bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IDENTIFIKASI POTENSI TUMBUHAN HIAS DI ZONA RIPARIAN KEBUN RAYA SAMBAS KABUPATEN SAMBAS
Authors: Widhanarto Ganjar Oki , Nantah Nikomedes , Hardiansyah Gusti
Published: November 2023

West Kalimantan is one of the centers of biodiversity. It has a wealth of flora are very much and most potential as an ornamental plant. Sambas Botanical Garden located in Sabung Village, Subah District, Sambas Regency supports educational activities, research, and ecotourism. The study aims to determine to identify the potential of ornamental plants in the riparian zone of Sambas Botanical Garden, Sambas Regency. The research time is one month effectively in the field from May until june 2022. This research was conducted with a systematic line plot sampling with a random start method. This research is using a double plot with a plot size of 20m x 20 m for epiphytic and liana plants, 2m x 2m for understorey, as many as 48 plots and the total number of observations made plot is 1.92 hectares. The results found that 9 families of ornamental plants, namely: Araceae, Arecaceae, Aspleniaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Fabaceae, Lycopodiaceae, Nepenthaceae, Orchidaceae dan Piperaceae. Of the 27 species of ornamental plant, the highest density is Agrostophyllum stipulatum with a density of 41,1458 individual/ha. The ornamental plant with a low density is Huperzia phlegmaria (L) Rothm with a density of 1,0417 individuals/ha.Keywords: Identification, ornamental plant potential, riparian zone, Sambas botanical gardenAbstrakKalimantan Barat dikenal sebagai salah satu pusat keanekaragaman hayati flora melimpah yang sebagian berpotensi sebagai tanaman hias. Kebun Raya Sambas yang terletak di Desa Sabung, Kecamatan Subah, Kabupaten Sambas merupakan kebun raya yang sangat mendukung kegiatan penelitian, pendidikan dan ekowisata. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi potensi tumbuhan hias yang terdapat pada zona riparian kebun raya sambas, kabupaten sambas. Penelitian dilaksanakan dari bulan mei sampai dengan juni 2022. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode systematic line plot sampling with random start. Penelitian ini menggunakan plot ganda dengan ukuran plot 20m x 20m untuk tingkatan pohon yang ditumbuhi tumbuhan epifit dan liana, 2 m x 2 m untuk tumbuhan bawah, sebanyak 48 plot dan total seluruh plot pengamatan yang dilakukan yaitu 1,92 Ha. Berdasarkan penelitian yang dilakukan ditemukan 27 jenis tumbuhan hias dari 9 famili, yaitu Araceae, Arecaceae, Aspleniaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Fabaceae, Lycopodiaceae, Nepenthaceae, Orchidaceae dan Piperaceae. Tumbuhan hias yang memiliki nilai kerapatan paling tinggi yaitu Agrostophyllum stipulatum dengan nilai 41,1458 individu/ha, sedangkan nilai kerapatan yang terendah yaitu Huperzia phlegmaria (L) Rothm dengan nilai 1,0417 individu/ha.Kata Kunci: Identifikasi, potensi tumbuhan hias, zona riparian, kebun raya sambas
POTENSI TEGAKAN PADA KAWASAN CAGAR ALAM LO FAT PUN FIE KECAMATAN MONTERADO KABUPATEN BENGKAYANG
Authors: Dewantara Iswan , Manurung Kartika Chandra , Widhanarto Ganjar Oki
Published: November 2023

