bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient Solver in a Triple Concentric-Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Radulescu Sinziana , Negoita Loredana Irena , Onutu Ion
Published: January 2020

A relation for calculation of the effective overall heat transfer coefficient in a triple concentric-tube heat exchanger is proposed. The relation of the effective overall heat transfer coefficient is obtained based on total thermal resistance and it is applied within a case study for thermal analysis of two triple concentric-tube heat exchangers with different geometries, hot fluids and operating conditions. Through case study it is found that the values of effective overall heat transfer coefficient can be obtained with acceptable errors, up to 3 % for both heat exchangers.
Evaluation of Bone Turnover and DXA Markers in Premature Ovarian Failure
Authors: Preda Smaranda Adelina , Nechita Florina , Comanescu Maria Cristina , Albulescu Dana Maria , Tuculina Mihaela Jana , Docea Andreea Denisa , Burada Emilia , Vasile Ramona Constantina , Mitroi Mihaela
Published: January 2020

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a pathological condition of women of controversial etiology, but with significant physical and psychological consequences due to the occurrence of menopause at the age of 30-40 years. Osteoporosis is thus a major consequence of POF that should be diagnosed early and monitored over time, taking into account the risks of fracture in early menopause. Bone mass density assessment by DXA and bone turnover markers are the diagnostic and osteoporosis monitoring methods in premature ovarian failure.
Optimizing Enzymatic Biodegradation of Skins Waste Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Stefan Daniela Simina , Orbeci Cristina , Stefan Mircea
Published: January 2020

Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to evaluate the optimum biodegradation of pelt skin wastes (BPSW). The parameters investigated include the pH, temperature, and enzymes mixture ratio of hydrolases, proteases and oxide - reductases on biodegradation degree for Pelt skin waste. The pH varied between 4.00 � 0.2 and 7.00� 0.2 and temperature between 30-50�C. Was used three mixtures tested having the following composition expressed as ratio between E1:E2:E3. M1- (1:1:1); M2-(2:1:1) and M3-(3:1:1) expressed in mg/L. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the influence of each independent variable on the overall biodegradation efficiency of waste skin. Optimum biodegradation efficiency was achieved at pH=8.4, E1 concentration in the enzyme mixture 2 mg/L and temperature 42.4 0C. Biodegradation degree is 0.996. Very similar results could be obtained for optimal extraction conditions using the desirability profiles available also in STATISTICA software.
Anterior Myocardial Infarction and Nitinol Mesh Occluder for Atrial Septal Defect, a Fortunate Discovery
Authors: Vladeanu Maria-Cristina , Bararu Bojan Iris , Vasilcu Teodor , Bojan Andrei , Iliescu Dan , Sirbu Paul-Dan , Nedelciuc Igor , Ciocoiu Manuela , Badescu Codruta , Badescu Magda , Plesoianu Carmen Elena , Badulescu Oana-Viola
Published: January 2020

Atrial septal defects represent an abnormal communication between the left and the right atria. Some patients may experience dyspnoea, fatigue, others may suffer directly from complications, like arrhythimias, paradoxal embolisation, resulting in stroke, but some remain asymptomatic until adulthood. When possible, the gold standard treatment is percutaneous closure with nitinol messh occluder. We are presenting the case of a 50-year-old patient with an acute anterior myocardial infarction, whose echocardiography showed akinesia of the left ventricular apex and anterior wall, as well as a surprise element, not connected to the myocardial infarction, a 22 mm atrial defect, with a shunt ratio higher than 1.5. Our first concern was the cardiovascular emergency. The coronarography revealed a critical stenosis of the proximal left anterior descendent and we introduced a stent. In a second phase,we evaluated the atrial septal defect. Since it had indication for percutaneous closure, we decided to use an Amplatzer occluder. The intervention was a success, with no residual shunt. The patient�s follow up was good, with no cardiovascular events. Most of time, cardiovascular diseases are not isolated, but come together, related or not to one another. An adequate management implies treating the cardiovascular emergency first and solving the associated lesions in a second phase.
Three-Year Follow-up of Smoking Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs Among Pharmacy Students at UMPhST, Targu Mures
Authors: Fazakas Zita , Nemes-Nagy Eniko , Fogarasi Erzsebet , Preg Zoltan , Laszlo Mihaly Imre , Kelemen Hajnal , German-Sallo Marta , Balazs Peter , Szekely Melinda , Nimigean Vanda Roxana , Foley Kristie , Abram Zoltan , Kikeli Pal Istvan
Published: January 2020

