Fluorinated Graphene Dielectric and Functional Layers for Electronic Applications

Future electronics technology is expected to develop from rigid to flexible devices. This process requires breakthroughs in material properties, especially flexibility, in combination with desirable electrical insulating, semiconducting, or metallic properties. Graphene, being one of the recently developed two-dimensional (2D) materials, presents great promise as an active layer in a wide spectrum of electronics devices and, first of all, in field-effect transistors (FET). The development of optimized dielectrics for the graphene active layer is critical for graphene applications. The carrier transport in graphene films takes place at interfaces with dielectric or semiconductor substrates; therefore, the quality of such interface and the interaction of graphene films with nearby dielectric layers (charge carrier scattering) determine the device performance. Generally, the development of dielectric materials aiming at high performance device operation, proper mechanical properties, and low-temperature fabrication is not progressing well since the graphene thin film is very sensitive to surface conditions of dielectric layers. Solving the problem with dielectric layers in the case of nonorganic printed and flexible electronics is especially acute. As it is demonstrated in the present chapter, dielectric layers fabricated from fluorinated graphene suspension or in its combination with graphene oxide are the most promising for graphene-based flexible, printed, and transparent electronics

Hydrolytic stability of diltiazem in the presence of chosen polymers - Poloxamer 407 and Ammonio Metacrylate Copolymer Type B (Eudragit RS): а preliminary study

Introduction: The hydrolytic stability of the calcium channel blocker representative diltiazem hydrochloride in the presence of different polymeric entourage was quantitatively assessed using HPLC.Aim: The experiment was performed in order to establish drug-excipients compatibility in Poloxamer 407 hydrogel formulations, where the drug was introduced either by a direct (conventional) approach or in the form of Eudragit RS microsponge-type particles with sustained drug release.Materials and Methods: Samples of conventional diltiazem 2% hydrogel and microsponge-enriched diltiazem 2% hydrogel were stored at 25±2oC for 10 months, protected from light. Analysis of the chemical decomposition rate of diltiazem hydrochloride to its desacetyl degradant - O-desacetyl-diltiazem hydrochloride - was performed in the period between 4th and 10th month of storage.Results and Discussion: It was hypothesized that a polymeric “shield” of Eudragit RS in the composition of diltiazem-loaded porous microspheres and/or the enhanced viscosity achieved by the addition of high-molecular gelling agent Poloxamer 407 to an aqueous drug dispersion will benefit the drug’s stability. Instead, a negative effect on the hydrolysis rate was found to be dominant for both polymers, likely due to an “unfavorable” shift in the dielectric conductivity of the media and/or suspected catalytic effect of quaternary ammonium groups of Eudragit RS.Conclusion: These preliminary results led us to a deeper understanding of the polymeric impact on diltiazem hydrolytic behavior and a very useful foundation for a future preformulation stage in the development of diltiazem modified-release semisolid forms for the treatment of chronic anal fissure

Biopharmaceutical and marketing evaluation of diosmin- and hesperidin-containing products on the Bulgarian market

Introduction Diosmin and hesperidin are commonly used flavonoids in the therapy of vascular diseases.AimThis study aimed to present an independent evaluation of the market status, quality and biopharmaceutical characteristics of diosmin- and hesperidin-containing oral tablet-products (DHCPs) on the Bulgarian market.Materials and Methods Seven products, among which medicines (used as reference) and food supplements, with sustainable or growing market were selected for the survey: Detralex 500 mg, Phlebodia 600 mg, Dioket 600 mg, Novarix 650 mg, Asketon 500 mg, Venocode and Dih max 1000 mg. Sales analysis for 2016, 2017 and 2018 (year-to-date) was done with the kind support of Iqvia TM. All products were subjected to European Pharmacopoeia (EP) tests for tablet quality - disintegration, resistance to crushing, uniformity of mass and uniformity of dosage units. Biopharmaceutical profile regarding tablet drug release and dissolution potency was investigated on EP Apparatus 2 (Paddle method).Results Although all products were found to almost fully fulfill the EP criteria, extremely unsatisfying drug release was established in all tested media (pH 1,5, pH 4,5 and pH 7,2), reaching not more than 1.6% of the labeled content after 24 hours for the best performing products - Novarix and Venocode.Conclusion These results were not surprising considering diosmin and hesperidin`s water insolubility and respective low bioavailability. However, it would be reasonable to approach these two bioactive compounds technologically in preformulation stage in order to improve their solubility and therapeutic potency

Psychological and social adaptive orientation in the teaching of first-year students

The article is devoted to the problem of adaptation of first–year students - future teachers to university education. The concept of «adaptation of students», factors and a set of problems of a first-year student are considered. The analysis of the component of the psychological and social adaptability of orientation in the educational process when studying at a university is presented. The results of the survey and diagnosis are to identify the difficulties experienced by future teachers in the first year of study, in order to create conditions for adaptation to the university format of educational and cognitive activity