The Lo Fat Pun Fie Nature Reserve with an area of 7.8 Ha has Batik Orchids (Vanda hokeriana) and Pitchers (Nepenthes spp) as characteristics of this nature reserve that need to be preserved. The existence of orchids and pitcher plants is closely related to the existence of the types of vegetation that make up the Lo Fat Fun Pie Nature Reserve. This research aims to record tree species and analyze the potential for stands in the area. This research was carried out using the Systematics Strip Sampling with Random Start method with a sampling intensity of 15%, observations in the research area using 4 paths with varying lengths, where the first path was determined randomly and then continued with a distance between paths of 133 meters, with a total of 29 observation measuring plots. . Based on the results of data analysis, it was found that the average stand potential in the Lo Pat Fun Pie Nature Reserve per hectare was 286 stems 96.60 m3 with a minimum potential range of 1,162.40 stems 746.05 m3 and a maximum of 3,264.05 stems 748.99 m3.Keywords: forest inventory, nature reserves, stand potential.AbstrakCagar Alam Lo Fat Pun Fie dengan Luas 7,8 Ha memiliki Anggrek Batik (Vanda hokeriana) dan Kantong Semar (Nepenthes spp) sebagai ciri khas cagar alam ini yang perlu dilestarikan. Keberadaan jenis anggrek dan kantong semar sangat erat kaitan dengan keberadaan jenis-jenis vegetasi penyusun Cagar Alam Lo Fat Fun Pie Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mendata jenis pohon dan menganalisa potensi tegakan pada kawasan. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode Systematics Strip Sampling with Random Start dengan intensitas sampling 15%, pengamatan pada kawasan penelitian menggunakan 4 jalur dengan panjang bervariasi, dimana penetuan jalur pertama secara random kemudian dilanjutkan secara dengan jarak antar jalur 133 meter, dengan total 29 petak ukur pengamatan. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data, didapatkan potensi tegakan di Cagar Alam Lo Pat Fun Pie rata-rata per hektar 286 batang 96,60 m3 dengan rentang potensi minimum 1.162,40 batang 746,05 m3 dan maksimum 3.264,05 batang 748,99 m3.Kata kunci: inventarisasi hutan, cagar alam, potensi tegakan.
SIFAT FISIK DAN MEKANIK PAPAN ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (OSB) DARI LIMBAH FINIR KAYU LAPIS BERDASARKAN WAKTU KEMPA DAN KONSENTRASI FENOL FORMALDEHIDA
Authors: Yani Ahmad , Hidayat Hidayat , Setyawati Dina
Published: November 2023

The waste resulting from the production of the plywood industry is enormous, and until now, it has not been utilized optimally. Reduce the amount of waste, which can be done by processing finir waste into an Oriented Strand Board (OSB), which can reduce the fulfillment of raw wood materials. This study aimed to determine the best compression time and concentration of phenol formaldehyde in manufacturing Oriented Strand Board (OSB) from waste plywood. The research was conducted at the Wood Processing Laboratory and Wood Workshop at the Faculty of Forestry and the PT. Duta Pertiwi Nusantara for 3 months. The experimental method used a completely randomized design with treatment factors in compression time (8 minutes, 10 minutes, and 12 minutes), and phenol formaldehyde adhesive concentration (9% and 10%), three replicates were run for each. The treatment results show OSB with 12 minutes of compression time and 10% phenol formaldehyde concentration as the OSB with the best quality and the most parameters complied with JIS A 5908 (2003).Keywords: concentration of phenol formaldehyde, finir waste, oriented strand board, pressing timeAbstrakLimbah hasil dari produksi industri kayu lapis sangat besar dan sampai saat ini belum dimanfaatkan secara maksimal. Untuk menekan besarnya limbah tersebut dapat dilakukan dengan mengolah limbah finir menjadi papan untai atau Oriented Strand Board (OSB) yang dapat mengurangi besarnya limbah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memperoleh waktu kempa dan konsentrasi fenol formaldehida terbaik dalam pembuatan papan Oriented Strand Board (OSB) dari limbah finir kayu lapis. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Laboratorium Pengolahan Kayu dan Wood Workshop Fakultas Kehutanan serta Laboratorium PT. Duta Pertiwi Nusantara selama 3 bulan. Metode penelitin menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap dengan perlakuan waktu kempa (8 menit, 10 menit, dan 12 menit), dan konsentrasi perekat fenol formaldehida (9 % dan 10 %). Yang dilakukan dalam 3 ulangan. Hasil  penelitian menunjukkan OSB dengan perlakuan waktu kempa 12 menit dan konsentrasi fenol formaldehida 10% sebagai OSB dengan kualitas terbaik dan memenuhi JIS A 5908 (2003). Kata kunci: konsentrasi fenol formaldehida, limbah finir, oriented strand board, waktu kempa
FORMULASI DAN EVALUASI HANDBODY LOTION BERBAHAN DASAR LEMAK TENGKAWANG (Illipe Butter)
Authors: Diba Farah , Afra Akwilina , Tavita Gusti Eva
Published: November 2023