Objectives of the study were to investigate the smoking prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among Romanian pharmacy students. Surveys were conducted among pharmacy students during 2014�2016. A locally-adapted version of the Global Health Professional Students Survey was used, which is a self-administered questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization to assess smoking behaviors and attitudes among health professional students. The study was conducted at the University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology (UMPhST) of Targu Mures, Romania (UMPh of Targu Mures, at that time). All pharmacy students (1st�5th years) were invited to participate in this study. In the first year of the study 414, during the second year 396, and in the third year a number of 449 pharmacy students were enrolled in our survey. There were assessed the prevalence of current cigarette smoking and other tobacco use in pharmacy students, defined as smoking or other tobacco use at least once in the past 30 days, and also the opinion, knowledge and attitude of these students regarding the tobacco-related legislation. 29.5% of the evaluated pharmacy students were current smokers in the first year of the study, 26.1% in the second year and 29.9% in the third year of the study. 45.7% of the enrolled pharmacy students used other tobacco products in the past 30 days in 2014, 41.5% in 2015 and 44.4% in 2016. Among current smokers desire to quit was high, ranging between 93.6�96.4%. Support for tobacco-banning legislation among pharmacy students showed significant increase in the last year of our study. This study contributes to knowledge on tobacco use among pharmacy students at the UMPhST in Targu Mures, Romania. Our results suggest that smoking prevalence in this cohort is low and that these health professional students are supportive of tobacco control policies. At the end of study period the National Clean Air Law nr. 15/2016 was implemented in Romania and our university became the first smoke-free medical university in the country.
Inflammation Markers in the Evolution of Asbestosis
Authors: Otelea Marina Ruxandra , Andrei Nicoleta , Dinu Elena , Stefanescu Cristian Dragos , Hainarosie Razvan , Handra Claudia Mariana
Published: January 2020

Asbestos structure and composition contribute to the lung injury and to the inflammation induced by this natural fiber. The result of this study is that neutrophile to lymphocyte ratio correlates significantly to timing of progress of the radiological lesions in the evolution of patients with asbestosis, followed for 5 years. If confirmed in larger studies, this could become a cost-effective biomarker for the asbestosis evolution.
The Use of Biochar and Compost Mixtures as Potential Organic Fertilizers
Authors: Goldan Elena , Nedeff Valentin , Sandu Ion , Barsan Nasrcis , Mosnegutu Emilian , Panainte Mirela
Published: January 2020

Organic wastes have been used in agriculture many years ago, due to its capacity to improve soil quality. The manure was used before the occurrence of chemical fertilizers and treated / untreated sewage sludge, started to be used as a fertilizer a few years ago. The aim of the study is to evaluate the organic matter, organic carbon, organic content and soil composition, after application in greenhouse conditions, of mixtures made from sewage sludge biochar and cattle manure compost. The biochar and compost used in different concentrations, at 5 t/ha and 30 t/ha, application rates, in greenhouse conditions, for a period of 90 days, improved organic matter, organic carbon and organic content from the soil used in experiment. The sewage sludge biochar and the cattle manure compost had similar effects on the parameters determined in the study. Organic and inorganic soil components, identified by the ATR-FTIR method, have not been modified by application of sewage sludge biochar and cattle manure compost.
Cuantificarea moleculelor proinflamatorii (IL1-alfa, IL1-beta, IL2, IL 12, IFN-gama, TNF-alfa) in lichid crevicular si ser la pacientii cu leziuni endo-parodontale
Authors: Zaharescu Anamaria , Solomon Sorina Mihaela , Luca Mihaela Gabriela , Toma Vasilica , Luchian Ionut , Sufaru Irina Georgeta , Martu Maria Alexandra , Foia Liliana , Martu Silvia
Published: January 2020

The present research proposes an assessment of the localized inflammatory burden but also at the systemic level by quantitating the pro-inflammatory molecules (IL1-a, IL1-b, IL2, IL12, IFN-g, TNF-a) with endo-periodontal lesions. The study was performed on a group of 146 subjects who, following clinical and radiological examinations, were divided into five groups: healthy endo-periodontal patients, patients with periodontitis, patients with moderate periodontitis, patients with severe periodontitis and patients presenting combined endo-periodontal lesions. IL1-a, IL1-b, IL2, IL12, IFN-g, TNF-a were analysed in crevicular fluid by ELISA and serum by fluorescence flowcytometry. IL1-a and IL1-b showed serum and crevicular fluid values significantly higher than the healthy subjects. Values for IL2, IL12, TNF-a and IFN-g measured in crevicular fluid were higher for groups II, III, IV, and V compared to the group of healthy endo-periodontal subjects. IL2 showed significantly higher serum values for groups III, IV and V than group I. Serum IL12 values were significantly higher than healthy periodontal subjects only for patients with severe periodontitis and endo-periodontal syndrome. Following serum determinations of proinflammatory molecules, patients with endo-periodontal lesions demonstrated significantly higher values even in subjects with severe periodontitis; these data indicate a much higher risk for these patients to develop and maintain systemic maladies, as is the role local inflammation can play over the general inflammatory status of the patient.
The Estimated Adolescents�Carbohydrate Metabolism and Insulin Resistance in PCOS
Authors: Cretu Mariana Stuparu , Busila Camelia , Caraman Liliana , Balan Gabriela , Calin Alina Mihaela
Published: January 2020

