bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical Markers for Prospective Studies in Neurofibromatosis-1 Porcine Models
Authors: Meyerholz David K. , Ofori-Amanfo Georgina K. , Leidinger Mariah R. , Goeken J. Adam , Khanna Rajesh , Sieren Jessica C. , Darbro Benjamin W. , Quelle Dawn E. , Weimer Jill M.
Published: August 2017

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common, cancer-predisposing disease caused by mutations in the NF1 tumor gene. Patients with NF1 have an increased risk for benign and malignant tumors of the nervous system (e.g., neurofibromas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, gliomas) and other tissues (e.g., leukemias, rhabdomyosarcoma, etc.) as well as increased susceptibility to learning disabilities, chronic pain/migraines, hypertension, pigmentary changes, and developmental lesions (e.g., tibial pseudoarthrosis). Pigs are an attractive and upcoming animal model for future NF1 studies, but a potential limitation to porcine model research has been the lack of validated reagents for direct translational study to humans. To address that issue, we used formalin-fixed tissues (human and pigs) to evaluate select immunohistochemical markers (activated caspase-3, allograft inflammatory factor-1, beta-tubulin III, calbindin D, CD13, CD20, desmin, epithelial membrane antigen, glial fibrillary acidic protein, glucose transporter-1, laminin, myelin basic protein, myoglobin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, S100, vimentin, and von Willebrand factor). The markers were validated by comparing known expression and localization in human and pig tissues. Validation of these markers on fixed tissues will facilitate prospective immunohistochemical studies of NF1 pigs, as well as other pig models, in a more efficient, reproducible, and translationally relevant manner.
AGUADAS PARA GANADERÍA BOVINA EN LOS BAJOS SUBMERIDIONALES Y ÁREAS DE INFLUENCIA
Authors: BASAN NICKISCH M. , LAHITTE A. , SOSA D. , SANCHEZ L. , TOSOLINI R.
Published: August 2017

En el norte de la provincia de Santa Fe, especialmente en la Cuña Boscosa, Bajos Submeridionales y Domo Occidental, se encuentran más de tres millones de cabezas de ganado vacuno, donde uno de los principales condicionantes en la producción es la irregular calidad del agua subterránea para el abrevado de la hacienda. La fl uctuación entre escenarios hidrológicos secos y húmedos repercute directamente en la producción, donde no solo varía el nivel freático del acuífero libre, único aprovechable, sino fundamentalmente la calidad química del agua.El INTA, articulando con el INA, con el Gobierno de Santa Fe y con Centros de Estudio de la UNL, ha concretado unidades demostrativas de investigación y transferencia en campos de productores y unidades experimentales de la Institución, diseñando y proponiendo distintas tecnologías consensuadas con los productores en lo que hace al manejo del agua de lluvia complementada con la subterránea.3 Sistemas de Aguadas se concretaron con diferentes maneras de aprovechar el agua de lluvia con el agua subterránea, sistematizando terrenos para garantizar el acceso y recarga del acuífero libre, con mecanismos de bombeo mediante energía renovable y con sistemas de succión que lo hacen en la parte superfi cial del acuífero, donde todos convergen a un tanque central de mezcla, para garantizar así que todos los animales tomen agua con la misma calidad química, cualquiera sea el lugar de pastaje.Desde el año 2011 se monitorean las variables de interés, donde la premisa es tener controlada la salinidad del agua en el tanque central de mezcla y que sus variaciones a través del año sean graduales, ya que esto maximiza la producción ganadera. Esto se visualiza en cada uno de los 3sistemas y, fundamentalmente en el tanque central de mezcla, donde la cantidad, calidad y oportunidad durante el año evidencian claramente resultados muy positivos en el lugar estudiado.
SUELOS DE BAJA CAPACIDAD PRODUCTIVA EN SANTA FE: MEJORA CON RESIDUOS LÍQUIDOS DE LA INDUSTRIA ALIMENTARIA
Authors: PILATTI M. A. , GHIBERTO P. J. , FELLI O. M. , BADINO O.
Published: August 2017

Se evaluó el uso de Residuos Líquidos Orgánicos (RLO) de la industria láctea como mejorador de suelos de baja aptitud productiva de Santa Fe (Argentina). En un Natracualf típico sin cultivos, se aplicaron 6.600 kg materia orgánica/ha/año de RLO (2010 a 2014) comparándose con un lotetestigo. Hubo aporte signifi cativo de materia orgánica (MO), nitrógeno (Nt), fósforo (P); calcio (Ca) y azufre (S) al suelo. El Nt y P se lavaron en profundidad debido a que no hubo extracción por cultivos. La adición de Ca originó reducción del contenido de sodio en el perfi l del suelo, así como de potasio (K) y magnesio (Mg). Con RLO cambió negativamente conductividad hidráulica, intervalo hídrico óptimo, arcilla dispersa en agua y densidad de suelo. Se requiere de una mínima remoción del suelo, rotación de cultivos y agregado de Mg para uso agronómico de RLOproponiéndose las propiedades evaluadas para monitorear.
LAS NORMAS JURÍDICAS Y LAS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS SOBRE BOSQUES CULTIVADOS EN LAS REGIONES DEL CENTRO Y DE PATAGONIA EN ARGENTINA
Authors: MINAVERRY C. M.
Published: August 2017

