Stellar weak decay rates in neutron-deficient medium-mass nuclei

Weak decay rates under stellar density and temperature conditions holding at the rapid proton capture process are studied in neutron-deficient medium-mass waiting point nuclei extending from Ni up to Sn. Neighboring isotopes to these waiting point nuclei are also included in the analysis. The nuclear structure part of the problem is described within a deformed Skyrme Hartree-Fock + BCS + QRPA approach, which reproduces not only the beta-decay half-lives but also the available Gamow-Teller strength distributions, measured under terrestrial conditions. The various sensitivities of the decay rates to both density and temperature are discussed. In particular, we study the impact of contributions coming from thermally populated excited states in the parent nucleus, as well as the competition between beta decays and continuum electron captures.Comment: 24 pages, 16 figure

Exploring disparities and similarities in European food consumption patterns

This paper investigates the heterogeneity of food consumption patterns in Europe. The analysis relies on a wide set of indicators, namely the structure of calorie, protein and fat consumption as well as the consumption of main foodstuffs. Clusters based on estimated income elasticity of calorie and protein demand are also reported. Income elasticities of animal products tend to exceed those corresponding to the total calorie demand. The same pattern holds true for the elasticity of demand for proteins. Main dimensions of consumption are identified based on factor analysis and used subsequently for the purpose of clustering countries. The hard core clusters are those that remain stable regardless of the algorithm used in classification or the indicators as a proxy of food consumption patterns. A limited number of hard core clusters of countries emerged. The paper concludes with a discussion of clusters with homogeneous patterns of consumption.food consumption patterns, Europe, factor analysis, cluster analysis, hard-core clusters

Determinants of Food Choice in a Transitional Economy: Insights from the Theory of Reasoned Action

This paper draws upon a consumer survey carried out in Bucharest (Romania) to explore determinants of food choice in a transition economy. An adapted version of the Theory of Reasoned Action was developed. This included attitude toward intention, habit and preference as independent variables. The structural equations modelling carried out in 'Analysis of MOment Structures' AMOS showed a significant positive influence of all variables. Similar to other studies conducted in European Union (EU) countries (Saba, Di Natale, 1998) habit outweighed the other variables. The study emphasises the heterogeneity of consumer beliefs about food. Furthermore it was suggested that there is scope for noneconomic variables in explaining food choices and consumer behaviour in these emerging economies, though the influence of these variables may be still limited relative the economic factors. Further research on special groups is required to quantify the influence of non-economic factors and compare the results estimated in Romania with other countries which are candidates to EU accession.Theory of Reasoned Action, food choice, transition economy, Consumer/Household Economics,

Public Relations in Tourism. A Research on the Perception of the Romanian Public Upon Responsible Tourism

AbstractPublic relations represent a unique way of promoting the organization, its products or services, by building a higher visibility in the public space. Public relations represent a strategic form of communication, which focuses on gaining the audience's understanding and acceptance, as well as on the process of building a good relation between an organization and the public. In the tourist sector, public relations are more than a necessity. The major challenge consists in identifying the most efficient ways of promoting tourist products, building a positive image, increasing the visibility of tourist destinations, in order to attract a significant number of tourists. Public relations may represent a bridge towards change, a means for adjusting to the new attitudes triggered by change. Starting from these considerations, the purpose of the research is twofold: to analyze the applicative role of public relations in the tourist sector, respectively, to identify the perception of the Romanian public of responsible tourism in Romania. In this regard, we have applied the research method of the questionnaire-based inquiry to a sample of 60 persons, in order to identify the “thought particularities” of the internal public, which may allow us to formulate conclusions useful to such a process. In our opinion, responsible tourism represents the most economically, socially and environmentally efficient approach, a real opportunity for exploiting and promoting local products and services, the tourist potential which Romania may enhance with a view to maximizing the positive impact upon the public in terms of tourist destinations. In this case, professionalism and responsibility should constitute reference points

PR in Crisis Situations. A Case Study

AbstractPublic relations prove to be an original and efficient tool in meeting the current challenges of society, irrespective of the activity to which they are related: they can support the solving of problems and crisis situations, promoting an institution or organization, its products or services, by building higher visibility in the public space. In crisis situations, public relations are absolutely compulsory. The damages caused to the organization may be extremely serious unless a correct management of communication is taken into consideration which, in such a situation, is more than necessary. Based on these considerations, the purpose of our research is two-fold: to present the concept of public relations and its essential role in crisis situations, respectively to analyze and evaluate, in terms of public relations, the tragic event from the Giuleşti Maternity, which resulted in the death of six babies. The case study aims at analyzing how the crisis situation was managed, the actions undertaken in this respect, their impact and consequences, based on the information/documents published on the Internet. We believe that public relations may support organizations in predicting and reacting appropriately in a crisis situation, if applied accordingly. In this context, it goes without saying that a good communication during a crisis can only be advantageous, being able to improve and even stop the public's negative reactions

Professional and Transversal Competences of Future Teachers for Preschool and Primary School Education

AbstractThrough the HRD strategic project “Development of an operational system of qualifications in higher education in Romania” (DOCIS), there were conducted several activities, including the implementation of the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NQF) through the specific scale description of qualifications and operationalization of the National Register of Qualifications in Higher Education (RNCIS). The project aimed, among others, the development of a competence scale for Education Sciences, major Pedagogy of Preschool and Primary School (PPSP). Through this article, we want to present the process of conceiving a specific grid for major PPSP and the result of this process. The development methodology for PPSP competence scale had several stages - a framework grid conceived by the management team experts, research, working for a draft document, consulting of the institutions involved in pre-service and in-service teacher training, the beneficiaries of these processes (school inspectorates, teachers‘professional house, schools, kindergartens, professional organisations etc.), trade unions, researchers and practitioners with expertise in education. After all these, it was a stage for re-designing the grid by consulting the partners, another step to align the grid to the project requirements, such as statements of three common professional competences to the whole education area and then it was the validation stage. Finally, the grid was integrated into RNCIS. The grid contains six professional competences and three transversal competences, accompanied by level statements for each competence and standards of minimum performance for the assessment of each competence