Effect of GEMPEHD thermal properties on the propagation of heat in solar stills

The properties of GEMPEHD as an absorber material in a prototype of solar still have been investigated in a temperature range from 300 K to 400 K. Results showed a dependency between temperature and its properties. The enegy absorbed by the GEMPEHD increases its temperature, the power received by the air and the air temperature. Overall losses increase with the difference of the temperature between the GEMPEHD and windows. This increases the efficiency of the solar still and minimizes the entropy of the system. The study of thermal aging is dedicated to the interpretation of various analyses the GEMPEHD before and after its use in the solar still. The thermal aging GEMPEHD in the air is a physical loss and chemical consumption immediately followed by a brutal oxidation of the polymer. The losses would be governed primarily by the chemical consumption of antioxidants.Keywords: GEMPEHD, temperature, solar collector, agin

Salivary biomarkers of HPA axis and autonomic activity in adults with intellectual disability with and without stereotyped and self-injurious behavior disorders

Salivary levels of biomarkers for the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA; cortisol) and sympatho-adreno-medullary system (SAM; α-amylase) were measured in 51 adults (57% male) with neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability (i.e., mental retardation) and chronic self-injurious behavior (SIB) and compared with matched controls without SIB. Cortisol levels differed significantly (p < 0.01) between the SIB and control group (SIB > control). Within-group analyses showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in levels of salivary α-amylase between individuals with SIB and those with SIB meeting criteria for stereotyped movement disorder (SMD; SIB + SMD > SIB). Salivary α-amylase was significantly correlated with frequency of stereotypy among the SIB group (r = 0.36, p < 0.05). These preliminary findings warrant further exploration into the role of the SAM system in the pathophysiology of SIB and related repetitive behaviors among individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability

Coexpression of vesicular glutamate transporters 1 and 2, glutamic acid decarboxylase and calretinin in rat entorhinal cortex

We studied the distribution and coexpression of vesicular glutamate transporters (VGluT1, VGluT2), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and calretinin (CR, calcium-binding protein) in rat entorhinal cortex, using immunofluorescence staining and multichannel confocal laser scanning microscopy. Images were computer processed and subjected to automated 3D object recognition, colocalization analysis and 3D reconstruction. Since the VGluTs (in contrast to CR and GAD) occurred in fibers and axon terminals only, we focused our attention on these neuronal processes. An intense, punctate VGluT1-staining occurred everywhere in the entorhinal cortex. Our computer program resolved these punctae as small 3D objects. Also VGluT2 showed a punctate immunostaining pattern, yet with half the number of 3D objects per tissue volume compared with VGluT1, and with statistically significantly larger 3D objects. Both VGluTs were distributed homogeneously across cortical layers, with in MEA VGluT1 slightly more densely distributed than in LEA. The distribution pattern and the size distribution of GAD 3D objects resembled that of VGluT2. CR-immunopositive fibers were abundant in all cortical layers. In double-stained sections we noted ample colocalization of CR and VGluT2, whereas coexpression of CR and VGluT1 was nearly absent. Also in triple-staining experiments (VGluT2, GAD and CR combined) we noted coexpression of VGluT2 and CR and, in addition, frequent coexpression of GAD and CR. Modest colocalization occurred of VGluT2 and GAD, and incidental colocalization of all three markers. We conclude that the CR-containing axon terminals in the entorhinal cortex belong to at least two subpopulations of CR-neurons: a glutamatergic excitatory and a GABAergic inhibitory

EUROPEANFIRMS’ INTERNATIONALIZATIONTOALGERIA. OVERCOMING CULTURAL DISTANCE

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how European firms can optimize their entry strategy in Algeria by building cultural bridges. Actually cross-cultural differences strongly affect subsidiary’s performance in Southern Mediterranean Countries (SMCs), that is why exploring a way to reduce that differences can represent a key step to facilitate European firms’ internationalization to these areas. As soon as the interest towards SMCs is increasing, managerial literature is still lacking. In addition, the concept of cultural bridges has not been explored so far. This paper aims to reduce this gap and explores the opportunities deriving from cross-cultural bridges through the case study analysis of a French Multinational successfully operating in Algeria and other SMCs. Cultural differences are strongly perceived by Algerian employees of Schneider Electric Algérie, but the co-existence of Algerian managers and of an Egyptian top manager has improved performances and local employees’ motivation

Cross-cultural bridges in European firms’ internationalization to Islamic Countries.The key role of cultural competence

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the positive effects of cultural bridges on European firms’ internationalization to SMCs and MECs. We analyse the meaning and the role of managers’ cultural competence in order to understand if and how it contributes to the formation of effective cultural bridges.Design/methodology/approachGiven the few contributions existing on the topic, and the lack of a general theory, a multiple case‐study analysis seems appropriate to the topic. In particular, we present five case studies of European large firms, which have successfully internationalized in SMCs and MECs. In each firm, we interviewed local and foreign managers, in order to understand the importance of cultural issues and the ways companies overcame cultural distance.FindingsCultural distance is a big problem for European firms investing in SMCs and MECs. They impact both intra‐ and inter‐organizational relationships and cultural bridges can be useful to overcome the effects of its perception. Cultural bridges are effective if based on managers’ cultural competencies, and can be represented by a specific manager, or by an organizational unit. In any case, the involvement of local people and the adaptation to local customs are crucial.Research limitations/implicationsThe analysis is still limited, and, in the future, we’ll look for a methodology able to isolate cultural knowledge and cultural competence as key factors in order to evaluate the importance of each factor.Practical implicationsWhen entering Islamic countries, foreign investors should be aware of local values, particularly religious and family value, which deeply impact on business and social relationships. Based on a deep cultural knowledge, cultural bridges enable fruitful relationships both inside and outside the organization.Originality/valueWhereas cultural competence is often mentioned in the literature, only a few contributions focus on cultural competence as a key aspect of internationalization. In addition we explore the concept and the relevance of cultural bridges, and the multiple case‐study analysis show some best practices firms could follow to succeed in SMCs and MECs.</jats:sec

Un modèle de composition des services web sémantiques

The work presented here aims to provide a composition model of semantic web services. This model is based on a semantic representation of domain concepts handled by web services, namely, operations and the static concepts used to describe static properties of Web services. Different levels of abstraction are given to the concept of operation to allow gradual access to concret services. Thus, two different levels of the composition plan are generated (abstract and concret). This will reuse plans already constructed to meet similar needs even with modified preferences.Le travail présenté ici vise à proposer un modèle pour la composition des services web sémantiques. Ce modèle est basé sur une représentation sémantique de l'ensemble des concepts manipulés par les services web d’un domaine d'application, à savoir, les opérations et les concepts statiques utilisés pour décrire les propriétés des services web. Différents niveaux d'abstraction sont donnés au concept opération pour permettre un accès progressif aux services concrets. Ainsi, deux plans de composition à granularités différentes (abstrait et concrets) sont générés. Ceci permettrade réutiliser des plans déjà construits pour répondre à des besoins similaires et même avec despréférences modifiées