El eje central de este trabajo es analizar el nivel de desarrollo de las normas jurídicas, de las políticas públicas, y de la idoneidad de las autoridades de aplicación sobre bosques cultivados, en las regiones del Centro y de la Patagonia en Argentina. Se trata de una investigación de carácter exploratorio, donde se aplicó el método de la hermenéutica jurídica y los indicadores ambientales PER. Se puede concluir que los niveles de desarrollo normativo de las provincias no son uniformes, y que la mayoría de las normas jurídicas y de las políticas públicas tienden a establecer incentivos económicos para aprovechar el efecto del mercado, sin orientarse hacia una protección integral de los ecosistemas boscosos, y que las autoridades de aplicación en su mayoría no son técnicamente adecuadas para eso.
EVALUACIÓN DE LA CONVENIENCIA DE LOS MACROTÚNELES EN COMPARACIÓN CON MICROTÚNELES PARA EL CULTIVO DE FRUTILLA EN CORONDA.
Authors: PERNUZZI C. , SORDO M. H. , TRAVADELO M. , MAINA M. , ACETTA P.
Published: August 2017

El uso del macrotúnel forma parte de las últimas tecnologías incorporadas al cultivo de frutilla en la zona de Coronda (Santa Fe) con un alto nivel de aceptación. El  objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar la evaluación de un proyecto de inversión de una hectárea de macrotúneles dedicada al cultivo de frutillas, comparada con la estructura hasta ahora más usada de microtúneles. A partir de lametodología propia de la formulación y evaluación de proyectos a una tasa de corte de 15% y a 10 años, se elaboró el fl ujo de caja siguiendo un criterio incremental, microtúneles vs macrotúneles. El VAN obtenido fue de 1.986.581 $ y una TIR de 107,5%, criterios aceptables para confi rmar la conveniencia de la inversión. Al menos la  producción del macrotúnel debería ser de 2.369 kg adicionales respecto al microtúnel para que se justifi que la inversión, siendo el período de repago de 2 años.
PERBEDAAN DUKUNGAN SOSIAL DARI IBU MERTUA PADA IBU MENYUSUI YANG BEKERJA DAN TIDAK BEKERJA
Authors: Purnamasari Ayu Rakhmi Pris , Rahmatika Rina
Published: August 2017

Mother in law also has role to support the success of exclusive breastfeeding, beside biological mother. Thisstudy aimed to investigate differences between perceived breastfeeding social support from mother-in-law on working and not working-women. There are 200 sample of this study, which is divided to 2 groups of 100 working-women and 100 not working-women. Perceived breastfeeding social support scale (27 item, α = .95) is used in this study and it is constructed by using social-functional support theory. Result shows that there is significant differences between perceived breastfeeding social support from mother in law on working and notworking women (t (198)=2.42; p= .016; p < .05). Emotional support and informational support from mother-inlaw more perceived by not working women than working mom, in the other hand, working women and not working women have no different perception about instrumental support. Result of this study may be one of information that can be used to inform mother-in-law about how precious social support is to exclusive breastfeeding.
Social presence and motivation in online environments: Second Life versus the Enocta Learning Management System/Adobe Connect
Authors: Ozonur Mesut , Yanpar Yelken Tugba , Sancar Tokmak Hatice
Published: August 2017

