Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Transport and Retail Supply Chain Sector

The present study investigated the factors that influence the feasibility and competitive advantage of a digital freight forwarder through a binary logistic regression model. The research is a concrete application of sustainable entrepreneurship in the transport and supply chain sector. The novelty of this topic presents a research gap that needs to be covered with dedicated studies. After the literature review and concept clarification, the article presents quantitative research involving an online questionnaire administered among a sample of transporters in Romania. Through analysis of the data collected from 405 respondents, it was found that the most important factors when selecting a digital freight forwarder are the existence of both sales and dispatch departments. Furthermore, apart from greening the industry, a digital freight forwarder has several other advantages for all stakeholders and society. The study concludes that the concept has the potential to disrupt the entire industry through a unique combination of efficiency, transparency, and sustainability

Ethics and Integrity in the Context of Economic Research Within Doctoral Schools

Nationally and internationally, there is an upward trend in terms of ethics and integrity in scientific research. Yet, there are many opinions, both in academia and in society, about the many cases of violations of ethical principles in research. This requires today more than ever that the observance of ethics in research to become an increasingly important and relevant desideratum in the contemporary society. Failure to achieve this requirement can generate serious consequences on university education, especially in the long term, materialized by a series of consequences such as: the decrease in the quality of academic activity; devaluation of the status of university professors; undervaluation of scientific research; underappreciation of doctoral studies; lack of respect at the level of the society. Therefore, the members of the academic community – students, master students, PhD students and professors – must become increasingly aware of the social effects of noncompliance with the principles of ethics and integrity in scientific research. The purpose of this research is aimed at evaluating the perception of PhD students and doctoral supervisors on the observance of the principles of ethics in the research activity within the doctoral schools in economic sciences, as well as the identification of the most important factors with significant influence on ethics and integrity in research. In this regard, the authors of the present paper have carried out quantitative research among the two target groups within the doctoral schools of economic sciences affiliated with the Universitaria Consortium in Romania, respectively, PhD students and doctoral supervisors. The data collected from the 455 respondents (169 PhD supervisors and 286 PhD students) were analyzed using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS. The conceptual model proposed by the authors reveals that the observance of ethics in scientific research is based on professionalism, honesty, academic freedom, integrity, ethical behavior, and the avoidance of violation of ethical principles. The originality of the paper consists in the realization of structural models that highlight the most influential factors in the observance of ethics and integrity in economic research, but also of the relations between them, as well as the differences and similarities between PhD students and doctoral supervisors regarding their perception of ethics and integrity in research. By knowing these factors, academic programs can be initiated that will lead to a higher level of academic integrity in doctoral schools and better results in observing the ethics in scientific research, but also in the training of future researchers in the field of economic sciences

Effect of Hardener Type on the Photochemical and Antifungal Performance of Epoxy and Oligophosphonate S–IPNs

Due to their highly reactive character and multiple crosslinking capacity, epoxy resins are one of the worldwide market-dominating classes of thermosetting polymers and are present in a wide range of technical applications, including structural adhesives, coatings and polymer matrices for composite materials. Despite their excellent features, epoxy resins are known to be highly flammable and possess low thermal stability and a brittle character and crack easily under impact forces. An efficient approach towards eliminating such drawbacks resides in obtaining epoxy-based semi-interpenetrating polymer networks, which possess excellent control over the morphology. The article describes the comparative effect of three hardeners (aromatic, cycloaliphatic and aliphatic) in the presence of an oligophosphonate (–R–O–PO(C6H5)–O–) (2 wt.% phosphorus) on the photochemical, fire and antifungal performance of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether semi-interpenetrating polymer networks. The networks are designed as future potential outdoor protective coatings for different substrates. The fire resistance capacity of the networks was undertaken with microscale combustion calorimetry before and after photochemical aging. Structural changes during photoirradiation were monitored via color modification studies, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, morphological assessment through scanning electron microscopy and mass loss measurements in order to propose the action mode of the hardeners and the oligophosphonate on the material properties. Microbiological testing was also undertaken with the aid of three specific wood decaying fungi as a first substrate

Room Temperature Ferromagnetic Mn:Ge(001)

