bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Personal Effectiveness Training in University Master Courses
Authors: Leroy Carol
Published: December 2019

For the team manager function, building the required posture of assertiveness and self-construction requires identity conversions that cannot be achieved without reflexivity, nor philosophical spirituality. Self-reflection allows the construction of one's own trajectory, and the possibility of a positive encounter between one's own dynamics and that of others. This new professional posture questions the role of initial training through all the aspects that must guarantee the success of student socio-professional integration and give the opportunity of implementing the expected skills on a job start. This chapter describes the possible modalities of personal efficiency learning at university by describing the construction of a pedagogical course mixing competency approach and program approach within a work-integrated learning.
Digital and Collaborative Work
Authors: Lison Christelle , Denis Constance
Published: December 2019

Do digital and collaborative work go hand in hand? This chapter combines the practical experience of two university teachers and literature to answer this question. Basic notions are revisited: Collaborative work, Distance learning, Social constructivism, Authentic learning to establish the winning conditions. Collaborative work implies three types of action, i.e. communicating, coordinating, and producing. Digital technology finds its place in each of these, given the great diversity of tools available. To promote collaborative work with digital, the authors propose to clarify teaching objectives, to vary digital and pedagogical tools, and to develop the evaluation of collaborative work. The practical experience helps to clarify the main constraints of remote collaborative work and to identify some key elements to be aware of. Several concrete examples illustrate the problems and possible solutions.
Fancy or Efficiency?
Authors: Denami Maria , Marquet Pascal
Published: December 2019

With the democratization of informatics technologies, there is a new demand for more advanced Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) and also fancy training devices that integrate technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR). The fact that these solutions are now affordable makes the learning managers dream about having realistic simulations for training. When delivered, sometimes customers are not satisfied because the software is often complex, not user-friendly enough, or not compatible with the computer fleet of the company. Consequently, professionals show a preference for the old training solution. In this chapter, the crash case of a French university commissioning a simulator on VR for training operators on the production of anti-cancer drugs will be presented. The authors will highlight the reasons that made this training not adapted to the field in which the training takes place, then, explain which guidelines an effective instructional designer should take into consideration while developing the training solution.
Introduction to International Transportation and Logistics
Authors: Ceyhun Gokce Cicek , Keser Hilal Yıldırır
Published: December 2019

Logistics is the management of the flow of goods, information, and resources between the point of origin and the point of consumption. It is a business concept that evolved during the 1950s due to the increasing complexity of supplying businesses with materials and transporting products in an increasingly globalized supply chain. The complexity led to a call for experts in the process called logisticians. Work in logistics involves the integration of information, transportation, inventory, warehousing, material handling, packaging, human resources, and sometimes security. The goal is to manage the life cycle of a project from birth to completion. The main functions of a qualified logistician include inventory management, purchasing, transportation, warehousing, consultation, and organizing and planning of these activities. Logisticians combine a professional knowledge of each of these functions to coordinate resources in an organization.
International Transportation and Logistics Economics
Authors: Keser Hilal Yıldırır
Published: December 2019

Logistics is important in the service sector, even more so in international trade, a vital part of the economy. The delivery of raw materials and intermediate goods to manufacturers, and final goods to consumers, requires effective transport and management of the process. From this point of view, it is important to examine the economic dimension of logistics and transportation activities. This chapter clarifies logistics activities and mentions their place in economic disciplines. The economic analysis of the logistics sector is discussed in two dimensions as micro and macro scales. Effective factors in the development of an international logistics sector are explained.
Packaging Trends in International Transportation and Logistics
Authors: Philipp Bernd , Fulconis François , Zeroual Thomas
Published: December 2019

Traditionally, the importance of packaging for international supply chains is most often underestimated. This is surprising for such a complex phenomenon, situated at the interface of different functions (logistics, marketing...), different decision levels (operational, tactical, strategic), and different logistics flows (physical and informational). This chapter questions the traditional design and typology of packaging used within international supply chains in the light of two main drivers: (1) its circular/closed-loop requirements and related performance notion and (2) omnichannel trends, including e-commerce, and new customer delivery services. Mobilizing the spanning concept of “logistics functions of packaging” (LFP), this chapter proposes a conceptual framework enabling to trigger adequate novel packaging solutions matching these new expectations. Recent business cases occurring within international supply chains illustrate and deepen our reflection.
Analysing Transportation-Induced Economic Growth, Energy Use, and CO2 Emissions
Authors: Kalayci Salih
Published: December 2019

