bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial Contagion and Shock Transmission During the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Flavin Thomas J. , Lagoa-Varela Dolores
Published: February 2020

After the recent financial crisis, the analysis of shock transmission across the financial system has received a great deal of attention. In particular, the role of financial contagion as a shock propagation mechanism has been studied in detail. The globalisation of financial and banking markets has increased the connections and relationship between them. Hence, recent crises have spread all around the world. The stability of linkages between financial assets across different market conditions cast doubt upon the benefits of portfolio diversification. This chapter reviews the extant literature on financial contagion during the global financial crisis and thus provides information for both portfolio managers (when optimizing their investment portfolios) and policymakers (when designing their strategies in order to mitigate spillover effects during crisis periods).
The Fundamentals of Neuroeconomics
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: February 2020

Neuroeconomics is an emergent multidisciplinary field that strives to understand how and why humans make decisions. The field brings together behavioral methods and sophisticated computational theories from microeconomics, an understanding of emotional influences on behavior from psychology, and human functional neural imaging from neuroscience. This chapter presents the fundamentals of neuroeconomics, thus describing the concept of neuroeconomics; neuroimaging applications; neuroeconomics and loss aversion; neuroeconomics and temporal discounting; neuroeconomics of decision making in humans and animals; neuroeconomics, behavioral economics, and irrationality; neuroeconomics and utility theory; neural systems in economic decision making; neural systems in reward system; neural systems in cognitive control system; game theory, strategic interaction, and neuroeconomic studies; and the types of evidence about economic behavior.
Determinants of the Risk-Taking Attitude among Small Equity Investors
Authors: Ali Imran , Al-Sabaan Saleh , Mandurah Saud
Published: February 2020

This study explores the personality traits, perceived personal control, behavioral biases, culture, and socio-demographics in determining individual equity investor's risk assumption attitude. The study uses a survey approach to collect responses from small equity investors. A conceptual model is developed and hypotheses are tested through structure equation model (SEM). The result identifies personality traits, perceived personal control, behavioral biases, cultural factor and socio-demographic variables as strong determinants of small equity investor's risk assumption attitude.
Foreign Aid to Africa
Authors: Kakuba Sultan Juma
Published: February 2020

The main objective of this chapter is to provide evidence that foreign Aid to African countries is a barricade to their sustainable development. Both modernisation and Dependency theorists' suggestions have failed to spawn socio-economic and political development in African countries. Complexity theory may provide a better understanding of the linkage between foreign aid and the socio-economic and political underdevelopment. The current foreign aid given to African sovereign states by donor or developed countries seems to perpetuate underdevelopment. In fact, Foreign Aid to most of African countries has not adequately addressed its problems; rather it has succeeded in keeping most of African countries dependent on foreign aid and in the state of underdevelopment. Using both quantitative and qualitative document analysis of records on foreign Aid to Africa reveals that foreign Aid in and out of itself is not a bad thing, it is among those many important resource inputs, which operate in many African countries which if paved with good intention could bring about sustainable socio-economic and political development in Africa.
Channel for Vertical Spillovers
Authors: Jaguli Abd Rahim
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to fill a research gap, where the channels through which technology and knowledge were transferred remained unexplored in the existing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) knowledge transfer literature. A case study method was adopted as it is appropriate for exploring the complex process of knowledge transfer. The findings obtained from the case studies were able to demonstrate a positive relationship between MNCs and local innovation where knowledge and technology can be diffused through training programmes offered by MNCs to local suppliers. It provides an understanding as to the extent to which MNCs, through linkages with local firms, may facilitate the innovation activities of said local firms. Policy implications are subsequently discussed and future research suggestions are then put forth.
Quantum-Inspired Computational Intelligence for Economic Emission Dispatch Problem
Authors: Mahdi Fahad Parvez , Vasant Pandian , Kallimani Vish , Abdullah-Al-Wadud M. , Watada Junzo
Published: February 2020

Economic emission dispatch (EED) problems are one of the most crucial problems in power systems. Growing energy demand, limited reserves of fossil fuel and global warming make this topic into the center of discussion and research. In this chapter, we will discuss the use and scope of different quantum inspired computational intelligence (QCI) methods for solving EED problems. We will evaluate each previously used QCI methods for EED problem and discuss their superiority and credibility against other methods. We will also discuss the potentiality of using other quantum inspired CI methods like quantum bat algorithm (QBA), quantum cuckoo search (QCS), and quantum teaching and learning based optimization (QTLBO) technique for further development in this area.
Proactive Law as Competitive Advantage in Crowdfunding
Authors: Wroldsen Jack
Published: February 2020

This chapter explains how the paradigm of proactive law as competitive advantage can help entrepreneurs succeed in crowdfunding campaigns. Business law scholars have developed theories of “proactive law” and “law as competitive advantage” to show how law can be transformed from an obstacle into a strategic business advantage. This chapter analyzes the evolving crowdfunding landscape through the lens of proactive law as competitive advantage. The chapter proposes several types of innovative securities designed to create competitive advantages in crowdfunding offerings. For example, one type would give crowdfunding investors long-term equity interests while simultaneously eliminating short-term corporate governance challenges for small crowdfunded companies. Apart from securities, the chapter also describes how a proactive approach to law can enhance crowdfunding campaigns in multiple areas, from intellectual property to tax efficiency. To conclude, the chapter suggests expanding the theory of proactive law as competitive advantage to additional areas of entrepreneurship, beyond crowdfunding.
The Institutional Imperatives of Local Economic Governance
Authors: Schoburgh Eris Dawn
Published: February 2020