This study aims to compare the social presence and motivation of students taking a database II course using either the virtual world Second Life (SL) or the Enocta learning management system (LMS)/Adobe Connect. The study group consisted of 60 undergraduate sophomore students enrolled in a fully online computer programming program. Students were divided into two groups of 30. The first group was the experimental group taking the course on Second Life and the latter was control group taking the course through the Enocta LMS/Adobe Connect. A matching-only pre- and post-test control group design was applied. The data were collected through the Perceived Sociability Scale of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning Environments (Sociability Scale) and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). The results of the study showed significant differences in motivation and social presence scores in favour of the students taking the course through Second Life.
A clinical educator’s experience using a virtual patient to teach communication and interpersonal skills
Authors: Banszki Frank , Beilby Janet , Quail Michelle , Allen Peter , Brundage Shelley , Spitalnick Joshua
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore one novice clinical educator’s experiences with training essential communication and interpersonal skills using a virtual patient. Over 3 weeks, the clinical educator (CE) delivered a series of half-day clinical placements to students using an educator-controlled virtual patient, depicting an older adult male with mild dementia. Students completed one 15-minute session interacting with the virtual patient in the virtual learning environment (VLE), followed by a group debrief/discussion session. Prior to, during and after delivering the clinical placements, the CE engaged in semi-structured interviews, where she was prompted to reflect on her pedagogic approach and practice. Thematic analysis revealed six themes underpinning the CE’s unique narrative: pedagogical control, validation of pedagogical practice, safety in the virtual learning environment, learning pedagogical practices, self-reflection, and adult education. The CE described how being immersed in the VLE allowed her to confidently deliver training. The findings have implications for the future training of CEs who will provide clinical education using VLEs in clinic settings.
Optimization of Conditions for Obtaining Alginate/Olive Oil Capsules for Application in Dairy Industry
Authors: Poirieux Magalie , Kostov Georgi , Denkova Rositsa , Shopska Vesela , Ivanova Mihaela , Balabanova Tatyana , Vlaseva Radka
Published: August 2017

Encapsulation is a process of incorporation of bioactive substances in a specific matrix. It results in increasing and/or maintaining of the biological agent concentration in the food matrix or the fermentation system. The encapsulation process is influenced by various factors. The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of alginate type and concentration, homogenization rate and the oil phase amount in the preparation of capsules rich in olive oil. It has been found that emulsions obtained with medium viscosity alginate were characterized by better stability. To establish the joint influence of the factors was used screening design experiment, the optimization features selected being temperature, centrifugal and microscopic stability. The optimal levels of the factors were established and they we applied for capsule preparation. The obtained capsules showed maximum stability and possibility to be used in dairy product manufacture.
Effect of Microencapsulation on Survival and Stability of Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01 Exposed to Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions and in Different Food Matrices
Authors: Chen He , Ma Donglin , Li Yichao , Liu Yu , Wang Ye
Published: August 2017

Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01 was microencapsulated by extrusion method with sodium alginate. This paper aimed to study the survival rate of microencapsulating Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01 in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, resistance to artificial bile salt and stability during storage. Results showed non-microencapsulated Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01 were more susceptible than microencapsulated under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and microencapsulated Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01 exhibited a lower population reduction than free cells during exposure to simulated gastrointestinal, The enteric test showed that the microorganism cells were released from the monolayer microcapsules, double microcapsules and trilayer completely in 40min. The viable counts of monolayer microcapsules, double layer microcapsules and triple layer microcapsules decreased by nine magnitudes, four magnitude and one magnitude after 2h, respectively. Moreover, in fruit orange, pure milk and nutrition Express, the optimum storage times of free Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01, monolayer microcapsules, double layer microcapsules and triple layer microcapsules were 21 days, 21 days, 28 days and more than 35 days at 4°C, but at room temperature the optimum storage time were 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and more than 28 days, and the viable counts were maintained at 1×106 CFU g−1 or more.
Effect of Duration and Drying Temperature on Characteristics of Dried Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) Cochoro Variety
Authors: Yusufe Mawardii , Mohammed Ali , Satheesh Neela
Published: August 2017

The objective of the present study was to standardise the duration and temperatures of the conventional oven drying methods for best physical and sensory characteristics of dried tomato. The experiment consisted of two factor factorial design (3*2) with three levels of drying temperature (70°C, 80°C and 90°C) and two levels of drying duration (7 and 8 hours) with three replications. An improved and high yielding variety (Cochoro) of tomato released in 2007 for processing and widely grown in Ziwai (Maki), Ethiopia was used. Prior to drying, individual tomato fruits were washed and sliced into uniform thickness (8mm); then, the slices were placed on to the drying trays in a single layer to facilitate uniform drying in hot air oven set at predetermined temperatures per the respective treatments. Data were collected on different physical and sensory attributes and analysed using SAS software (version 9.2). The results showed that titratable acidity, total soluble solids and water absorption capacity were significantly (p≤0.001) increased due to the interaction of degree of temperature and duration of oven drying. In contrast, pH and water activity decreased as the drying temperature and duration increased. Drying at 70°C for 7 hours produced dried tomatoes with the highest sensorial acceptability and physical attributes while higher temperatures (80, 90°C) and longer duration (9 hours) significantly detract the quality of dried tomato. Hence, it is possible to add value and preserve tomatoes through oven drying at the right temperature and optimum duration.
Detection of Russian olive witches’-broom disease and its insect vector in Northwestern Iran
Authors: Hajizadeh Abasalt , Khakvar Reza , Bashir Nemat Sokhandan , Zirak Leila
Published: August 2017