This chapter concentrates on the linkage among transportation, energy usage, GDP, and Co2 emissions in EU countries during the period 1970-2014 by analysing the EKC hypothesis. The data is derived from the World Bank's official website to point out environmental consciousness of EU countries by implementing panel data analysis. In this sense, the findings indicate that environmental consciousness is quite low for EU countries from 1970 to 1997. Besides, the environmental issues of EU countries are taken into account from 1997 to 2014. The findings of research demonstrate that their sensitiveness has risen significantly, which is consistent with the inverse-U shape of the EKC hypothesis from 1997 to 2014. Thus, these empirical results support the Kyoto protocol's political aims and goals. Furthermore, Johansen co-integration test is implemented to reveal the long-term linkage among economic growth, air transportation, carbon emissions, and energy usage.
The Impacts of Liner Shipping Connectivity and Economic Growth on International Trade Case of European Countries and Turkey
Authors: Şeker Ayberk
Published: December 2019

Sea transportation and maritime transport networks have commonly been used with the development of international trade. Maritime transportation is more widely used for the transportation of high-volume cargoes in international trade particularly, since sea transportation is cheaper and safer than road and railway transportation. This chapter investigates the relationship among exports, liner shipping connectivity index, and economic growth in European countries and Turkey. Analysis found that liner shipping connectivity index and economic growth have a positive effect on the exports in European countries and Turkey. It is revealed that 1% increase in liner shipping connectivity index provides the increment 0.21% in the exports. In addition, 1% increment in gross domestic product ensures the increase 1.05% in the exports.
In the Green Logistics Vision
Authors: Kavas Emine
Published: December 2019

In this chapter the studies made on an international level in line with the zero waste goal with recycling logistics in green logistics vision are examined. Businesses acting sensitive to the changing environmental conditions, adopting the zero waste with recycling logistics in green logistics vision in line with their development goals are within the contemporary production targets. In a global view, the goal is both creating a livable world and reducing the life cycle costs. In this regard, the chapter researches the status of the recycling logistics to create awareness on the role and importance of the logistics services and operators in the waste industry. Also, to scan the available literature with the reported applications in the less-developed countries in line with the zero waste goal with green logistics vision and to emphasize the importance of these applications.
Artificial Intelligence in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Kaptanoğlu Rana Özyurt
Published: December 2019

This chapter develops a method proposal regarding digitisation of variables in road, maritime, and airline transport, and makes parameters machinable, output-producing algorithms methods. Results regarding which artificial intelligence is proper to be used in storage, distribution, stock, and order tracking, supply chain architecture, and third- and fourth-party logistical practices are sought. For this, artificial neural nets, software techniques, artificial intelligent philosophy, and the reflections on the business world are analysed.
Metacognition of Organization Members as the Basis of Learning Strategy in Higher School
Authors: Yakimanskaya Irina Sergeyevna , Molokostova Anna Mikhaylovna , Ibragimova Milyausha Yakubovna
Published: December 2019

The concept of metacognition is used to study knowledge of knowledge, and mainly in cognitive psychology. According to the content; metacognition is an intelligent process related to memory, reflection and motivation. The problem, we research, concerns the fact that the content and the mismatch of employees views can lead to non-constructive activity that violates the effectiveness of an organization as a whole. The outcome of this study is a model that describe the characteristics of the organization through determination of the metacognitive skills of employees at different levels. The model takes into account the emotional colouring, different levels of metacognition inconsistency, characteristic of the organization effectiveness and various inconsistencies of metacognitions.
The Diffusion of Voluntary ISO 26000 among SMEs
Authors: Wu Yen-Chun Jim , Yuan Chih-Hung
Published: December 2019

Businesses are under the increasing pressure to demonstrably engage in social responsibility (SR). Following the demand, the International Standard Organization developed ISO 26000 for SR. small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are dominant in contributing to GDP. The relationship between SMEs and SR is still elusive. The purpose of this paper will be aimed at how SMEs will adopt ISO 26000 under what circumstances. We determine a set of hypotheses about diffusion of ISO 26000 and examine it empirically. We provide a better understanding of the cognition-behavior gap while “doing good”. SMEs think that SR was Philanthropic responsibility, but strive for their subsistence as their top priority of strategy decisions. However, the impact of multinomial company and government are not decisive. Finally, SMEs take SR practices into consideration when evaluating stakeholder, they are more likely to adopt ISO 26000. Thus, SMEs must feed themselves with their own words and grow.
Information Management for Network Transformation in Industrial Enterprises Associations
Authors: Costa Eric , Soares António Lucas , Pinho de Sousa Jorge , Jamil George Leal
Published: December 2019

There is no doubt that nowadays internationalization is increasingly attractive for companies that want to become more competitive. However, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) still are resource-constrained, lacking adequate information and facing problems to establish and manage relationships to operate in a sustainable way in international markets. Despite receiving some support from governments and from other institutional entities, these difficulties faced by SMEs call for a stronger support, which can be played by industrial enterprises associations (IEAs). This chapter brings the perspective of five different companies that are associated with IEAs. The main objective is to have their opinion about the role of IEAs as information managers and promoters of collaborations, mainly for internationalization processes. Another objective is to understand the acceptance by these companies regarding the use of collaborative platforms, managed by IEAs, for supporting their information and collaboration management activities.
Addressing Risks in Global Software Development and Outsourcing
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: December 2019