In Jamaica, a “new” local governance framework comprises a federated system of development committees (community development committees [CDCs], development area committees [DACs], and parish development committees [PDCs]) purportedly working in partnership with local authorities. Local governance is thus premised on the idea that utilization of local skills, knowledge, assets, and initiatives will lead to economic transformation. Focus has also shifted to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), given their local embeddedness and potential to foster local economic growth. This chapter investigates the extent to which local economic development (LED) model implementation is supported by appropriate governance structures. It argues that implementation of an LED model represents a decisive shift from local governance to local economic governance, which currently lacks a cohesive policy framework. The consequent effect is nothing more than atomized organizational actions that engender competition among localities and communities rather than a clear growth strategy at the local level.
The Effect of Foreign Direct Investment on the Economic Development of Mongolia
Authors: Mungunzul Erdenebat , Chang Taikoo
Published: February 2020

This article describes how foreign direct investment in Mongolia has reached 3.9 billion US$ mainly in the mining sector that amounted approximately 40% of the year's GDP. Even though FDI into Mongolia has been grown along with the country's economic development with trade openness to the world, a few studies have used regression analysis to analyze determinant factors of FDI. This article has estimated the determinants attracting FDI inflow into Mongolia by using two methods: applying single country (Mongolia) data using the determinants attracting FDI inflow into Mongolia from 1995-2014, and applying the determinants attracting FDI from the top investment countries using panel data, using random and fixed effects models from 2005-2013. The study results showed that GDP of Mongolia has a positive and significant effect on the FDI inflow. It was also revealed that the partner countries located either too far away from or too close to Mongolia pay little attention to and play a small investment role in Mongolian FDI.
An Investigation of the Return Risk and Liquidity Measure for Chinese Open-Ended Funds
Authors: Zhang Jingqi
Published: February 2020

So far, the fund industry has become one of the four backbones of the Chinese financial system, together with the banking industry, the security industry and the insurance industry. In addition, open-ended fund shares are the mainstream of the fund industry, and the product characteristics and operational characteristics of open-ended funds will lead to an unavoidable risk of return with liquidity measure. Therefore, based on the theories of financial investment, this research profile the risk return and liquidity characteristics of three different open-ended funds in China, which are helpful to making rational investments. This article selects three different kinds of funds with the relevant data from 2012to 2017 from the Huaxia Fund Management Co. Ltd., for each fund, the authors report the beta, Sharp Ratio, Information ratio and illiquidity. These risk-return features are discussed in the context of the different asset classes that each fund has invested, thus eventually obtaining a fund which has smaller relative liquidity risk and higher return after comparing. Hence, the investor can make the rational investment from the analysis of empirical results.
Trade and Economic Integration in BRICS
Authors: Prabhakar Akhilesh Chandra
Published: February 2020

This chapter examines the existing pattern in the area of trade and economic integration among the BRICS countries which was tended to be neglected and to which there have been few original or significant contributions until now. The research results indicate the presence of the long-run sustainable equilibrium relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade and economic growth. It is thus important that policymakers have to remove obstacles to FDI inflows and improve the respective absorptive capacity of national economies in order to maximize positive growth effects. This study also discusses how China performed well through attracting FDI inflows and maintained trade balance.
Facilitating Hospitality and Tourism Management in Global Business
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: February 2020

This chapter explains the overview of hospitality management; the overview of tourism management; product quality, service quality, price, customer satisfaction, and consumer trust in hospitality and tourism management; the significance of hospitality management in global business; the significance of tourism management in global business; and the managerial implications of hospitality and tourism management. Tourism and hospitality industry is one of the most important industries in the modern business world. It is essential to acquire a driving enthusiasm for customer service and a strong sense of professionalism to develop and maintain customer satisfaction in the hospitality and tourism industry. Effective hospitality and tourism management positively affects customer satisfaction, firm growth, and productivity in global business. The chapter argues that facilitating hospitality and tourism management in global business has the potential to enhance organizational performance and reach strategic goals in the digital age.
Role of Institutional Owners in Devising Firms' Risk-Taking Behavior
Authors: Nazir Mian Sajid , Nazir Sadaf , Javaid Aisha
Published: February 2020

Role of institutional owners is becoming vital regarding strategic decision making in modern day business corporations. Financial institutions are capable to monitor the empowered company insiders and to regulate the capital market positioning of firms due to their specialized expertise and low cost of monitoring the managers. This article is an attempt to investigate the role of institutional owners on firms' risk-taking behavior in an emerging market. By using the sample of 58 non-financial firms listed at Karachi Stock Exchane-100 (KSE-100) index for a period of 2010 to 2017, these results revealed that institutional ownership can influence firms risk taking decisions. This influence depends on type of institutional ownership; passive owners play negative role in risk taking while active owners play a positive role in risk taking. Size of institutional ownership does not matter in risk taking.
Small Active Investors' Perceptions and Preferences Towards Tax Saving Mutual Fund Schemes in Eastern India
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Adhikary Anindita , Jha Ajeya
Published: February 2020