Tengkawang seeds are one of the non-timber forest products that can be processed into Borneo tengkawang fat. Tengkawang fat contains myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. The acid content in tengkawang fat has properties that can moisturize the skin for a long time so tengkawang fat can be used as an ingredient in handbody lotion formulas. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a handbody lotion from tengkawang fat during a 28 day storage period. The benefits of this research are obtaining formulations and providing information regarding the potential use of tengkawang fat as a hand lotion. This research was made with variations in the concentration of tengkawang fat 1%, 3%, 6% and 9%. The results of the study showed that all concentrations of tengkawang fat in handbody lotion had good properties during the storage period.Keywords : Handbody Lotion, Tengkawang Fat, Tengkawang SeedsAbstrakBiji tengkawang merupakan salah satu Hasil Hutan Bukan Kayu yang bisa diolah menjadi lemak tengkawang. Lemak tengkawang mengandung asam miristat, asam palmitat, asam stearat, asam oleat dan asam linoleat. Kandungan asam pada lemak tengkawang memiliki sifat yang dapat melembabkan kulit dalam waktu lama sehingga lemak tengkawang bisa dijadikan bahan pada formula handbody lotion. Tujuan dari penelitian ini memformulasikan dan mengevaluasi handbody lotion dari lemak tengkawang selama masa penyimpanan 28 hari. Manfaat dari penelitian ini memperoleh formulasi dan memberikan informasi mengenai potensi pemanfaatan lemak tengkawang sebagai handbody lotion. Penelitian ini dibuat dengan variasi konsentrasi lemak tengkawang 1%, 3%, 6% dan 9%. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukan bahwa semua konsentrasi lemak tengkawang pada handbody lotion memiliki sifat yang baik selama masa penyimpanan. Kata kunci : Handbody Lotion, Lemak Tengkawang, Biji Tengkawang
PENGARUH PEMBIAYAAN AR-RAHN UNTUK USAHA MIKRO BUKU PEMILIK KENDARAAN BERMOTOR TERHADAP PERKEMBANGAN USAHA MIKRO KECIL DAN MENENGAH NASABAH DI PEGADAIAN SYARIAH AHMAD YANI PONTIANAK
Authors: Wati Karinawati
Published: November 2023

Perkembangan UMKM di Indonesia telah banyak memberikan kontribusi terhadap PDB nasional sebesar 55,56% berdasarkan data Biro Perencanaan Kementerian Koperasi Republik Indonesia tahun 2008. Perkembangan UMKM di Indonesia tidak terlepas dari berbagai macam permasalahan yang dihadapi masyarakat yaitu kebutuhan modal untuk mengembangkan UMKM. Tujuan dari ini penelitian ini untuk mengetahui dampak masyarakat yang melakukan pembiayaan ARRUM BPKB. Itu Metode yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif kuantitatif dan data yang digunakan adalah data primer yang diperoleh dari wawancara dan data dari Kantor Pegadaian. Secara keseluruhan ada perbedaan antara pelanggan pendapatan sebelum dan sesudah menggunakan produk pembiayaan ARRUM di Pegadaian A Yani Pontianak. Sebelum mengenal pembiayaan BPKB ARRUM, modal untuk berbisnis masih sedikit dan setelah mengenalnya ternyata cukup membantu masyarakat untuk meningkatkan usahanya modal.
PERAN DOMPET UMMAT SEBAGAI LEMBAGA AMIL ZAKAT MELALUI PENGELOLAAN ZAKAT PRODUKTIF UNTUK PEMBERDAYAAN MUSTAHIK DI KOTA PONTIANAK
Authors: Ayuni Nurul Rizky
Published: November 2023

AbstrakZakat adalah sejumlah harta diwajibkan Allah swt untuk diserahkan kepada orang-orang yang berhak menerimanya. Dompet Ummat adalah salah satu lembaga amil zakat yang ada di Kalimantan Barat yang mendedikasikan diri dalam kerja kemanusiaan memberi pelayanan dan pemberdayaan bagi masyarakat kurang mampu. Kerja kemanusiaan berbasis dana masyarakat yang terdiri dari zakat, infaq, shadaqah, wakaf, CSR, serta dana kemanusiaan lainnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengelolaan zakat produktif untuk pemberdayaan mustahik yang dilakukan oleh Dompet Ummat di Kota Pontianak dan untuk mengetahui manfaat yang dirasakan oleh mustahik setelah menerima bantuan zakat produktif. Jenis penelitian menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif dengan teknik purposive sampling yaitu teknik pengumpulan sampel sumber data dengan pertimbangan tertentu. Penelitian melalui wawancara dan dokumentasi dengan Lembaga Amil Zakat Dompet Ummat dan mustahik penerima bantuan. Program pemberdayaan memberikan dampak yang sangat baik terhadap peningkatan pendapatan mustahik. Program Ummah Care dan Ummah Academy merupakan program yang memberikan bantuan modal usaha kepada masyarakat kurang mampu.Kata kunci:  Dompet Ummat, Zakat Produktif, Pemberdayaan Mustahik
Model-Independent Statistical Averages of the Hydrodynamic Radius via Dynamic Light Scattering
Authors: Balog Sandor
Published: November 2023