This article describes how outsourcing and offshoring for software development is a widely used business strategy implemented by many organizations worldwide. Due to its significant benefits, project managers can accrue greater flexibility, lower labor costs, and have access to skilled workers, which are the advantages of outsourcing and offshoring in global software development (GSD). Though there are advantages and benefits to incorporating this business practice, there are risks associated with it as well. Therefore, it is necessary and vital to discuss the challenges and risks that may arise which the project managers should consider before establishing and implementing such a project, to ensure a successful project result. The objective of this research is to identify the challenges and risks involved in GSD and discuss a risk management plan based on these factors. This article has found that communication issues and cultural differences are primary causes of most risks identified. To minimize the risks associated with GSD, these factors must be minimized.
Internet Finance
Authors: Vidal Marta , Vidal-García Javier , Bekiros Stelios
Published: December 2019

New developments in the Information and Communications Technology industry have substantially increased the importance of the internet over the last decade. As a result, the finance sector has developed its technological capability to be able to compete in an online marketplace with other financial services providers and to be able to serve their customer. This chapter examines the use of technology in the financial industry and the various factors associated with it, as well as introducing the reader to the main types of project initiators-contributor business relations in online crowdfunding.
Effective Approaches in Higher Education Development
Authors: Shafer Andrew Aaron
Published: December 2019

Effective approaches in higher education development will look at a variety of topics ranging from corporate and foundation relations, to alumni participation, the importance of online giving, campaigns, top advancement trends in higher education, and the ever-critical cultivation of major and mega gifts. The education of a constituency about the importance of private gifts to both public and private institutions cannot be overstated as well given that tuition costs soar yet prospective students, parents, and boards continue to fight for the value proposition. After reading, reviewing, and studying this chapter, faculty, students, and professionals alike will have surveyed knowledge of effective approach in higher education development and will have a greater appreciation for the work that development staff encounter every day. The objective of this book “to explore contemporary and future philanthropy approaches and development theory in international higher education,” will certainly be enhanced exponentially by the thorough and useful information presented.
Relevance of Entrepreneurship in TVET
Authors: Ogbaekirigwe Charles O. , Okolie Ugochukwu Chinonso
Published: December 2019

The dynamic and complex nature of societies all over the world, with the evident failure of various levels of government and the private sector to completely solve the nagging problems of man, especially the down trodden, and less privileged, has made greater, the need for specially created and committed men and women to dedicate and sacrifice their resources to cover the gaps created by such failure. On the side of governments, perhaps, the failure result from insufficient fund caused by inadequate or poor resource management, corruption, or share insensitivity of the political leaders. This presented opportunity for citizens to create their own wealth and attempt solving their problems. This chapter therefore presented the importance of entrepreneurship programme in TVET as a means of equipping our youths to be self-reliant, capable of solving their problems and contribute to economic growth and development of their countries.
Working Capital Financing by Banks in Small Enterprises
Authors: Hossain Md. Mosharref , Ibrahim Yusnidah
Published: December 2019

Among all the economic players, small enterprises (SEs), by number, dominate the whole world business segment. However, it is a very common problem for SEs, in every economy either developed or developing, to get access into formal financial sector. Working capital can be treated as the life blood for SEs to be operated. But unfortunately, most of the small enterprises face serious problem while obtaining such loan from banks. On the other hand, banks face a lot of problems to finance working capital to SEs. Therefore, this chapter intends to identify the problems faced by SEs in obtaining and by banks while financing working capital. A total of 413 small enterprises were interviewed through a structured questionnaire administrated directly by the researchers and selected purposively from the capital city (Dhaka) of Bangladesh. The major findings indicate that about 72% small enterprises got the access into banks for working capital loan although all of them face a lot of problems while obtaining such loan from banks. To identify the problems and challenges faced by banks while financing working capital to SEs, 34 commercial banks' officials working in SME department were interviewed through questionnaire and selected purposively based on their high involvement into SME sector lending. Bankers encountered different problems and challenges related to working capital financing in SEs. Based on the survey findings, a good number of solutions have been formulated for policy initiatives.
Risk Management Usage and Impact on Information Systems Project Success
Authors: Reed April H. , Angolia Mark G.
Published: December 2019

