the highest response rate (30%, 47% and 41%, respectively for cathepsin-activated conjugates and 31%, 43%, 40%, across all conjugates). An analysis of literature data on cathepsin content in various tumour types showed that these tumour types had high cathepsin content (up to 3835 ng/mg for lung cancer), although marked heterogeneity was observed across different studies. In addition, these tumour types were also reported as having a high EPR effect. Our results suggest that a pre-screening of patient population could bring a more marked clinical benefit.
Evaluating MERIS-Based Aquatic Vegetation Mapping in Lake Victoria
Authors: Cheruiyot Elijah , Mito Collins , Menenti Massimo , Gorte Ben , Koenders Roderik , Akdim Nadia
Published: August 2014

Delineation of aquatic plants and estimation of its surface extent are crucial to the efficient control of its proliferation, and this information can be derived accurately with fine resolution remote sensing products. However, small swath and low observation frequency associated with them may be prohibitive for application to large water bodies with rapid proliferation and dynamic floating aquatic plants. The information can be derived from products with large swath and high observation frequency, but with coarse resolution; and the quality of so derived information must be eventually assessed using finer resolution data. In this study, we evaluate two methods: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) slicing and maximum likelihood in terms of delineation; and two methods: Gutman and Ignatov’s NDVI-based fractional cover retrieval and linear spectral unmixing in terms of area estimation of aquatic plants from 300 m Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) data, using as reference results obtained with 30 m Landsat-7 ETM+. Our results show for delineation, that maximum likelihood with an average classification accuracy of 80% is better than NDVI slicing at 75%, both methods showing larger errors over sparse vegetation. In area estimation, we found that Gutman and Ignatov’s method and spectral unmixing produce almost the same root mean square (RMS) error of about 0.10, but the former shows larger errors of about 0.15 over sparse vegetation while the latter remains invariant. Where an endmember spectral library is available, we recommend the spectral unmixing approach to estimate extent of vegetation with coarse resolution data, as its performance is relatively invariant to the fragmentation of aquatic vegetation cover.