I present new, robust, and measurable nonparametric statistical averages that summarize major features of the distribution of the hydrodynamic radius. I explain how these descriptive statistical averages—the mean, standard deviation, and skewness of the intensity-weighted distribution—are obtained. Next, I demonstrate that—unlike the well-known and widely used Z-average and polydispersity index—these statistical averages bear a direct and physically meaningful interpretability. At the same time, these statistical averages are straightforward to obtain from experimental correlograms, and therefore, they merit a place in characterizing particle systems via DLS.
Real-time observation of a metal complex-driven reaction intermediate using a porous protein crystal and serial femtosecond crystallography
Authors: Maity Basudev , Shoji Mitsuo , Luo Fangjia , Nakane Takanori , Abe Satoshi , Owada Shigeki , Kang Jungmin , Tono Kensuke , Tanaka Rie , Pham Thuc Toan , Kojima Mariko , Hishikawa Yuki , Tanaka Junko , Tian Jiaxin , Noya Hiroki , Nakasuji Yuto , Asanuma Asuka , Yao Xinchen , Iwata So , Shigeta Yasuteru , Nango Eriko , Ueno Takafumi
Published: November 2023

Determining short-lived intermediate structures in chemical reactions is challenging. Although ultrafast spectroscopic methods can detect the formation of transient intermediates, real-space structures cannot be determined directly from such studies. Time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) has recently proven to be a powerful method for capturing molecular changes in proteins on femtosecond timescales. However, the methodology has been mostly applied to natural proteins/enzymes and limited to reactions promoted by synthetic molecules due to structure determination challenges. This work demonstrates the applicability of TR-SFX for investigations of chemical reaction mechanisms of synthetic metal complexes. We fixed a light-induced CO-releasing Mn(CO)3 reaction center in porous hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) microcrystals. By controlling light exposure and time, we succeeded in capturing the real-time formation of Mn-carbonyl intermediates during the CO release reaction. The asymmetric protein environment was found to influence the order of CO release. The experimentally-observed reaction path agrees with quantum mechanical calculations. Therefore, our demonstration offers a new approach to visualize atomic-level reactions of small molecules using TR-SFX with real-space structure determination. This advance holds the potential to facilitate design of artificial metalloenzymes with precise mechanisms, empowering design, control and development of innovative reactions.
Predictive Thermodynamic Model for Intrusion of Electrolyte Aqueous Solutions in Nanoporous Materials
Authors: de Izarra Ambroise , Coudert François-Xavier , Fuchs Alain H. , Boutin Anne
Published: November 2023

We performed Monte Carlo simulations in the osmotic ensemble in three representative hypothetical pure-silica zeolites that are silicalite-1, chabazite and faujasite for which adsorption isotherm of water has been calculated from grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations. Monte Carlo moves in the osmotic ensemble to insert electrolyte reveal that ions do not penetrate the zeosils at water intrusion pressure because they are better solvated in the bulk for low-diameter pore zeosils, which is associated to a lower ion solvation. Then, Chemical potential of water in electrolyte solutions has been calculated and highlight the same dependency in pressure as the chemical potential of pure water. From these conclusions, we propose a thermodynamic model that revisit the law of osmotic pressure in order to predict the intrusion pressure in zeosils taking account of the nature of electrolytes in solution.
Potential Prebiotic Pathways in Titan’s Atmosphere: A Computational Exploration of HCN and NH3 Reactions
Authors: Panda Sunanda , Anoop Anakuthil
Published: November 2023

In this study, we explore the potential for prebiotic chemistry in Titan’s atmosphere through computational modeling of reactions involving hydrogen cyanide (HCN), hydrogen isocyanide (HNC), and ammonia (NH3). Our automated reaction search identifies several key intermediates, including formamidine (A), hydrazone (B), and methanediimine (C), which serve as precursors for a variety of complex organic com- pounds. Among the products, methanamine (P5) and guanidine (P22) are highlighted for their relevance to early biological activity. The calculated low activation barriers and exothermic nature of several reactions suggest the viability of these pathways in Titan’s cold environment. Notably, the formation of molecules such as a triazole derivative (P18) and N-cyanoimidoformamide (P20), linked to biomarker cyanamide, underscores the potential for synthesizing biologically significant molecules. We pro- vide theoretical roto-vibrational spectral parameters to assist in the experimental de- tection of these species, offering insights into the molecular complexity achievable in Titan’s atmosphere and contributing to our understanding of prebiotic chemistry in extraterrestrial environments.
Insights into the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2: Thermodynamic Analysis, Structural Characterization, and the Impact of Inhibitors
Authors: Butalewicz Jamie , Sipe Sarah , Juetten Kyle , James Virginia , Meek Thomas , Brodbelt Jennifer
Published: November 2023

The global pandemic COVID-19, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS- CoV-2), has taken a staggering toll on human health. The main protease of SARS-CoV-2 (M pro ) is an essential enzyme for coronaviral maturation and is the target of Paxlovid, which is currently the standard-of-care treatment for COVID-19. There remains a need to identify new inhibitors of M pro as viral resistance to Paxlovid emerges. Here, we report the use of native mass spectrometry coupled with 193-nm ultraviolet photodissociation (UVPD) to structurally characterize M pro and its interactions with potential inhibitors. Melting temperatures and equilibrium constants, as well as the overall energy landscape, were obtained using variable temperature nano-electrospray ionization (vT-nESI), thus providing quantitative evaluation of inhibitor binding on the stability of M pro . The melting temperature was determined to be approximately 43°C for the dimer and 50°C for the monomer, suggesting an initial thermal dissociation pathway before subsequent unfolding of the monomer species. Thermodynamic parameters extracted from Van’t Hoff plots revealed dimeric complexes containing one of four inhibitors showed enhanced stability through increased melting temperatures as well as overall lower average charge states, giving insight into the basis for potential inhibition mechanisms.
Rapid Characterization of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Capsid Proteins using Microchip ZipChip CE-MS
Authors: Smith Josh , Carillo Sara , Kulkarni Aditya , Redman Erin , Yu Kate , Bones Jonathan
Published: November 2023

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are viral vectors used as delivery systems for gene therapies. Intact protein characterization of AAV viral capsid proteins (VPs) and their post-translational modifications is critical to ensuring product quality. In this study, microchip based ZipChip capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) is applied to the rapid characterization of AAV intact VPs, specifically full and empty viral capsids of serotypes AAV6, AAV8 and AAV9. Low levels of dimethyl sulfoxide (4%) in the background electrolyte (BGE) improved MS signal quality and component detection. A sensitivity evaluation revealed consistent detection of VP proteoforms when as little as 2.64 × 106 viral particles (≈26.4 picograms) were injected. Besides the traditional VP proteoforms used for serotype identification, multiple VP3 variants were detected. In AAV6 and AAV8, a VP3 variant where translation starts at the M211 or M212 codon respectively, instead of the expected M203 codon, was identified, most likely generated by leaky scanning. In AAV8 and AAV9 respectively, unacetylated and un-cleaved VP3 proteoforms were observed. Phosphorylation, known to impact AAV transduction efficiency, was also seen in all serotypes analysed. Additionally, low abundant fragments originating from either N- or C-terminus truncation were detected. These fragments are potentially degradation products caused by the v-cath protease, Sf9 cellular response to baculovirus infection, or forced cleavage at a DP sequence through hydrolysis, due to the acidic conditions of the BGE. As the aforementioned VP components can impact product quality and efficacy, the ZipChip’s ability to rapidly characterize them illustrates its strength in monitoring product quality during AAV production.
Sistemas de recolección de datos de víctimas de trata en Europa. Una aproximación comparada desde los informes de evaluación Greta del Consejo de Europa
Authors: Villanueva-Fernández Alba
Published: November 2023

El problema de la trata de personas y la forma más efectiva de abordarla se ha ido perfilando en los últimos veinte años. Con la guía general del Protocolo de Palermo, y su desarrollo en el Convenio de Varsovia, el enfoque de derechos humanos se sitúa en el centro de las propuestas para afrontar el problema. Una de las características de este enfoque requiere poner en marcha un sistema de recolección de datos que permita dibujar una idea de la realidad de la trata en cada país. En este estudio, se propone un análisis comparado de los distintos sistemas de recolección de datos de víctimas en Europa. En el texto, se concluye que existe una amplia disparidad en torno a qué se está contabilizando, lo que imposibilita la comparación, a la vez que pone en tela de juicio el enfoque basado en derechos humanos en la aproximación a la trata.
Air pollution, well-being, and quality of life in Latin America: a systematic review
Authors: Álvarez Boris , Boso Àlex , Vallejos-Romero Arturo
Published: November 2023

El objetivo de este artículo fue describir los efectos de la contaminación atmosférica sobre el bienestar y la calidad de vida en los países latinoamericanos, siguiendo los métodos sistemáticos de las guías PRIMA-P. A tal fin, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de estudios empíricos publicados en las bases de datos de WoS, Scopus, Scielo y PubMed. Así, se identificaron 17 estudios relevantes publicados entre 1986 y 2021: 16 con diseños cuantitativos y 1 con diseño cualitativo. Los estudios seleccionados se agruparon en tres enfoques temáticos: salud mental (41 %), emociones negativas (35 %) y bienestar subjetivo (24 %). Los resultados indican que la contaminación acústica influye en varios componentes del bienestar, como la satisfacción con la vida, el bienestar subjetivo, la percepción de la calidad de vida, los síntomas de depresión o ansiedad, las emociones negativas como la angustia, la molestia y la frustración, entre otras. Sin embargo, también había múltiples vacíos empíricos que llenar.
The Offer of Financial Derivatives in the Banking Sector of the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Kobilarev Mina , Živanović Branko
Published: November 2023