This article explores the usage of risk management practices on virtual Information Systems projects to address the growing industry practice of geographically separated teams. A survey of 557 virtual-project managers assessed usage of risk management practices and association with successful outcomes. The Theory of Reasoned Action is used to model attitudes and behavior. Correlation analysis indicated a strong relationship between risk management and successful outcomes, irrespective of success measured by budget, functionality, or schedule. Findings indicated that while the highest levels of risk management usage were characteristic of project success for virtual projects, many well-trained project managers are short-cutting use of all three core practices. While risk assessment and risk control are typically performed, only 52% of participants completed the final step of developing a risk management plan. This may not only lead to sub-optimal project outcomes, but also renders the first two actions an inefficient use of resources.
Understanding and Adoption of E-Finance in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Developing Countries
Authors: Scholtz Brenda , Koorsse Melisa , Loleka Siyasanga
Published: December 2019

The lack of access to finance is hindering growth and development to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in developing countries. Access to finance can be facilitated by ICT and e-finance, which can reduce the cost of financial services and increase access to international markets. However, in spite of the potential benefits of e-finance, developing countries have been reported to be lagging behind in terms of e-finance adoption as compared with developed nations. The reason for non-adoption could be due to barriers such as lack of ICT infrastructure, data privacy and security concerns. The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the extent of understanding and adoption of e-finance by SMEs. A survey of SMEs in two developing countries, South Africa and Bangladesh, was conducted. The results of the survey revealed that access to financial products and services was the highest rated benefit of e-finance to respondent SMEs, whereas regulatory environment and policy was the highest rated barrier.
Handling Uncertainty in Project Management and Business Development
Authors: Hartlieb Stefan , Silvius Gilbert
Published: December 2019

This chapter reports a study into the management of uncertainty in the disciplines of business development and project management. The first part of the chapter analyses the disciplines by looking at the process, the planning, uncertainty and risk and the measurement of success. Based on our analysis of these two disciplines, we conclude that they differ substantially in the perception and handling of uncertainty and how this is included in the overall process. We found that business development uses additional methods, for example scenario planning, to manage the uncertainty that is inherent to the business development process. The second part of the chapter reports an explorative study into the potential application of scenario planning in project management. This study shows that scenario planning may benefit project management in creating a shared understanding of the project as well as the provision and consideration of different information. In the planning processes of the project, this information is considered useful in risk management and milestone planning.
Coping Better with the Project´s Unknown Unknowns
Authors: Schoper Yvonne-Gabriele , Böhle Fritz , Heidling Eckhard
Published: December 2019

It is the goal of management to overcome and delete uncertainty. Uncertainty is seen as an obstacle and threat for successful management. However projects are full of uncertainty. Successful project management therefore aims to overcome and ideally delete uncertainty as far as possible. In project management, uncertainty and risk are often used synonymously. Current project management methodology contains only technics how to manage risk in projects. The assessment of risks is based on the precondition of stable conditions and the idea that the influencing parameters are known, assessable and calculable. Since more than 2,000 years it is the aim of the Western cultures to master the nature by natural sciences and mathematics. In the last three centuries of Modern Philosophy the perspective developed that analytical scientific know how (episteme) and technical skills (techne) can master any kind of complexity and risk. The third traditional Aristotelian competence, the practical wisdom (phronesis) however was perceived as not acknowledgeable.
Entrepreneurial Action as Metaphorical Process and its Metaphorics
Authors: Baryshev Alexey A.
Published: December 2019

The objective of this paper is to formulate new approach to entrepreneurship and its result that is challenged by appearance of novel spheres of entrepreneurial activity related to social innovations, social networks, solution for corporate management and people`s wellbeing, production of gadget for precarious wants. These items inspire the study of axiological bases of value created by entrepreneurs. This purpose suggests addressing and revisiting the notions of entrepreneurial action and value. Their complete conceptualization applying to nascent new economy is unlikely to be possible. With this in mind, we focused on searching for metaphors that can cast light on the specifics of newly-emerging phenomena related to entrepreneurial action and value created by it. Using the theory of metaphor, we find that entrepreneurial action is of metaphorical nature itself. In the article, the creation of value is described by means of the transferal of enterprising constituents of entrepreneur's identity onto produced things. We specify these constituents as referred to the different periods of entrepreneurial history. The identification of the constituents was based on the theory of pillars and carriers of institutions by W. R. Scott. The metaphors of appropriateness, utility and wellbeing were proposed for the different periods of the development of value. The metaphor of rhetoric was defined as a root metaphor for all moduses of entrepreneurial action considered as a process of convincing on the value of things produced. Special metaphors for entrepreneurial action for each period of value development were also proposed. The metaphor of performative rhetoric was considered as shedding light on dominant modus of entrepreneurial action and modus of value under conditions of knowledge society.
Technological Change Perspective for ERP Implementation in Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Nair Jessy , Chellasamy Aarthy
Published: December 2019

