bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Delivery Dispatching Problem with Time Windows for Urban Consolidation Centers
Authors: van Heeswijk W. J. A. , Mes M. R. K. , Schutten J. M. J.
Published: August 2017

This paper addresses the dispatching problem faced by an urban consolidation center. The center receives orders according to a stochastic arrival process and dispatches them in batches for the last-mile distribution. The operator of the center aims to find the cost-minimizing consolidation policy, depending on the orders at hand, preannounced orders, and stochastic arrivals. We present this problem as a variant of the delivery dispatching problem that includes dispatch windows and define a corresponding Markov decision model. Larger instances of the problem suffer from intractably large state-, outcome-, and action spaces. We propose an approximate dynamic programming (ADP) algorithm that can handle such instances, using a linear value function approximation to estimate the downstream costs. To design the value function approximation, we construct various sets of basis functions, numerically evaluate their suitability, and discuss the properties of good basis functions for the dispatching problem. Numerical experiments on toy-sized instances show that the best set of basis functions approximates the optimal values with an error of less than 3%. To cope with large action spaces, we formulate an integer linear program to be used within our ADP algorithm. We evaluate the performance of ADP policies against four benchmark policies: two heuristic policies, a direct cost minimization policy, and a post-decision rollout policy. We test the performance of ADP on a variety of networks. ADP consistently outperforms the benchmark policies, performing particularly well when there is sufficient flexibility in dispatch times.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2017.0773 .
Uniform care
Authors: Greenlees James
Published: August 2017

James Greenlees reviews procedures to ensure best practice.
Investing in the future
Authors: Waddell Peter
Published: August 2017

Make away days work harder, says Peter Waddell.
For the record…
Authors: Zack Phil
Published: August 2017

When patients use modern technology in consultations should you be concerned? Dr Phil Zack advises.
Check out the benefits
Authors: Waddell Peter
Published: August 2017

Peter Waddell explains how to become a multi-skilled practice.
Life and work
Authors: Pavelin Georgina
Published: August 2017

Save time and money with the right tools, says Georgina Pavelin.
Food for thought
Authors: Harrison Julian
Published: August 2017

Dr Julian Harrison, director of Pharmacy2U, explains why online healthcare gives patients a menu of choice – and helps practice managers with too much on their plate
Don't throw it away
Authors: Parker Ken
Published: August 2017

It's not rubbish! Data protection laws dictate that practices must look after the information held about patients even when it is no longer needed
Why it's ok to ‘play’ angry birds
Authors: Fisher Mike
Published: August 2017

Mike Fisher lifts the lid on the art of boiling over
Finding Mary Poppins
Authors: Miles-Jenkins Alison
Published: August 2017

Alison Miles-Jenkins begins a three-part series on managing your team, starting here with 10 steps to securing a high flyer
Time for sea change?
Authors: Baker Maureen
Published: August 2017

Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, explains why it is time to turn the tide and halt the drift in funding from general practice
Back to the future
Authors: Bissett Julie
Published: August 2017

The ability to embrace new technology can lead to expanding horizons for a practice manager – as new editor Julie Bissett discovers
as easy as
Authors: Coughlin Nick
Published: August 2017

We give you the building blocks to making your refurbishment a success
Have jabs, will travel!
Authors: Chiodini Jane
Published: August 2017

Travel health specialist nurse Jane Chiodini goes globetrotting online to look at advice sources for those round-the-world vaccinations
may the best team win!
Authors: Gransby James
Published: August 2017

James Gransby lines up the best tactical moves when seeking a match made in heaven
In a bit of a spin?
Authors: Tisdale Richenda
Published: August 2017

Dr Richenda Tisdale, medico-legal adviser at the Medical Defence Union, guides us through the social media machine that can be awash with risks
A dizzy spell?
Authors: Berridge Wendy
Published: August 2017

In the first of a new series of articles on essential first aid in the GP practice, Wendy Berridge tackles fainting
an epidemic of dishonesty?
Authors: Ainsworth Steve
Published: August 2017

Steve Ainsworth investigates an NHS that is growing sick of fraud
Longitudinal Correlates of Maternal Depression Among Mothers of Children With or Without Intellectual Disability
Authors: Zeedyk Sasha M. , Blacher Jan
Published: August 2017

This study identified trajectories of depressive symptoms among mothers of children with or without intellectual disability longitudinally across eight time points. Results of fitting a linear growth model to the data from child ages 3–9 indicated that child behavior problems, negative financial impact, and low dispositional optimism all significantly related to initial maternal depressive symptoms. Child behavior problems were significantly associated with changes in depressive symptoms over time, relating above and beyond child disability status. When looking from late childhood into early adolescence, hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that maternal depressive symptoms at child age 9 and perceived financial impact significantly related to maternal depressive symptoms at child age 13. Implications for practice and future research directions are discussed.
Narrative Language and Reading Comprehension in Students With Mild Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Barton-Hulsey Andrea , Sevcik Rose A. , Romski MaryAnn
Published: August 2017