The paper examines the results of the research conducted in the Serbian banking sector considered the only counterparty to companies in the derivative OTC market given that Serbia’s financial system is bank-based. The primary objective is to assess the total level of derivative instruments demand in Serbia and types of derivatives offered by banks. Besides, we also aim to determine the reasons that limit the most the development of the domestic derivatives market and that impact bank activities aimed at attracting derivative business and its development phases. In addition, we explored the expertise of banking sector employees in the financial derivatives field, most often in the Treasury Department. We endeavoured to ascertain the number of staff working in departments in charge of derivatives trading, their professional skills and expertise, qualifications, training and certificates. We have analysed the reasons that most severely restrict the development of the domestic derivatives market and possibilities and limitations of introducing the derivatives market as an unregulated segment on the Belgrade Stock Exchange.

This paper also gives a comparative overview of the use of derivatives from the banks’ viewpoint between the banking sectors in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) so as to determine the level of derivative instruments demand, types of derivatives offered by the banking sector and possibilities and limitations of introducing the derivatives market as a market segment on stock exchanges in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ageing and Productivity
Authors: Monteiro Mariana , Simões Marta C. N.
Published: November 2023

The Portuguese labour force is ageing rapidly, corresponding to an increase in the share of older cohorts in the workforce, and there are no prospects that this situation will slow down. This study carries out an empirical analysis of the impact of workforce ageing on labour productivity in the Portuguese economy considering data for the period 1971-2017. We investigate the main channels through which these demographic changes affect labour productivity, the accumulation of factors of production, physical or human capital, and total factor productivity (TFP), based on a Cobb-Douglas production function. The results from the estimation of our VAR model defined according to the aggregate production function that includes the capital-output ratio, educational attainment, TFP and an indicator of workforce ageing, and the corresponding impulse-response functions analysis do not allow us to identify any impact of the growth rate in the proportion of older workers on the growth rate of labour productivity. For the time being it thus seems that workforce ageing has not posed a serious threat to the Portuguese economy, but this situation could rapidly change in the near future given the dismal demographic forecasts that project that the Portuguese population will decrease from 10.5 millions of people in 2012 to 8.6 millions in 2060 (INE 2014).
Intellectual Capital Investments and Company's Profitability
Authors: Petković Miloš , Đorđević Milica
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of R&D investments on the company profitability, with special focus on the French most innovative companies. The study is divided into three parts aiming to address the three key research questions raised in the study: the first research question  examines the influence of R&D investments on company intangible assets; second research question calculates efficiency of capitalized or transformed intangible assets value coming from R&D investments, whereas the third research question examines generated returns on capitalized assets. The method used in this study is the Efficiency of Intellectual Capital (EIC) method developed by Krstić and Bonić (2016). This method investigates the process of Intellectual Capital (IC) value creation within French companies. The study proves that R&D investments influence positively the intangible assets value after a long-term period of investments. After the new intangible assets are created and developed, they positively influence their efficiency, whereas the impact on the company profitability is not determined in the same year. The main research limitations come from the fact that the observed sample of companies is small, and the access to the financial information related to the R&D expenses is limited to the official accounts of companies, whereas companies are not obliged to disclose this information by accounting rules. This study confirms that high-innovative French companies transform long-term R&D investments into concrete intangible assets values. On the practitioners’ side, the study represents a motive for managers to focus more on the investments in IC that will create a concrete value and generate further economic benefits from that value, rather than to concentrate only on short-term improvements of financial performance.
Intentions to Smoking Cessation in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Zubović Jovan , Zdravković Aleksandar , Jovanović Olivera
Published: November 2023

