CLIMATE CHANGE – CHALLENGE, ADAPTABILITY, SOLUTION. CASE STUDY ROMANIA

The global crisis has effected all the spheres of human activity and not only. Environment seems to be more vulnerable than expected and the climate responds through changes that appear to get out of our hands. That is why we need coherent and well defined policies than can be implemented as soon as possible without any setbacks. The present paper outlines the existing situation of climate changes and the context in which they appeared, pointing out the activities deployed by the European Commission, shows what has been done so far, bringing into discussion the case of Romania, emphasizes the impact on different aspects that Man depends on and underlines the future plans of the ones responsible to deal with such problems.climate change, policy, structural funds, best practices.

RESEARCH ON THE STUDY OF MATERIAL DEFECTS AND SOMECOAL MILLS SUBASSEMBLIES LIFE TIME

The defectsfrom the structureof metallic materials of whichare manufactured the pieces, canbeputoutbyNDT. One ofNDTmethods, commonly usedin practiceisultrasonicmethod.In this paper are rendered the results of the determinations by the effects of coal mills bars by type DGS 100,obtained with ultrasound devices by type PHASOR XS

THE SEPTEMBER 2013 RAIN AND FLOOD EVENTS IN THE FLAM’S VALLEY BASIN. CAUSES, CHARACTERISTICS AND THEIR IMPACT UPON THE ENVIRONMENT

Between 11.09 and 14.09 2013 the north-eastern part of Tulcea County, especially the areas located around Somova village was affected by heavy, torrential rainfall that totalized over 30 mm/sq m and triggered dangerous hydrological phenomena (important slope, stream and river flows). As a result of these heavy downpours, Flam’s Valley was affected by an exceptional flash-flood which measured a peak discharge that reached a 1% exceeding probability. Another destructive characteristic of the weather phenomena that occurred in September 2013 was that the heavy rain was accompanied by violent gusty winds that resembled tornado-like features, bringing serious threat to houses, households and roads. In this paper we have analyzed the weather features that produced the September 2013 flash flood from both a spatial and a temporal perspective. The hydrological analysis focuses on the peak discharge that was recorded during the flash flood as well as on the characteristics elements of the topographic profiles. The paper ends with a brief presentation of the consequences that the weather and hydrological phenomena had upon the environment and population as well

TRENDS IN LIQUID FLOW AND SEDIMENT DISCHARGE ON SF. GHEORGHE BRANCH – DANUBE RIVER

The purpose of this article is to identify some trends in the temporal variability of liquid medium flow and solid flow on Sf. Gheorghe branch. The paper is based on exploiting the liquid medium flow series and the flow of suspended sedimentary discharges (monthly and annual) from three hydrometric stations located on the Sf. Gheorghe Branch. These stations operating periods are: 46 years (Ceatal Sf. Gheorghe station), 42 years (Murighiol station), 47 years (Sf. Gheorghe Port station), but, in order to obtain reliable and conclusive results, it was chosen as the common period of analysis 1971-2012. In the analysis of temporal variability are used, especially statistical methods, among which the Mann – Kendall test is required for identifying linear trends and its statistical meaning. The methods we have used point towards an increase tendency regarding the liquid discharges (both monthly and annually) and a decrease tendency of the solid discharges

Evaluating the Impact of Emerging Technologies on the ECB's Mandate: Can the European Central Bank Use Distributed Ledger Technology and Digital Euro to Advance Financial Inclusion in Europe?

There is a noted rise in research examining the influence of digital transformation—specifically the application of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) on the progression of the financial sector. This paper presents conclusions from a study on participants' awareness, understanding, and intentions regarding cryptocurrencies and the Digital Euro. Participants have a relatively high awareness of digital assets and Digital Euro, but better understanding is needed through effective communication and educational initiatives. While recognizing cryptocurrencies as valuable investments, participants are skeptical about their use for payments due to concerns about illicit activities. Regulatory frameworks are deemed important to address these concerns. Participants support the introduction of the Digital Euro and intend to use it for various purposes, suggesting potential demand. Desired characteristics include privacy, ease of use, and cross-border usability. These findings inform the strategies for introducing and accepting the Digital Euro, promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing accessibility in Europe's digital economy

An exploratory case study: Romania’s digital innovation opportunities due to rise of digital currencies