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) represents a recognised entity within the female medical conditions today. The multidisciplinary aspects refer to various and variable symptomatology, which mainly associates the reproductive problems with clinical signs of hyper-androgyny and metabolic disorders, frequently associated with obesity. The present study demonstrates the existence of some carbohydrate metabolic anomalies in adolescents diagnosed with PCOS which had remained asymptomatic and undiagnosed prior to the analysis. It is thus suggested that metabolic testing is necessary for adolescents diagnosed with PCOS, even if they are neither overweight nor part of the definition criteria. It is important for the therapeutic interventions to analyse the DM2 intermediary risk markers, as the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) repeated 3 hours after glucose powder dose ingestion is informative of the persistent hyperglycaemia and the decrease in pancreatic function.
Increased Exhalated Carbon Monoxide, Smoking and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Trenchea Mihaela , Rascu Agripina , Otelea Marina Ruxandra , Bechir Edwin Sever , Dantes Elena , Tofolean Doina Ecaterina , Ion Ileana , Arghir Oana Cristina
Published: January 2020

Although exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) is studied from decades, a few studies are about its levels in smokers with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The average level of exhaled CO (eCO) was determined in OSA smokers and found increased significantly higher than in patients with other breathing related sleep disorders. A gender significant difference in average eCO was also noticed, with higher numbers in men, in OSA patients. A threshold of the eCO � 6 ppm has 100% specificity and 96.3% sensitivity in detection of the active smoking habit in patients with OSA. Among OSA comorbidities, only chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) seams to influence the increased eCO levels in OSA active smokers.
Low Density Multi-principal Element Alloy from Al-Mg-Ca-Si-B System
Authors: Geanta Victor , Ciocoiu Robert , Voiculescu Ionelia
Published: January 2020

The scientific paper presents a numerical modeling of the chemical composition for the optimization of the multicomponent light alloys in the Al-Mg-Ca-Si-B system. The effects of the proportion of each chemical element on the main characteristics of the alloy based on the mixture rule and the correlation between the melting temperature and the modulus of elasticity were analyzed numerically. The model results has reveals that even other factors must be taken into account, i.e. the mechanical characteristics which varied significantly with changing of chemical compositions. A compromise was set, by slightly increasing the density to acquire better mechanical characteristics. The selected chemical composition was then used to obtain the new low density alloy. In current research stage we conclude that the as cast alloy comprises an inhomogeneous solid solution and complex oxides. Further studies are ongoing on the experimental alloy in various states (homogenization annealed and processed by plastic deformation).
Cr(VI) Ion Reduction Reaction on Nickel and Stainless Steel Electrodes in Acid Medium
Authors: Maior Ioana , Badea Gabriela Elena , Cojocaru Anca , Cimbru Anca Maria , Bungau Simona , Endres Laura
Published: January 2020

The reduction of Cr(VI) ion in 0.5 M H2SO4 deaerated solutions with different concentrations of K2CrO4 on nickel and 18Cr-10Ni stainless steel electrodes have been studied by potentiostatic polarisation technique depending on the chromate concentration in solution. The kinetic parameters -Tafel slope, charge transfer coefficient and limiting current density -were evaluated comparatively. For the solutions containing �5 mM K2CrO4 the Tafel slopes are higher on stainless steel than on nickel (around -135 mV�dec-1 for nickel and -165 mV�dec-1 for stainless steel). Moreover, by increasing the chromate concentration the Tafel slopes increase on nickel and decrease on stainless steel. The low Tafel slope values of -75 mV�dec-1 obtained on stainless steel electrode in the potential region -0.5� -0.75V vs. SCE could be due to a decrease of the charge transfer process rate because of the presence of a physical barrier. The values for the reaction rates are slightly higher for nickel than for stainless steel electrodes on all the studied potential range. The reaction product is soluble trivalent chromium, excepting the solution with 500 mM K2CrO4, when a Cr(OH)3 film may cover the electrode surface that determines the decrease of the reaction rate.
Polluting Emissions from Incineration and Waste Installations
Authors: Tucureanu Marina Cristinela , Rusanescu Carmen Otilia , Purdea Larisa
Published: January 2020

Currently, waste generates numerous environmental effects: air pollution, surface water and groundwater. In this paper we study the concentrations of polluting emissions resulting from the incineration of waste, such as NOx, CO, NMVOC, SOx, TSP, PM 10, PM 2,5, Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Cu, Ni , Zn, HCB, by comparing emission values for several types of waste.
Multivariate Statistical Characterisation of Soil Quality in the Lower Danube River Riparian Areas
Authors: Radu Violeta-Monica , Ivanov Alexandru Anton , Ionescu Petra , Deak Gyorgy , Diacu Elena , Ciobotaru Irina-Elena , Ghita Gina , Marcu Ecaterina
Published: January 2020