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) trail large organizations in leveraging IT systems. SMEs are beginning to understand the significance of implementing IT systems like ERP for improving their preparedness in business processes. Hence the objective of this research article is to develop a framework to analyse SME's organizational preparedness for implementing the technology. This research applies a General Morphological Analysis (GMA) framework to explore suitable models and variables for IT change preparedness to realize the benefits of ERP implementation in SMEs. An SMEs drawback in implementing IT tools is specifically due to a lack of knowledge and an acute shortage of resources like investment and manpower. The review of literature in this article using general morphological analysis is novel for ERP implementation in the SME sector. Based on the review of articles, a morphology with a technology organization framework and environment (TOE) framework which evaluates technological, organizational and environment is most adequate to understand the IT readiness for ERP among SMEs.
The Role of Culture in IT Governance Five Focus Areas
Authors: Aasi Parisa , Rusu Lazar , Vieru Dragos
Published: December 2019

Information technology governance (ITG) is one of the top challenges of managers today and culture in different level can have an important role while implementing IT governance. This is a new and significant issue, which has not been investigated deeply. This paper sets out to provide a systematic review of the literature, focusing on the role of culture in IT governance. The literature review findings are categorized through the lens of IT governance's five focus areas which are IT strategic alignment, IT value delivery, Risk management, IT resource management and Performance measurement. This study contributes to the field of IT governance by reviewing and discussing the existing literature on the role of culture on IT governance. This literature review resulted that there are few research studies in this topic and many of the IT governance focus areas are not covered regarding the role of culture in these IT governance areas.
Mobile Financial Services
Authors: Kimari Alexander Maina , Niyitunga Eric Blanco
Published: December 2019

The chapter explores financial exclusion, its causes, and consequences in society. The chapter found that the existing discrepancy in financial inclusion between the developed and developing world is driven by financial exclusion that makes it difficult for financial service providers to expand outreach to the poor at affordable prices. The chapter aims to investigate the role of mobile financial service design and development in dealing with financial exclusion. It was found that mobile financial services are promoting financial inclusion in various markets. However, few studies have been undertaken on the benefits of mobile financial services in dealing with the high rates of financial exclusion. The chapter recommended that to achieve financial inclusion, there is need for mobile financial services providers to take into account customer experience through the ease of using the phone interface. The chapter concluded that there is need for scholars in the fields of finance and economics to conduct research in the areas of mobile financial services and their role in society.
The Why and the Wherefores
Authors: Opati Thaisaiyi Zephania
Published: December 2019

Though the digital loan industry is still in its diapers, the unprecedented growth of it is a concern to many stakeholders within the financial industry. In fact, the emerging apprehensions arising out of the process of lending, distribution, and use of the digital loans have become a cause for consumerism and consumer advocacy within this new emerging product category. Of great apprehension are issues relating to regulation, consumer privacy, and loan processing among others. With this regard, a survey was carried out in Nairobi County, Kenya with over 500 questionnaires being sent through email to respondents who fall within the middle-class category. A convenience sampling method was adopted for the study, and 243 were answered and returned. A further analysis was done given the objective of the study was to examine consumer and ethical concerns arising out of sale and marketing of digital loans. This chapter examines consumer issues arising out of the digital loan applications and addresses what the industry needs to do. It recommends the way forward in dealing with these issues.
Ethics in Mobile Banking
Authors: Kiarie Rehema Kagendo
Published: December 2019

This chapter addresses the ethical issues relating to mobile money transfer in Kenya. The mobile money transfer industry has grown exponentially in Kenya. Both the formal and informal sectors have embraced the use of mobile money transfer as a convenient means of transacting. With a plethora of advantages, most notably financial inclusion of the informal sector, mobile money transfer also has its ethical demerits. Despite the ethical challenges being experienced, the use of regulation coupled with education of users on ethical issues and security of mobile money transactions will assist in reducing unethical conduct.
Financial Inclusivity
Authors: Mueni Joy
Published: December 2019

M-Pesa is a mobile phone-based money transfer system in Kenya that was introduced in 2007 by Safaricom, a subsidiary of Vodafone. Since its inception, the mobile money industry has witnessed some unprecedented growth mainly due to the diverse products, key among them M-Pesa. Powered by the over 100% mobile phone penetration in Kenya, M-Pesa has revolutionized the social and economic lives of Kenyans. In this chapter, using case studies, the author explores the impact M-Pesa has had on women in Kenya. In reference to banking, the author looks at the regulations, polices, and restrictions of M-Pesa against the formal banking industry to understand which is more suited to women and hence its rate of adoption. Another parameter that the author explores is the convenience that M-Pesa guarantees the user and how this has impacted on the effectiveness and efficiency of transactions among women.
Interrogating Social Negotiations Within Online Discussion Platforms in Nigeria
Authors: Omotosho Babatunde Joshua
Published: December 2019