Past research shows positive correlations between oral narrative skill and reading comprehension in typically developing students. This study examined the relationship between reading comprehension and narrative language ability of 102 elementary students with mild levels of intellectual disability. Results describe the students' narrative language microstructure and relative strengths and weaknesses in narrative macrostructure. Students' narrative macrostructure accounted for significant variance in reading comprehension beyond what was accounted for by narrative microstructure (i.e., mean length of utterance in morphemes, number of different words, total utterances). This study provides considerations for measuring narrative quality when characterizing the functional language skills of students with mild levels of intellectual disability. Measurement tools that quantify the quality of language provide important information regarding targets of intervention beyond grammar and vocabulary.
Feasibility and Reliability of Tests Measuring Health-Related Physical Fitness in Children With Moderate to Severe Levels of Intellectual Disability
Authors: Wouters Marieke , van der Zanden Anna M. , Evenhuis Heleen M. , Hilgenkamp Thessa I. M.
Published: August 2017

Physical fitness is an important marker for health. In this study we investigated the feasibility and reliability of health-related physical fitness tests in children with moderate to severe levels of intellectual disability. Thirty-nine children (2–18 yrs) performed tests for muscular strength and endurance, the modified 6-minute walk test (6mwt) for cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition tests, and 30–97% of the tests were successfully completed. Short-term test-retest reliability of all tests was good (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] > .8), long-term test-retest reliability was good for most tests (ICC > .7), but low ICCs were found for most strength tests. Measuring body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness is feasible and reliable. Measuring muscle endurance is fairly feasible and reliable.
PAUTAS PARA LA GESTIÓN INTEGRADA DE LOS RECURSOS HÍDRICOS EN LOS BAJOS SUBMERIDIONALES (ARGENTINA)
Authors: PARIS M. , MARANO R. P.
Published: August 2017

La cuenca hidrográfi ca es una unidad territorial compleja tanto por sus características naturales, como por las particularidades de la sociedad. Dado que ésta es una “unidad territorial”, entonces los problemas que surjan de la gestión de los recursos hídricos serán de toda la cuenca.En el ámbito de Santa Fe está contemplado un Plan de Manejo Integral de los Bajos Submeridionales. Algunas acciones fueron llevadas a cabo en este marco, pero no hay una Agenda del Agua que sea reconocida por todos los sectores. Lograr una gestión sostenible del agua es másque conocer el territorio y/o defi nir un plan para alcanzar los objetivos propuestos. La gestión será sostenible si se promueve la participación activa de los sujetos, no solo durante la formulación del plan sino también durante su ejecución y control. Este artículo propone un instrumentopara desarrollar la gestión integrada del agua, a partir de los avances y antecedentes en la región.
RECURSOS FITOGENÉTICOS FORRAJEROS NATIVOS Y NATURALIZADOS PARA LOS BAJOS SUBMERIDIONALES: PROSPECCIÓN Y PRIORIZACIÓN DE ESPECIES PARA PLANES DE INTRODUCCIÓN A CULTIVO
Authors: PENSIERO J. F. , ZABALA J. M.
Published: August 2017

Los Bajos Submeridionales constituyen una extensa área del norte de Argentina que abarca cerca de 5 millones de has en las provincias de Santa Fe, Chaco y Santiago del Estero. La principal actividad productiva de los Bajos Submeridionales, y de los ambientes salinos en general,es la ganadería, la que se realiza en forma extensiva basada en el uso de los pastizales. Las limitantes ambientales que condicionan la producción de forraje son la salinidad de sus suelos y los períodos de inundaciones y sequías. La fl ora de los Bajos Submeridionales ofrece un número signifi cativo de especies que deberían ser conservadas, estudiadas e introducidas a cultivo como recursos forrajeros. El trabajo menciona los elementos a considerar para desarrollo de unprograma de introducción a cultivo de RFNyN para incrementar la oferta forrajera de los Bajos Submeridionales. La base del esquema reside en la identifi cación y caracterización de especies promisorias, aspectos en los que existen pocos trabajos a nivel nacional. Se presenta un listado de las mismas. Se discuten criterios de priorización y ejemplos de experiencias nacionales exitosas. El trabajo pone de relieve las actividades que deben encararse y las necesidades de trabajo interdisciplinario, cooperación entre diversos actores y fi nanciamiento público.
EL AGUA SUBTERRÁNEA EN LOS BAJOS SUBMERIDIONALES SANTAFESINOS Y SU APROVECHAMIENTO EN LA PRODUCCION GANADERA
Authors: SOSA D.
Published: August 2017