Increasing anthropogenic influences on the environment has caused negative changes in natural ecosystems and soil contamination with potentially toxic metals has become a worrying issue at global level, due to the negative impact on the environment and human health. For the purpose of assessing soil contamination in the riparian areas of the Lower Danube River, a number of 144 soil samples were collected twice a year, in the period of June 2013 � December 2016, from 9 monitoring locations, from 0.05 m and 0.3 m depths, and the following indicators: Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, including Ca, Mg, Corg, SO42- and humus content have been monitored. The soil was sampled, conserved and analysed according to the European standards in force. Metal concentrations were determined using flame (FAAS) and graphite furnace (GFAAS) atomic absorption spectrometry after �aqua regia� digestion of dried, homogenised and 0.5 mm sieved soil sub-samples. Comparing the average concentration values of the analysed potentially toxic metals, a decreasing tendency following the order Cr]Pb]Ni]Cu]Zn]Mn was observed and by reporting the average values at the normal limits, the order Zn]Cu]Mn]Ni]Pb]Cr of magnitude was obtained. To investigate possible correlations and interdependencies of potentially toxic metals content in the riparian soil, multivariate statistical methods were used. After applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA), 3 main components were identified, with a combined share of about 74 % of the original data-set variance. It was observed that during the monitoring period the average values of the all monitored elements from the studied soils were slightly below the normal reference values, according to the national legislation.
Research Concerning the Movement Equation of the Mechanism of the Conventional Sucker Rod Pumping Units
Authors: Badoiu Dorin
Published: January 2020

Establishing and then solving the movement equation of the mechanism of the conventional sucker rod pumping units allows determining the variation on the cinematic cycle of the angular speed of the cranks as a dynamic response to the motor and resistant actions on the component elements. The evaluation as accurate as possible of the dynamic response depends on a more precise determination of the variation on the cinematic cycle of the synthesis parameters that occur in the movement equation of the mechanism of the pumping units. In the paper is established the movement equation of the mechanism of the conventional pumping units and are presented a series of results regarding the variation on the cinematic cycle of some synthesis parameters in the case of the mechanism of a C-640D-305-120 pumping unit. Experimental records have been processed with the Total Well Management program and the simulations have been performed with a computer program developed by the author using the Maple programming environment.
Influences of Thyroid Hormones on the Alteration of Autonomic Nervous System in Female Patients with Overt Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Tudoran Cristina , Awwad Ahmed Abu , Oncu Giurgi Catalina , Ciocarlie Tudor , Rada Maria , Tudoran Mariana
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study is to document the impact of thyroid hormones on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), expressed by heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT), in patients with hyperthyroidism, compared to controls. Another purpose is to determine if HRV and HRT parameters are significantly correlated with the levels of thyroid hormones and the duration of hyperthyroidism. We studied HRV, in time and frequency domain, and HRT in a group of 113 premenopausal women, with still untreated overt hyperthyroidism, without cardiovascular diseases or risk factors for atherosclerosis, admitted between 2015 and 2018 in the Endocrinology Clinic of our hospital and compared the results with data obtained in 29 healthy controls. Depending on the severity and duration of hyperthyroidism and levels of thyroid hormones, patients were assigned to three groups: mild and moderate hyperthyroidism, severe and recurrent forms. We performed 24 hours Holter monitoring in patients and controls. Regarding HRV parameters in time domain, they were significantly depressed in patients comparing to controls. Referring to HRT, all patients had abnormal, positive values of turbulence onset (TO) and we documented statistically significant differences (p[0.001) when compared to controls. All patients had normal positive values of turbulence slope (TS), which decreased parallel with the severity of hyperthyroidism. In patients with hyperthyroidism, we documented depressed values of HRV parameters in time domain, correlated with the duration and severity of the thyroid disease. Our patients had pathologic values of TO. Although positive, TS values were lower when compared to controls.
Malondialdehyde as a Prognostic Marker in Patients with Ovarian Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Trifanescu Oana , Gruia Maria Iuliana , Gales Laurentia , Trifanescu Raluca , Pascu Alina Mihaela , Poroch Vladimir , Toma Sebastian , Poiana Catalina , Anghel Rodica
Published: January 2020

Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between reactive oxygen species and cellular antioxidative mechanisms. Reactive oxygen species are involved in the development and progression of many cancers and has been showed to activate pro-tumorigenic signalling, increase tumour cell survival, proliferation, invasion and metastasis, DNA damage and genetic instability. These are highly reactive and attack various classes of essentials biomolecules such as proteins, DNA and most important lipids. Malondialdehyde is the best investigated product of lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of malondialdehyde in patients with ovarian adenocarcinoma and in an experimental model.
Early Prenatal Diagnosis of an Extremely Rare Association of Down Syndrome and Transposition of the Great Vessels
Authors: Albu Cristina Crenguta , Albu Dinu-Florin , Albu Stefan-Dimitrie , Patrascu Anca , Musat Ana-Roxana , Goganau Alexandru Marian
Published: January 2020

