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This study examines the effect of different levels of rentability on the perception of the risks in the agri-business sector in Romania. The risks analysed are related to production, market, institutional, personnel and financial and the rentability ratios used are return on assets and return on equity. The research methodology consists in a qualitative study, with the data collected using field questionnaires. The convenience sampling was used as sampling method for 201 companies with farming activity in the vegetal nutrition area, the population being very large, and the financial data for 2021 consisted of analyses basis. A one-way ANOVA test was performed using SPSS software, combined with a descriptive analysis and homogeneity and robust tests. The results of the study show that it is likely that both return on assets and return on equity have a significant effect on the market risk perception. The market risk is related to the price volatility for agriculture inputs and crops and the farmers with higher rentability are more aware of these risks. The contributions of this approach are aimed both at the microeconomic level, providing benchmarks in the substantiation of strategies on risk-return trade-off, and at the macroeconomic level, providing a benchmark in the substantiation of policies in this field.

This paper aims to analyse the relation between the digitalization process and the performance of the labour market in the context of the pandemic. Thus, some relevant indicators were used to measure digital proficiency (individuals using the online tools for interaction with public authorities, for sending/receiving e-mails, for finding information about goods and services, for seeking health-related information, and for doing an online course), while the performance of the labour market was evaluated through the employment rate. The main findings are related to the confirmation of the intensification of digital skills during the pandemic, compared to the period before, the increase in digitalization based mainly on online education, as well as the demonstration of the fact that countries with a high level of digital proficiency have high employment rates, especially during the pandemic.

Corporate governance is gaining interest not only from investors but companies that want to operate in international markets, prompting a more thorough analysis of the field to prioritise stakeholder interests alongside shareholder value. By adopting a holistic approach that considers stakeholders’ diverse needs and expectations, companies can build resilience, foster trust, and create sustainable value for all stakeholders, ensuring long-term success and societal impact. This paper analyses corporate governance principles applied at the international, European, and national levels, emphasising the importance of the field for the stakeholders. The practical approach of the paper analyses the application and compliance of the corporate governance code of 18 companies in the field of financial intermediation and insurance, which are listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, underlining the crucial role of transparency of operations in instilling confidence and reassurance in stakeholders. The conclusions present proposals for measures to improve corporate governance practices at the level of companies.

The geotechnical, electrometric and magnetometric investigation data, correlated with the technological data from the horizontal directional drillings made for the undercrossing of the Danube River with gas pipelines, showed that in the Giurgiu-Ruse section, under a clastic sequence of 14-19 m thickness, consisting of layers of sandy clays, sands and white-grey, alluvial gravels, are developed Cretaceous grey altered limestones, yellowish-brown lumachelle limestones and grey-pink, compact limestones. The altered, eroded, and karstified limestones seems to be the explanation of drastic circulation loss of mud in the technological process of digging through horizontal directional drillings. In the studied section, on the Giurgiu-Ruse alignment in the southern area of the Moesian Platform (Wallachian sector), there are several relevant papers occasioned by the construction of the Saint Gheorghe harbour channel related to the Giurgiu harbour, at the time of the 19th century (1888-1890), as well as the papers related to the investigations occasioned by the construction of the Giurgiu-Ruse Bridge in 1959. Older or newer papers are added, relating to the carbonate deposits of different ages of the Cretaceous in the outcrops of the Bulgarian bank of the Danube, as well as descriptions from drillings adjacent to the studied section.

The oily wastewater represents one of the major threats to the environment nowadays and requires innovative water treatment technology. This review provides an overview of polymeric photocatalytic membranes used for oily wastewater treatment, with key focus on the pollution sources and the membrane materials. Moreover, the advantage of coupling the photocatalyst technology into the membrane fabrication for oil removal is explored. This work evaluates the removal performance and anti-fouling properties in oily wastewater treatment of the most recent developed polymeric photocatalytic membranes.

Three types of ladder-like organostannoxanes, [C5H4N(p-CO2)]2[Bu2Sn]4(μ3-O)2(μ2-OH)2 (1), [Ph2CHCO2]4[Bu2Sn]4(μ3-O)2 (2), and [(p-NH2)-C6H4-CO2]2[Bu2Sn]4(μ3-O)2(μ2-OH)2 (3), have been synthesized and characterized using elemental analyses, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C) experiments, and, for 1 and 2, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. X-Ray diffraction discloses that complexes adopt tetranuclear tin(iv) ladder-like structures containing two (1) or four (2) deprotonated ligands. The essential difference between their molecular structures is that in 2 there are four carboxylate ligands, while in 1 and 3 there are two. The crystal structure of 1 reveals them to be a tetranuclear structure containing a three-rung-staircase Sn4O4 core. The Sn4O4 cluster consists of a ladder of four Sn2O2 units. For 2, the structure is a tetranuclear centrosymmetric dimer of an oxoditin unit having a central four-member ring. In this complex, the central Sn2O2 core is fused with two four-member and two six-member rings. In the structures, there are two types of tin ions arranged in distorted trigonal bipyramid geometry or octahedron geometry. A series of O–H⋯N, C–H⋯O, and C–H⋯π intermolecular hydrogen bonds in these complexes play an important function in the supramolecular, or two-dimensional network structures are formed by these interactions.

Pathogenic bacteria, originating in the inflamed periodontium, can make their way into the body through the vascular system, either by entering the bloodstream or lymph directly or as internalized particles of immune cells. This research aims to investigate the existence of a potential connection between two pathologies – periodontitis and ischemic heart disease – by utilizing a DNA-DNA hybridization technique to highlight the presence of seven periodontal pathogens: A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, P. endodontalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythia, C. rectus and F. Nucleatum. The study was conducted over a period of 3 years on a sample consisting of 119 patients with cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease, divided into 3 groups by pathologies, as follows: the first group consisted of 31 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, the second group consisted of 43 patients with periodontal disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy, and the third group consisted of 45 patients with periodontal disease. The results show the possibility of a correlation between the composition of the bacterial flora in the group of patients with cardiac disease and those with associated pathologies. In conclusion, we may state that periodontitis may be seen as a risk factor in heart disease, which may certify the possibility of an etiological connection between the two pathologies.

In the last decade, it was concluded that glaucomatous optic neuropathy is part of the neuro-degenerative diseases in which destructive neuronal lesions are located not only in the structure of the retina, but they are also present at the level of the central visual and nervous pathways. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of involvement of the auditory system in patients with Primitive Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), the structural changes in the optic nerve, and to establish correlation between the hearing loss and structural changes in the optic nerve. Material and methods: It is a prospective, cross-sectional study on 32 eyes of 16 subjects with POAG in a study group and 24 eyes of 12 healthy subjects in control group, with a mean age of 62 years in both groups. Both groups underwent ophthalmological, audiological and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation. Results: In the Study group patients, compared to the Control group, the average levels of the left Pure-tone audiometry (PTA), the cup/disc (C/D) area in both eyes, and the C/D ratio in both eyes are increased. Conclusions: Patients with POAG show changes in audiometry test in correlation with ophthalmological parameters demonstrat-ing that the auditory system can be affected in glaucoma.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Functional Electrical Stimulation in upper limb rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: 90 children with spastic cerebral palsy, age between 6 and 9 years, were randomized into two groups. 45 children, represented the control group, performed conventional physical and occupational therapy and robot-assisted therapy. In addition to the control group, the experimental group received functional electrical stimulation interventions with postural control on the affected upper limb. Results: The experimental group's motor performance after treatment (improved coordination by 8.2%, wrist flexion by 9.75°, three-fingered grasp strength by 1.04°, and functional limitation lowered by 5.93) was considerably better than the control group's which coordination increased by 5.5%, wrist flexion by 8.72°, three-fingered grasp strength by 0.7 and functional limitation decreased by 2.33. Conclusions: Functional electrical stimulation intervention was found to be an effective manner to improve motor performance, in terms of coordination, range of motion, and three-fingered grasp strength, visibly reducing functional limitation and improving performance in activities of daily living.

Proximal humerus fracture ranks third in the elderly after femoral neck fractures and distal radius fractures, and seventh in adults, and the risk of occurrence is related to advancing age. In this study we aimed to analyze the efficacy of a 24-weeks physical therapy programme based on a particular methodology consisting of the reprogramming of the specific proprioceptive neuromuscular facil-itation techniques added to the classical physical therapy and by introducing modern interactive therapies and technologies: Capacitive Resistive Electric Transference, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, kinesiological tapes and PRAMA system, compared with classical physical therapy. Our study included 26 patients, aged between 18 and 55 years, with proximal humerus fracture, who complete the 24-weeks rehabilitation programme. We assessed pain, shoulder range of motion, muscle strength and the ability to perform activities of daily living. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS and Excel 2021. The results showed statistically significant im-provement in all shoulder motion, increased muscle strength, decreased pain, and a better ability to perform daily activities. The physical therapy programme based on the proposed particular methodology has proven to be more effective than classical physical therapy, both regarding the improvement of the movement parameters compared to the physiological values, as well as the symmetry of both shoulders.

Cerebral palsies (CPs) disturb the voluntary movement control at extremities’ level, entailing various disability degrees. In over 80% of the CP cases there is an upper limb disorder, mainly manifested by the decrease in hand control and the presence of contractures, which, in time, lead to the adoption of abnormal postures which affect the abilities of the CP patients’ hands. The aim of this study was to identify the way the motor deficit at upper limb level – reflected by coordination disturbances and by the condition of the three fingered (tripod) grasp – influences the CP patient’s functional independence. The study demonstrated the existence of significant correlations between Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score, coordination and three fingered grasp. It was proven that the unilateral coordination dysfunctions have a strong negative influence on the coordination of the opposite side and lead to a decrease of the functional independence level. Therefore, the rehabilitation treatment is recommended to be based on a bilateral training, both in order to improve coordination and to obtain a functional level of the three fingered grasp power and of the physiological amplitude at wrist flexion level.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the jet fuel influence on tensile strength of a polymeric composite material. To accomplish the goal, composite samples were immersed in a kerosene-type jet fuel (JET A-1) for a period of 137 days at room temperature. Three sample batches were studied: references, immersed samples and immersed samples which were vacuum dried. Tensile tests were carried out on each sample batch, and it was concluded that the jet fuel reduces the tensile strength of the epoxy composite while increasing the elastic modulus. The accelerated dry process ensures the partial desorption of kerosene, but it does not ensure an improvement of composite mechanical properties. The overall conclusion of the study is that jet fuel has a negative influence over the studied bare carbon fiber reinforced polymer tensile strength on long term due to degradation of polymeric matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis, tratament and follow-up of patients with melanoma during COVID-19 pandemic is quite challenging. These patients are often immunocompromised, but, on the other hand, management of this malignant skin cancer should not be delayed. It is necessary to diagnose and stage the melanoma as soon as possible, in an attempt to provide a better prognosis. There are few data regarding the treatament of melanoma during COVID-19 pandemia. However, the general recommandations suggest testing all cancer patients prior administration of the therapy. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) provided guidelines regarding therapy of this skin cancer during COVID-19 pandemic. Every patient is different, and it is always important to evaluate the risks and benefits.

Introduction. Atherosclerosis represents the process of stiffening of the arterial wall and includes arterial changes secondary to atherosclerosis, as well as physiological changes, reducing vascular elasticity in the elderly. However, the importance of knowing the pathology of atherosclerosis is mandatory among dentists, given the high frequency of patients with atherosclerotic lesions. Purpose. Through this study we tried to familiarize dentists on the therapeutic behavior towards patients with atherosclerosis but also the risks arising from it. Material and method. 87 practitioners from Romania helped to carry out this study between September and November 2018. Results and discussions. A clear picture emerged regarding the changes and manifestations in patients with atherosclerosis by dental practitioners as well as the attitude to be adopted in the case of treatments for such patients. Conclusions. Knowing the pathology of patients at cardiovascular risk as well as the therapy to be applied for them, is a must for dentists given the growing number of patients and the pathology with different stages of evolution.

By operating with the Scale Relativity Theory by means of two scenarios (Schrӧdinger and Madelung-type scenarios) in the dynamics of complex systems, we can achieve a description of these complex systems through a holographic-type perspective. Then, a gauge invariance of the Riccati type becomes functional in complex-system dynamics, which implies several consequences: conservation laws (in particular, for dynamics, the kinetic momentum conservation law), simultaneity and synchronization among the structural units’ (belonging to a complex system) dynamics, and temporal patterns through harmonic mappings. Finally, an economic case analysis is highlighted.

Introduction. Most patients over 40 years old who present for specific treatments in the dental offices have at least one general condition. Specialized research has shown that atherosclerosis is more common in patients with periodontal disease, which suggests that periodontal and cardiovascular disease may have similar causes. Purpose. Given the close connection between the two conditions, we have tried to draw the attention of patients to the importance of the prophylactic maneuvers performed by him or by specialized personnel and we also want to emphasize the importance of the dental hygienist in this process. Material and method. In order to carry out this study, a questionnaire with predetermined answers was used, applied to 57 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and who presented for specialized treatments in dental offices. Results and discussions. The answers really reflect how the patients understood the connection between the two conditions and how they perform the oral and dental hygiene. Conclusions. Given that many of the respondents do not perform the hygiene procedures correctly or incompletely, there is a need for a medical staff to discuss with patients to educate them on the importance and the way of hygiene and to perform the oral and dental hygiene procedures, in short the dental hygienist.

We describe herein the self-assembly processes as well as the structural properties ofmetallosupramolecular grid-architectures, involving bis-bidentate ligand1, based on imino-pyridine complexation subunits and tetrahedrally (Cu+, Ag+) and octahedrally (Co2+, Zn2+, Fe2+) coordinated metal ions. The NMR, electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry data and X-ray crystal structure results suggest that in solution corner- and grid-type compounds are present, while in the solid state they adopt very compact and stable [2 × 2] grids arrays. Despite the variable binding behaviours of tetrahedrally coordinated cations (Cu+, Ag+) and the four coordination (lower) number of octahedrally coordinated cations (Co2+, Zn2+, Fe2+), the flexibility of the ligand1induce a perfect arrangement of these components, resulting in the formation of metallosupramolecular grids. Examination of such structures suggests that simple conformational rotation around the central phenyl of ligand1results in the self-assembly of chiral ligands. This allows the formation of mesomeric grid-type superstructures containing an inversion centre with half-superior and -inferior inner surfaces of opposite chirality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we describe the synthesis of CeO2 nanoparticles by nanocasting route on the mesoporous silica support. In the first step, mesoporous silica (SBA-15 structure) was prepared using a soft template and in the second step, this material was used for impregnation with CeO2 nanoparticles. The obtained nanocomposites were morphologically and structurally characterized by XRD diffraction, FT-IR, UV-Vis and PL spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conventional non-quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, image contrast is consistent within images, but absolute intensity can vary arbitrarily between scans. For quantitative analysis of intensity data, images are typically normalized to a consistent reference. The most convenient reference is a tissue that is always present in the image, and is unlikely to be affected by pathological processes. In multiple sclerosis neuroimaging, both the white and gray matter are affected, so normalization techniques that depend on brain tissue may introduce bias or remove biological changes of interest. We introduce a complementary procedure, image “calibration,” the goal of which is to remove technical intensity artifacts while preserving biological differences. We demonstrate a deep learning approach to segmenting fat from within the orbit of the eyes on T1-weighted images at 1.5 and 3 ​T to use as a reference tissue, and use it to calibrate 1018 scans from 256 participants in a study of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis. The machine segmentations agreed with the adjudicating expert (DF) segmentations better than did those of other expert humans, and calibration resulted in better agreement with semi-quantitative magnetization transfer ratio imaging than did normalization with the WhiteStripe1 algorithm. We suggest that our method addresses two key priorities in the field: (1) it provides a robust option for serial calibration of conventional scans, allowing comparison of disease change in persons imaged at multiple time points in their disease; and (ii) the technique is fast, as the deep learning segmentation takes only 0.5 ​s/scan, which is feasible for both large and small datasets.

We have prepared ordered mesoporous silicas incorporating the ureido benzo-crown ether: 3- (triethoxysilyl) propyl isocyanate modified 4'-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 ether, TESPIC-CE, either by direct synthesis (co-condensation method, route A) or by post-synthesis grafting strategy (route B). Elemental analysis and XPS measurements, FT-IR spectra, TG/DSC analyses, X-ray powder diffraction, TEM/HRTEM, and N2 sorption isotherms were used to characterise the novel functionalized mesoporous silicas. Grafting of ureido benzo-crown ether onto silica inner surface resulted in the reduction of surface area from ∼1000 m²/g of the pure MCM-41 used as reference to 707 m²/g for MCM-41B(TESPIC-CE) and to 903 m²/g for MCM- 41B(TESPIC)+CE, suggesting that for comparable TESPIC-CE content into silica framework, the heterogeneous method lead to better sorption properties: higher surface area and more efficiently grafting of crown ether inside pores. Interestingly, the MCM-41A(TESPIC-CE) silica obtained by template-directed co-condensation reaction exhibits a relatively high surface area (618 m²/g) while containing about twice as much organic content into mesoporous framework than MCM-41B(TESPIC-CE) or MCM-41B(TESPIC)+CE [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report hierarchical supramolecular organisation promoted by the formation of metallosupramolecular duplex architectures. Three-dimensional supramolecular structure propagation is favoured by long-range aromatic-aromatic interactions towards robust double-helical configuration in 12Zn2+, tubular squared architecture in 22Zn2+ and self-organised triangles in 42Zn2+. The advantageous structural features of such external aromatic interactions are not preserved while introducing new variables such as methylene spacer between imine moiety and the aromatic rings, inducing an orthogonal spatial orientation of the peripheral aromatic arms in 32Zn2+. Indeed, the introduction of supplementary aromatic functionality in 42Zn2+ results in the combination of both internal and external forces and has led to metallosupramolecular triangle architectures that are stabilised by three-dimensional 'diphenylmethane embrace motifs'. The homochiral triangles connected via tetrahedral nodes and face-to-face triangle interactions are organised in the crystal that each duplex constituent has an alternative opposite chirality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review summarizes aspects regarding the national program for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in Romania, emphasizing on the ethical, legal and social challenges associated with assisted reproduction technologies. Romania is one of the few countries from the European Union that does not have a specific law for human assisted reproduction, but infertile couples in Romania may benefit from the national program for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer although, unfortunately, the allocated public funds are not in line with the demand. There are a series of inclusion criteria when applying for the program and unlike other countries, only one in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure may be publicly funded. Despite the legal, ethical and social challenges, this program, however, represents an extremely important step in aligning our country with the standards of other developed countries.

Radical trachelectomy is an established method of fertility sparing in female patients with early stage cervical cancer. This paper aims to review the series of obstetric and reproductive challenges that may arise following trachelectomy. Additionally, the article emphasized the pregnancy rates achieved after radical abdominal trachelectomy, as presented in studies conducted worldwide, since patients who undergo trachelectomy usually need assisted reproductive technologies to conceive and the pregnancy have a higher risk of preterm birth therefore, the patients should be monitored carefuly by a multidisciplinary team composed of obstetricians, neonatologists and oncologists. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting women of reproductive age. In women of reproductive age, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer diagnosed, however nowdays, women diagnosed in early stage who want to conceive children have the opportunity to do so due to the minimum invasive, fertility-sparing procedure such as trachelectomy.

Neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) receives increasing attention since, it plays a role in various behaviors including anxiety, drug addiction, learning, social recognition, empathy, pair bonding and decreased aggression. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), part of the limbic system, plays an important role in learning, memory, anxiety and reinforcing mechanisms. Oxytocin receptors are found in the tissues of the cardiovascular system, reproductive system, brain, and are activated by exposure to specific stimuli. The bestknown stimuli related to reproduction are sucking, birth, cervical stimulation during sexual intercourse. Changes in the oxytocinergic system play a fundamental role in the development of autism, mental disorders, including eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, with direct impact on the patient’s cognition and social behavior. Some researchers have observed that intranasal Oxytocin (OT) is a potential treatment for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. As oxytocin is a peptide, delivery by the intranasal (IN) route is the preferred method in clinical studies. Although studies have shown increased cerebrospinal fluid oxytocin levels following intranasal administration, this does not unequivocably demonstrate that the peripherally administered oxytocin is entering the cerebrospinal fluid. For example, it has been suggested that peripheral delivery of oxytocin could lead to central release of endogenous oxytocin. It is also unknown whether the intranasal route provides for more efficient entry of the peptide into the CSF compared to the intravenous (IV) route, which requires blood–brain barrier penetration.

In the framework of the Multifractal Theory of Motion, which is expressed by means of the multifractal hydrodynamic model, complex system dynamics are explained through uniform and non-uniform flow regimes of multifractal fluids. Thus, in the case of the uniform flow regime of the multifractal fluid, the dynamics’ description is “supported” only by the differentiable component of the velocity field, the non-differentiable component being null. In the case of the non-uniform flow regime of the multifractal fluid, the dynamics’ description is “supported” by both components of the velocity field, their ratio specifying correlations through homographic transformations. Since these transformations imply metric geometries explained, for example, by means of Killing–Cartan metrics of the SL(2R)-type algebra, of the set of 2 × 2 matrices with real elements, and because these metrics can be “produced” as Cayleyan metrics of absolute geometries, the dynamics’ description is reducible, based on a minimal principle, to harmonic mappings from the usual space to the hyperbolic space. Such a conjecture highlights not only various scenarios of dynamics’ evolution but also the types of interactions “responsible” for these scenarios. Since these types of interactions become fundamental in the self-structuring processes of polymeric-type materials, finally, the theoretical model is calibrated based on the author’s empirical data, which refer to controlled drug release applications.

This paper aims at analyzing the role of strategic CSR in creating stable long term performance in the automotive industry. The first part of the paper reviews the success factors for the European auto industry and analyses the influence strategic CSR has on these factors. In order to illustrate the relation between strategic CSR activities and the economic performance, the paper presents the strategic evolution of one of the most ancient motor companies on the international scene, namely Peugeot and evaluates the innovative ideas brought into the market, as well as its future prospects. The PSA Group holds a position of European leader in terms of CO2 emissions, with an average of 110.3 grams of CO2/km in 2014. The PSA Peugeot Citroen Group’s strategy is being increasingly oriented towards environmental protection and energy saving.

The most significant transformations that globalization produces occur in production. Since the '60s, a new division of labor has made its presence felt in the world, arising from the "de-industrialization" of the developed and transfer production capacity of resource-intensive industries and pollutants from these countries to the developing world. "Dislocation" industry had the interim foreign direct investment made in the new industrialized countries, the latter becoming, in turn, sources of direct foreign investment, taking its capital in other countries in developing handsets. Currently, FDI destination is no longer a priority in developing countries, yet they are increasingly leaning towards the developed countries, due to the attractiveness offered by their economies.

According to the modern theories of economic development – the take-off, backwardness, convergence and balanced growth hypothesis - the new industrialized states from Asia seem to have noticed the advantages of backwardness from which low income countries benefited, namely the possibility to take advantage of the latest technological discoveries of advanced countries, thus achieving a faster growth than the latter which operated closer to the technological border. The assimilation of appropriate technologies, however, required the efficient mobilization and allocation of resources and the improvement of human and physical capital. While the Western countries were confronted with crises generated by inflationary shocks and movements of speculative capital, the relative isolation of countries whose economy was planned by the world economy sheltered them until 1990, unemployment being practically non-existent. Asia's exceptional economic success is not only due to borrowing Western practices, but also to the fact that Asian societies maintained certain traditional features of their own culture - such as a strong work ethic - and integrated them in the modern business environment.

The characteristics of contemporary international relations cannot be understood without their doctrinaire analysis, outlined around three main approaches: realist, liberal and structuralist. Even if the object of the study is the same, they provide extremely different responses to questions such as: What relations are established between states? Who are the leading players on the international scene? What is the priority in approaching the international relations of a state? How are the relations between states characterized and determined? This study aims at highlighting the manners in which multilateral approaches are the way to manage global business, either through flexible, open, variable forms, or through reviving the tradition of international institutions.

In 2007, Romania implemented a national program for smoking cessation, providing medication and counseling, entirely for free. The present study focuses on the results of the program among participating smokers treated in three smoking cessation centers from three main cities of Romania: Iasi, Targu Mures and Cluj.

The water resources are critical for the economic development in a country or region, since the pollution and depletion of the waters are raising concerns for the environmental and economic efficiency of their management. This outlook calls for analysis on economic and financial issues and risks associated with specific investment projects in water supply and sanitation infrastructure WSS. In previous research outcomes we have shown successful models of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) used to manage and mitigate the risks and improve performance in providing the public services of Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS). The main objective of this paper is to reiterate the PPP as an efficient business model for the water sector, by employing several methodologies: literature review, case studies, performance indicators, analysis and synthesis. Some features and experiences of PPP in the water sector are resumed and analysed, considering recent developments and leading to conclusions and recommendations on their opportunity and efficiency in Romania.

Introduction The objective of this study is to assess anxiety, depression and panic disorders among patients diagnosed with COPD and to investigate their correlation with disease severity, quality of life as well as tobacco use. Material and Methods An observational study was performed between January and September 2014 among 60 patients diagnosed with COPD. COPD staging according to GOLD criteria, while anxiety and depression were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and panic attacks were evaluated based on ICD 10 criteria. Results Almost 40% of the sample were smokers, the medium packs-years was 34.3 and the medium Fagerstrom score was 7.5. Overall, mean Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) was 2.86, mean COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score was 21.75 and study participants had 1.93 COPD exacerbations/year. Mean distribution of anxiety and depression symptoms scores among COPD subjects was 10.65 ± 3.5 and 9.93 ± 3.8, respectively. Smokers and ex-smokers had similar scores with regard to anxiety, depression or the presence of panic attacks. The results of the bivariate correlations indicated associations between anxiety, depression, panic attacks and disease severity, as well as poor quality of life of patients with COPD, regardless of their current tobacco use status. Conclusions In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that anxiety, depression and panic attacks were constant characteristics among COPD patients- regardless of their current tobacco use.

In this article, we aim at highlighting the benefits of international trade on economic growth and development. In the first part of the paper, we will outline the seminal theories in the doctrine of international trade. In the second part, we will focus on current developments in the exports and imports of goods and services. We will also consider several indicators meant to emphasize the various aspects of research. Our approach is a transversal-comparative one and static models pertain to uni- and multivariate analysis.

As we have stated in the previous year conference paper, the human right to water and sanitation entitles everyoneto water and sanitation services which are available, accessible, affordable, acceptable and safe. Developmentprograms for water and sanitation services, as many other socio-economic development programs have often beenassumed to be neutral in terms of gender. However, sometimes there can be failures in the implementation andharnessing of such projects because of errors arising from lack of adequate integration of gender equality. In thispaper are highlighted some aspects and issues of gender mainstreaming in water supply and sanitation developmentprojects, including conclusions from a case study conducted by an NGO in a commune of Romania and ownrecommendations.

The current paper sets out to realize an analysis on the external market for the Romanian exporters and evaluate, at the same time, the development possibilities of the Romanian exports on the extra-comunity markets. Our process analyses the exterior commerce between 1990-2013 and aims to outline the dimension and the structure of export request for Romanian products, respectively to establish strategies for developing and expanding on third party markets.

Introducere. Examinarea prin computer-tomograf (CT) deţine un rol important în orientarea diagnostică în Urgenţă. Obiective. Ne-am propus să identifi căm utilitatea examinării CT, în urgenţa pediatrică. Material şi metode. Studiul are un design cross-secţional, referindu-se la anul 2010. Din cele 92.959 de vizite înregistrate la Unitatea de Primiri Urgenţe, a Spitalului Clinic de Urgenţă pentru Copii „M.S. Curie“, Bucureşti, un număr de 9.258 pacienţi reprezentau urgenţe (lotul A), iar 90 constituiau urgenţe majore (lotul B). S-au efectuat un număr de 102 examinări CT. Datele au fost exprimate procentual. Rezultate. Procentul de vizite asociat cu examinare CT, a fost de 1% în lotul A şi 1‰, exprimat global. Toţi pacienţii lotului B au fost supuşi investigaţiei CT. Principalele indicaţii au fost: traumatismele cranio-cerebrale (TCC) – 50%, hipertensiune intracraniană (HIC) – 35%, politraumatisme – 12,7% şi suspiciunile de malformaţii – 5,9%. Rata de detecţie globală a unei leziuni a fost de 51%. Pentru TCC, rata a fost de 49%, identifi cându-se următoarele leziuni: edem cerebral difuz (19%), hemoragii intracraniene (15,6%), fracturi osoase (15,6%), leziuni de părţi moi (29%). Pentru HIC, rata de detecţie a fost de 43%, pentru politraumatisme 84,6%, iar pentru suspiciunile de malformaţii 100%. Ratele de detecţie lezională, pe diverse categorii de indicaţii (senzitivitatea metodei) nu diferă semnifi cativ statistic faţă de alte studii. Concluzie. La pacienţii de vârstă pediatrică, indicaţiile de CT, în urgenţă, s-au efectuat după o atentă selecţie a cazurilor, iar examinarea s-a dovedit utilă în cazul traumatismelor şi a suspiciunilor de hipertensiune intracraniană.

Introduction. The Computerised Tomography (CT) plays a crucial role in the emergency diagnosis. Objective. Our purpose was to identify CT-scan’s utility in Pediatric Emergency Department. Materials and methods. We used a cross-sectional approach, for the year 2010. From a total of 92959 visits in the Emergency Room (ER) of the “Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children “M.S. Curie”, Bucharest, 9258 patients were considered emergencies (group A) and 90 patients were major emergencies (group B). We performed 102 CT scans. Results were given as percents. Results. The global percent of ER visits associated with a CT scan was 1% within the group A and it scored 1‰ from all ER visits. All patients from group B underwent a CT scan. Main indications were: major head injuries - 50%, intracranial hypertension – 35%, polytrauma – 12.7%, suspicions of malformations – 5.9%. The global detection rate for any kind of lesion was 51%. For brain trauma the rate scored 49%, identifying the following lesions: diffuse cerebral edema (19%), intracranial hemorrhage (15.6%), skull fractures (15.6%) and other facial or visceral lesions (29%). For intracranial hypertension the method’s sensitivity was 43%, for multiple trauma 84.6% and for malformations’ suspicions 100%. The lesions’ detection rate, for different clinical conditions (or the method’s sensitivity) is similar with other medical studies. Conclusion. In all pediatric patients, indication of a CT scan was made after a careful selection of cases. The method proved to be useful for managing all kind of trauma and intracranial hypertension situations.

The evolution of the Western world has drawn on theoretical structures of classical and neoclassical liberalism for its explanatory support and sources of inspiration for centuries. Against this ideological background, institutionalists aim at showing that growth is a process of transformation, a double change: an economic and an institutional one. In this analysis, our purpose is to highlight the importance of informal institutional arrangements and their quality in explaining the disparities of revenues and developments between countries. In our approach, we will consider several indicators meant to highlight various aspects of research. The approach proposed is a transversal-comparative one and static methods pertain to uni- and multivariate analysis. The results obtained suggest the existence of major differences within the Central and East European area as far as informal institutions are concerned; moreover, the analysis conducted confirms the existence of a significant relation between the level of development and the structure of informal arrangements such as: trust level, bribe culture and corruption control.

This paper addresses a number of phenomena that characterize the euro area, one of them being the contagion effect. This is one of the mechanisms by which financial instability becomes so widespread that the crisis reached global dimensions. The following lines argue that contagion plays a crucial role in exacerbating the sovereign debt problems in the Eurozone. Consequently, the management of the crisis by the competent authorities should focus on policy measures that are able to mitigate the contagion. Therefore, many of the European Central Bank interventions (ECB) in the European Union were motivated by the need for understanding and mitigating the contagion phenomenon.