Se describe el funcionamiento de los fl ujos subterráneos en una gran llanura sedimentaria de miles de metros de espesor. Las aguas superfi ciales, como subterráneas presentan, generalmente, altos contenidos salinos. Al este, el colector natural de estas aguas es el Arroyo Golondrinas. La topografía presenta suave pendiente hacia el sureste con lagunas permanentes y semipermanentes. La circulación de fl ujos subterráneos explica la complejidad química como el resultado de relaciones entre fl ujos locales que interactúan con fl ujos intermedios y profundos. En su mayoría las aguas subterráneas se clasifi can como sulfatadas, cloruradas y sulfatadas-cloruradas sódicas. Las aguas con menores concentraciones salinas se ubican en bolsones y paleocauces que pueden aumentar su calidad con obras de recarga a partir de pozos con fi ltro hori-zontal. Los excelentes resultados obtenidos con estas obras las hacen recomendables para mejorar las aguadas en una región donde la principal actividad productiva es la ganadería de cría.
ANÁLISIS DE DIVERSIDAD GENÉTICA EN Ziziphus mistol GRISEB. MEDIANTE MARCADORES MOLECULARES ISSR
Authors: TOMAS P. A. , ZIETZ R. , CERINO M. C.
Published: August 2017

Se analizó la diversidad genética en una población de Ziziphus mistol mediante el uso de marcadores moleculares ISSR. Se utilizaron siete primers para caracterizar 31 genotipos correspondientes a 10 árboles parentales y sus progenies. La proporción de loci polimórfi cos y los niveles de diversidad genética observados fueron bajos; sin embargo, todos los genotipos se diferenciaron en el dendrograma obtenido a partir de las distancias genéticas. Mediante AMOVA se determinó que la mayor proporción de la variabilidad genética existente se registró dentro de las progenies. El análisis de bandas paternas permitió  determinar el origen por cruzamiento de todos los genotipos obtenidos de semilla, demostrando la efi cacia de los mecanismos que favorecen la alogamia en la especie. Se discuten las posibles implicancias de la reducida diversidad observada y la necesidad de ampliar el análisis a otras poblaciones, con el fi n de elaborar e implementar medidas efi cientes de conservación y aprovechamiento de este recurso fitogenético.
Intoxicación experimental con Nierembergia linariifolia var. linariifolia en cabras
Authors: TORINO Facundo , COLQUE-CARO Luis , MARTINEZ Olga , MICHELOUD Juan
Published: August 2017

Nierembergia linariifolia var. linariifolia ha sido sospechada históricamente como planta tóxica en algunas regiones del noroeste de Argentina. Se administró una dosis de 10 g de materia seca de planta molida/kg de peso, a tres cabras adultas mediante el empleo de sonda nasogástrica. Otros tres animales permanecieron como grupo control y recibieron heno de alfalfa. Las cabras que recibieron la planta, presentaron signos clínicos de cólico abdominal entre las 7 y 45 horas post-administración. Ninguno de los animales murió y todos se recuperaron totalmente a las 72 horas de iniciado el ensayo. Nierembergia linariifolia var. linariaefolia demostró tener efectos tóxicos a nivel gastrointestinal a la dosis administrada, aunque no se observaron daños más severos.
PENGEMBANGAN INSTRUMEN ASESMEN UNTUK MENDETEKSI PENGALAMAN TRAUMATIS PENYINTAS ERUPSI GUNUNG BERAPI
Authors: Salma Salma , Hidayat Rahmat
Published: August 2017

Volcano eruption was one kind of disaster which could cause psychological problems among its survivors. Traumatic experience particularly was one of three determinant factors which increases risk of psychological problems after disaster. Hence, a rapid assessment instrument of survivors’ traumatic experience could examine vulnerability of survivors, so that an effective intervention could be done for them. The study aims to develop rapid assessment instrument for Merapi eruption survivors namely Traumatic Experience’s Checklist. Concurrent validity of the instrument is tested for trauma which is known as one of the most common psychological problems after disaster. A number of 66 survivors participated in this study with age above 21 years old. Subjects were divided into three zones: victim, endangered, and evacuated zone. Data were collected using Traumatic Experience’s Checklist for measuring traumatic experience and Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) for measuring trauma. Pearson’s product moment analysis was used in the study analysis. The result showed that the instrument is valid and has significant positive correlation with trauma (r= .487; p< .001). Zonation also showed a significant ability to differentiate the level of trauma among survivors. Further discussion and study is needed to find the best rapid assessment method to predict psychological problems among volcano eruption survivors.
PENURUNAN TINGKAT STRES KERJA PADA PENERBANG MILITER MELALUI PENERAPAN TERAPI YOGA TAWA
Authors: Prasetyo Anggun Resdasari , Nurtjahjanti Harlina , Fauziah Nailul , Kustanti Erin Ratna
Published: August 2017