Every year, an estimated 7.9 million infants (6% of worldwide births) are born with serious�birth defects [1].�Congenital cardiovascular defects make up one of the largest groups of severe congenital malformations [2].The incidence of congenital heart defects in different studies varies from about 4/1,000 to 50/1,000 live births [3].� Congenital heart disease is frequently described in patients with Down syndrome and is the main cause of death in this population during the first two years of life [4].�Trisomy 21 with cardiovascular malformations have a maternal age-adjusted regional prevalence of 4.33/10,000 for the white population and 3.70/10,000 for the nonwhite population [5].�Prenatal diagnosis of�congenital�heart disease is important for proper perinatal and neonatal management, as congenital cardiac malformations occurs in approximately eight of 1000 live births [6]. We present an extremely rare case of early prenatal diagnosis and management of a fetus with trisomy 21 associated with the transposition of the great vessels, one of the most mysterious congenital cardiac malformations.
Study of the Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy after Failure of Conservative Treatment
Authors: Hogea Bogdan Gheorghe , Bistrian Anca Gabriela , Boanca Mihaela , Timofte Daniel , Nita Andreea , Totorean Alina Daniela , Lazarescu Adrian , Bolovan Andrei , Hogea Lavinia Maria , Patrascu Jr Jenel Marian
Published: January 2020

Achilles tendon disorders, chronic degenerative tendon disorders (tendinopathy) are a frequent pathology in the Orthopaedic ward and quite difficult to treat. The autors present the case of a number of 25 patients (18 females and 7 male), with mean age of 37.2 years,a group of young and active patients, with chronic unilateral Achilles tendinopathy (at least 6 months of symptoms) refractary to conservative treatment, including physical rest and physical theraphy. All study patients have no surgical treatment performed at the Achilles tendons, or any corticosteroids infiltrations in this region. Patients were treated with 3 PRP injections at one week interval. The patient were evaluated clinically and with the ultrasound at baseline, at 1 month and at 6 months, further results will be evaluated at 1 year and early after that. Scores used for evaluation were: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and VISA A score. The study group that included 25 patients male and females were evaluated using the VAS score and the VISA A questionnaire referring to Achilles tendinopathy, pain symptoms and functionality. Results were assessed at 1 month and at 6 months, both scores improved significantly, and also the ultrasound imaging findings. The majority of the patients were symptoms free after the 3 step PRP local infiltrations showing stable results at 6 months, while 5 of the patients showed no clinical improvement of symptoms. The overall findings in our study show that repeated PRP injections for Achilles tendinopathy obtained good results in term of clinical symptom improvement and alo stable results in time at the 6 months evaluation. On this study group discussiond reffer mainly to the small gropup of patients, only 25, and to the short term follow up period, 6 months, with future data to be analysed at 12 months and 24 months on this study group.
Immunohistochemical analisys in Breast Carcinoma Treated with Conservative Surgery
Authors: Tenea Cojan Tiberiu Stefanita , Vladu Ionela Mihaela , Clenciu Diana , Vilcea Dan Ionica , Mirea Cecil Sorin , Ene Cristina Gabriela , Gheorman Veronica , Gheorman Victor , Baleanu Vlad , Davitoiu Dragos Virgil , Nedelcuta Ramona Mihaela , Cristea Oana Mariana , Radu Lucretiu
Published: January 2020

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall, making it a major international concern from both socio and economical point of view. World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that worldwide over 508.000 women died in 2011 due to breast cancer. American Cancer Society�s (ACS) study conducted in 2017 showed important numbers about the burden of breast cancer. Therefore, they estimated a number of 252,710 new breast cancer to be diagnosed in women and 2,470 in men in 2017- only in America. On 1st of January , there were about 3.5million US women with a history of breast cancer. The paper presents the correlations between recurrences of the tumor in breast cancer trated with conservative surgery and their immunohistochemical expression.
Microvessel Density and Mammaglobin A Expression as Prognostic Markers in Molecular Types of Breast Cancer
Authors: Jitariu Adriana Andreea , Ceausu Amalia Raluca , Meche Adriana , Nica Cristian , Burlea Amelia , Raica Marius
Published: January 2020

Increased microvessel density (MVD) values in breast cancer correlate with tumor growth and progression while mammaglobin (MGB) expression in tumor cells is associated with a favorable prognosis. We aim to evaluate and correlate MVD values with MGB expression in molecular types of breast cancer specimens and to determine their utility as prognostic biological markers. A number of 52 breast cancer specimens were included in the study. Specimens were processed for routine histopathological diagnosis followed by the molecular classification by means of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and HER2 immunohistochemical reactions. After performing immunohistochemistry for CD34 and MGB, MVD evaluation was made using the �hot spot� method for each case and MGB was scored between 0 (negative) and +3 (strong positive) depending on the intensity and distribution of the staining. MGB expression in tumor cells and MVD mean values were extremely variable. The greatest MVD mean values were obtained in luminal B followed by HER2, luminal A and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) (95.33, 69, 62, and 40, respectively). MGB expression in the tumor cells generally ranged from mild to weak and was strong only in a few invasive ductal carcinoma cases. In cases with TNBCs the expression of MGB in tumor cells was weak and focal or negative. This variability was noticed between the molecular types of breast cancers and even within the same molecular type. In a restricted number of cases, MGB positive tumors were associated with low MVD values while the negative cases were characterized by increased MVD mean values. The variable results we obtained regarding the correlation between MVD and MGB in breast cancer specimens may indicate a rather restricted use of MVD/MGB in estimating breast cancer patients� prognosis.
Structure, Core Losses, Curie Temperature, Defects in the Structure of the Bulk Amorphous Alloy Fe55Co15W2Y8B20
Authors: Gondro Joanna
Published: January 2020

This paper presents studies relating to the structure and soft magnetic properties of the bulk amorphous alloys Fe55Co15W2Y8B20. Samples were made using the method of injecting a liquid alloy into a copper water-cooled mold in the form of plates. The structure and microstructure were examined using X-ray diffractometry. Magnetic properties were investigated from static and dynamic measurements. For the samples, the core losses were measured. The influence of structure defects on the magnetization process in strong magnetic fields was also investigated. For this purpose, the theory developed by H. Kronm�ller was used. It was shown that the magnetization process in strong magnetic fields is associated with two-dimensional defects, so-called pseudo-location dipoles.
Konflik Kekerasan, Otonomi Daerah dan Integrasi Nasional
Authors: Anggoro Kusnanto
Published: January 2020

In a decade of reform, several changes had been occurred. Some adjustments could be considered as a success, while others potentially could trigger conflicts. Historical conflict remnants in Indonesia were hard to restrain. Hence, national integration remains crucial in the foreseeable future. Local autonomy could be an avenue to resolve the problem of national integration in a particular context. However, local autonomy could result in the reverse end. In the midst of conflict pattern change and development over the last decade, bureaucracy (local and national) has to be able to foresee any sign of conflict (early warning) in order to be able to anticipate. Conflict recognition could be observed through various indications, ranging from demographic changes, deterioration of the social-economic situation, and/or cultural tensions. Failure to do corrective action on such deviation would lead to a greater risk of conflict occurrence.
Sejarah Dekonsentrasi Di Indonesia Dan Agenda Kebijakan Kedepan
Authors: Utomo Tri Widodo W.
Published: January 2020

Together with decentralization and assistance tasks (medebewind), deconcentration constitutes basic principles in managing central-local government relationships. From a historical point of view, the degree of deconcentration and decentralization has been up and down. Until recently, there is no single belief among Indonesian experts and officials regarding the best form of deconcentration. Therefore, deconcentration continues to transform and still searching for its best formula. Under such consideration, this paper tries to tracking back the history of deconcentration and its limitations. Before coming to conclusion, it proposes four agendas to recover the implementation of deconcentration in Indonesia, i.e. clarifying the position of the head of region, improving the election system, redesigning the deconcentration affairs and authorities, and explicating goals of decentralization and deconcentration.
Using XBRL Technology to Extract Competitive Information from Financial Statements
Authors: Ditter Dominik , Henselmann Klaus , Scherr Elisabeth
Published: January 2020

The eXtensible Business Reporting Language, or XBRL, is a reporting format for the automatic and electronic exchange of business and financial data. In XBRL every single reported fact is marked with a unique tag, enabling a full computer-based readout of financial data. It has the potential to improve the collection and analysis of financial data for Competitive Intelligence (e.g., the profiling of publicly available financial statements). The article describes how easily information from XBRL reports can be extracted.
Establishment and application of Competitive Intelligence System in Mobile Devices
Authors: El haddadi Anass , Dousset Bernard , Berrada Ilham
Published: January 2020

The strategy concept has changed dramatically: from a long range planning to strategic planning then to strategic responsiveness. This response implies moving from a concept of change to a concept of continuous evolution. In our context, the competitive intelligence system presented aims to improve decision‐making in all aspects of business life, particularly for offensive and innovative decisions. In the paper we present XPlor EveryWhere, our competitive intelligence system based on a multidimensional analysis model for mobile devices. The objective of this system is to capture the information environment in all dimensions of a decision problem, with the exploitation of information by analyzing the evolution of their interactions.
Foundations of Competitive Intelligence System to form Business Coalitions
Authors: Mamawi Olivier
Published: January 2020

This study shows how a business can identify the networks allowing to form coalitions to obtain French procurement contracts. To this end, we have represented, by a graph, the 2008 co-branding system. We have detected, in this graph, 1360 strategic networks of which the organization reveals, on the one hand, identical characteristics within business networks, and on the other hand, the role of the dominant parties as to access to industrial labor. From these results, we propose a network cartography allowing us to consider new applications for competitive intelligence.
Benchmarking Competitive Intelligence Activity
Authors: Rothberg Helen N. , Erickson G. Scott
Published: January 2020

This paper reports on results drawn from a comprehensive database formed from public financial reports and a proprietary benchmarking survey conducted by a major competitive intelligence consulting firm.  Our overall aim is to identify different circumstances in which knowledge development and knowledge protection have greater or lesser importance.  Very little work has been done on a industry-wide (or wider) basis concerning intellectual capital and/or competitive intelligence activities in firms and how that may vary according to circumstances.  The wider study and database are designed to better address such questions.   In this study, we look at one piece of this overall research program, specifically how competitive intelligence activity varies in distinctive environments.  Based on these results, as practitioners better understand their environments, they can make better decisions on the level and aggressiveness of their own CI operations as well as on protection and counterintelligence efforts.  The results will also begin to move scholarly work in the field into these new areas of macro studies and strategic choices.
Competitive Intelligence and Information Technology Adoption of SMEs in Turkey: Diagnosing Current Performance and Identifying Barriers
Authors: Wright Sheila , Bisson Christophe , Duffy Alistair
Published: January 2020

The need for SMEs to behave in a more concise and coherent competitive fashion is well recognised. This study reports on an empirical study of SMEs in Turkey. Their responses were applied to a behavioural and information technology adoption framework which enabled the identification of areas where changes would be required for these firms to begin operating at a higher level of competence. The findings revealed significant scope for improvements on all strands of the diagnostic framework: attitude, gathering, location, technology support, IT systems support and finally, use of intelligence-based output by decision-makers. Through free form responses, it was also possible to identify barrier to higher level adoption and performance inhibiters, which were subsequently, categorised and assessed for significance.
Comparative Study of Competitive Intelligence Practices between Two Retail Banks in Brazil and South Africa
Authors: Du Toit A. S. A.
Published: January 2020

Using competitive intelligence (CI) can help developing countries to increase their competitiveness. This paper compares the CI activities between two retail banks in Brazil and South Africa. An e-mail survey in a sample of 2550 employees in a retail bank in Brazil and 847 employees in a retail bank in South Africa was carried out in which CI practices were measured. Respondents in both countries were not very effective to conduct effective CI analysis. Respondents from Brazil consider information on operational risks as the most important while for South African respondents the most important information was on changing regulatory requirements. Although there is a culture of competitiveness in both organizations, it is recommended that if they want to compete effectively in the global economy, they should create CI awareness by organizing CI training sessions for employees.
Cloud solution in Business Intelligence for SMEs –vendor and customer perspectives
Authors: Agostino Alessandro , Solberg Søilen Klaus , Gerritsen Bart
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to identify key success factor for SME customers of cloud based Business Intelligence products. A deep interview was made with four producers and a questionnaire was carried out among 36 SMEs. The findings suggest that the most important CSFs were the level of software functionalities, the ubiquitous access to data, responsive answers to customer support requests, handling large amounts of data and implementation cost. Each of these factors addresses a specific area that customers pay close attention to during the adoption process of a cloud BI solution. Offering ubiquitous access to date and respsonsive answers to customer requests are particularly emphasized for SMEs. We also found that industry tailored software is preferred, monthly or quarterly billings, and contact by email or phone for service. The paper shows recommendations, implications of research and suggests further research on the topic.
Intelligence in the Oil Patch: Knowledge Management and Competitive Intelligence Insights
Authors: N. Rothberg Helen , Erickson G. Scott
Published: January 2020

The fields of knowledge management and competitive intelligence have been joined in the literature for over a decade, as scholars recognized the emphasis in each field on developing knowledge, albeit of different types.  While knowledge management is often limited to the human, structural, and relational capital of the firm, competitive intelligence is more outward looking, building a broadly sourced knowledge base concerning competitors. In fact, practitioners are one step ahead of academia in this application as many organizations have a connection between their knowledge management and competitive intelligence functions.  In extensive depth interviews to ascertain the state of intelligence work of all types in contemporary industry, we found such an inclination to be prominent in a number of specific industries.  One of these was oil and gas.  While exploration, recovery, refining, transportation, and retail are all separate aspects of this broad field, it is collectively of interest, in large part because of this extensive scope. In this paper, we compare and contrast knowledge management and competitive intelligence practice in oil-based industries. In doing so, we draw upon an extensive database including financial returns of thousands of companies in a broad range of industries over a five-year period. Looking specifically at industries related to oil and gas, we review data concerning the level and importance of knowledge assets in each industry. Included in the database is additional information on competitive intelligence activity in each industry. We add these figures to the analysis, allowing us to assess the relative competitive intelligence threat levels. Finally, we discuss the results from the depth interviews we conducted with practitioners in these industries, sharing their perspective on the nature of knowledge management, competitive intelligence, and the interplay between them in this complex industry.
A Risk and Benefits Behavioral Model to Assess Intentions to Adopt Big Data
Authors: Esteves José , Curto José
Published: January 2020

Everyday a constant stream of data is generated as a result of social interactions, Internet of things, e‐commerce and other business processes. This vast amount of data should be collected, stored, transformed, monitored and analyzed in a relatively brief period of time. Reason behind is data may contain the answer to business insights and new ideas fostering competitiveness and innovation. Big Data technologies/methodologies have emerged as the solution to this need. However, being a relatively new trend there is still much that remains unknown. This study, based on a risk and benefits perspective, uses the theory of planned behavior to develop a model that predicts the intention to adopt Big Data technologies.
Big Data, Tacit Knowledge and Organizational Competitiveness
Authors: Kabir Nowshade , Carayannis Elias
Published: January 2020