One of the dividends of internet revolution in Africa relates to the privilege it accords all and sundry to access news online and share their views with the online community through online discussion platforms. However, the kind of heated discussions emanating from these platforms recently is becoming an issue of concern. Abusive language and arguments revolving around religion, politics, and ethnical sentiments appear to pervade most online commentaries. This article assesses online discussion platforms in Nigeria, its contributions to the society and its setbacks; further, it critically explores the connection between discussion platforms and violence. The article concludes with some recommendations on how Nigeria can further use the platforms for its benefit.
Feedback-Based Fuzzy Resource Management in IoT-Based-Cloud
Authors: Mallikarjuna Basetty
Published: December 2019

The main aim of Internet of Things (IoT) is to get every “thing” (sensors, smart cameras, wearable devices, and smart home appliances) to connect to the internet. Henceforth to produce the high volume of data required for data processing between IoT devices, large storage and the huge number of applications to offer cloud computing as a service. The purpose of IoT-based-cloud is to manage the resources, and effective utilization of tasks in cloud. The end user applications are essential to enhance the QoS parameters. As per the QoS parameters, the service provider makes the speed up of tasks. There is a requirement for assigning responsibilities based on priority. The cloud services are increased to the network edge, and the planned model is under the Fog computing paradigm to reduce the makespan of time. The priority based fuzzy scheduling approach is brought by the dynamic feedback-based mechanism. The planned mechanism is verified with the diverse prevailing algorithms and evidenced that planned methodology is supported by effective results.
The Effect of Andreasen ́s Packing Distribution Modulus on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of a Low Cement Refractory Castable
Authors: Malimpensa Vitoria Gabrieli , Alves Júnior José Antonio , Baptista Baldo João
Published: December 2019

Among modern refractory concretes (MRC), those with low cement content (LCC) where CAC = 4-6wt%, are widely commercialized, considering that their properties approximate those of burned bricks of the same class. In this work, the effect of the modulus q of Andreasen ́s particle size distribution, on the physical (porosity, bulk density) and mechanical (flexural strength and dynamic elastic modulus) properties, of either pre-fired or simply dried specimens of a ≥85% Al2O3 LCC ́s, was investigated. The different LCC ́s samples were formulated according to the Andreasen ́s model, using several distribution modulus (q = 0.22, 0.26, 0.30, 0.33 and 0.42). Measurements of the Dynamic Elastic Modulus (DEM) as a function of temperature (25 to 1500°C), using the Impulse Excitation Technique (IET), were taken as a key indicator of the microstructure dynamic behavior. For the sake of just a punctual comparative term, the physical and mechanical properties of a conventional type refractory concrete (CRC) with a higher CAC percentage (15%) formulated with q = 0.26 was also evaluated. The results indicated that distribution modulus values of; q =0.22, 0,26, 0.30 and 0.33 lead to higher DEM values. While q=0.42 lead to the smallest value in the LCC series. Also, higher DEM values ​​were obtained for LCC ́s (CAC = 5%) than for conventional concrete with CAC = 15% under the same value of q for pre-fired samples. In addition, by observing the occurrence of damping effects in specific temperature ranges, the loss of crystallization water from the calcium aluminate hydrates, as well as the development of pyroplastic behavior could be inferred. The gathered information is relevant to predict the behavior of LCC ́s and CRC ́s when put into service for the first time.
Heat Losses through Insulated Glazing Placed Horizontally or Diagonally
Authors: Respondek Zbigniew
Published: December 2019

Heat transfer through insulating glass units is a complex phenomenon. Heat exchange occurs here through conduction, convention and radiation. In practical calculations of heat losses in buildings, the declared value of the thermal transmittance (U) is most often taken into account, which is valid for vertical panes. Currently, more and more horizontal and diagonal glass partitions are made. The aim of the article is to analyze, on the basis of the adopted calculation model, the influence of the angle of glazing slope on the thermal transmittance in different weather conditions. The different wind speed and the possibility of radiative cooling were taken into account. Radiative cooling is a phenomenon manifested by a drop in temperature on the surface of horizontal and diagonal building partitions below the external air temperature. It occurs at night under a cloudless sky. It was found that in the case of horizontal or diagonal glazing heat losses increase significantly, which affects the energy balance of the building. Radiative cooling, especially in windless weather, is an additional unfavorable factor.
Mathematical Modeling of the Test Process of Construction Materials
Authors: Pirumyan Narine , Stakyan Mihran , Galstyan Gagik
Published: December 2019

A mathematical model has been proposed for processing data from tests of building materials and obtaining optimal links between the characteristics of the bearing capacity and technological parameters of building materials for the use of these connections in refined design and construction procedures for building structures. To improve the accuracy of the results obtained, a three-level optimization principle was applied using the least squares method and a computational algorithm was compiled that allows us to develop an additional computational subroutine expanding the capabilities of the corresponding standard computer programs.
P.BEROL. INV. 14081. FRAMMENTO DI UNA NUOVA COPIA DEL DIGESTO DI ETÀ GIUSTINIANEA
Authors: Fressura Marco , Mantovani Dario
Published: December 2019