The laughter yoga therapy is a physical exercise technique that combines yoga breathing techniques, fitness exercise, laughter, applause rhythmic movements, and meditation. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of laughter yoga therapy to reduce work stress levels on military pilots of Indonesian army in Semarang, Central Java. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was applied. Subjects comprised 10 military pilots of Indonesian army in Semarang which were compared to 10 military pilots that served ascontrols. Data were collected using the Work Stress Scale (26 items; α= .902). The t-test results showed a significant reduced work-stress level after the laughter yoga therapy was applied (t(16.025)=-8.471; p=.00; p<.001).
Kajian Emisi Kendaraan di Persimpangan Surabaya Tengah dan Timur serta Potensi Pengaruh terhadap Kesehatan Lingkungan Setempat
Authors: Gunawan Handy , Budi Gogot Setyo
Published: August 2017

The growing number of motor vehicles on the street will increase the consumption of gasoline. At the national scale, gasoline consumption increased from 62.035.065 kiloliters in 2013 to 70.744.977 kiloliters in 2014. The increasing consumption of gasoline not only drains the  non-renewable fossil energy but also affects the environment due to gas emission generated by fuel burning. The carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon (HC), nitrogen oxide (Nox), particulate matter (PM), and sulfide (SO2) concentration in a congestion area such as the area around traffic lights is substantially high. This research aims to find the gasoline consumption and emission rate in intersections with traffic lights, and its effect on surrounding environment. The research was done by collecting traffic volume in two locations in Surabaya, at morning rush hours, which started from 6.20 A.M. to 8.20 A.M, then calculated the emission rate and gasoline consumption from traffic data. The data showed that the volume of gasoline consumed in one lane (out of four lanes) at the traffic lights for two-hour duration was 700 liters, and the total substance of PM, NO, SO2 produced were 353 grams, 15.166 grams, and 410 grams. The concentration of NO and SO2 at Dr. Soetomo intersection after one-hour emission was 3059 μg/m3 and 57 μg/m3, while that at Kertajaya intersection was 672 μg/m3 and 12 μg/m3, respectively. These pollutants were away above the tolerable limit to human health as suggested by WHO, which should not exceed 50 μg/m3 for PM, 40 μg/m3 for NO3 for NO, and 20 μg/m3 for SO2.
Examining the relationship between English language learners’ online self-regulation and their self-efficacy
Authors: Su You , Zheng Chunping , Liang Jyh-Chong , Tsai Chin-Chung
Published: August 2017

This quantitative study investigated the relationship between learners’ online self-regulation and their self-efficacy in the context of learning English as a foreign language (EFL). We collected data from two surveys, the online self-regulated English learning (OSEL) and the English language self-efficacy (ELSE), among 424 university students in China. Principal component analyses showed that the OSEL included six sub-scales, namely, goal setting, environment structuring, task strategies, time management, help seeking and self-evaluation, while the ELSE consisted of four factors targeting self-efficacy in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The correlation analysis confirmed the associations between all scales of the OSEL and those of the ELSE. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that self-evaluation was the most powerful predictor for explaining participants’ variance of self-efficacy in English listening, speaking, and reading. Moreover, learners’ environment structuring could significantly explain their self-efficacy in both speaking and writing, whereas goal setting could only predict students’ self-efficacy in writing. These findings reveal the intricate relationship between online self-regulation and self-efficacy among the EFL learners, and further highlights the positive role of learners’ self-evaluation, environment structuring and goal setting for explaining their English language self-efficacy. Pedagogical implications and future research are discussed at the end of this paper.
Enzymolysis Technology Optimization for Production of Antioxidant Peptides from Goat Milk Casein
Authors: Shu Guowei , Wang Zhuo , Chen Li , Zhang Qian , Xin Ni
Published: August 2017

Antioxidant peptides can inhibit lipid peroxidation and scavenging free radicals, maintain the balance of free radicals, and against a variety of diseases. Response surface methodology was used to optimize process conditions for producing antioxidative peptides from goat’s milk casein hydrolysate with Alcalase. The results suggested that the optimal process parameters were: temperature at 62.5°C, pH 8.9, E/S ration at 2.5%, substrate concentration at 4.4% and hydrolysis time was 173min). Metal-chelating effect, superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity were shown to be 87.21±0.88%, 49.18±1.42% and 69.07±1.26% respectively under the optimal condition. The actual and predicated value were closely which indicated the optimized data fit well to model and the optimized parameters are reliable.
Study on The Industrial Cluster of Tropical Bananas Based on Gem Model
Authors: Yang Qiong
Published: August 2017

In recent years, the development of agricultural industry clusters is rapid in China. As a main producing area of bananas, the Hainan Ledong Industrial Cluster’s competitiveness is of great significance to the development of the whole banana industry in China. This paper first analyzed the cultivation of tropical banana and the market share of bananas in each region, and then analyzed the competitiveness of Ledong banana industry cluster through the GEM (Groundings- Enterprises- Markets) model. The results showed that the GEM model score was 456 points, and the domestic cluster competitiveness exceeded the average level. The “factor pair” socre suggested that the scores of the structure, strategy and competition of the enterprise were low, which restricted the development of Ledong banana industry cluster.
Characterization of cereal cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp.) in Morocco based on morphology, morphometrics and rDNA-ITS sequence analysis
Authors: Mokrini Fouad , Viaene Nicole , Waeyenberge Lieven , Dababat Abdelfattah A. , Moens Maurice
Published: August 2017

Morphological and molecular diversity among 11 populations of cereal cyst nematodes from different wheat production areas in Morocco was investigated using light microscopy, species-specific primers, complemented by the ITS-rDNA sequences. Morphometrics of cysts and second-stage juveniles (J2s) were generally within the expected ranges forHeterodera avenae; only the isolate from Aïn Jmaa showed morphometrics conforming to those ofH. latipons. When using species-specific primers forH. avenaeandH. latipons, the specific bands of 109 bp and 204 bp, respectively, confirmed the morphological identification. In addition, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were sequenced to study the diversity of the 11 populations. These sequences were compared with those ofHeteroderaspecies available in the GenBank database (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and confirmed again the identity of the species. Ten sequences of the ITS-rDNA were similar (99–100%) to the sequences ofH. avenaepublished in GenBank and three sequences, corresponding with one population, were similar (97–99%) toH. latipons.
Skin-Spar Failure Detection of a Composite Winglet Using FBG Sensors
Authors: Ciminello Monica , De Fenza Angelo , Dimino Ignazio , Pecora Rosario
Published: August 2017

Winglets are introduced into modern aircraft to reduce wing aerodynamic drag and to consequently optimize the fuel burn per mission. In order to be aerodynamically effective, these devices are installed at the wing tip section; this wing region is generally characterized by relevant oscillations induced by flights maneuvers and gust. The present work is focused on the validation of a continuous monitoring system based on fiber Bragg grating sensors and frequency domain analysis to detect physical condition of a skin-spar bonding failure in a composite winglet for in-service purposes. Optical fibers are used as deformation sensors. Short Time Fast Fourier Transform (STFT) analysis is applied to analyze the occurrence of structural response deviations on the base of strain data. Obtained results showed high accuracy in estimating static and dynamic deformations and great potentials in detecting structural failure occurrences.
Optimization of Process Parameters During End Milling and Prediction of Work Piece Temperature Rise
Authors: Bhirud N.L. , Gawande R.R.
Published: August 2017

During the machining processes, heat gets generated as a result of plastic deformation of metal and friction along the tool–chip and tool–work piece interface. In materials having high thermal conductivity, like aluminium alloys, large amount of this heat is absorbed by the work piece. This results in the rise in the temperature of the work piece, which may lead to dimensional inaccuracies, surface damage and deformation. So, it is needed to control rise in the temperature of the work piece. This paper focuses on the measurement, analysis and prediction of work piece temperature rise during the dry end milling operation of Al 6063. The control factors used for experimentation were number of flutes, spindle speed, depth of cut and feed rate. The Taguchi method was employed for the planning of experimentation andL18orthogonal array was selected. The temperature rise of the work piece was measured with the help of K-type thermocouple embedded in the work piece. Signal to noise (S/N) ratio analysis was carried out using the lower-the-better quality characteristics. Depth of cut was identified as the most significant factor affecting the work piece temperature rise, followed by spindle speed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to find out the significant parameters affecting the work piece temperature rise. ANOVA results were found to be in line with the S/N ratio analysis. Regression analysis was used for developing empirical equation of temperature rise. The temperature rise of the work piece was calculated using the regression equation and was found to be in good agreement with the measured values. Finally, confirmation tests were carried out to verify the results obtained. From the confirmation test it was found that the Taguchi method is an effective method to determine optimised parameters for minimization of work piece temperature.
The Problem of Airflow Around Building Clusters in Different Configurations
Authors: Jędrzejewski Mateusz , Poćwierz Marta , Zielonko-Jung Katarzyna
Published: August 2017

In the paper, the authors discuss the construction of a model of an exemplary urban layout. Numerical simulation has been performed by means of a commercial software Fluent using two different turbulence models: the popular k-ε realizable one, and the Reynolds Stress Model (RSM), which is still being developed. The former is a 2-equations model, while the latter – is a RSM model – that consists of 7 equations. The studies have shown that, in this specific case, a more complex model of turbulence is not necessary. The results obtained with this model are not more accurate than the ones obtained using the RKE model. The model, scale 1:400, was tested in a wind tunnel. The pressure measurement near buildings, oil visualization and scour technique were undertaken and described accordingly. Measurements gave the quantitative and qualitative information describing the nature of the flow. Finally, the data were compared with the results of the experiments performed. The pressure coefficients resulting from the experiment were compared with the coefficients obtained from the numerical simulation. At the same time velocity maps and streamlines obtained from the calculations were combined with the results of the oil visualisation and scour technique.
Fast Response Hot (111) HGCDTE MWIR Detectors
Authors: Grodecki Kacper , Martyniuk Piotr , Kopytko Małgorzata , Kowalewski Andrzej , Stępień Dawid , Kębłowski Artur , Piotrowski Adam , Piotrowski Józef , Gawron Waldemar , Rogalski Antoni
Published: August 2017