This article examines the rise of digital currencies in the Eurozone. By probing into the National Strategy regarding the Digital Agenda for Romania 2020 (Romanian Government, 2015), we are aiming to present future researchers with a set of propositions to continue the inquiry on possible opportunities derived from emerging opportunities associated with innovation in the Decentralized Financial sector. This exploratory case study is determined to identify a positive and advantageous moment for Romania while planning the governmental digital strategy in the Field of action III – eCommerce, research and development, and innovation in Information Technology & Communication (IT&C). Given the strong influence of a well-executed implementation plan to achieve strategic objectives, we consider it crucial to prioritize this subject. In this exploratory case study, we analyzed the development of centralized digital currencies in some European National Central Banks and examined the impact of blockchain technology on the financial sector. Additionally, we provided a detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the increasing popularity of digital currencies. It was concluded that due to the lack of in-depth empirical studies, and due to a relatively young and highly volatile digital currency market, we cannot ignore the chances Romania has to assimilate and develop the latest technologies in the financial sector or to improve the existing e-commerce framework and promote investment in innovation. The outcome of the case study is that there are specific and unique opportunities to improve the existing traditional financial system, by creating digital solutions, flexible and accessible to all consumers in Romania, and beyond

Morphological and Tribological Properties of PMMA/Halloysite Nanocomposites

From an environmental and cost-effective perspective, a number of research challenges can be found for electronics, household, but especially in the automotive polymer parts industry. Reducing synthesis steps, parts coating and painting, or other solvent-assisted processes, have been identified as major constrains for the existing technologies. Therefore, simple polymer processing routes (mixing, extrusion, injection moulding) were used for obtaining PMMA/HNT nanocomposites. By these techniques, an automotive-grade polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) was modified with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and an eco-friendly additive N,N′-ethylenebis(stearamide) (EBS) to improve nanomechanical properties involved in scratch resistance, mechanical properties (balance between tensile strength and impact resistance) without diminishing other properties. The relationship between morphological/structural (XRD, TEM, FTIR) and tribological (friction) properties of PMMA nanocomposites were investigated. A synergistic effect was found between HNT and EBS in the PMMA matrix. The synergy was attained by the phase distribution resulted from the selective interaction between partners and favourable processing conditions. Modification of HNT with EBS improved the dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix by increasing their interfacial compatibility through hydrogen bonding established by amide groups with aluminol groups. The increased interfacial adhesion further improved the nanocomposite scratch resistance. The PMMA/HNT-EBS nanocomposite had a lower coefficient of friction and lower scratch penetration depth than PMMA/HNT nanocomposite.Financial support by the EU Commission through Project H2020-686165-IZADINANO2INDUSTRY is gratefully acknowledged

Temporal dynamics of gene expression in the lung in a baboon model of E. coli sepsis

BACKGROUND: Bacterial invasion during sepsis induces disregulated systemic responses that could lead to fatal lung failure. The purpose of this study was to relate the temporal dynamics of gene expression to the pathophysiological changes in the lung during the first and second stages of E. coli sepsis in baboons. RESULTS: Using human oligonucleotide microarrays, we have explored the temporal changes of gene expression in the lung of baboons challenged with sublethal doses of E. coli. Temporal expression pattern and biological significance of the differentially expressed genes were explored using clustering and pathway analysis software. Expression of selected genes was validated by real-time PCR. Cytokine levels in tissue and plasma were assayed by multiplex ELISA. Changes in lung ultrastructure were visualized by electron microscopy. We found that genes involved in primary inflammation, innate immune response, and apoptosis peaked at 2 hrs. Inflammatory and immune response genes that function in the stimulation of monocytes, natural killer and T-cells, and in the modulation of cell adhesion peaked at 8 hrs, while genes involved in wound healing and functional recovery were upregulated at 24 hrs. CONCLUSION: The analysis of gene expression modulation in response to sepsis provides the baseline information that is crucial for the understanding of the pathophysiology of systemic inflammation and may facilitate the development of future approaches for sepsis therapy

Method for optimum calculus of machining parameters according to tool trajectories type based on milling process simulation

Virtualni obradni sustavi mogu biti od koristi u izradi proizvoda za koje nije potrebno fizičko ispitivanja u radionici. Kao rezultat, može doći do smanjenja vremena i troška izrade dijela. U radu se opisuje utjecaj putanje alata na devijaciju površinske geometrije kod završne obrade kosih površina. Cilj rada je optimizirati postupak glodanja uzimajući u obzir strategiju glodanja. Istraživanje je usmjereno na završnu obradu kuglaste glave jer je poznato da kod ravnog glodanja brzina glodanja u sredini glodala iznosi vc= 0 m/min. U skladu s tim, na hrapavost površine utječe činjenica da u tom području dolazi do postupka trenja a ne narezivanja. Simulirano je šest vrsta putanje alata i procijenjena je površinska devijacija.Virtual manufacturing systems can provide useful means for products to be manufactured without the need of physical testing on the shop floor. As a result, the time and cost of part production can be decreased. The paper presents the influence of tool path trajectory on surface deviation geometry when finishing inclined surfaces. The aim of the study is to optimize the milling process taking into account the milling strategy. The research was focused on ball end finishing because it is well known that in plain cutting, in the centre of the flat mill the cutting speed is vc = 0 m/min. According to that, the surface roughness is influenced by the fact that in this area a friction process occurs and not a cutting process. Six types of tool trajectories were simulated and surface deviation was evaluated