In this study, we examine whether the outbreak of pandemic has given incentive to smoking cessation and which factors are associated with such intentions, emphasizing change of economic conditions and smoking habits in the time of COVID-19. Data were collected through a telephone survey among a representative sample of the Serbian adult population aged less than 65 years (N=1,002) from 11 to 19 May 2020. The current smokers reported whether the COVID-19 pandemic had changed their tobacco products consumption, disposable income and intentions to cease smoking. Among the current smokers, 26.3% reported that the COVID-19 pandemic triggered intentions to cease smoking. On the other hand, 42.4% of smokers reported a decrease in income, while 22.7% of smokers reported increased smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression reveals that occasional smokers are the most likely to stop smoking (OR 4.17; CI: 2.18 - 7.99), while the majority of other factors (socio-demographic, economic, smoking habits) do not influence the odds of smoking cessation. Lack of association between intentions to cease smoking and pandemic-related worsening of economic well-being might result from low cigarette prices in Serbia. Consequently, higher taxation of tobacco products is recommended to policymakers.
Change in Consumers’ Behavior during the COVID 19 pandemic as an Opportunity to foster Digital Entrepreneurship in the Republic of North Macedonia
Authors: Petkovska Mirchevska Tatjana , Daniloska Natasha , Boshkovska Diana , Petkovski Vladimir
Published: November 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has a huge impact in different aspects of people’s life and behavior. The pandemic causes both health and economic problems worldwide by reducing companies’ economic activity, increasing unemployment and reducing consumption. In countries affected by the pandemic, people are trying to adapt themselves to the prolonged indoor stays by changing the way of behavior as both citizens and consumers. Demand is depended on consumer’s behaviour, which undoubtedly underwent changes caused with Covid-19 pandemic. Consumers are responding to the crisis in different ways; some of them feel anxious, others are worried and buying in panic, mainly the necessary products and some of them remain indifferent or suspicious despite the government and health professionals’ recommendations. To date, due to the short period from the beginning of pandemic with Covid-19, a limited number of studies are available that focus on the consumer behaviour caused by a new virus. This paper attempts to notify changes of the consumer behaviour because of pandemic with Covid-19 in Republic of North Macedonia. This paper presents the findings from a survey which was conducted in April 2020, soon after the beginning of the pandemic with Covid-19. The findings lead to various aspects of changing consumer behaviour that businesses can use to step up their digital transformation efforts, foster e-commerce and promote an effective and widespread transition of many digital platform activities as a step forward in development of digital entrepreneurship.The findings could also contribute in predicting future consumer behavior, which is significant for many businesses affected by the pandemic. While at the first blush Covid-19 pandemics imposed negative impact from the changed consumer behavior, in the concluding remarks of this paper there are clear indications for some possibilities and new business opportunities in fostering digital entrepreneurship for the present and future.
Customer Experience and Integrated Marketing Communication in the Automotive Lubricants Market
Authors: Cvetkov-Čikošev Tatjana , Domazet Ivana , Vukmirović Valentina
Published: November 2023

With the advent of new digital communication channels, the use of media for marketing purposes is changing dynamically and fundamentally. Also, the manners of using different media sources in order to obtain the requested information are diversified, which inevitably affects when, where and in what way potential customers choose certain brands. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to identify the way in which customer makes the decision to purchase and consume a particular brand. This implies analyzing the key points of contact between the brand and customers, which leads to the desired profitability of the behavior of targeted customers. This paper presents the results of a research conducted in 2018, within the relevant group of respondents, for the automotive oil and lubricant industry and the observed brand Nisotec. The obtained results indicated the complexity of the decision-making process of targeted customers, because they differ in the manner and degree of traditional and digital media use, customer behavior and attitude towards the industry and other interests, which conditions the brand response in terms of creating an optimal strategy of integrated marketing communications.
Design and packaging: An important factor in consumer behavior when buying juices
Authors: Činjarević Merima , Agić Emir , Dizdarević Enisa , Alić Adi , Halilbašić Muamer
Published: November 2023

The primary purpose of this research is to investigate the consumers’ implicit taste associations (sweetness. freshness, and naturalness) towards the color of product packaging in the context of the non-alcoholic beverage product category – orange juice. Moreover, the current research aims to assess how incongruity, as opposed to congruity, between the color package and product color-code/norm may shape a consumer's evaluation (liking/disliking) of a product. The findings indicate that green appears to be the color that would lead to the highest perception of freshness and naturalness. In contrast, grey is the color implicitly associated with artificial flavors and perceived to be stale. The results of this study do not provide evidence for the existence of color/taste correspondences in terms of perceived sweetness. Also, findings suggest that incongruent (atypical) color package – white, might lead to more favorable consumer attitudinal responses than the product’s color-code package – orange. The current research offers relevant insights for both researchers and practitioners.
The Effect of Fertilizer Subsidy, Food Credit, and Government Expenditure on Infrastructure towards Food Security
Authors: Karina Galuh Gusti , Syahnur Sofyan
Published: November 2023