In this work we report simulation and experimental results for an MWIR HgCdTe photodetector designed by computer simulation and fabricated in a joint laboratory run by VIGO Sytems S.A. and Military University of Technology. The device is based on a modified N+pP+heterostructure grown on 2”., epiready, semi-insulating (100) GaAs substrates in a horizontal MOCVD AIX 200 reactor.

The devices were examined by measurements of spectral and time responses as a function of a bias voltage and operating temperatures. The time response was measured with anOptical Parametric Oscillator(OPO) as the source of ~25 ps pulses of infrared radiation, tuneable in a 1.55–16 μm spectral range. Two-stage Peltier cooled devices (230 K) with a 4.1 μm cut-off wavelength were characterized by 1.6 × 1012cm Hz1/2/W peak detectivity and < 1 ns time constant forV> 500 mV.
Measurement and Analysis of Partial Discharge using an Ultra-High Frequency Sensor for Gas Insulated Structures
Authors: Wang Guoming , Kil Gyung-Suk
Published: August 2017

Although the gas insulated structures have a high degree of reliability, the unavoidable defects are primary reason of their failures.Partial discharge(PD) has been regarded as an effective indication for condition monitoring and diagnosis ofgas insulated switchgears(GISs) to ensure their reliable and stable operation. Among various PD detection methods, theultra-high frequency(UHF) technique has the advantages of on-line motoring and defect classification. In this paper, there are presented 7 types of artificial electrode systems fabricated for simulation of real insulation defects in gas insulated structures. A real-time measurement system was developed to acquire defect patterns in a form ofphase-resolve partial discharge(PRPD) intensity graph, using a UHF sensor. Further, the discharge distribution and statistical characteristics were extracted for defect identification using a neural network algorithm. In addition, a conversion experiment was proposed by detecting the PD pulse simultaneously using a non-induction resistor and a UHF sensor. A relationship between the magnitude of UHF signal and the amplitude of apparent charge was established, which was used for evaluation of PD using the UHF sensor.
Endorhizal Fungal Association and Colonization Patterns in Solanaceae
Authors: Muthukumar Thangavelu , Sathya Ramalingam
Published: August 2017

The Solanaceae family includes plants of high economic and medicinal value. Information on endorhizal associations in Solanaceae is limited. We investigated arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungal associations in 20 solanaceous plant species (7 genera) taken from one or more sites, measuring the percentage of root length colonized in plants having different AM and DSE fungal structures. Root samples of all the plant species examined had AM fungal structures, and DSE fungal colonization was found in 80% of the plant species. Total AM and DSE fungal colonization and root length of plants with different fungal structures varied significantly between species. Significant between-site variation was found for root length in plants with fungal structures in Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Capsicum annuum L., Datura metel L., Solanum melongena L., S. nigrum L., S. trilobatum L. and S. torvum SW. AM morphology was predominantly intermediate-type (60%), followed by Paris-type (30%). Solanum melongena and S. nigrum at different sites had Paris-type or intermediate AM morphology. DSE fungal colonization also exhibited significant between-site variation in Capsicum frutescens, C. annum, Datura metel, Solanum melongena, S. trilobatum and S. nigrum. We found a significant negative correlation between AM and DSE fungal colonization.
Correlations between energy economy and housing market prices in the EU-impacts on future sustainability
Authors: Maassen Maria Alexandra
Published: August 2017

The global economic system is facing multiple challenges in terms of social development, technology and innovation, as well as sustainability needs. As a result, the value of existing assets is changing globally depending on the scarcity, necessity and effects on the business field leading to increased prices of traditional sources of energy and increased competition in the economic field. Thus, the EU energy market has progressed in reducing its dependence on external energy sourcing, by increasing production of renewable energy, such as wind or solar, as well as by further integration of the electric grid. Based on the Pearson coefficient this article intends to research the correlations between the economic, energy and house prices in recent years and the future possible impacts depending on their evolution. For example, gas prices in the past decade increasing household costs in most countries due to the dependence on third parties for energy, lead to the need of increasing the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption, which have consequently decreased electricity prices since 2008. However, this development has still not solved the additional costs issue of households due to the new technologies implemented although wind and solar energy receive in general low margins. Such energy issues, as well as the increased housing prices after the financial crisis in 2008 have caused on their own an additional burden on the economy and households spending income in the next years following.
The common energy market of the European Union – utopia or reality?
Authors: Şanta Ana-Maria Iulia
Published: August 2017