Updated edition of a recently discovered fragment of Justinian’s Digest. The fragment comes from a sixth-century papyrus codex that in all likelihood was part of an edition of the Digest in multiple tomes. In addition to providing palaeographical and codicological information, this new finding supports the idea that the Digest had considerable circulation and was used in legal education and legal practice.
Riflessioni bioetiche sul suicidio medicalmente assistito: il parere del Comitato Nazionale per la Bioetica
Authors: Sartea Claudio
Published: December 2019

Nel mese di luglio 2019 il Comitato nazionale per la Bioetica italiano ha approvato e pubblicato un Parere intitolato “Riflessioni bioetiche sul suicidio medicalmente assistito”. Con il presente contributo, si presenta brevemente la storia istituzionale di questo documento e si cercano risposte ad alcuni quesiti bioetici toccati dal Parere. Ne emerge una lettura critica che va al di là delle singole questioni (e specialmente dei profili giuridici e legali implicati), e rimanda all’esigenza di una meditazione nuova sul senso della bioetica ed il suo rapporto con l’antropologia filosofica e le questioni identitarie.
Suicidio medicalmente assistito e autonomia della deontologia medica
Authors: Nicolussi Andrea
Published: December 2019

Non disponibile.
Morire senza coscienza. La giustificazione morale della sedazione palliativa profonda continua
Authors: Miccinesi Guido , Raho Joseph
Published: December 2019

Un recente disegno di legge sulle cure alla fine della vita ha proposto di estendere l’opzione della sedazione palliativa profonda continua anche a pazienti che non siano in fase terminale di malattia. Questo sviluppo del dibattito sulle cure alla fine della vita richiede un nuovo sforzo per chiarire i termini della questione e risolvere alcune persistenti ambiguità. Il presente articolo sottolinea come la sedazione palliativa profonda continua sia eticamente lecita, e in effetti parte integrante delle cure palliative, solo quando eseguita in modo conforme alle principali linee guida. Daremo argomenti per mostrare come ‘l’imminenza di morte’, generalmente intesa come morte attesa entro poche ore/giorni, sia un importante criterio clinico per decidere della liceità etica di questa pratica medica. Nella nostra argomentazione (1) spiegheremo come la Dottrina del Duplice effetto, cui frequentemente si fa ricorso nei dibattiti etici su questa pratica, non sia invece necessariamente applicabile al caso della sedazione palliativa; (2) identificheremo una giustificazione alternativa, etica e clinica, per il ricorso alla sedazione in situazioni di fine vita; infine (3) discuteremo l’eventuale liceità del ricorso alla sedazione palliativa in casi di sofferenza esistenziale. Contiamo in tal modo di contribuire allo sviluppo del dibattito bioetico in corso su questi temi.
“Farmaci insostenibili” e giustizia intergenerazionale in Sanità
Authors: Refolo Pietro , Sacchini Dario , Rumi Filippo , Cicchetti Americo , Spagnolo Antonio G.
Published: December 2019

Una ripresa secondo una dimensione pubblica del dibattito sulla giustizia distributiva in Sanità si è verificata in tempi recenti con l’introduzione dei nuovi farmaci antivirali ad azione diretta per il trattamento dei pazienti affetti da epatite C, estremamente efficaci nel curare la patologia ma dai costi esorbitanti. Obiettivo del presente contributo è di fornire un breve approfondimento sul tema dei c.d. “farmaci insostenibili”, esaminato sotto un particolare modello di giustizia distributiva, ossia l’egualitarismo, e secondo la prospettiva intergenerazionale. La conclusione è che ad oggi i sistemi sanitari stanno affrontando il problema della sostenibilità attraverso l’ottimizzazione della spesa farmaceutica, ma non sembrano ancora ben equipaggiati per affrontare l’eventualità di una divaricazione inaggirabile tra domanda e offerta di questa tipologia di farmaci. Quest’ultima va affrontata in riferimento all’idea di giustizia distributiva che ha una società, e più specificatamente, alla quantità di risorse che una società è disposta a pagare per la cura di un suo membro. Da ultimo, in termini di giustizia distributiva, l’idea – spesso supportata dalle analisi di farmacoeconomia – che sia giustificabile spendere una cifra molto elevata oggi per ricavare risparmi nel lungo periodo non è di per sé coerente con le principali teorie della giustizia, e necessita di argomenti a sostegno estrinseci ai loro presupposti teorici.
Post human e gene editing: riflessioni su perfezione e senso del limite
Authors: Grion Luca
Published: December 2019