Field experiments with Avena genetic resources – an european project (AVEQ)

In a cooperative project with fifteen partners from nine European countries, in 2008, genebank material and current commercial varieties (323 cultivated and 17 wild accessions) were evaluated for traits related to quality in human consumption, mycotoxins and cold tolerance. The work is done in 10 work packages: 1) Project management and coordination; 2) Selection and multiplication of a project working collection; 3) Field experiments and sampling seeds for quality analysis; 4) Field experiments with artificial Fusarium inoculation; 5) Fusarium and mycotoxin analysis; 6) Analysis for protein – including Avenins, fat and minerals; 7) Analysis for dietary fibre and ß-glucan; 8) Analysis for antioxidants, including Avenanthramides; 9) Analysis for cold tolerance; 10) Project documentation and internet portal. In Work package 3, “Field experiments and sampling seeds for quality analysis” were involved seven countries distributed all over Europe (Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Italy, Poland, Romania and Sweden). The activities from WP3 were coordinated by Romanian partner. Field experiments were laid out as augmented block designs with 11 standards (Argentina, Auteuil, Belinda, Evora, Genziana, Jaak, Krezus, Mina, Mures and Saul) in five replications. Plot size ranged, from 2.0m2 to 3.0m2 . The descriptors observed by all partners were: days to heading, days to maturity, crop height, lodging at immature stage, lodging at mature stage, panicle shape, occurrence of diseases, lemma colour, yield, seed weight and test weight, Harvest results (yield, seed weight, test weight, moisture) were put on line into a project information system (http://eadb.bafz.de/aveqprod/). All data will be made available with the end of the project in the European Avena Database (http://eadb.bafz.de) Acknowledgements: This project is funded by the European Commission, DG AGRI within the framework of council regulation 870/2004 and co-funded by Peter Kölln KGaA, Elmshorn, Germany, Emco spol. s. r. o., Prague, Czech Republic, and Gemeinschaft zur Förderung der privaten deutschen Pflanzenzüchtung e.V. (GFP), Bonn, Germany

First trials with naked winter oats varieties

Bulgaria is in a zone of marked transition-to-continental climate. Oat cultivation under these conditions is limited by temperature and rainfall. The data over 100 years show that the drought periods in spring and spring-summer are on increase (Cholakov 2003), which makes winter-crop realization more certain. However, temperature conditions in the autumn-winter period can totally compromise a crop, thus disheartening the producers. The average cold-resistance coefficient for the naked varieties of winter oat was found to be ê=2, 3 at k=11 for barley, var. Mirage (Antonova & Petrova 2002). Winter oat has to have a coefficient of 10 to guarantee its survival. The aim of the research is estimating the basic agronomic parameters of naked oat varieties and lines in order to formulate a selection strategy. Eighteen naked oats varieties and lines after two preliminary frost tests at -10 12 oC were evaluated 2000 - 2003 in a randomized block design. We measured cold resistance using coefficient of cold resistance (Antonova & Petrova 2002), resistance to Puccina gr. and P. coronata, f. avenae, yield with its components and seeds characteris. Years were characterized by meteorological parameters. Stable and high yielding code were 48 and Bullion. Promising genotypes as parents in a cross combinations are: Bandicoot and Carma for radically earlier vegetative period, Bandicoot for very short plant height; Cn 91/257/4 for high 1000 grain mass; Neon and ÊÇ- 32-78 protein and lysine content. Fats were <7% for all genotypes. There were no outstandingly promising samples as to the degree of nakedness and the discolouration is not a problem for Bulgarian conditions. The genotypes from the UK had high yield potential, medium plant height, lodging resistance but not sufficient cold resistance. As a contribution to the breeding process were established very significant positive phenotypic correlations between yield, main panicle grain weight and test weight (Pixlej & Frey 1992). The weight of the grains in the main panicle is determined by the weight of the main panicle and the rate of grain growth (Peltonen-Sainio 1990). The main selection aim remains wintertolerance combined with high productivity, which requires a broadening of the naked winter oat genetic stock, including the use of spring varieties. Antonova & Petrova, 2002. Jubilee Session on the 50th Anniversary of the Dobroudja Agricultural Institute Breeding and Agrotechnics of Field Crops; 191-198; Cholakov 2003. Scientific Session of Jubilee 120 Years Agriculture Science in Sadovo. Scientific Reports. Vol. III; 154 158; Peltonen-Sainio, P. 1990. Plant Breeding 104: 340-354; Pixlej & Frey, K.J. 1992. Euphytica 60: 149-156.vokMyynti MTT tietopalvelu

Stimulation of Managers in Regional Enterprises

Most of the principles related to top managers work incentives were inherited from the planned economy that produces demotivation and opportunistic behaviour. Remuneration is a commercial secret and shall not be disclosed. The system of top managers’ stimulation is unbalanced and does not motivate them to achieve medium- and long-term goals of the company. The study pays great attention to the development of managers’ stimulation policies, the transparency of remuneration, correlation between pay and performance. We provide practical examples of foreign and national experience, showing the ability to ensure the transparency of remuneration of managers, and the relation between compensation and performance. These examples show that managers’ remuneration amount does not always correspond to the efficiency of enterprises and return on capital. To solve these problems, we offer to develop philosophy and policy for the stimulation of managers in enterprises. It will allow to find a balance between the interests of shareholders and managers. Furthermore, this philosophy will have a positive impact on the competitiveness of enterprises in a region. The policy of stimulating managers should include certain key areas. Firstly, it should ensure the competitiveness of managers’ remuneration. Secondly, it implies studying the motives of managers’ work and the integration of these motives in the development of incentive system for the managers. Thirdly, it should include an optimal combination of elements to stimulate labour: base salary, material and social remuneration, short and long-term remuneration, etc. And last, it should consider the indicators and norms of enterprise’s effectiveness as well as the assessment of working results of managers. The results of this research can be used for further study of the stimulation of managers’ work in Russian companies. They can also be used in practice for the analysis of labour incentives of managers and their impact on the development of enterprises

Organizational Capital of the Enterprise

In the article, the main theoretical questions of the organizational capital of the enterprise are considered. The concept of «organizational capital of the enterprise» as a system consisting of three subsystems (organization of production, labour organization and management) is introduced. It is shown that the organizational capital forms the labour relations system at the enterprise consisting of the cooperation, technological, economic, moral labour relations and the relations of workers’ responsibility. The model of cyclic evolution of crisis at the enterprise caused by shortcomings of the organizational capital is revealed. It is shown that the organizational capital is a basis for the realization of the human capital, which creates value added. A considerable attention is paid to the experience of the creation and functioning of the organizational capital at the enterprises of the Japanese corporation «Toyota». The Russian economic literature on crisis management quite often considers only the financial aspects of diagnostics, proposing the optimization of cash flows, elimination of excess stocks, transition to the medium-term budgeting and others. However, the deep reasons of crisis need to be found not only in financial streams, but also in the system of the work relationships. The shortcomings in the development of technological, cooperation, economic, moral labour relations and the relations of responsibility directly reflects the shortcomings in the development of the elements of the organizational capital as they «are adjusted» by these elements. In turn, organizational problems affect the product quality leading to the customer attrition and decrease in the enterprise’s financial performance. The lack of financial resources cause the need to save costs (first of all, on personnel, that was brightly shown by the economic crisis of 2009) that even more weakens the enterprise and system of labour relations. Finally, the enterprise loses its main resource, which is the personnel with necessary level of knowledge and skills

Innovative Activity of Business Managers as a Condition for Modernization of Regional Labour Potential

The article discusses the problems of the innovative activity of managers in Russian enterprises as one of the conditions for the development of the labour potential of a region. The paper shows the main reasons for the low innovative activity of Russian enterprises. The systems of labour relations that have developed, as a rule, generate labour and innovative passivity as well as the opportunistic behaviour of managers. Most Russian enterprises lack incentive schemes for managers’ innovative activity. We propose a systematic approach to stimulating the innovative activity of managers, relying on the authors’ experience of researching the innovative activity of managers in a number of enterprises. The authors’ system «Innovation», which is a Russian version of the Japanese lean manufacturing system, stimulates the innovative activity of personnel. Implementing this system in the enterprises of the Ural Federal District has convincingly shown that in modern conditions, a radical increase in the innovative activity of business managers is possible. It, therefore, stimulates the development of regional labour potential. Our hypothesis is that a high innovative activity of managers in Russian enterprises is possible by developing and implementing a two-sided incentive system for stimulating managers’ innovative activity. Such a system should provide not only incentives for innovative activity but also managers’ responsibility for their innovative passivity. We suggest a system of concepts of the innovative activity of personnel, which is necessary when organizing work to stimulate the innovative activity of enterprise managers. For the first time in the theory of incentives for staff and practical activities of enterprises, we propose to introduce a semi-annual assessment of the innovative activity of managers. The assessment of managers’ innovative activity is an instrument for incentives for an enterprise. Moreover, for managers, it becomes one of the motivational factors for the manifestation of innovation activity. The research results were applied in the development of the System of Innovative Activity of Managers in OAO Uralelectromed and OAO Shadrinsky Auto Aggregate Plant. The results of the research can be applied in industrial enterprises of different legal status and forms of ownership