In the process of conducting everyday business, organizations generate and gather a large number of information about their customers, suppliers, competitors, processes, operations, routines and procedures. They also capture communication data from mobile devices, instruments, tools, machines and transmissions. Much of this data possesses an enormous amount of valuable knowledge, exploitation of which could yield economic benefit. Many organizations are taking advantage of business analytics and intelligence solutions to help them find new insights in their business processes and performance. For companies, however, it is still a nascent area, and many of them understand that there are more knowledge and insights that can be extracted from available big data using creativity, recombination and innovative methods, apply it to new knowledge creation and produce substantial value. This has created a need for finding a suitable approach in the firm’s big data related strategy. In this paper, the authors concur that big data is indeed a source of firm’s competitive advantage and consider that it is essential to have the right combination of people, tool and data along with management support and data‐oriented culture to gain competitiveness from big data. However, the authors also argue that organizations should consider the knowledge hidden in the big data as tacit knowledge and they should take advantage of the cumulative experience garnered by the companies and studies done so far by the scholars in this sphere from knowledge management perspective. Based on this idea, a big data oriented framework of organizational knowledge‐based strategy is proposed here.
The development of North Sulawesi through Competitive Intelligence
Authors: P.A Runtuwene Julyeta , Kenap Audy Aldrin , Palilingan Verry Ronny
Published: January 2020

In this paper we present how Competitive Intelligence was introduced into the North Sulawesi in Indonesia. Starting from education and to the development of a threshold of graduated student in that field, it was necessary to move to the conquest of local policy positions to be sure that the methods and tools of Competitive Intelligence will be used to second regional development. The SULUT region constitutes a living laboratory where the methods and tools of Competitive Intelligence have been used not only to develop a Competitive Intelligence Regional Unit, but to create policy conditions enabling the development of this unit.
EDITORIAL NOTE VOL 4, NO 2 (2014)
Authors: Solberg Søilen Klaus
Published: January 2020

Like in the previous issue we have admitted a large number of opinion pieces, first of all in the form of case studies but also reviews and a survey. It is quite fitting that we present two articles with cases as case studies have been requested in a recent surveys from users of the journal.The first article by Christophe Bisson shows CI practices at a French regional chamber of agricultura with four departemental chambers of agricultura linked to it. A survey was used to detect seven typological strands (gathering, attitude, Technology support, IT systems, Use, Location and Identification). The paper finds that current practices are ineffective, inefficient and far from attaining goals for collective intelligence gathering.The second article by Najibeh Abbasi Rostami is a literature review of the BI and KM fields. In a previous issue we have discussed the relationship between CI and KM. Rostami presents the differences in the form of a number of models and summaries found in the existing literature. The articles conclude, not unexpectedly, that the literature clearly shows that a proper integration of the two functions are beneficial to organizations. More interesting the review also concludes that studies are needed to show how cultural aspects affect this dichotomy.The third article, the second opinion piece, is a case study by Pierre Memheld. The article illustrates a critical CI lesson through the use of a case presenting two major tire manufacturers troubled by a price war.  The article argue that intelligence failures can be caused by particular biases which may be culture related.The fourth article by Abdelkader Baaziz and Luc Quoniam is a discussion around “patent trolls” and Non Practicing Entities (NPE). The article is illustrated with two examples, or mini cases, from the pharmaceutical industry in two emerging countries. The article shows how the use of Web 2.0 technologies makes it easier to extract useful intelligence from patents.The last article by Klaus Solberg Søilen entitled “A survey of users’ perspectives and preferences as to the value of JISIB - a spot-check” show what users want from the journal JISIB. It concludes that more cases studies are requested, but it gives no credit to those who think there is too much or too little technology related material as opinions on this issue are balanced. A number of minor suggestions are presented and the survey shows that the question of editing language is not settled.As always we would first of all like to thank the authors for their contributions to this issue of JISIB.On behalf of the Editorial Board, Sincerely Yours, Prof. Dr. Klaus Solberg SøilenEditor-in-chief
Towards an environmental awareness model integrating formal and informal mechanisms – Lessons learned from the Demise of Nortel
Authors: Calof Jonathan , Mirabeau Laurent , Richards Greg
Published: January 2020

This case study uses multiple lines of enquiry to better understand how Nortel went from being a ‘global powerhouse’ at the turn of the century to filing for bankruptcy just nine years later. It tracks competitive intelligence as well as other environmental awareness capabilities of the company and theorizes on how they have contributed to its rise and fall. The findings suggest that Nortel was a company with significant environmental awareness capability in the early 90’s that had all but lost this competency by the year 2000, which impacted their ability to make decisions consistent with a changing environment. Through interviews with 48% of all Nortel officers that were there during the period of interest as well as other stakeholders, the researchers identify a two-layer typology that includes a set of cognitive factors as well as three broad categories of monitoring practices that can help companies better understand their environment: 1) formal external monitoring practices, such as competitive intelligence units; 2) informal external monitoring practices such as board meetings with members with industry connections and knowledge, and 3) internal monitoring practices with external insight capability, such as performance management reviews and accounting reports. Cognitive factors identified include decision maker orientation, as either technical or business, internal vs., internal focus, cognitive complexity and open mindedness.