Perception and preference factor plays an important role and help the investor to understand and make the meaningful investment decisions. These two factors are highly influenced by demographic differences of an investor. The present study aims to examine the perception and preference factors influencing the investment behavior of an investor based on various demographics differences. Survey method of primary data collection techniques was adopted to collect responses of 750 respondents from Eastern India particularly (state capital or satellite towns having the population of 10,00,000) Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam. Results of the present study suggest that significant demographics differences occur in investment perceptions and preferences towards tax saving mutual fund investments among the investors.
Shadow Economy
Authors: Akbulut Hale
Published: February 2020

The aim of this chapter is to investigate shadow economy on an EU-27 and Turkey basis. For this purpose, firstly the definition, causes\ and consequences of shadow economy together with its relationship with tax evasion are discussed. In addition, the causes of shadow economy are examined for EU-27 during the period 2003-2012. It was done both statistically and empirically by employing scatter plot diagrams and the random effects model. While empirical findings confirm the effects of taxes, income level, trade and population on the shadow economy, statistical findings mention the effects of governance related indicators. Another main finding of this chapter is about Turkey. Accordingly, shadow economy in Turkey is observed to be higher than in the EU-27 and taking into consideration the comparative statistical findings about the causes of shadow economy, the main reasons of shadow economy in Turkey are thought to be governance related.
Nationalism and Patriotism in International Business
Authors: Windsor Duane
Published: February 2020

This chapter explores nationalism and patriotism in international business, with attention to implications for diplomacy and geopolitics. Globalization increases economic interactions across national borders through exports, imports, foreign direct investments, and mergers or acquisitions. The World Trade Organization aims at making this global system of economic interactions more protection free. Nationalism is domestic emphasis placed on the country's economic, political, and strategic interests. Nationalism views international business as a zero-sum competition. Patriotism is pro-national behavior of consumers, producers, and other business stakeholders, and also calls for such pro-national behavior. Nationalism and patriotism are partly reactions – varying considerably by country – to domestic effects of this globalization, markedly exacerbated by the unexpected financial crisis and ensuing severe economic recession that emerged in 2008 and continued into 2016. The chapter draws on extant literature to develop a more systematic understanding of nationalism and patriotism.
Diffusion of Technology via FDI and Convergence of Per Capita Incomes
Authors: Oz Sumru
Published: February 2020

This chapter analyzes the convergence of incomes towards the FDI home country in Europe and in the MENA region, separately; and the prerequisites to derive benefit from FDI in a comparative manner. The per capita income convergence towards the major FDI home country, US, is estimated higher for Europe compared to the MENA region. However, the differences in the convergence values are not so wide between some sub-groups of these two regions. The absorptive capacity hypothesis, together with the investment capacity explains the discrepancies between not only the two regions as a whole, but also sub-groups within each region. The strong complementary effects between FDI and both absorptive and investment capacity suggest that economic policy aimed at fostering growth should try to benefit more from FDI by increasing the absorptive capacity-enhancing own R&D activities and promoting human capital- as well as by improving investment environment to attract more of it.
Nanotechnology, Long Waves, and Future of Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Tuncel Cem Okan , Polat Ayda
Published: February 2020

This study concerns the long wave theory of capitalist development with an aim to discuss and analyze the impact of nanotechnology on manufacturing industry. Long wave theory was asserted by Russian economist Kondratieff and it states the capitalist development with subsequent cycles which last 40 to 60 years each. The theory of Kondratieff was also contributed by other scholars as Schumpeter, Freeman, and Perez. Our research attempts to review how nanotechnology contributes economic growth, and how it changes the structure of manufacturing industry at the eve of the sixth Kondratieff wave. This structure was examined by using comparative case study of European Union, East Asian Newly Industrialized Countries and Middle East and North African (MENA) countries.
Scale Matters
Authors: Tasbasi Asli , Sarıca Pınar Yeşim , Yüksel Ahmet Hakan
Published: February 2020

Climate change has palpable cross-scale implications given the severity of the matter epitomized in the prolonged discussions and negotiations between various parties that incur the consequences of the policy applications. Cross-border adjustment, though seemingly plausible, is a controversial method employed to mitigate the adverse potential impact of carbon emissions through placing an extra cost for the goods imported from countries that lag behind the standards set by multiple global agreements. Exercising cross-border adjustment on international trading activities is likely to have positive reverberations on taming the perils posed by climate change as well as triggering unforeseen perturbations in the interaction of actors involved in the global trading system. This chapter intends to shed light on cross-border adjustments via diagnosing the issues emerging out of the inter-scale interactions and question its effectiveness in micro and macro terms.
Economic Context of the Real Estate Bubble Crack
Authors: Aliseda Julián Mora , Velarde Jacinto Garrido , Mora Consuelo
Published: February 2020

The crisis that shook the global financial institutions in 2007/08 revealed the weaknesses and irrationalities of a system that led millions of people, without compatible returns, to the category of “owners” of their home. During the previous decade, the absurd growth of supply in parallel with the progressive increase in real estate value, made housing “the hen of the golden eggs” of the regional and national economy: banks earn with a credit and families with the valuation of homes. This chapter examines the economic context in the crack of the real estate bubble and analyzes as a practical case the incidents of this crisis at international level in the border region of Extremadura.
Cross-Border Cooperation for Bilateral Trade, Travel, and Tourism
Authors: Medhekar Anita , Haq Farooq
Published: February 2020

Cross-Border Cooperation (CBC) is described as collaboration with neighbouring countries sharing land or sea borders to cooperate to reduce poverty and inequality among people, and improve living standards for sustainable development of the regions. European Union key objective has been CBC model where bordering countries in balanced partnership, have equal say in program decision-making process for sustainable development to meet common goals. The three factors essential for CBC clearly defined goals, promotion of political transparency, and promotion of connectivity and communication are correlated with the four levels of CBC implementation and public-private-partnerships. This chapter examines the challenge and significance of cross border cooperative relationship between India and Pakistan to disarm and have peace, for achieving 17 sustainable development goals in bordering conflict regions between the two countries for socio-economic progress and prosperity of the millions of people living in South Asia.
Tourism, Emigration, and Cooperation
Authors: Santos Rossana Andreia
Published: February 2020

This chapter argues that tourism activities, emigration, and cooperation projects can spur growth and sustainable development in rural areas, in general, helping to reduce the existing asymmetries of development, phenomenon that reaches Portugal and other Member States of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Member States (CPLP). The results of a study developed in Portugal evidence that the potential return of a segment of Portuguese emigrants, settled around the world, can contribute to growth and sustainable tourism development in rural areas of Portugal. In this scope, the existence of a Portuguese-speaking cultural heritage allied to the CPLP Strategic Tourism Cooperation Plan can also have a critical role in growth and sustainable development in CPLP.
Introduction to Python and Its Statistical Applications
Authors: Shi Siyu
Published: February 2020

This chapter introduces the history of Python and its IDEs (integrated development environment) and code editors as developing environment. The history tells how Python started from ABC programming language in the Netherlands to a community with developers from different areas, and later became one of the most popular programming languages in the world. Popular IDEs and Code Editor for professional developers and beginners are also introduced with their advantages and disadvantages. Later in this chapter, the authors introduce Python libraries, which could be used in statistical analysis, and give out a simple case on how these methods can be applied.
Jogos e prática educativa como ferramenta para despertar o interesse sobre Fungos nas escolas
Authors: KISCHKEL BRENDA , Regina Valéria Brumato
Published: February 2020

A micologia é um campo de estudo voltado aos fungos, sendo estes, organismos essenciais para o meio ambiente e que atualmente são foco para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos e processos biotecnológicos. Apesar de deter extrema importância ambiental e econômica, este ainda é um tema negligenciado nas escolas. Sendo assim, este estudo objetivou desenvolver um jogo didático de carta e de uma sequência de aulas práticas, enfocadas na importância e aplicabilidade dos fungos, a fim de despertar o interesse dos alunos bem como promover a aprendizagem de conceitos científicos acerca da temática. Para tanto foram aplicados questionários antes e após o desenvolvimento do jogo e da sequência de aulas práticas. Os dados foram analisados por estatística simples. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, a maioria dos alunos não sabiam o que são fungos, os confundem com outros organismos e apresentam pouco interesse pelo tema. Após a realização da prática e aplicação do jogo foi verificado que os alunos passaram a compreender o que é um fungo, suas características e importância, tratando o assunto de forma diferente da inicial. Assim, pôde-se concluir  que a aplicação de aulas práticas e do jogo, aliados ao conteúdo expositivo, favoreceu o surgimento de interesse dos alunos pelo assunto bem como aprendizagem de conceitos acerca da temática trabalhada.
TRANSTORNO DO PROCESSAMENTO AUDITIVO CENTRAL E SUAS RELAÇÕES COM A NEUROCIÊNCIA E A PSICOPEDAGOGIA
Authors: Afonso Diucimara Deganello , De Mello Sônia Trannin
Published: February 2020

O Transtorno do Processamento Auditivo Central (TPAC) e sua relação com a Neurociência foram elementos deste trabalho. Buscou-se verificar se um dos obstáculos para não ocorrer a aprendizagem na idade escolar, seria esse transtorno. Com isso, essa pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar a alteração referente ao Processamento Auditivo Central (PAC), em virtude do mesmo fazer parte das dificuldades de aprendizagem atuais relacionados à leitura e escrita, sendo pouco conhecido por profissionais da equipe multidisciplinar e sua relação com a Neurociência, pontuando estratégias para o trabalho pedagógico.  Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o Processamento Auditivo Central, suas alterações, como também a contribuição da Neurociência para compreendê-las a fim de favorecer o trabalho desenvolvido, tanto em sala de aula quanto em consultório. Viabilizando que a Psicopedagoga deve conhecer todos os processos que envolvem a aprendizagem e porque o indivíduo não está aprendendo. Em última análise, os estudos referentes ao Processamento Auditivo Central, juntamente com a medicina e Neurociência vêm progredindo, pois, as novas aquisições estão favorecendo o indivíduo que apresentam dificuldade na área da linguagem, comunicação e escrita. Contudo, os estudos devem persistir em relação a essa alteração e assim estará favorecendo o diagnóstico precoce.
A TEORIA DE APRENDIZAGEM DE BRUNER E O ENSINO DE CIÊNCIAS
Authors: SIPEC I
Published: February 2020

O campo de estudo das teorias da aprendizagem é geralmente classificado em:comportamentalista, humanista e cognitivista. Cada um deles contém seus princípiosrelacionados a aprendizagem, durante o passar do tempo, algumas teorias se mostraram maiseficazes que outras, seja por sua praticidade ou mesmo por sua maior abrangência. Tendo comobase que o ensino tradicional não cumpre mais seu papel na sala de aula, buscamos nessetrabalho apresentar a teoria estruturada por Bruner, de forma a explicitar seus principaisconstrutos teóricos, para a mesma ser utilizada como subsidio em múltiplas atividadesacadêmicas para alcançar assim, um ensino com resultados mais satisfatórios e um maiornúmero de ferramentas didáticas a nossa disposição.
CONSTRUÇÃO DE INFOGRÁFICOS COMO UMA FERRAMENTA POTENCIALIZADORA DO EDUCAR PELA PESQUISA
Authors: SIPEC I
Published: February 2020

O presente trabalho é um relato de experiência acerca de uma atividade desenvolvida com ointuito de potencializar a proposta epistemológica do “Educar pela pesquisa” (DEMO, 1996).A apropriação da pesquisa em sala de aula vai além das abordagens tradicionais e, quandovinculada com a abordagem temática, esta proposta pode alcançar resultados ainda maissignificativos. Por isso, ancoramos nossa prática à problemática “Aedes aegytpti” através daconstrução de um infográfico. Percebemos através de nossos encontros com o grupo de alunosque a construção desta ferramenta foi potencializadora desta proposta. Por possibilitar o uso deimagem e textos, conseguimos explorar e valorizar as potencialidades de cada um dos nossosestudantes, fator esse de motivação e participação nas atividades.
LICENCIATURA EM MATEMÁTICA: UM ESTUDO DO PROJETO POLÍTICO PEDAGÓGICO DE UM CURSO
Authors: SIPEC I
Published: February 2020

O objetivo deste texto é apresentar uma análise do Projeto Político Pedagógico de um curso deLicenciatura em Matemática. A pesquisa de cunho qualitativo, de caráter documental, analisae discute, a partir da interrogação: “Que aspectos emergem sobre a formação de professores,oriundos do Projeto Político Pedagógico de um curso de licenciatura em Matemática”, umaproposta de formação. À luz da caracterização do curso, segundo as dimensões conceitual eoperacional elucidadas por Eyng (2002), tecemos algumas considerações, as quais indicaramuma formação do licenciado em Matemática para o exercício da docência, mas, carente deperspectivas interdisciplinares, solicitando que o modelo disciplinar seja superado, visando àintegração entre os conhecimentos para uma formação mais significativa.
OS PARADIGMAS EDUCACIONAIS EMERGENTES E SUA RELAÇÃO COM AS EVOCAÇÕES LIVRES DE PALAVRAS SOBRE “PROVAS” DE ALUNOS DA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA
Authors: SIPEC I
Published: February 2020

Oriundo de reflexões no espaço acadêmico, o presente artigo trata-se de um relato deexperiência que buscou investigar como as “provas” são expressadas por alunos de duasinstituições de ensino da rede pública de Maringá, estado do Paraná, ressaltando o quantoestes dois espaços devem estar em sintonia. A priori, contextualizamos os movimentosparadigmáticos da educação do último século, sob a perspectiva de Behrens, bem como,propomos algumas reflexões conceituais e documentais, que norteiam as avaliações deaprendizagem, com ênfase nas provas. Com intuito de demonstrar os sentimentos cognitivos,afetivos e atitudinais sobre o tema gerador, utilizamos da técnica de associação livre depalavras (TALP), um recurso muito explorado nas representações sociais propostas porMoscovici, que em linhas gerais, demonstrou o quanto as “provas”, ainda representamparadigmas conservadores, bem como, preocupações, tanto para alunos, quanto educadores.
Facile Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Loaded on Activated Carbon Developed from Lotus Seed Pods for Removal of Ni(II) Ions
Authors: Tran Thi Kieu Ngan , Le Thi Thanh Nhi , Le Hoang Sinh , Tran Dai Lam , Nguyen Quang Vinh , Pham Thanh Minh , Le Van Thuan
Published: February 2020

In this study, a simple one-step synthetic approach using lotus seed pods and iron(III) chloride has been developed to prepare Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded activated carbon composite (Fe3O4-NPs/AC) for removal of Ni(II) ions from aqueous solution. The physical and chemical characteristics of Fe3O4-NPs/AC were comprehensively analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. On account of the combined advantages of lotus seed pod carbon and Fe3O4 nanoparticles, the Fe3O4-NPs/AC showed excellent adsorption efﬁciency for Ni(II) ions with the maximum adsorption capacity of 50.72 mg g-1 at optimal conditions (pH of 6, contact time of 60 min, 25 °C, and adsorbent dosage of 4.0 g L-1). It was found that the adsorption process of Ni(II) on Fe3O4-NPs/AC was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic, and was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-first-order kinetic equation. The Fe3O4-NPs/AC composite also showed good reusability with removal efﬁciency of greater than 86.25% after five cycles of reuse.
Effect of External Moving Torque on Dynamic Stability of Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Hosseini Seyyed Amirhosein , Khosravi Farshad , Ghadiri Majid
Published: February 2020

In nano-dimension, the strength of the material is considerable, and the failure is unavoidable in a torsional mode. Because of this reason, the free and forced torsional vibrations of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) are investigated in this paper. For dynamic analysis, the moving harmonic torsional load is exerted to SWCNT. The related boundary condition and equation of motion are derived by Hamilton’s principle, and the equation is discretized by the Galerkin method. In order to demonstrate the nonlocality and small–scale effect, Eringen’s theory based on nonlocal elasticity theory is applied. A clamped-clamped (C-C) boundary condition is fitted for the end supports. The influences of the aspect ratio and mode number on the free natural frequency are investigated. Furthermore, the dynamic effects of nonlocal parameter, velocity, thickness, length, and excitation-to-natural frequencies on dimensional and nondimensional angular displacements are indicated. Moreover, the natural frequency was investigated due to the variation of the aspect ratio.
Simulation of Crystalline Phase Formation in Titanium-Based Bimetallic Clusters
Authors: Myasnichenko Vladimir S. , Sdobnyakov Nickolay Yu. , Ershov Pavel M. , Sokolov Denis N. , Kolosov Andrey Yu. , Davydenkova Ekaterina M.
Published: February 2020

In this work, we simulated and analysed phase transformations in the structure of nanosized bimetallic titanium-containing clusters during the cooling process. The results demonstrate the predominantly α+β crystalline structure of the TiAl nanoalloy after cooling, and the TiV nanoalloy has an amorphous structure. The glass transition temperatures for bimetallic systems TiAl and TiV for various compositions were determined.
Effect of Microstructure and Surface Energy on the Static and Dynamic Characteristics of FG Timoshenko Nanobeam Embedded in an Elastic Medium
Authors: Shanab Rabab A. , Attia Mohamed A. , Mohamed Salwa A. , Mohamed Norhan Alaa
Published: February 2020

This paper presents an investigation of the size-dependent static and dynamic characteristics of functionally graded (FG) Timoshenko nanobeams embedded in a double-parameter elastic medium. Unlike existing Timoshenko nanobeam models, the combined effects of surface elasticity, residual surface stress, surface mass density and Poisson’s ratio, in addition to axial deformation, are incorporated in the newly developed model. Also, the continuous gradation through the thickness of all the properties of both bulk and surface materials is considered via power law. The Navier-type solution is developed for simply supported FG nanobeam in the form of infinite power series for bending, buckling and free vibration. The obtained results agree well with those available in the literature. In addition, selected numerical results are presented to explore the effects of the material length scale parameter, surface parameters, gradient index, elastic medium, and thickness on the static and dynamic responses of FG Timoshenko nanobeams.
CHAPTER 5 Effect of Water Vapour on the High Temperature Oxidation of Stainless Steels
Authors: Chandra-ambhorn Somrerk , Wongpromrat Patthranit , Thublaor Thammaporn , Chandra-ambhorn Walairat
Published: February 2020

This chapter primarily reviews the nature of water vapour when it presents in bulk gas. The change in a ratio between water vapour and corresponding dissociated hydrogen, which determine the thermodynamic stability of the oxide formation, is analysed when the oxidation kinetics are linear and parabolic. When water vapour reaches the solid/gas interface, chromium species volatilisation and oxidation controlled by surface reaction can occur. The adsorbed water vapour can be further incorporated into the oxide possibly in the form of hydrogen defects. The role of these defects on altering the defect structure of the oxide is discussed. Finally, characteristics of the oxide scale on stainless steels formed in the atmosphere containing water vapour are reviewed.
CHAPTER 2 Mechanical Behaviour of Thermal Oxide Scales on Stainless Steels
Authors: Parry Valérie , Chandra-ambhorn Somrerk , Nilsonthi Thanasak , Braccini Muriel
Published: February 2020

The mechanical behaviour and adhesion properties of thermal oxide scales are key issues for steel processing and long-term durability. This chapter aims at taking up the various aspects to be considered for such studies. The first part is devoted to a description of the origin of stress and stress quantification. Then, description of mechanical failure and damaging patterns of thermal oxide scales will be given. Finally, definitions of adhesion energy as well as quantitative methods to measure adhesion energy will be proposed. An appendix describing the hypotheses and the constitutive equations for plane stress analysis, which suits to oxide scales, is also given The purpose is enriched by references in particular to Alain Galerie’s co-workers’ publications.
CHAPTER 3 Characterisation of Thermal Oxide Scales on Stainless Steels
Authors: Srisrual Anusara , Thublaor Thammaporn , Wongpromrat Patthranit
Published: February 2020