The European Commission has the initiative to foster the sector of renewable energy and to build an Energy Union, with a common energy market at the level of the European Union, but is this only an utopic vision or is this possible to achieve? The topic of clean energy is very new and of great interest for the European Union, which is shown by the fact that the European Commission recently adopted on the 30th November 2016 the package “Clean Energy for All Europeans”, which contains proposals for the modernization of the energy market at the level of the European Union. But which are the challenges such a project is confronted with? According to the literature, such challenges are related to the process of liberalization of electricity markets. Conflicts between national interest and international actors of the energy market might occur. Due to the oligopolistic structure of the energy market, there are several barriers to the market entry. In order to answer to the research questions, case studies regarding the liberalization of the energy market will be analyzed in a comparative manner, offering an international overview. Furthermore, the legal provisions on which the common energy policy of the European Union relies, will be analyzed, as well as their economic and social impact. The package “Clean Energy for All Europeans” comprises a proposal of the revised Renewable energy Directive, energy efficiency measures and issues related to the Energy Union Governance. It contains as well proposals for the electricity market design, which will be analyzed and the present paper outlines the contribution of this proposal in building a common energy market of the European Union. What role does competition play in implementing the common energy market of the European Union? Which role do competition authorities have in this context? These are interesting aspects to be analyzed in the present paper.
Optimal technical and economic strategy for retrofitting residential buildings in Romania
Authors: Căruțașiu Mihail-Bogdan , Ionescu Constantin , Necula Horia
Published: August 2017

The European Legislation is very strict regarding the importance of reducing the energy consumption in buildings sector. The importance of achieving nearly zero energy consumption levels for both new and existing buildings is also highlighted in each Members’ national legislation. Moreover, the high percentage of existing buildings across European Union, indicates that they need to be adequately approached in order to achieve the ambitious energy efficiency goals. This implies creating the optimal technical and financial retrofit strategies regarding minimizing the energy consumption without lowering the interior comfort levels. In Romania, there is no unitary strategy aiming to maximize the energy efficiency in buildings which also takes into consideration the financial part of the process. Moreover, there are no known national guidelines and strategies for buildings retrofit which takes into consideration a wide range of equipment. The Romanian Energy Efficiency Strategy presents few possibilities resulted from integrating renewable energy sources within typical Romanian buildings, while the Buildings Performance Institute Europe conducted a research regarding the potential of nearly Zero Energy Buildings implementation across Romanian territory. Both studies refer only to typical buildings and do not present a large perspective for retrofitting action, while the financial study is not properly presented. Thus, this paper develops a comprehensive financial study which could be used as guideline by stakeholders, in order to find the best technical solution for decreasing the final energy consumption in Romanian residential buildings. Using the RETScreen software and its economical features, there were developed several energy efficiency solutions, and by analyzing the financial benefits implied, the best solution was chosen. By adopting the solutions presented within this feasibility study, the energy consumption of buildings should be significantly reduced.
Economical aspects of the CCS technology integration in the conventional power plant
Authors: Slavu Nela , Dinca Cristian
Published: August 2017

One of the way to reduce the greenhouses gases emissions generated by the fossil fuels combustion consists in the Carbon Capture, Transport and Storage (CCS) technologies utilization. The integration of CCS technologies in the coal fired power plants increases the cost of the energy generation. The CCS technology could be a feasible solution in the case of a high value of a CO2 certificate but for the present value an optimization of the CCS technology integration in the power plants is expected. However, for reducing the cost of the energy generated in the case of CCS integration in the power plants, a parametrical study optimization of the CO2 capture process is required. In this study, the chemical absorption process was used and the monoethanolamine with 30 wt. %. The objective of this paper is to analyze the effects of the package type used in the absorption column on the size of the equipment used and, on the energy cost of the power plant with CO2 capture process consequently. The packages types analyzed in this paper are metal Pall rings with different sizes and the rings are made of different metals: aluminum, nickel, cooper, and brass. In the case of metal Pall rings, the utilization of different material has an impact on the absorption column weight. Also, Pall rings made of plastics (polypropylene and polyethylene) were analyzed. The comparative assessment was achieved for a coal fired power plant with an installed power of 100 MW and considering the CO2 capture process efficiency of 90 %.
Aspects of using biomass as energy source for power generation
Authors: Tîrtea Raluca-Nicoleta , Mărculescu Cosmin
Published: August 2017