We report the synthesis of a room temperature ferromagnetic Mn-Ge system obtained by simple deposition of manganese on Ge(001), heated at relatively high temperature (starting with 250 °C). The samples were characterized by low energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), and magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). Samples deposited at relatively elevated temperature (350 °C) exhibited the formation of ~5–8 nm diameter Mn5Ge3 and Mn11Ge8 agglomerates by HRTEM, while XPS identified at least two Mn-containing phases: the agglomerates, together with a Ge-rich MnGe~2.5 phase, or manganese diluted into the Ge(001) crystal. LEED revealed the persistence of long range order after a relatively high amount of Mn (100 nm) deposited on the single crystal substrate. STM probed the existence of dimer rows on the surface, slightly elongated as compared with Ge–Ge dimers on Ge(001). The films exhibited a clear ferromagnetism at room temperature, opening the possibility of forming a magnetic phase behind a nearly ideally terminated Ge surface, which could find applications in integration of magnetic functionalities on semiconductor bases. SQUID probed the co-existence of a superparamagnetic phase, with one phase which may be attributed to a diluted magnetic semiconductor. The hypothesis that the room temperature ferromagnetic phase might be the one with manganese diluted into the Ge crystal is formulated and discussed

Binary Silicone Elastomeric Systems with Stepwise Crosslinking as a Tool for Tuning Electromechanical Behavior

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) represent an interesting approach for tuning the properties of silicone elastomers due to the possible synergism that may occur between the networks. A new approach is presented, which consists of mixing two silicone-based networks with different crosslinking pathways; the first network being cured by condensation route and the second network by UV curing. The networks were mixed in different ratios and the resulted samples yield good mechanical properties (improved elongations, up to 720%, and Young’s modulus, 1 MPa), thermal properties (one glass transition temperature, ~−123 °C), good dielectric strength (~50 V/μm), and toughness (63 kJ/m(3))

New Entity—Thalassemic Endocrine Disease: Major Beta-Thalassemia and Endocrine Involvement

Beta-thalassemia (BTH), a recessively inherited haemoglobin (Hb) disorder, causes iron overload (IO), extra-medullary haematopoiesis and bone marrow expansion with major clinical impact. The main objective of this review is to address endocrine components (including aspects of reproductive health as fertility potential and pregnancy outcome) in major beta-thalassemia patients, a complex panel known as thalassemic endocrine disease (TED). We included English, full-text articles based on PubMed research (January 2017–June 2022). TED includes hypogonadism (hypoGn), anomalies of GH/IGF1 axes with growth retardation, hypothyroidism (hypoT), hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT), glucose profile anomalies, adrenal insufficiency, reduced bone mineral density (BMD), and deterioration of microarchitecture with increased fracture risk (FR). The prevalence of each ED varies with population, criteria of definition, etc. At least one out of every three to four children below the age of 12 y have one ED. ED correlates with ferritin and poor compliance to therapy, but not all studies agree. Up to 86% of the adult population is affected by an ED. Age is a positive linear predictor for ED. Low IGF1 is found in 95% of the population with GH deficiency (GHD), but also in 93.6% of persons without GHD. HypoT is mostly pituitary-related; it is not clinically manifested in the majority of cases, hence the importance of TSH/FT4 screening. HypoT is found at any age, with the prevalence varying between 8.3% and 30%. Non-compliance to chelation increases the risk of hypoT, yet not all studies confirmed the correlation with chelation history (reversible hypoT under chelation is reported). The pitfalls of TSH interpretation due to hypophyseal IO should be taken into consideration. HypoPT prevalence varies from 6.66% (below the age of 12) to a maximum of 40% (depending on the study). Serum ferritin might act as a stimulator of FGF23. Associated hypocalcaemia transitions from asymptomatic to severe manifestations. HypoPT is mostly found in association with growth retardation and hypoGn. TED-associated adrenal dysfunction is typically mild; an index of suspicion should be considered due to potential life-threatening complications. Periodic check-up by ACTH stimulation test is advised. Adrenal insufficiency/hypocortisolism status is the rarest ED (but some reported a prevalence of up to one third of patients). Significantly, many studies did not routinely perform a dynamic test. Atypical EM sites might be found in adrenals, mimicking an incidentaloma. Between 7.5–10% of children with major BTH have DM; screening starts by the age of 10, and ferritin correlated with glycaemia. Larger studies found DM in up to 34%of cases. Many studies do not take into consideration IGF, IGT, or do not routinely include OGTT. Glucose anomalies are time dependent. Emerging new markers represent promising alternatives, such as insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2. The pitfalls of glucose profile interpretation include the levels of HbA1c and the particular risk of gestational DM. Thalassemia bone disease (TBD) is related to hypoGn-related osteoporosis, renal function anomalies, DM, GHD, malnutrition, chronic hypoxia-induced calcium malabsorption, and transplant-associated protocols. Low BMD was identified in both paediatric and adult population; the prevalence of osteoporosis/TBD in major BTH patients varies; the highest rate is 40–72% depending on age, studied parameters, DXA evaluation and corrections, and screening thoracic–lumbar spine X-ray. Lower TBS and abnormal dynamics of bone turnover markers are reported. The largest cohorts on transfusion-dependent BTH identified the prevalence of hypoGn to be between 44.5% and 82%. Ferritin positively correlates with pubertal delay, and negatively with pituitary volume. Some authors appreciate hypoGn as the most frequent ED below the age of 15. Long-term untreated hypoGn induces a high cardiovascular risk and increased FR. Hormonal replacement therapy is necessary in addition to specific BTH therapy. Infertility underlines TED-related hormonal elements (primary and secondary hypoGn) and IO-induced gonadal toxicity. Males with BTH are at risk of infertility due to germ cell loss. IO induces an excessive amount of free radicals which impair the quality of sperm, iron being a local catalyser of ROS. Adequate chelation might improve fertility issues. Due to the advances in current therapies, the reproductive health of females with major BTH is improving; a low level of statistical significance reflects the pregnancy status in major BTH (limited data on spontaneous pregnancies and growing evidence of the induction of ovulation/assisted reproductive techniques). Pregnancy outcome also depends on TED approach, including factors such as DM control, adequate replacement of hypoT and hypoPT, and vitamin D supplementation for bone health. Asymptomatic TED elements such as subclinical hypothyroidism or IFG/IGT might become overt during pregnancy. Endocrine glands are particularly sensitive to iron deposits, hence TED includes a complicated puzzle of EDs which massively impacts on the overall picture, including the quality of life in major BTH. The BTH prognostic has registered progress in the last decades due to modern therapy, but the medical and social burden remains elevated. Genetic counselling represents a major step in approaching TH individuals, including as part of the pre-conception assessment. A multidisciplinary surveillance team is mandatory