This chapter aims at reviewing the characterisation techniques that are commonly used for high temperature oxidation study, especially on stainless steels. In addition, the experimental studies about the high temperature oxidation i.e. thermogravimetric method and chromium volatilisation measurement are explained. The various kinds of characterisation techniques for physico-chemical and electronic properties of thermal oxide scales are reviewed, starting from optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), focused ion beam coupled with scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and photoelectrochemical characterisation (PEC). The review focuses on the basic concepts and shows how the characterising tools can be applied to thermal oxide characterisation.
Use of inhaled devices during a hospital exacerbation of COPD: a summary of an interdisciplinary audit held at ICS Maugeri Pavia, Italy (March-June 2019)
Authors: Vitacca Michele , Lastoria Cinzia , Delmastro Monica , Fiorenza Domenico , De Cata Pasquale , Fusar Poli Barbara , Gilè Sonia , Prometti Paola , Paneroni Mara , Bianchi Cristina , Mandora Elena , Porri Roberta , Fracchia Claudio
Published: February 2020

To date treatment protocols in Respiratory and or Internal departments across Italy for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients at hospital admission with relapse due to exacerbation do not find adequate support in current guidelines. Here we describe the results of a recent clinical audit, including a systematic review of practices reported in literature and an open discussion comparing these to current real-life procedures. The process was dived into two 8-hour-audits 3 months apart in order to allow work on the field in between meeting and involved 13 participants (3 nurses, 1 physiotherapist, 2 internists and 7 pulmonologists). This document reports the opinions of the experts and their consensus, leading to a bundle of multidisciplinary statements on the use of inhaled drugs for hospitalized COPD patients. Recommendations and topics addressed include: i) monitoring and diagnosis during the first 24 h after admission; ii) treatment algorithm and options (i.e., short and long acting bronchodilators); iii) bronchodilator dosages when switching device or using spacer; iv) flow measurement systems for shifting to LABA+LAMA within 48 h; v) when nebulizers are recommended; vi) use of SMI to deliver LABA+LAMA when patient needs SABA <3 times/day independently from flow limitation; vii) use of DPI and pre-dosed MDI to deliver LABA+LAMA or TRIPLE when patient needs SABA <3 times/day, with inspiratory flow > 30 litres/min; viii) contraindication to use DPI; ix) continuation of LABA-LAMA when patient is already on therapy; x) possible LABA-LAMA dosage increase; xi) use of SABA and/or SAMA in addition to LABA+LABA; xii) use of SABA+SAMA restricted to real need; xiii) reconciliation of drugs in presence of comorbidities; xiv) check of knowledge and skills on inhalation therapy; xv) discharge bundle; xvi) use of MDI and SMI in tracheostomized patients in spontaneous and ventilated breathing.
Rhomboid intercostal and subserratus plane block -a case series-
Authors: Elsharkawy Hesham , Hamadnalla Hassan , Altinpulluk Ece Yamak , Gabriel Rodney A.
Published: February 2020

Background: The rhomboid intercostal and subserratus plane (RISS) block is a new interfascial block technique that has shown promising results for abdominal and thoracic surgeries. Our objective was to describe the improved analgesia and dermatomal coverage in patients who received bilateral RISS blocks after a major abdominal surgery.Case: Twenty-one patients who underwent abdominal surgery received the rhomboid intercostal component of the block at the T5 to T6 levels, and the subserratus component block was performed at the T6 to T9 levels.The RISS blocks provided effective postoperative analgesia. There was a variation in the dermatomal coverage ranging from T3 to T12. Patients reported a high satisfaction rate from pain management. Conclusions: The RISS block in abdominal surgery seems to have an important role in perioperative pain management, complementing the multimodal analgesic regimen. To determine the efficacy of the RISS block for abdominal surgery, we need further randomized control trials.
Antiallodynic and anti-inflammatory effects of intrathecal R-PIA in a rat model of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Kim Kyungmi , Jeong Wonyeong , Jun In Gu , Park Jong Yeon
Published: February 2020

Background: Studies investigating the correlation between spinal adenosine A1 receptors and vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) are limited. This study explored the role of intrathecal N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine R-(-)isomer (R-PIA) in the rat model of VIPN. Methods: Vincristine (100 μg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered for 10 days (two 5-day cycles with a 2-day pause) and VIPN was induced in rats. Pain was assessed by evaluating mechanical hyperalgesia, mechanical dynamic allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, and mechanical static allodynia. Biochemically, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured in the tissue from beneath the sciatic nerve.Results: Vincristine administration resulted in the development of cold allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical dynamic allodynia, and mechanical static allodynia. Intrathecally administered R-PIA (1.0 and 3.0 μg/10 μl) reversed vincristine-induced neuropathic pain (cold and mechanical static allodynia). The attenuating effect peaked 15 min after intrathecal administration of R-PIA after which it decreased until 180 min. However, pretreatment with 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 10 μg/10 μl) 15 min before intrathecal R-PIA administration significantly attenuated the antiallodynic effect of R-PIA. This antiallodynic effect of intrathecal R-PIA may be mediated through adenosine A1 receptors in the spinal cord. Intrathecally administered R-PIA also attenuated vincristine-induced increases in TNF-α level and MPO activity. However, pretreatment with intrathecal DPCPX significantly reversed this attenuation.Conclusions: These results suggest that intrathecally administered R-PIA attenuates cold and mechanical static allodynia in a rat model of VIPN, partially due to its anti-inflammatory actions.
مناخ الربع الخالي جنوب شرق المملكة العربية السعودية
Authors: عبدالله المسند عبدالله المسند
Published: February 2020

يهدف البحث الى دراسة مناخ الربع الخالي جنوب شرق شبه الجزيرة العربية؛ وذلك بتحليل الخصائص المناخية, ولخلو منطقة الدراسة من محطات مناخية أرضية يُعتمد عليها في التحليل؛ فقد تم الاعتماد على بيانات أربع محطات مناخية محيطة بالربع الخالي. كما تم الاستعانة ببيانات على نقاط شبكية من المركز الوطني الأمريكي للتوقعات البيئية (NCEP/NCAR), وكذلك ببيانات من وحدة أبحاث المناخ بجامعة إيست أنجليا ببريطانيا. وخلص البحث إلى أن الربع الخالي أشد المناطق حرا في شبه الجزيرة العربية بمعدل سنوي بلغ 27-32م: ويحتل المركز الأول في ارتفاع الحرارة في فصلي الشتاء والربيع: كما أن أمطاره نادرة تؤكد سمة الجفاف الشديد إذ يبلغ معدل الأمطار السنوي في محطة الشيبة 45 ملم فقط. ويتأثر الربع الخالي جِزْئِيًا بمنخفضات البحر الأبيض المتوسط الحركية القوية خلال فصل الشتاء؛ عندما يكون مسارها جنوبي شرقي؛ ومنخفضات البحر الأحمر الحرارية؛ كما يتأثر وبشكل نادر بالأعاصير والعواصف المدارية القادمة من بحر العرب: كما حدث في سبتمبر 1992م.‏ وقد توصل البحث الى أن متوسط درجة الحرارة السطحية قد ارتفعت في منطقة الدراسة خلال الفترة الممتدة بين عامي ‎-1981 – 2010 مقارنة بالفترة الممتدة بين عامي 1950-1980م‏ بمقدار يقع بين 0.1 - 0.8‏ درجة مئوية؛ وهي زيادة كبيرة إذا ما قورنت بزيادة درجة الحرارة على سطح الكرة الأرضية خلال القرن السابق.
Effect of Irrigation Intervals and Potassium Application Methods on Yield and
Yield Components of Wheat Crop Irrigated with Surge Flow
Authors: Hussiun M.A. Ragheb Hussiun M.A. Ragheb
Published: February 2020

Field experiments were carried out for two consecutive seasons at the Experimental Station of Soil
and Water Department‚ Faculty of Agricultural‚ Assiut University, to study the effect of both irrigation
intervals and methods of potassium application on yield and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum
L.) beside potassium content in plant and soil. The experimental design was a split plot design with four
replications. The main plots were three irrigation intervals (15, 21 and 28 days), while the sub- plots
contained two methods of potassium application (side dressing and fertigation). Results indicated that, shorter
irrigation intervals improved yield and yield components of wheat crop. The best yield was obtained from 15
days irrigation interval followed by 21 days. Longer irrigation interval (28 days) produced the least yield and
yield components due to water stress conditions. Applying potassium with irrigation water improved yield of
wheat crop and potassium contents in grain and straw yields compared to side dressing application. Also it
increased the available potassium in soils.
Evolution of the First Italian Corporate Accelerator
Authors: Potito Ilaria
Published: February 2020

Launched in 2009 with the name “Working Capital”, when in Italy these themes were not much discussed, TIM #Wcap Accelerator has had a leading role in the evolution and growth of the innovation ecosystem in our country, so that today it has become the most significant Italian corporate accelerator selecting, financing and accelerating the best digital start-ups each year.
Born to be Global: The YouCan Group Case
Authors: Roversi Sara
Published: February 2020

2003 was the year we decided to really get involved in the game. We were driven by the curiosity to understand the world and everything that revolves around it, transferring and enhancing it with an entrepreneurial approach in contexts that our company, You Can Group (founded by Sara Roversi and Andrea Magelli), has been exploring throughout these exploration years. Today, You Can Group is many things; an incubator for ideas and projects that has naturally evolved in an organic way and continues to evolve each day; a creative workshop in which format, events and concepts come to life with different characteristics and missions; an entrepreneurship workshop where participants can learn a trade and give birth to their own start-ups, thanks to a dependable network of seasoned individuals with years of experience, and the creation of know-how in constant evolution that encourages the mindset of sharing and growth. This is a family of companies with about 20 businesses and over two hundred employees.