Recently, Russian olive trees showing witches’-broom and little leaf symptoms have been widely observed in northwestern and central Iran. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR assays using phytoplasma universal primer pairs confirmed phytoplasma symptomatic infection of trees. Sequence analyses showed that ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ was the causal agent of the disease in these regions. However, RFLP results using restriction enzymes HpaII, EcoRI, HinfI and AluI indicated that the collected isolates in these regions are genetically different. In addition, leafhopper Macropsis infuscata was recognized as a possible insect vector of the disease for the first time.
Experimental Study on the Riveted Joints in Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastics (GFRP)
Authors: Bielawski Radosław , Kowalik Michał , Suprynowicz Karol , Rządkowski Witold , Pyrzanowski Paweł
Published: August 2017

The aim of the paper is to validate the use of measurement methods in the study of GFRP joints. A number of tests were carried out by means of a tensile machine. The studies were concerned with rivet connection of composite materials. One performed two series of tests for two different forces and two fibre orientations. Using Finite Element Method (FEM) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC), strain maps in the test samples were defined. The results obtained with both methods were analysed and compared. The destructive force was analysed and, with the use of a strain gauge, the clamping force in a plane parallel to the annihilated sample was estimated. Destruction processes were evaluated and models of destruction were made for this type of materials taking into account their connections, such as riveting.
Cutting Mechanics and Surface Finish for Turning with Differently Shaped CBN Tools
Authors: Żak Krzysztof
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the basic cutting characteristics such as cutting forces, cutting power and its distribution, specific cutting energies were determined taking into account variable tool corner radius ranging from 400 to 1200 µm and constant cutting parameters typical for hard turning of a hardened 41Cr4 alloy steel of 55±1 HRC hardness. Finish turning operations were performed using chamfered CBN tools. Moreover, selected roughness profiles produced for different tool corner radius were compared and appropriate surface roughness parameters were measured. The measured values of Ra and Rz roughness parameters are compared with their theoretical values and relevant material distribution curves and bearing parameters are presented.
Free Vibrations of Uniform Timoshenko Beams on Pasternak Foundation Using Coupled Displacement Field Method
Authors: Rajesh Korabathina , Saheb Koppanati Meera
Published: August 2017

Complex structures used in various engineering applications are made up of simple structural members like beams, plates and shells. The fundamental frequency is absolutely essential in determining the response of these structural elements subjected to the dynamic loads. However, for short beams, one has to consider the effect of shear deformation and rotary inertia in order to evaluate their fundamental linear frequencies. In this paper, the authors developed a Coupled Displacement Field method where the number of undetermined coefficients 2n existing in the classical Rayleigh-Ritz method are reduced to n, which significantly simplifies the procedure to obtain the analytical solution. This is accomplished by using a coupling equation derived from the static equilibrium of the shear flexible structural element. In this paper, the free vibration behaviour in terms of slenderness ratio and foundation parameters have been derived for the most practically used shear flexible uniform Timoshenko Hinged-Hinged, Clamped-Clamped beams resting on Pasternak foundation. The findings obtained by the present Coupled Displacement Field Method are compared with the existing literature wherever possible and the agreement is good.
An Enhanced Run-Length Encoding Compression Method for Telemetry Data
Authors: Shan Yanhu , Ren Yongfeng , Zhen Guoyong , Wang Kaiqun
Published: August 2017

The telemetry data are essential in evaluating the performance of aircraft and diagnosing its failures. This work combines the oversampling technology with the run-length encoding compression algorithm with an error factor to further enhance the compression performance of telemetry data in a multichannel acquisition system. Compression of telemetry data is carried out with the use of FPGAs. In the experiments there are used pulse signals and vibration signals. The proposed method is compared with two existing methods. The experimental results indicate that the compression ratio, precision, and distortion degree of the telemetry data are improved significantly compared with those obtained by the existing methods. The implementation and measurement of the proposed telemetry data compression method show its effectiveness when used in a high-precision high-capacity multichannel acquisition system.
Instability Characteristics of Free-Standing Nanowires Based on the Strain Gradient Theory with the Consideration of Casimir Attraction and Surface Effects
Authors: Sedighi Hamid M. , Ouakad Hassen M. , Khooran Moosa
Published: August 2017

Size-dependent dynamic instability of cylindrical nanowires incorporating the effects of Casimir attraction and surface energy is presented in this research work. To develop the attractive intermolecular force between the nanowire and its substrate, theproximity force approximation(PFA) for small separations, and the Dirichlet asymptotic approximation for large separations with a cylinder-plate geometry are employed. A nonlinear governing equation of motion for free-standing nanowires – based on the Gurtin-Murdoch model – and a strain gradient elasticity theory are derived. To overcome the complexity of the nonlinear problem in hand, a Garlerkin-based projection procedure for construction of a reduced-order model is implemented as a way of discretization of the governing differential equation. The effects of length-scale parameter, surface energy and vacuum fluctuations on the dynamic instability threshold and adhesion of nanowires are examined. It is demonstrated that in the absence of any actuation, a nanowire might behave unstably, due to the Casimir induction force.
Development and Experimental Validation of a Correlation Monitor Tool Based on the Endogenous Pulsed Neutron Source Technique
Authors: Arkani Mohammad , Khalafi Hossein , Vosoughi Naser , Khakshournia Samad
Published: August 2017

A correlation measuring tool for an endogenous pulsed neutron source experiment is developed in this work. Paroxysmal pulses generated by a bursts of neutron chains are detected by a 10-kbit embedded shift register with a time resolution of 100 ns. The system is implemented on a single reprogrammable device making it a compact, cost-effective instrument, easily adaptable for any case study. The system was verified experimentally in theEsfahan heavy-water zero power reactor(EHWZPR). The results obtained by the measuring tool are validated by the Feynman-α experiment, and a good agreement is seen within the boundaries of statistical uncertainties. The theory of the methods is briefly initiated in the text. Also, the system structure is described, the experimental results and their uncertainties are discussed, and neutron statistics in EHWZPR is examined experimentally.
Oil and gas business in changing times
Authors: Brasoveanu Sergiu
Published: August 2017

The top 5 oil majors (British Petroleum, ExxonMobil, Total, Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell) are analyzed in terms of investments, earnings and financial & operational performance along the entire business value chain, for a period of 5 years. One of the key objectives is to understand how the Upstream and Downstream segments may play different roles in the definition of a winning corporate strategy, considering how they may reveal very different strengths and weaknesses during crude oil price crises. When the crude oil price goes down, the upstream sector is running big cost cutting measures, in order to reduce expenditures and keep acceptable gross margins per barrel of oil equivalent. On the other hand, the downstream segment receives cheaper raw material without a significant decrease in the final price of the oil products. Thus, how can oil companies leverage this flexibility in order to pass successfully through periods of crude oil price slides, and even take advantage of those? The paper aims to analyze the correlation between oil price and oil volume produced on one hand, and investments and earnings, split by business segments, on the other hand. The variation of investment and earnings is hence compared to crude oil price fluctuations for a clearer picture of the business profitability per segment during the peak and bottom periods of the oil market. Upstream and Downstream segments are also benchmarked against each other to understand the role that each of them is playing in the industry. The results are expected to provide some trend lines to understand how much the cost cutting measures are impacting the overall business, as well as to appreciate whether the reduction in the oil production, which in theory should be followed by a rise in prices, is indeed in the best interest of the oil majors. Going further into analysis, the paper is trying to define an optimum production interval, that will maximize profits along the entire value chain (upstream and downstream) of the oil business, defined by both the production volume of crude oil (replacement cost per barrel in accordance with volume), as well as the price per barrel of oil equivalent. The analysis takes into account official sources exclusively, i.e. oil companies’ websites, corporate crude oil production reports, annual financial reports and investors’ analyses.
Priorities in Romania's energy strategies in the current European and Euroatlantic context
Authors: Calopereanu Monica Florentina , Calopereanu Alin-Nicușor
Published: August 2017

In a world dominated by uncertainties (geopolitical, economic or political), ensuring energy security has become a top priority, both at state level, as well as for supranational alliances (EU, NATO). The paper aims to present, synthetically, the evolution of the adequacy efforts of the Energy Strategies of Romania in the context of contemporary challenges of global security, insisting on two priorities: the internal needs of energy security and the configuration of the alliances that Romania is part of. Romania’s energy security concerns were amplified in 2006-2007, but, although several projects were released in public debate, none has been adopted and assumed. Our investigation was based on the current information we have analyzed, compared and synthetized so that we anticipate strategic developments expected over the next twenty years.
Burden of industrial waste and potential for recycling: technological, economic and environmental aspects
Authors: Mihajlović Ivan
Published: August 2017

Many benefits resulting from the development of the heavy industry are, unfortunately, accompanied by many issues resulting from the process of generating the industrial waste. This manuscript is presenting the environmental consequences, resulting from long period of time of heavy industry production and exploring the possibilities to recycle some of the industrial waste generated during the period of more than one century of ore excavation and copper extraction in the region of Eastern Serbia, in the vicinity of city of Bor. First part of the manuscript is presenting the scope of environmental issues, resulting from the heavy industry in this region and the amounts and the structure of the industrial waste, generated in this area, as well as the influence of generated waste to the environment of the region. Second part of the manuscript is dealing with the potential to recycle and reuse some of this waste, analyzing technological, economic and environmental aspects at the same time. In the final segment of the paper, some practical examples will be addressed based on the research work conducted at both experimental and industrial level. Results presented in the manuscript are mostly collected during long term research of the project team from Technical faculty in Bor, University of Belgrade, in the field of environmental management. This way, this manuscript is based on review of the research papers authored or co-authored by the author of this work, dealing with water, soil and air pollution, published in leading international journals. Also, the manuscript is presenting the literature review of other international issues dealing with the environmental management issues in the vicinity of large industrial complexes. Parts of the research results, presented in this manuscript are financially supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological development of Republic of Serbia, under the project TR34023.
Review on the dimensions of business-university alliances
Authors: Dima Alina Mihaela , Hadad Shahrazad , Luchian Iulia
Published: August 2017

