Abstract

Abstract
A method was developed to measure the surface area of walnut fruit phytopathogenic lesions from images acquired with a basic calibration target. The fruit is modelled by a spheroid, established from the 2D view ellipse using an iterative process. The method was tested with images of colour circular marks placed on a wooden spheroid. It proved effective in the estimation of the spheroid semi-diameters (average relative errors of 0.8% and 1.0%), spheroid surface (1.77%) and volume (2.71%). The computation of the colour mark surface area was within the expected error, considering the image resolution (up to about 4%), for 22 out of 28 images tested. © 2019, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
The current study has as its objective to analyse how the study of languages is affected by new technologies. The way of teaching as well as the learning process are not the same as in older times, so we think that it is important to analyse the phenomenon. There are several advantages to the use of technology, and the future heralds even greater evolution. The effect of technologies on teaching has been very significant and even university professors resort to the usage of websites or other technological tools. The concept of innovation is not only associated to information and communication technologies, but also to the process and innovative supply of methods of access to knowledge. Therefore, associating innovation to the teaching of languages is something completely acceptable, since the usage of technological resources is a form of innovating. Because the final objective is to find a coherent response that indicates what is currently happening in the world of education concerning languages, primary data was obtained via a total of eleven interviews answered by young language students and professors. With this study, we conclude that technologies will continue to have an impact on the future of teaching. There is a general consensus concerning the relevance of obtaining better academic results. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize that learning becomes more facilitated with technology because there is easier access to information.

Abstract
A high-resolution advanced laser induced breakdown spectroscopy prototype was used to quantify lithium (Li) in lithiniferous rocks. Samples were collected from Barroso's mine (Portugal), claimed as Western Europe's largest spodumene Li discovery. 51 samples from a reverse circulation drill were collected, one for each meter interval, dried, milled, pressed into pellets and further analyzed by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy. Quantification was attempted using either linear models based on the intensity of selected Li spectral lines or advanced chemometrics methods. The latter was very successful, with correlation coefficients of 0.97 against certified laboratory results.

Abstract
Due to the rapidly increasing share of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide, the abundance of EV parking lots (with charging capabilities) is becoming necessary to provide for charging needs in addition to attempting to fully utilize EVs for the benefit of future smart grids. Unmanaged charging of EVs can jeopardize stability and reliability of power systems. Hence, well-operated EV parking lots can be a good solution to enhance system stability. Equipping parking lots with rooftop photovoltaics (PVs) has been gaining interest as a good approach for their design and operation. During the day, when EVs are stationed in the parking lot and particularly in more commercial neighborhoods of cities, the EVs can be charged directly through solar generation, so that minimal stress on the distribution system occurs. This work aims to conduct a comparative study investigating the optimal strategies for the operation of PV-equipped EV parking lots. Multiple parameters are taken into consideration including weather conditions, uncertainty of EV owners' schedules, and EV models. This analysis will result in finding the optimal strategy for the operation of the parking lot from the owner/operator point of view in order to minimize costs and maximize services provided to the grid.

Abstract
Quality Management has been one of the most dominating and pervasive managerial approaches all over the world during the last three decades. The questionnaire of this study included different information, of where we can highlight: the perception of the importance having implemented the ISO 9001 standard; the most used quality tools/techniques in the professional activities. As main conclusions we can highlight: women attach great importance to the implementation of the ISO 9001 standard, namely as regards on customer satisfaction, in the competitiveness of the Organization and in the relationship with customers and give less importance in individual performance, in motivation of professionals and in the evolution of sales. Men value the implementation of the ISO 9001 more, namely regarding to the relationship with customers, in the management mode and they give less importance to the evolution of sales and to the motivation of professionals.