Hydroxypropyl Cellulose/Pluronic-Based Composite Hydrogels as Biodegradable Mucoadhesive Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

Recently, the development of new materials with the desired characteristics for functional tissue engineering, ensuring tissue architecture and supporting cellular growth, has gained significant attention. Hydrogels, which possess similar properties to natural cellular matrixes, being able to repair or replace biological tissues and support the healing process through cellular proliferation and viability, are a challenge when designing tissue scaffolds. This paper provides new insights into hydrogel-based polymeric blends (hydroxypropyl cellulose/Pluronic F68), aiming to evaluate the contributions of both components in the development of new tissue scaffolds. In order to study the interactions within the hydrogel blends, FTIR and 1HNMR spectroscopies were used. The porosity and the behavior in moisture medium were highlighted by SEM and DVS analyses. The biodegradability of the hydrogel blends was studied in a simulated biological medium. The hydrogel composition was determinant for the scaffold behavior: the HPC component was found to have a great influence on the BET and GAB areas, on the monolayer values estimated from sorption–desorption isotherms and on mucoadhesivity on small intestine mucosa, while the Pluronic F68 component improved the thermal stability. All blends were also found to have good mechanical strength and increased biocompatibility on the NHDF cell line. Based on their particular compositions and increased mucoadhesivity on small intestine mucosa, these polymeric blends could be effective in the repair or recovery of damaged cell membranes (due to the contribution of Pluronic F68) or in control drug-delivery intestinal formulations

Synthesis of Guanidine and Its Deposition on Bacterial Cellulose as Green Heterogeneous Catalyst for Transesterification to Methyl Esters

Green catalysts used in the transesterification reaction of biodiesel must have biodegradability and non-toxicity as their main characteristics, being thus friendly to the environment, since they perform in processes in which the content of CO2, which is increasing from year to year, should be reduced. As a consequence, their manufacture can be extremely rigorous. This work presents the two-step construction, synthesis, and deposition of such a green heterogeneous catalyst and its testing in the catalysis of the transesterification of triglycerides with methanol, resulting in methyl esters. A CSTR-type reactor was used to perform transesterification, and the biodiesel yields obtained had values in the range of 91.7–95.7%, using 2, 3, and 4 g/g catalyst to oil, under conditions like those for obtaining commercial biodiesel in homogeneous catalysis, i.e., a 65 °C process temperature and a 4:1, 5:1 or 6:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio