bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical profiles of Iris unguicularis Poir. with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-Alzheimer activities
Authors: Bensari Souheir , Ouelbani Rayene , Yilmaz Mustafa Abdullah , Bensouici Chawki , Gokalp Esma , Khelifi Douadi
Published: August 2020

Phytochemical investigation of medicinally important plants has gained great attention, lately. This study aims to investigate the phytochemical constituents of the partitioned extracts (ethyl acetate (AI), dichloromethane (CI) and n-butanol (BI)) derived from the 70% ethanol extract of the rhizomes (RI) of Iris unguicularis Poir. an Algerian-Tunisian endemic plant and to evaluate their biological activities. Seventy constituents of these partitioned extracts were qualitatively characterized by liquid chromatography ion trap time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-MS-IT-TOF) technique. Moreover, quantitative screening of phenolic acids and flavonoids in the studied extracts was accomplished by a previously validated LC-MS/MS method. It was determined that, AI and CI, which were the richest extracts in terms of phytochemical content, showed high antioxidant and antibacterial activities in parallel with their identified constituents, while AI extract was rich in protocatechuic (1080.4 µg analyte/g), 4-OH-benzoic (2218.2 µg/g), syringic (1218.6 µg/g) and pcoumaric (1071.2 µg/g) acids, CI extract has been found to be rich in naringenin (1453.4 µg/g) and ferulic acid (1088.4 µg/g). These results revealed and confirmed the importance of the species and especially the genus rhizomes which have largely been used in folk medicine for the treatment of many diseases. However, all extracts of this endemic plant were inactive at all concentration against acetyl-and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes.
Impact of ecological restoration techniques on the dynamics of degraded ecosystems of the mounts of Saida: Case of the forests of Doui Thabet (West Algeria)
Authors: Ahmed Aouadj Sid , Yahia Nasrallah , Okkacha Hasnaoui , Hadj Khatir
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present study aims to establish the impact of different restoration techniques (soil and vegetation works) of five pioneer species of the Doui Thabet forest (Mounts of Saida, West of Algeria): Pinus halepensis, Pistacia lentiscus., Tetraclinis articulata, Juniperus oxycedru,. and Stipa capensis (= S. tenacissima L.) between 2018 and 2020. An experimental field device covering an area of 1 ha has been installed in the Doui Thabet forest in a Pinus halepensis massive more than 80 years old. The following work was carried out: mechanical grinding of the vegetation (chopping), turning (scarification of soil) to a depth of 10 cm, tillage (Deep ploughing) to a depth of 20 cm, controlled burning of branches, clearing of Stipa capensis, seedlings planted in different seasons for certain species (Stipa capensis = S. tenacissima L.), monitoring of stump rejections and natural sowing. The sowing result varies according to the species and restoration techniques, it is high for Pinus halepensis and Stipa capensis. It is low for Tetraclinis articulata and Juniperus oxycedrus and none for Pistacia lentiscus while for Stipa capensis it is quite high when planted in autumn compared to spring. Turning and burning have proven to be the most abundant treatments for regeneration and growth. Grinding has medium seedling density and growth, while deep tillage and natural sowing showed low seedling density and growth.
Palaeoenvironmental interpretation of the structures and textures of the Miocene sediments in the Strymon basin, Northern Greece
Authors: Beratis Ioannis
Published: August 2020

For the purpose of lithological analysis the Miocene sedimentary sequences in the Strymon basin, Northern Greece have been observed and described in detail concluding in subdividing them into a new lithostratigraphic shape. These investigations in this analysis, through the study of data of the sedimentary structures and textures led to the interpretation of the depositional environments in the Miocene basin.
Circular Fashion – Consumers’ Attitudes in Cross-National Study: Poland and Canada
Authors: Koszewska Malgorzata , Rahman Osmud , Dyczewski Blazej
Published: August 2020

The limits of the present linear economy model (take-make-waste) are well illustrated by the textile and clothing sector, one of the most indispensable consumer goods industries. Although a huge increase in the number of publications on the circular economy can be observed, the number of papers analyzing consumers’ attitudes and behavior toward circular fashion, especially the ones comparing consumers from different regions, is still limited. The article aimed to assess consumers’ attitudes toward circular fashion and draw a cross country comparison in this respect. The research focused on the three pillars of the latest EU Sustainable Product Policy Framework, i.e., designing sustainable products, empowering consumers, and circularity in production processes. An online survey and convenience sampling were used to collect valid responses from two countries (i.e., Canada and Poland) with different cultures, levels of economic development, and approaches to environmental and social issues. The results showed that significant differences between the countries emerged to a greater extent regarding consumers’ attitudes toward environmental labels for fashion products and sustainable buying behavior. The Polish respondents perceived the need for such labels to a greater extent. The Canadian ones, on the other hand, turned out to be more willing to choose sustainable clothing and reduce consumption. The differences between the countries were much less conspicuous as regards circular cues and circularity in fashion production processes. They appeared only in the case of clothing durability and the impact of production processes on air quality. Those aspects turned out to be more important for Polish respondents.
On a question of Schmidt and Summerer concerning 3-systems
Authors: Schleischitz Johannes
Published: August 2020