The present paper is concerned with identifying and synthesizing the directions of development of the partnerships between the academic environment and the business environment found in main research dedicated articles in the last five years in three relevant databases: Thomson Reuters Web of Knowledge, Science Direct and PROQUEST Central. The method we employed consists in tertiary data selection, processing and filtering by means of adequate software. The thorough literature review on partnerships between the academic and business environments revealed eight main directions of development: sponsoring activities, collaborative research (research partnerships and research services), curriculum development and delivery, academic entrepreneurship, human resource transfer (mobility of academics, mobility of students), informal interaction, commercialization of property right, and scientific publications. In order to qualify the directions of the partnerships we analysed their definitions, identified their goals and the economic and social impacts that they had.
Natural gas transport system in the extended region of the Black Sea in the current geopolitical, geo-and geo-economics context
Authors: Calopereanu Alin-Nicușor , Prioteasa Eugen , Vălimăreanu Mircioi Ileana
Published: August 2017

Energy security as an integral part of economic security is seen by the involved actors from two perspectives: alternative sources and alternative energy routes, respectively as the interdependence between consumers and suppliers at all levels of the cycle of production, transport, distribution. The present article aims to present the existing realities of the transport routes of natural gas from the Extended Black Sea Region, and a brief analysis on the main projects outlined in this area in the context of contemporary challenges to global security. The methods used in elaboration of this article are documenting, analysis and synthesis.
The energy performance contract - key towards energy efficiency in Europe?
Authors: Murafa Corina
Published: August 2017

The paper focuses on the Energy Performance Contract (EPC) as a business model for energy efficiency. More precisely, it examines, using two case studies, enablers and disablers – from an economic, legal and institutional/managerial perspective – for advancing this arrangement across the EU. The EU has set a 20% energy savings target by 2020 (roughly equivalent to turning off 400 power stations), with an even more ambitious target of 27% by 2030. To reach these ambitious targets, the investments needed are approximately EUR 100 bn/year across the EU (according to the European Commission). Energy efficiency is not, as fervent proponents often claim, the low hanging fruit in terms of investment efforts. Like any other sub-sector, such as transmission and distribution, it demands innovative financing instruments to ensure adequate scale-up. In the paper, I use two comparative case studies to identify and classify the disablers and enablers of Energy Performance Contracting/Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) development: the European frontrunner, namely Germany, and a laggard, namely Romania. As research methodology, I use literature review, comparisons between similar government policy planning and evaluation documents, and stakeholder interviews. While academic literature on the topic (Seefeldt, 2003; Wilhelm, 2015) is developed for Germany, for Romania a critical reflection on EPC promotion policy is to be found only in industry documents (e.g.: ARPEE, 2013; Tractebel, 2015). The German success demonstrates that, contrary to the belief of Romanian stakeholders, it is not the lack of a standardized contract model that prevents EPC development, but lack of genuine commitment, drive and leadership of public officials in promoting this financing instrument. A solid communication between public authorities and private beneficiaries, and public administration capacity for impact assessment and evidence-based policy planning are two other significant enablers of EPCs, that could foster this financing instrument across the EU.
Energy poverty in Romania –drivers, effects and possible measures to reduce its effects and number of people affected
Authors: Clodnitchi Roxana , Busu Cristian
Published: August 2017