Biomass represents an important source of renewable energy in Romania with about 64% of the whole available green energy. Being a priority for the energy sector worldwide, in our country the development stage is poor compared to solar and wind energy. Biomass power plants offer great horizontal economy development, local and regional economic growth with benefic effects on life standard. The paper presents an analysis on biomass to power conversion solutions compared to fossil fuels using two main processes: combustion and gasification. Beside the heating value, which can be considerably higher for fossil fuels compared to biomass, a big difference between fossil fuels and biomass can be observed in the sulphur content. While the biomass sulphur content is between 0 and approximately 1%, the sulphur content of coal can reach 4%. Using coal in power plants requires important investments in installations of flue gas desulfurization. If limestone is used to reduce SO2 emissions, then additional carbon dioxide moles will be released during the production of CaO from CaCO3. Therefore, fossil fuels not only release a high amount of carbon dioxide through burning, but also through the caption of sulphur dioxide, while biomass is considered CO2 neutral. Biomass is in most of the cases represented by residues, so it is a free fuel compared to fossil fuels. The same power plant can be used even if biomass or fossil fuels is used as a feedstock with small differences. The biomass plant could need a drying system due to high moisture content of the biomass, while the coal plant will need a desulfurization installation of flue gas and additional money will be spent with fuel purchasing.
Demand response power system optimization in presence of renewable energy sources
Authors: Dumbrava Virgil , Lazaroiu George Cristian , Bazacliu Gabriel , Zaninelli Dario
Published: August 2017

This paper optimizes the price-based demand response of a large customer in a power system with stochastic production and classical fuel-supplied power plants. The implemented method of optimization, under uncertainty, is helpful to model both the utility functions for the consumers and their technical limitations. The consumers exposed to price-based demand can reduce their cost for electricity procurement by modifying their behavior, possibly shifting their consumption during the day to periods with low electricity prices. The demand is considered elastic to electricity price if the consumer is willing and capable to buy various amounts of energy at different price levels, the demand function being represented as purchasing bidding blocks. The demand response is seen also by the scientific literature as a possible source of the needed flexibility of modern power systems, while the flexibility of conventional generation technologies is restricted by technical constraints, such as ramp rates. This paper shows how wind power generation affects short term operation of the electricity system. Fluctuations in the amount of wind power fed into the grid require, without storage capacities, compensating changes in the output of flexible generators or in the consumers’ behavior. In the presented case study, we show the minimization of the overall costs in presence of stochastic wind power production. For highlighting the variability degree of production from renewable sources, four scenarios of production were formulated, with different probabilities of occurrence. The contribution brought by the paper is represented by the optimization model for demand-response of a large customer in a power system with fossil fueled generators and intermittent renewable energy sources. The consumer can reduce the power system costs by modifying his demand. The demand function is represented as purchasing bidding blocks for the possible price forecasted realizations. The consumer benefit function is modelled as a piecewise linear function.
Strategies for academic leadership towards increasing productivity in higher education institutions; business education case
Authors: Iordache-Platis Magdalena
Published: August 2017

Higher education institutions face a lot of challenges in the contemporary context. Labour market is s strict evaluator of the graduates’ competences and skills and thus, of the study programmes. An attractive university is a university with a large demand for studies, with many partners and projects, with a high visibility at national and international level, with a considerable research production. At present, the lack of resources characterizes the difficult situation for decision making process which is a real challenge for the academic leadership. On one hand, the competiton requires the need of continuous development and of differentiation strategy while on the other hand, insufficient financial, human, material, informational resources, including time as a specific restriction generate huge opportunities and threats for institutions. Possibilities of being efficient are to be explored. The aim of this paper is to explore possible strategies to increase productivity in higher education institutions. Main objectives of the study are the following: a). to define productivity in higher education institutions, on the basis of the academics’ perceptions, as well as of students’ perceptions; b). to provide a diagnosis of the current state of the prductivity in higher education institutions; c). to contribute to new clarifications on leadership strategies for increasing productivity in higher education institutions. Based on the literature review, the paper reveal proper answers to questions, such as: what is productivity, how is it measured, what is its impact, which are the increasing possibilities in business context. The study methodology is also based on a questionnaire dedicated to the two groups of respondents – academics and students. Their perceptions are then compared in order to reveal the common view. Main output of the research include: a). A new conceptual clarification for the productivity in higher education institutions; b). A proposal of leadership strategies from business to academic environment.
Factors influencing performance within startup assistance organizations
Authors: Ceaușu Ioana , Marquardt Katrin , Irmer Sven-Joachim , Gotesman Elisa
Published: August 2017

Startup assistance organizations, and especially business accelerators have gained a lot of traction in the last years, captioning not only the attention of the public, but most importantly that of investors and other stakeholders. It has become a challenge for many all around the world to develop such programs, but many have failed or did not have their expected results, meaning medium to long-term sustainable and profitable alumni start-ups. As high amounts of resources, both human and financial, are being invested in the design and development of such programs, it is important to understand what sets apart the successful business acceleration programs from the ones that fail. The current paper is reviewing the up-to-date theoretical literature and studies on the matter at hand, in order to identify the most relevant factors influencing startup assistance organizations’ performance. The objective behind identifying these factors is to get a better understanding of best practices of such successful programs and set the basis for future research regarding the development of a set of metrics for more accurately measuring their performance.