Following a suggestion of W.M. Schmidt and L. Summerer, we construct a proper 3-system (P
1,P
2,P
3) with the property ̄φ
3 = 1. In fact, our method generalizes to provide n-systems with ̄φn
= 1, for arbitrary n ≥ 3. We visualize our constructions with graphics. We further present explicit examples of numbers ξ
1,...,ξn

−1 that induce the n-systems in question.
Monitoring Anticoagulation with Unfractionated Heparin on Renal Replacement Therapy. Which Is the Best aPTT Sampling Site?
Authors: Anton Florin Ioan , Rus Paul Adrian , Hagau Natalia
Published: August 2020

Background

Controlled anticoagulation is key to maintaining continuous blood filtration therapies. Objective: The study aimed to compare different blood sampling sites for activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to evaluate anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin (UFH) in continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and identify the most appropriate sampling site for safe patient anticoagulation and increased filter life span.

Method

The study was a prospective observational single-centre investigation targeting intensive care unit (ICU) patients on CRRT using an anticoagulation protocol based on patient characteristics and a weight-based modified nomogram. Eighty-four patients were included in the study. Four sampling sites were assessed: heparin free central venous nondialysis catheter (CVC), an arterial line with heparinised flush (Artery), a circuit access line (Access), and a circuit return line (Postfilter). Blood was sampled from each of four different sites on every patient, four hours after the first heparin bolus. aPTT was determined using a rapid clot detector, point of care device.

Results

A high positive correlation was obtained for aPTT values between CVC and Access sampling sites (r (84) =0.72; p <0 .05) and a low positive correlation between CVC and Arterial sampling site (r (84) =0.46, p < 0.05). When correlated by artery age, the young Artery (1-3 day old) correlates with CVC, Access and Postfilter (r (45) = 0.74, p >0.05). The aPTT values were significantly higher at Postfilter and Arterial sampling site, older than three days, compared to the CVC sampling site (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Considering patient bleeding risks and filter life span, the optimal sampling sites for safe assessment of unfractionated heparin anticoagulation on CRRT during CVVHDF were the central venous catheter using heparin free lavage saline solution, a heparinised flushed arterial catheter not older than three days, and a circuit access line.
The Effects of Highly-Educated Immigrants on Innovation in Three Developed European Countries
Authors: Sinoi Elena-Alexandra
Published: August 2020

In the current globalized world, migration represents a topic of great interest, generating advantages and downsides as well, both for the people and the communities implicated. Highly-educated migrants represent a key factor in fostering innovation, productivity and economic growth, and promote knowledge diffusion/distribution in both directions, from origin to destination country and vice versa. This research investigates the effects of highly-educated immigrants on the number of patents (a good proxy for measuring innovation activities), in the case of Austria, Finland and Sweden, between 2011 and 2017. For the empirical analysis of the study case, we used panel data and developed a multiple linear regression model estimated through the ordinary least squares method (OLS), at the country-level. In line with the vast existing literature, the main finding of this paper is that highly-educated immigrants, representing external factors of innovation, have a positive and significant impact on the number of patent applications in all three receiving countries. Moreover, financial support in R&D (in different sectors) and investments in human capital (from diverse fields) serve as internal factors of innovation and also contribute vastly to the enhancement of innovation.
Explaining Recent Romanian Migration: A Modified Gravity Model with Panel Data
Authors: Iordache Mihaela , Matei Mihaela
Published: August 2020

The present paper contributes to studies on Romanian emigration from a demographic, spatial, and temporal perspective. The purpose of this paper is to assess the selected economic and demographic variables’ impact on the volume of Romanian emigration to the European Union (EU) during 2010-2017. The analysis was done using a gravity model. The models used in this study are the fixed effect model (FEM) and the random effect model (REM), both applied to panel data. The results show that the economic and demographic factors have a significant influence on the emigration’s destination, and the socio-economic and demographic situation in the host country determines the flow migration from Romania. The paper strengthens the literature through an empirical analysis of the economic and demographic determinants of Romanian emigration to the EU from the perspective of the country of origin.
Characterisation and antibiotic susceptibility profile of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile isolated from chicken carcasses
Authors: Bingol Enver Baris , Hampikyan Hamparsun , Muratoglu Karlo , Akkaya Esra , Cetin Omer , Colak Hilal
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile is a Gram+, anaerobic, spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium that can produce toxins, and it is mainly because its virulence is attributed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of C. difficile and hyper virulent ribotypes in chicken carcasses and the antibiotic susceptibility of isolated strains.

Material and Methods

C. difficile was isolated from chicken carcasses by microbiological methods, its ribotypes were identified by means of PCR, the toxin production ability was defined by ELISA, and the susceptibility of the isolates to selected antibiotics was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration evaluator strips.

Results

The bacterium was isolated from 69 out of 185 (37.3%) examined chicken carcass samples, and six out of the 69 (8.7%) isolates were identified as ribotype 027. All isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (100.0%), vancomycin (97.1%), metronidazole (88.4%), and tetracycline (95.7%), whereas they were resistant to cefotaxime (97.1%) and imipenem (89.9%).

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate the presence of toxigenic C. difficile isolates such as ribotype 027 (one of the most common causes of C. difficile infection in humans) in chicken carcasses. Although there is no case for stating that C. difficile is a food-borne pathogen, the presence of C. difficile in chicken may be considered to be a potential risk to consumers.
Choice of Parameters for the Electrodrive Diagnostic System of Hybrid Vehicle Traction
Authors: Arhun S. , Borodenko Yu. , Hnatov A. , Popova A. , Hnatova H. , Kunicina N. , Ziravecka A. , Zabasta A. , Ribickis L.
Published: August 2020

When operating a hybrid vehicle (HEV), it is important to reduce maintenance and repair costs. The HEV electric drive (ED) consists of electronic, electrical and mechanical parts and is considered a complex diagnostic model. The availability of an electrical part greatly simplifies the process of monitoring and obtaining information about the state of the system. In order to create a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system (HDEPS), the choice of structural and functional parameters as diagnostic ones is justified, the control points are chosen, and the necessary accuracy and unambiguity of measurements are determined. Qualitative evaluations of the electrical processes occurring in the power supply circuit of ED from a high-voltage accumulator battery for the selection of diagnostic parameters according to the criteria of sensitivity, informative character, stability and manufacturability of measurements are presented. It has been revealed that during HDEPS diagnostics both stable and transient modes of operation of electric machines should be considered; for analysis of ED technical state it is necessary to have information about current mode of HDEPS load; for measurement of instantaneous values of supply voltage and consumption current it is necessary to select the sensors with short response time and linear conversion function. In terms of sensitivity to structural changes in the circuit and parametric deviations, it is necessary to choose, as diagnostic parameters, the voltage or current, depending on the mode of operation of the ED and the point of measurement of the electrical value. The obtained results are the basis for creating a new system of diagnostics of electric power supply HDEPS in this direction.
The Biomethane Injection into the Natural Gas Networks: The EU’s Gas Synergy Path
Authors: Savickis J. , Zemite L. , Zeltins N. , Bode I. , Jansons L. , Dzelzitis E. , Koposovs A. , Selickis A. , Ansone A.
Published: August 2020

Biomethane is one of the most promising renewable gases (hereafter – RG) – a flexible and easily storable fuel, and, when used along with the natural gas in any mixing proportion, no adjustments on equipment designed to use natural gas are required. In regions where natural gas grids already exist, there is a system suitable for distribution of the biomethane as well. Moreover, improving energy efficiency and sustainability of the gas infrastructure, it can be used as total substitute for natural gas. Since it has the same chemical properties as natural gas, with methane content level greater than 96 %, biomethane is suitable both for heat and electricity generation, and the use in transport.

Biomethane is injected into the natural gas networks of many Member States of the European Union (hereafter – the EU) on a regular basis for more than a decade, with the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Sweden and France being among pioneers in this field. In most early cases, permission to inject biomethane into the natural gas grids came as part of a policy to decarbonize the road transport sector and was granted on a case-by-case basis. The intention to legally frame and standardise the EU’s biomethane injection into the natural gas networks came much later and was fulfilled in the second half of the present decade.

This paper addresses the biomethane injection into the natural gas grids in some EU countries, highlights a few crucial aspects in this process, including but not limited to trends in standardisation and legal framework, injection conditions and pressure levels, as well as centralised biogas feedstock collection points and the biomethane injection facilities. In a wider context, the paper deals with the role of biomethane in the EU energy transition and further use of the existing natural gas networks.
The Effect of Electric Field Configuration on the Thermo-Chemical Conversion of Straw Pellets
Authors: Barmina I. , Kolmickovs A. , Valdmanis R. , Vostrikovs S. , Zake M.
Published: August 2020

With the aim to control and improve the thermo-chemical conversion of straw pellets, the experimental investigations of the DC electric field effect on the combustion dynamics and heat energy production were made. The electric field effect on the gasification/combustion characteristics was studied using three different positions of the positively charged electrode in flame. First, the electrode was positioned coaxially downstream the flame flow. Next, the electrode was positioned coaxially upstream the flame flow and, finally, the electrode was positioned across the downstream flow. The bias voltage of the electrode varied in the range from 0.6 up to 1.8 kV, while the ion current in flame was limited to 5 mA. The results of experimental investigations show that the DC electric field intensifies the thermal decomposition of straw pellets and enhances mixing of volatiles with air causing changes in combustion dynamics and heat energy production, which depend on position and the bias voltage of the electrode. The increase in the average volume fraction of CO2 (by 6 %) and the decrease in the mass fraction of unburned volatiles in the products (CO by 60 % and H2 by 73 %) for the upstream field configuration of the electrode and the ion current 0.5–1.8 mA indicate more complete combustion of volatiles.
Optimal Control of an Inverted Pendulum Based on the New Method of Lyapunov Exponents Estimation
Authors: Balcerzak Marek
Published: August 2020

This text covers optimization of an inverted pendulum control system according to the new control performance assessment criterion based on the optimal control theory. The novel control performance index is founded on the method of the Largest Lyapunov Exponent estimation. The detailed description of the new method is provided. Model of the control object is presented. A simple controller is proposed. Parameters of the controller are optimized with respect to the novel criterion by means of the Differential Evolution method. Results of numerical simulations are presented. It is shown that the new criterion can be successfully applied when the regulation time is crucial, whereas somewhat larger overshoot is acceptable.
Synthesis of Metal Matrix Composites via Powder Metallurgy Route: a Review
Authors: Meignanamoorthy M. , Ravichandran M.
Published: August 2020

Powder Metallurgy (P/M) is playing a vital role to synthesize variety of materials in the field of aerospace, automobile, ordnance, petroleum and petrochemical industries. P/M is an outstanding process to produce components with good mechanical and tribological properties such as strength, hardness, impact resistance and wear resistance. Recently metal matrix composites (MMC) replace conventional alloys because of their extraordinary characteristics. Currently Aluminium, Copper, Magnesium, Titanium and Iron have been used as matrix materials and materials like TiC, SiC, B4C, WC, Cr3C, TiO2, ZrO2, Gr, MoS2, and Si3N4 have been used as reinforcements to synthesize metal matrix composites. When compare P/M with other manufacturing methods, it offers ordered microstructure with improved physical, mechanical and tribological properties. From these, powder metallurgy could be commented as an extremely active and cost-effective method when compare with other process. This paper explains the selection suitable process parameters for synthesize MMCs using P/M technique. This paper made an attempt to present the mechanical and tribological properties of various composites fabricated through powder metallurgy technique.
Numerical Study of Natural Convection in a Vertical Cylindrical Partially Annular
Authors: Medebber Mohamed A. , Retiel Noureddine
Published: August 2020

A study of free convection in a vertical cylinder partially annulus is conducted numerically. Uniform temperature is imposed cross a vertical wall, while the top and bottom walls are adiabatic. The governing equations are solved numerically by using a finite volume method. The coupling between the continuity and momentum equations is effected using the SIMPLER algorithm. Solutions have been obtained for Prandtl numbers equal to 7.0, Rayleigh numbers of 103 to 106 and height ratios of 0 to 1. The influence of physical and geometrical parameters on the streamlines, isotherms, average Nusselt has been numerically investigated.
Performance of Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing Operating under Transient Wear
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Kumar Awasthi Rajeev
Published: August 2020

The paper deals with a theoretical study concerning the effect of transient wear on the performance of hydrodynamic journal bearing. The eccentricity ratios are considered 0.3, 0.6 and for varying wear depth from 0.1 to 0.5 for the analysis of purpose. The Reynolds equations governing the flow of lubricant in the clearance space of a hydrodynamic journal bearing system with varying wear depth has been numerically solved using Galerkin’s FEM. The regime is assumed to be isothermal. The positive pressure zone is established using Reynolds boundary condition through iteratively. The various performance parameters which include static, dynamic and stability terms of worn journal bearing are presented with respect to relative wear depth. The journal centre motion trajectories are also obtained by numerically integrated linear and non-linear equation of motion using fourth order Runga-Kutta method. For this a computer program in Mat lab was developed based on analysis to draw the linear and non linear motion trajectories and in order to validate the developed program, the numerically simulated results computed from the present study are compared with the already published results in literature. For analysis purpose the initial values of velocities and displacement are taken asX˙¯ = Z˙¯ = 0.0{\bar {\dot X}}\, = \,{\bar {\dot Z}}\, = \,0.0andx¯{\bar x}and z¯ = 0.005{\bar z}\, = \,0.005. The results help in predicting bearing life for smooth operation.
Experimental Investigation of Drilling Small Hole on Duplex Stainless Steel (SS2205) Using EDM
Authors: Rajaram S. , RajKumar G. , Balasundaram R. , Srinivasan D.
Published: August 2020

This work investigates drilling of small holes of Ø 3 mm on duplex Stainless Steel. Its machinability index is very low (0.66) as compared to other steels, hence Electrical Discharge Machine is used. The input parameters are Current, Spark Gap & Di electric Pressure. Each input parameter is considered for 3 levels. Therefore total number of experiments is 3×3×3 – 27. To reduce the number of runs, Taguchi L9 orthogonal array is used, which is having advantage of maximum and minimum trial runs in its design. The output response is metal removal rate. To find the best operating parameter, the regression model of ANOVA is given to input of MAT Lab-Genetic Algorithm. The experimental results indicated that models are significant. The test result indicated that the contributions of current is 42.42%, Di electric pressure is 35.36% and Spark gap is 1.93% on metal removal rate. From Genetic Algorithm it is observed among three levels of factors, lower value of current and Di electric pressure produced maximum metal removal rate. The SS 2205 has wide variety of applications such as high pressure components, control valves etc., which are having large number of components to it. Hence performing micro holes on such high hardness alloy is useful.
Fatigue Crack Growth Rate, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Diverse Range of Aluminum Alloy: a Comparison
Authors: Brahami Abdessamad , Bouchouicha Benattou , Zemri Mokhtar , Fajoui Jamal
Published: August 2020

In practice for all metallic materials, damage by fatigue usually takes in two steps, the appearance of an initial crack which then grows as a function of the present microstructure. The objective of this study is to identify the elements influencing the fatigue crack growth rate on aluminum alloys of different microstructures. Characterization tests and microstructural analysis on 2024-T3, 5083-H22, 6082-T6 and 7075-T6 shades have been carried out. Based on the experimental results obtained, AA7075-T6 has the best fatigue crack rate resistance which is explained by its behavior as well as the nature and dispersive distribution of the secondary element.
Functioning Efficiency of the Central Air-Conditioning System on the Selected Example
Authors: Szlązak Nikodem , Swolkień Justyna
Published: August 2020

One of the particularly significant threats during exploitation is the climatic threat, which is associated with an increase in the overall costs that are allocated to combating it. The rise in the virgin temperature of the rock mass by 1oC increases the demand for the required cooling capacity to be taken from the air. The publication assesses the effectiveness of the air-conditioning installation by testing its operation on a selected example. The assessment of the efficiency of the air-conditioning installation for a selected hard coal mine showed that none of the five tested coolers achieved the maximum assumed rated power. The use of total power (7.5 MW) in mining excavations was less than 50% and amounted to η = 0.472%. The research showed that the main reason for obtaining low cooling parameters is the inability to locate them in the place of the highest air temperatures. The other problem is an insufficient airflow rate of cooling water supplied to the coolers at too high temperature. The above considerations indicated that the cooling power from built-in air- conditioning systems is not properly and effectively used. Improving the efficiency of its functioning is possible by proceeding research that will eliminate the above factors and by using air conditioning equipment, taking into account the periodic audit of their work to reduce electricity consumption.
Study of the Accuracy of Methane Concentration Forecasts in the Area of Longwall Outlet B-3 in Seam 407/1 in KWK “Borynia-Zofiówka” Ruch Zofiówka
Authors: Badura Henryk , Zmarzły Marian , Trzaskalik Paweł , Korshunov Aleksandr Ivanovich
Published: August 2020

In the presented publication, an ex post forecast of methane concentration at the airway outlet was carried out on the basis of equations previously developed and repeatedly tested by H. Badura and its errors were calculated. This forecast was considered as a reference level. Next, using the same forecast equations, the forecasting of methane concentration at the sensor location up to 10 m in front of the longwall face and at the longwall outlet was carried out, followed by the analysis of forecast errors. Since the measurement of methane concentrations in the locations under consideration differed, the results of forecasts also differed. Therefore, in order to assess the accuracy of forecasts, their absolute and relative errors were calculated and then compared with the forecast errors at the airway outlet. The analysis of errors showed that there are differences in forecast accuracy and it is advisable to develop new forecast equations mainly for the longwall outlet, but also for the location of methane concentration sensor installed in the airway up to 10 m in front of the longwall.
Analysis of Gas-Geodynamic Phenomena During the Preparatory and Mining Works in Seam 358/1 at KWK “Budryk”
Authors: Zmarzły Marian , Schubert Michał , Salamon Krystian
Published: August 2020

The nature of gas-geodynamic phenomena is so complicated and unpredictable that it forces the necessity of continuous search for new principles of identifying the outburst threat and ongoing monitoring of this threat with view of current conditions in the mine. After the incidents in JSW S.A, the mines carrying out works in seams threatened with outbursts, upon their own initiative introduced additional rigours and increased the frequency of measurements and tests regardless of the existing legal requirements. Incidents that have taken place in KWK “Budryk” in recent years show how important is continuous verification of knowledge related to the forecasting of the outburst threat on the basis of ongoing observations of works. The local occurrence of a zone characterized by high methane-bearing capacity in the coal seam, even after taking preventive measures and introducing additional rigorous did not allow for the complete elimination of gas-geodynamic phenomena and avoidance of danger to employed people.
The Analysis of Effectiveness of Conveyor Belt Tensioning Systems
Authors: Kulinowski Piotr , Kasza Piotr , Zarzycki Jacek
Published: August 2020

The publication presents the evaluation of the effectiveness of belt tensioning systems based on the results of model laboratory tests. The types of tensioning devices most commonly used in industry were selected for testing: winch, gravity, pneumatic and follower. The evaluation of the efficiency of belt tensioning devices is complex, as the tensioning system is not autonomous and is only part of the belt conveyor equipment. Therefore, the publication presents the impact of belt tension force on the durability of basic conveyor components such as the belt and its joints, and drums. The characteristics of the tested belt tensioning devices are presented and the construction and research capabilities of the laboratory model of the belt conveyor are described. Measuring systems mounted on the conveyor are described in detail, enabling recording of variable conveyor operating conditions, measuring belt speed, driving force and belt stress. The results of the research are the experimental static characteristics of the most commonly used tensioning devices, which show the relationship between the drive moment and the belt tensioning force. Obtained characteristics will allow the development of guidelines for the design and selection of the most effective belt tensioning devices.
Unification of Equipment for Transporting People, Coal and Materials Produced by Jastrzębskie Zakłady Remontowe Sp. z o. o. and Used in the Mines of the JSW Capital Group
Authors: Dyczko Artur , Rychter Rafał , Bosowski Adam , Konsek Jarosław
Published: August 2020

The publication presents the assumptions of the unification process of machines and equipment produced by Jastrzębskie Zakłady Remontowe Sp. z o. o. and operating at the coal mines of the JSW Capital Group. It outlines a solution adopted by JZR Sp. z o. o. addressing this issue. The authors identify the potential benefits of the process to the entire Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa Capital Group, but they also mention the risks that may arise during its implementation. The publication also presents the first results of the unification, observed on the basis of the unified equipment and machinery of the coal clearance system for transporting people, coal and materials, which has already been put into operation in underground mining excavations. It also includes a chapter devoted to the influence of the unification on the development of “technical thought,” i.e. on the innovativeness of the equipment for transporting people, coal and materials newly produced by Jastrzębskie Zakłady Remontowe Sp. z o. o. which are to be implemented in the near future. New, innovative solutions are presented, which were introduced both in the unified transport devices such as chain and belt conveyors and in devices cooperating with them, i.e. lump breakers, pushing devices and other accessory equipment for the conveyors.
Addressing Energy Efficiency by Periodical Energy Audits
Authors: Grebski Wes , Grebski Michalene , Czerwińska-Lubszczyk Agnieszka , Jagoda-Sobalak Dominika
Published: August 2020

The publication focuses on assessing the energy efficiency in residential and to some extent commercial applications. An energy audit is always the first step in addressing energy efficiency. The purpose of the publication is to present the benefits of using an energy audit. It explains a “do-it-yourself” procedure for an energy audit. The publication also focuses on calculating the potential energy saving by updating low-efficiency electric appliances with high-efficient alternatives. The environmental benefits of addressing the energy efficiency of households is also being discussed. An energy audit using a “do-it-yourself” procedure focuses on the economic, ecological and social impact to environment. The energy audit contributes to the implementation of the concept of sustainable development in our day by day life.
Creating an Academic Program Focusing on Energy Management and Sustainability
Authors: Grebski Wes , Grebski Michalene , Profaska Marek
Published: August 2020

The chapter describes the process for developing a new engineering program specializing in sustainable energy and power generation: Alternative Energy and Power Generation Engineering Track. The graduates of described program will have the critical knowledge and skills needed to begin their careers in nowadays industry shaped by the global sustainability Agenda 2030. Engineers should focus on economic, social and environmental aspects of their work. Desk research method is used. Chapter is based ABET requirement (USA). Program educational objectives were developed based on the needs on industry and in close cooperation with industry. Chapter is also focusing on the development of the program outcomes as well as the curricular content. Program requirements, specific track courses and recommended course planner are provided. Some suggestions and recommendation are also included.
The Study of Factors that Caused High Profitability of Russian Fisheries in 2014-2016
Authors: Mnatsakanyan Albert , Kharin Aleksandr
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the research is to find the reasons that led to unusually high profitability in Russian fisheries in 2014-2016. The analysis showed that the main driver of profitability growth is the growth of domestic prices for fish and fish products, which outstripped the overall food inflation. Governmental support for fishing led to a rapid increase in fishing rent, which was almost entirely appropriated by fishing companies. But such a basis for the growth of Russian fishing is unstable in the medium and long term.
Hearing Religious Music. The Subject-Object Relationship of the Listener and the Piece of Music in a Consumption Era
Authors: Reitsma Oane
Published: August 2020

In a concert hall, the attitude of the audience focusses on the formalistic aspects of music. In religious rituals, music is a means of leading the hearer to a spiritual experience. What happens when music, meant originally for a liturgical purpose, is played in a concert setting? Gadamer shows, with his conception of Verwandlung ins Gebilde, that an art work is never static, but carries a depth in itself, which is connected to an artistic ingenuity throughout centuries. In this ‘depth’ lies the connection to the listener, which is broader than a mere aesthetical one. On the other hand, music in itself has a strong ‘theatrical’ side, which can easily surpass its contemplative aspect in consumer culture. It appears that this aspect, in combination with the formalistic-aesthetic approach of modern museum culture, of which concert culture is a part, made the hearer become almost ‘deaf ’ to the religious content; because a concert practice focusses primarily on entertaining the hearer, s/he is not able to engage in the music as a source of spiritual edification of the soul. Nevertheless, Gadamer’s conception of play makes us be aware that there will always be new, unexpected ways in which the truth comes into being in the interaction of a piece of music and its hearer. In order to create such a reality, it is necessary to turn to new and renewing hearing practices, where the play between music and the hearer has a wider range of musical experience than the mere formalistic aspect.
Dramaturgical and Theological Issues Involved in Producing and Staging a Play in Jerusalem about the Disputation of Barcelona
Authors: Valier Yael
Published: August 2020

In the context of the launch of a new theater company whose mission is to bring entertaining theological content to audiences in and around Jerusalem, Roy Doliner’s Divine Right was chosen as the company’s first production. This play about the Disputation of Barcelona balances historical accuracy and creative dramatic content in a satisfying and intellectually honest portrayal of the events of the Disputation for educated lay audiences. Many theological and dramaturgical issues arise, especially in producing a play with a high level of Christian content and theology for mainly Orthodox or at least traditionally educated Jewish audiences. English speaking audience members in Jerusalem tend to be well-informed, both on the historical level and on the level of Jewish law and mores. This makes them exacting viewers, critical of inaccuracies of history or interpretation, wary of challenging positions but mostly willing to learn, and delighted by thorough research and characterization. This paper examines the technical, dramaturgical, and theological issues that arose during this production for the playwright, director, actors, and audiences.
Nahmanides’ Astrological and Religious Thinking and the Views of the Contemporaneous Catalan Christian Sages
Authors: Valls-Pujol Esperança
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the astrological and religious thinking of Moshe ben Nahman (also known as Ramban or Nahmanides) and the intellectual connections in this field with two of the most outstanding Christian thinkers of his time, Ramon Llull and Arnau de Vilanova. Nahmanides, like many medieval scholars, admitted an astral influence, but he did not accept astrology as a divinatory science. He incorporated astrological doctrines in his exegetical works, assuming that Israel is not determined by any star because it only responds to God. Yet the study of medieval medicine and its application cannot be separated from astrology practice because it was considered that the stars had a direct influence not only on the development of the human body, from birth to death, but also in the disease processes which affect it. Ramban and his disciple Solomon ben Adret accepted and practiced astrological medicine. Llull and de Vilanova also devoted themselves to this discipline. All of them agree on the influence of the stars on humankind but condemned astral magic. Like Ramban, Llull rejects other astrological methods considered non-scientific in his time, such as prediction through horoscope. Thus, these thinkers tried to develop an astrology that was not in contradiction with divine omnipotence or free will.
The Hebrew Sources of Tortosa’s Disputation
Authors: Bianchi Francesco
Published: August 2020

The Disputation or Cathechesis of Tortosa with its sixty-nine sessions (February 7, 1413-November 12, 1413) was the longest of the Jewish Christian encounters in the Middle Age. Stirred by the Avignonesian Pope Benedict XIII, Geronimo de Sancta Fide, olim Yehoshua ha-Lorki, summoned a group of Catalan and Aragonese rabbis to inform them that the Messiah was already came. Not only the Papal notaries recorded the excruciating debates, but also two Hebrew sources: the anonymous and fragmentary letter published by Halberstam in 1868 and the chapter 40 of the Shebet Yehuda. They encompass the first nine sessions carried out orally, before the Pope requested for written texts to be debated lately. Since these sources disagree on many details, this paper aims at examining them anew. That examination has shown that the anonymous account is more accurate than the fictional report of the Shebet Yehuda as far as the internal chronology of the sessions, the speeches of the Jewish delegates and their identities are concerned. The internal evidence leads us to subscribe with Riera i Sans in ascribing its authorship to Bonastruc Desmestre from Girona, who was at Tortosa on request of the Pope. He probably knew other Jewish chronicle and added some new materials from the Vikkuach Ramban, Salomon Ibn Verga, the author of Shebet Yehuda, built upon this chronicle and created a fictional account around Vidal Benveniste or the ‘ideal’ portrait of the Pope and added some materials from the Latin Protocols or from unknown Jewish sources.
Analysis of the correlation between the Gross Domestic Product and the final consumption of electricity
Authors: Vlăducu Liviu Valentin
Published: August 2020

While the economy has shown clear signs of recovery, in quantitative terms, after the moment of the global crisis, energy production has returned to the level before the crisis, only since 2011. In this context, this paperwork aims to carry out an analysis on the existence of a correlation between the Gross Domestic Product registered in Romania and the final annual consumption of electricity. The databases used involve the data recorded for the period 2000-2018. Over time, in the specialty literature, there have been two approaches regarding the link between the economic growth and the energy consumption, respectively an approach starts from the idea that in order for economic growth to occur, energy consumption must increase, and another promotes the idea that economic growth can reduce energy consumption, by applying energy efficiency measures. To perform the analysis, a simple linear regression model was initially used in which we considered the Gross Domestic Product as a dependent variable and the Electricity Consumption as an explanatory factor (independent variable). Subsequently, analysing the results, a quadratic linear regression model was used to test the hypothesis of a more complex link between the two indicators. Following the tests performed on the two chosen variables, the Gross Domestic Product of Romania and the Final Electricity Consumption, can be argued that the energy intensity of the economy increases as economic growth reaches a certain threshold. After that threshold, economic growth is associated with the relative decrease in energy consumption.
Bioeconomy’s sectors and strategies in Central and Eastern European countries. A literature review
Authors: Iureş Mugur Victor Constantin
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to identify and review the most important and topical scientific papers that deal with the strategies that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe apply in the bioeconomic field. In the context of a special attention paid to this sector by the policymakers, seen through the adoption of The Bioeconomy Strategy, in 2012, by the European Union and updated in 2018, it is natural to ask what is the current state of knowledge in this field? This paper treats with the sectors enclosed in this field, from agriculture to biofuels and from paper production to biopharmaceuticals, based on the scientific literature underpinnings, given that this development sector is an emerging one and the ampleness of the scientific works being limited. The methodology of this paper comprises the literature review of the main results obtained this far, in order to accomplish the foundation for further research.
Implications of Lewin’s Field Theory on Social Change
Authors: Roşca Vlad I.
Published: August 2020

During the Second World War, Kurt Lewin was part of a wider research team commissioned by the U.S. Department of Defense to study how dietary habits of American citizens could be changed so as to avoid protein starvation due to the lengthy war efforts. Lewin’s research on food habits can be linked to his earlier studies on social fields. This paper aims to interpret Lewin’s findings on changing dietary habits by using his very own field theory approach, in order to hypothesize how the such findings can be drivers of social change, with the findings being applicable for business management settings as well. Concepts of time and space, as well as ‘simultaneity’ and ‘psychological ecology’ are brought up to discussion in order to back up the purpose of research.
The value of knowledge management in cultural entrepreneurship
Authors: Zbuchea Alexandra
Published: August 2020

Although the concept seems to be self-explanatory and increasingly more people with various artistic talents or a special interest in arts & culture endeavor themselves in various business-like activities, while culture is praised increasingly more as a key towards sustainable development of the contemporary society, cultural entrepreneurship is not a familiar presence in the academic inquiries. The main associations considered when talking about cultural entrepreneurship are the ones with talent, creativity, cultural innovation. Another aspect analyzed by the literature is the relationship to financial education and skills. The relevance of all these elements is obvious. Maybe less straightforward is the need for knowledge management in the field of cultural entrepreneurship since talent and culture are in many contexts considered apart from knowledge. Nevertheless, knowledge management should be a sine-qua-non component of the business strategy of a cultural entrepreneur considering the competitive advantages it could generate. To unveil the known relationships between knowledge management and cultural entrepreneurship, the present research develops a narrative literature review. The results point out the limited understanding of cultural entrepreneurship, including the role knowledge management might play in cultural enterprises.
Tourists’ vision about the implementation of sustainable development practices in the hospitality industry in Romania
Authors: Madar Anca , Neaşu Nicoleta Andreea
Published: August 2020

It has been shown that the development of tourism brings many benefits to the areas where this activity takes place (jobs, incomes for the community and for individuals, etc.), but it also has some shortcomings, such as the environmental degradation and the negative impact on local traditions. In order to stop these negative effects, the concept of sustainable development must be applied. This paper wants to identify the extent to which tourists are familiar with the term of „sustainability” and how they perceive the implementation of sustainable practices in the tourism sector in Romania. The research also wanted to reveal whether the application of sustainable development practices in this sector influenced tourists in choosing a specific economic agent. The authors have conducted a qualitative marketing research, and interviewed tourists who have used tourist services in Romania for the last 5 years. The research was based on the semi-structured depth interview method. The results show that most of the interviewees do not have a very clear idea about the concept of „sustainability” and that of the implementation of consistent practices in the hospitality industry. Therefore, they do not consider the application of these practices when choosing a certain economic agent for spending their free time. The results of this research can be the basis of some governmental and nongovernmental programs for educating potential tourists regarding the impact of tourism on the environment and the need for sustainable development of this sector. Also, these results can be useful to the economic operators in the tourism industry, to consider participating in the sustainable development of the sector and to take measures to promote the sustainable practices that they have applied.