Nowadays, over 10% of the population of the European Union is facing energy poverty. Energy poverty is defined as the situation where a consumer cannot access energy services in his household up to a socially and materially necessitated level. Although Romania is characterized, according to official European statistics, by a high number of persons at risk of poverty or social exclusion – 40.3% in 2014 – as compared to the other Member States – 24,4% for EU27 – recent studies of the European Commission show that only 12.3% of Romanians were suffering in 2014 of energy poverty. Still energy poverty is considered by several national and international institutions a major problem in Romania, just like in the other “new” EU Member States. So we ask ourselves what is energy poverty and what are the drivers of energy poverty in Romania. Energy poverty has recently drawn the attention of both academic research and policy makers, fact that has led to an mainly uncoordinated excess of national and international studies regarding this topic. This article aims to restrain the concept of energy poverty from the perspective of national and EU policies and regulations by reviewing the existing knowledge and critical approaches in this field. Also the study aims to analyse Romania’s development linked to the development of national and EU policies, laws and regulations in order identify the appropriate measures to reduce energy poverty, with regard to its main drivers and effects. Further, the paper explores possible policies that could be implemented to reduce the number of people affected by energy poverty, tailored on the specifics of the Romanian energy sector and Romania’s overall economy. Based on the findings, recommendations are drawn. The research relies on the current body of literature as well as on data available at national and at international level in this field.
Energy efficiency solutions for driers used in the glass manufacturing and processing industry
Authors: Pătrașcu Roxana , Minciuc Eduard , Darie George , Voronca Ștefan-Dominic , Bădicu Andreea-Ioana
Published: August 2017

Energy conservation is relevant to increasing efficiency in energy projects, by saving energy, by its’ rational use or by switching to other forms of energy. The goal is to secure energy supply on short and long term, while increasing efficiency. These are enforced by evaluating the companies’ energy status, by monitoring and adjusting energy consumption and organising a coherent energy management. The manufacturing process is described, starting from the state and properties of the raw material and ending with the glass drying technological processes involved. Raw materials are selected considering technological and economic criteria. Manufacturing is treated as a two-stage process, consisting of the logistic, preparation aspect of unloading, transporting, storing materials and the manufacturing process itself, by which the glass is sifted, shredded, deferrized and dried. The interest of analyzing the latter is justified by the fact that it has a big impact on the final energy consumption values, hence, in order to improve the general performance, the driers’ energy losses are to be reduced. Technological, energy and management solutions are stated to meet this problem. In the present paper, the emphasis is on the energy perspective of enhancing the overall efficiency. The case study stresses the effects of heat recovery over the efficiency of a glass drier. Audits are conducted, both before and after its’ implementation, to punctually observe the balance between the entering and exiting heat in the drying process. The reduction in fuel consumption and the increase in thermal performance and fuel usage performances reveal the importance of using all available exiting heat from processes. Technical faults, either in exploitation or in management, lead to additional expenses. Improving them is in congruence with the energy conservation concept and is in accordance with the Energy Efficiency Improvement Program for industrial facilities.
Calculation of the differences of attitude and behavior of two generations with the Euclidian-metric
Authors: Serban Daniela , Pelau Corina , Chinie Alexandra Catalina
Published: August 2017

This paper presents the results of a research about the differences of behavior between two generations. Pairs of consumers consisting of a young consumer and one of his/her parents were questioned about different aspects of life. By applying the Euclidian Metric, the similarities and differences were determined for the examined issues. The results of the research show that for traditional product groups like medical services, education system, the consumers of the two generations have a similar behavior. For product groups related to the online environment such as social networks, mobile/smart phones, the consumers of the two generations show higher differences. Higher differences can be also observed for social groups, as the young generation has an inclination for doing spare time activities with their friends, such as going out, going on holiday. The results of the research have an impact on the way in which consumer’s reference groups are going to be used in marketing communication campaigns.
Strategic thinking in turbulent times
Authors: Bratianu Constantin
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this paper is to present a structural analysis of strategic thinking spectrum in turbulent times. Business excellence cannot be achieved without a well-defined strategic thinking spectrum able to elaborate and implement strategies in a fast changeable and unpredictable business environment. Strategic thinking means to think for a desirable future which can be ahead 4-5 years of the present time and to make decisions to the best of our knowledge for that unknown business environment. Thus, the research question is: How can we conceive the spectrum of strategic thinking such that we shall be able to deal with a complex and unknown future in achieving a competitive advantage? The methodology used to answer this question is based on metaphorical thinking, and multidimensional analysis. I shall consider four main dimensions: time, complexity, uncertainty, and novelty. On each of these dimensions I shall analyze the known thinking models and their attributes with respect to request formulated in the research question. Then, I shall choose those thinking models that correspond to the future characteristics and integrate them in a continuous spectrum. On each dimension I shall consider three basic thinking models. On the time dimension they are: inertial, dynamic and entropic thinking. On the complexity dimension they are: linear, nonlinear and systemic thinking. On the uncertainty dimension they are: deterministic, probabilistic and chaotic thinking. Finally, on the novelty dimension we have: template, intelligent and creative thinking. Considering all requirements for the unknown future, we conclude that strategic thinking spectrum should contain: entropic, nonlinear and systemic, probabilistic and chaotic, intelligent and creative thinking models. Such a spectrum increases the capacity of our understanding and as a consequence it enhances the capability of making adequate decisions in conditions of complexity and uncertainty.
The role of classical and modern teaching methods in business education
Authors: Conțu Eleonora Gabriela
Published: August 2017

Nowadays the training-educational process is a dynamic and complex process which uses both classical and modern teaching methods in order to obtain performance in education. Even though traditional teaching methods have a formal character interaction between teacher and students, this is face-to-face and therefore students can give an immediate feedback. From this point of view classical teaching methods are important from time to time. In Romania, in the European context the role of effective learning strategies represents the key point for the education process. The role of teachers in developing creativity to those students who want to learn in an interactive way is very important because they should imply that students directly in the training -educational process. In this context the educational process must be student centered because only in this way their critical thinking and creativity is developed. We can say that when non-formal and informal learning is combined with formal learning the scope of pedagogy is accomplish. In contemporary context education is regarded as an innovative concept which is used to produce performance at the individual level and also, at institutional level, education provides support in order to build strategies according to the challenges from the labour market. The paper is based on a qualitative research, conducted on a sample of 100 people aged between 19 and 23 years old (students at a Business School). The key question raised at this point is: What is the role of classical and modern teaching methods in training-educational process? The objectives of this study are the following: 1). highlighting the context of higher education in Romania; 2). presenting the role of university strategy in contemporary context; 3). highlighting the importance of using classical/modern teaching methods in business education; 4). presenting the role of innovation and creativity in business education; 5). presenting the analysis of qualitative research regarding the role of classical and modern teaching methods in education. Learning skills are developed both through modern teaching and learning strategies based on creativity and interactive learning methods.
Curricular improvements for entrepreneurial education
Authors: Vasilache Simona , Rînciog Johana
Published: August 2017

Our paper aims at investigating the most adequate methods for developing effective educational tools in entrepreneurial education. Entrepreneurship education should take place during the entire life of an entrepreneur, but the basic knowledge and skills related to this field are acquired starting from the elementary school, and improved during all the educational levels. Through entrepreneurship education, policymakers aim to prepare young people for succeeding on the entrepreneurial path. However, there are few scientific papers that aimed at discussing the available educational tools in Romania which play a role in forming entrepreneurs. Starting from the identified educational needs of young Romanian people under 35, including entrepreneurs and students, which were surveyed based on a questionnaire, we advance several key improvement areas for Romanian business curricula, and suggest critical paths to obtain desired results. The recommendations that we deliver through this paper are based on respondents’ opinions regarding their preference for certain aspects related to educational tools used in entrepreneurial education: learning materials used in universities in order to create an entrepreneurial mindset, the use of learning materials outside of the university curricula, and entrepreneurial skills that should be developed during school. A comparative perspective, examining curricular specificities in most entrepreneurial cultures of Europe, based on information obtained from Entrepreneurship Eurobarometer and Doing Business Indicators, is also included in our study. The main limitations, which arise from the subjective perspective of young entrepreneurs, as well as from the reduced sample volume, are thus corrected. The conclusions of our analysis provide a valuable starting point for educational policies promoting entrepreneurial skills enhancement in the Romanian business students’ population.
Development, competence and performance – who does what in higher education?
Authors: Nicolae Mariana , Nicolae Elena E.
Published: August 2017

Higher education is in turmoil in the whole world. Universities as organizations are being challenged by their various stakeholders. This is true of any and most organizations. Nevertheless in some places universities continue to be looked upon as providers of the correct answers to those challenges as they have rallied within their ranks self-proclaimed experts in leadership, management and organizational performance. The literature existing documents the issues universities as organizations face in today’s complex world and attempts at pointing at various ways they can take to address those challenges. Specialists and sometimes the general public itself show an understanding of the fact that higher education evolves through its institutions, practices and processes at some paces in global contexts and at different ones in local contexts in spite of a relatively unifying public discourse used especially by decision and policy makers and some parts of the media. In other words, similar concepts may refer to very dissimilar realities making the evaluation of performance difficult and questionable. This paper looks at the way universities address the need for professional development of their leaders and/or managers at the various university levels. The focus will be on Romanian economic and business higher education institutions. The research presented here evolved from a doctoral study one the authors did in the field of leadership in Romanian higher education and from both authors’ experience in the university system in Romania and in other higher education systems they are familiar with. The authors claim and document that in Romania little is still done in terms of formalized, transparent and open access training for university leaders and administrators. The same is true for those who are interested in preparing for a career in academic management or leadership and do not have a clear road map to follow. In the complex higher education system of today professional competence is an important component that cannot be left entirely to personal development needs. Formalized and open access training in management, leadership, educational management, research management, organizational culture, strategic planning and time management skills is critical for one’s professional competence. In Romania both organizations and individuals need to understand the need to offer opportunities for professional training and the need to invest in personal development. This is how academics working or contemplating to work in administration would be empowered to plan for their organization’s performance in an open, transparent, continually and unpredictably changing world.