A partire dalle opportunità terapeutiche e potenzianti dischiuse dalle recenti tecniche di editing genetico, il saggio si interroga sul senso umano della fragilità e sul desiderio di miglioramento che, da sempre, accompagna l’esperienza umana. Al centro della riflessione, che mette in dialogo innovazione tecnologica e riflessione antropologica, vi è la nozione di limite, da alcuni considerato come un male da rimuovere e, da altri, come una condizione essenziale da accogliere. Dopo aver ricostruito i termini essenziali del dibattito, nelle sue battute conclusive il saggio suggerisce la necessità di prendere posizione tra mito della perfezione e vocazione al compimento: ci vuole umiltà per accettarsi per ciò che si è, senza lasciarsi tentare dell’idea di un’umanità perfetta e invulnerabile; ci vuole coraggio per sfidare gli ostacoli che impediscono alla persona di fiorire in pienezza.
La pubblicità sanitaria tra ethos ippocratico, diritto e concorrenza
Authors: Angelini Fabio Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

La pubblicità sanitaria costituisce un ambito di particolare interesse per verificare quale sia il bilanciamento proposto nell’ordinamento nazionale e sovranazionale tra queste due dimensioni complementari della professione sanitaria che, richiamando valori diversi e talvolta contrapposti, permettono di far luce sui pericoli di una politica del diritto e di un’interpretazione giurisprudenziale sempre meno capace di anteporre alle ragioni dell’economia quelle della natura umana e della tutela, sul piano giuridico, della dignità umana. Il presente contributo, prendendo spunto dal recente intervento del legislatore in materia di pubblicità sanitaria, intende analizzare la disciplina della pubblicità nell’ambito delle professioni sanitarie sia sotto il profilo squisitamente deontologico che giuridico, soffermandosi sul problema della funzionalità dei limiti previsti dall’ordinamento professionale rispetto alla tutela dei diritti fondamentali della persona e della loro compatibilità con la tutela della concorrenza.
Endoscopic balloon dilatation of primary obstructive megaureter: method standardization and predictive prognostic factors
Authors: Chiarenza Salvatore Fabio , Bleve Cosimo , Zolpi Elisa , Battaglino Francesco , Fasoli Lorella , Bucci Valeria
Published: December 2019

The management of congenital primary obstructive megaureter (POM) is usually conservative, especially during the first year of life. Endoscopic high-pressure balloon dilatation (EHPBD) is indicated when symptoms, increasing dilatation and progressive renal damage are recorded, particularly in children younger than one year of age. We identified and described endoscopic prognostic factors predicting the success or failure of endoscopic dilatation. Thirty-eight patients (33 M;5 F) with POM from 2005-2018 were included. Diagnosis was based on US distal ureter dilatation (>7 mm), obstructive MAG-3 diuretic renogram and absence of vesicoureteral reflux (cystography). 24 patients were under 1 year of age. All patients underwent cystoscopy and high-pressure balloon dilatation with 3,5 Fr dilating balloon, after ascending pyelography. Median follow-up was of 6.5 years. We identified characteristics with poor prognosis: stenotic punctiform ureteral ostium and/or ostium located in a bladder diverticulum (9 pts) and stenotic tract longer than 1 cm (5 pts). The patients with a stenotic tract shorter than 1 cm (18 pts) were divided into two groups: <5 mm (5 pts) and between 5 and 10 mm (13 pts) showed a good response to dilatation. Endoscopic evaluation of ureteral ostium with pneumatic dilatation when possible is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic solution for POM treatment, especially under one year of age. EHPBD is effective in short stenotic tracts (<5 mm). It may also be repeated with good results in intermediate stenotic sections (5 mm-1 cm). According to our preliminary results, the procedure is more effective if performed earlier (3-7 months of life). Greater cohort and longer follow-up are needed to verify the stability of these results.
To Investigate the Role of Withania somnifera in a Mouse Model of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Kaur Ravjot , Jaggi Amteshwar Singh , Bali Anjana
Published: December 2019

The present study was conducted to explore the role of Withania somnifera in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mice. Swiss albino mice were subjected to a 2-day electric foot-shock stress of 5 min, which included 15 alternating inescapable foot shocks of 0.8 mA intensity with 10-s duration and 10-s intershock interval on the electrified grid floor. It was followed by 3 week re-exposures (on day 3, 7, and 14) in the same context (as situational reminders) for 5 min without delivering any foot-shocks. Trauma and situational reminders results a significant development of behavioral deficits and reduced serum corticosterone levels, as assessed on the 21st day. A significant development of freezing behavior was also observed in response to situational reminders on 3rd, 7th and 14th days. Repeated administration (for 21 days) of W. somnifera (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) considerably restored the behavioral changes and normalized the corticosterone levels. W. somnifera led to significant reduction in the freezing behavior in response to situational reminders suggesting the inhibition of formation of aversive fear memory. It may be concluded that W. somnifera may be beneficial in preventing the PTSD symptoms in response to a traumatic event.