This research aims to examine how fertilizer subsidy, food credit, and government expenditure on infrastructure affect the food security in Aceh province (Indonesia) by using a dynamic model based on Error Correction Model method. This research classifies food security into supply side and demand side. The availability of energy and protein is the supply side and the consumption of energy and protein is demand side. Using time series data, the findings of this research is the majority of variables have a favorable effect on Aceh's food security both the supply and demand sides. As a result, short-term food security is more consistent than long-term food security.
Repo rates as reference interest rates: testing the expectations hypothesis of the term structure of interest rates
Authors: Nenadovic Sanja
Published: November 2023

The subject of this paper is the consideration of the role of the repo market and the quality of repo rates in the formation of reference interest rates that would be used to assess the value of financial instruments and derivatives. Unsecured money markets carry a certain level of risk, thus, the question arises whether the existing reference interest rates should be replaced by repo rates or other interest rates on secured loans. Reference interest rates on the money market play an important role in a country's monetary policy. Through operations on the short-term money market, Central Banks try to influence interest rates with long maturities. One of the most well-known theories that considers the question of the relationship between short-term and long-term interest rates is the expectations hypothesis. In this paper, expectations hypothesis is tested on the example of daily data of overnight interest rates related to secured interbank loans. Two samples were used, and term premiums were estimated for both short-term (up to one year using LIBOR interest rates) and long-term maturities (from two to ten years using ICE swap interest rates). The hypothesis is tested using two econometric tests proposed by Campbell and Shiller (1991). The tests were also applied to the overnight interest rates of interbank loans that are not secured, in order to get a better comparative picture. The results show that collateralized interest rates are good indicators of benchmark interest rates, and in some cases even more accurate predictors of long-term interest rates.
The Quest towards Obtaining a Competitive Advantage in Organizations through Managing the Human Capital
Authors: Wilson Nikaela , Vuksanović Herceg Iva
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper was to shed light on how managing human capital can contribute to obtaining a competitive advantage in organizations. This was done by conducting a literature review by examining and synthesizing the available literature from various research and scholars. Moreover, it included research into the different perspectives pertaining to the elements and approaches of human capital as it relates to competitive advantage in organizations. The literature reveals that Human capital plays a significant role as a contributor to obtaining a competitive advantage in organizations, which ensures high quality in the selection and recruitment of employees. Based on the literature, certain challenges may be encountered regarding human capital, and these challenges may inhibit the attainment of competitive advantages. Furthermore, the paper brings to light the approaches to utilizing human capital to achieve a competitive advantage. The Resource base view and the Human capital theory were the approaches discussed and considered relevant in navigating human capital towards a competitive stance. The distinctive character of the organization could be realized through the human capital concept; investing in employees bring about new ideas and solutions to the organization. While other resources are owned by the organization, such as technology and equipment, the human capital emanates from the employment relationship and could not be regarded as organizational-owned property but is also privy to its success. Human capital is viewed as an essential component of intellectual capital. Industry 4.0 was also seen as an important contributor to competitive advantage as the advanced technology seems to employ more modern ways of getting the job done. Even though advanced technology is necessary, among other factors, the quest towards the achievement of competitive advantage lies in the role of adequately managing human capital because human capital neutralizes threats, exploits opportunities, and enhances organizational efficiency that has the potential to lead to a competitive advantage.
Business Process Innovation of Serbian Entrepreneurial Firms
Authors: Paunović Mihailo , Lazarević- Moravčević Marija , Mosurović Marija
Published: November 2023

Innovations are vital for the improvements in living standards and can affect not only individuals but also institutions, economic sectors, and the whole country in many ways. This paper investigates the innovation performances of Serbian entrepreneurial firms. It focuses on business process innovations related to product and business process development. The sample consists of Serbian start-ups, which were founded in 2015, from five industries. The data about these entrepreneurial firms were collected via a questionnaire. The respondents assessed various statements about product and business process development innovations on a five-point Likert scale (1-strongly disagree; 5-strongly agree). The statements were derived from several indicators within the Balanced Scorecard’s process perspective. They were modified to fit the new definition of business process innovation provided by the OECD/Eurostat (2018) and according to the context of Serbian entrepreneurial firms. The statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, frequencies, reliability analysis, and One-way ANOVA. The results indicate that most of the entrepreneurial firms introduced the innovations that enabled them to operate more efficiently, improve their processes, establish certain routines, respond to customer complaints faster than their competitors, and develop a product or a service more quickly than their competitors. No statistically significant differences were found regarding introducing business process innovations among the entrepreneurial firms from different industries. This paper can help policymakers assess the contribution of innovation to economic goals, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their innovation policies.
Key Features and Challenges of the China-Western Balkan Countries Merchandise Trade Development
Authors: Jovičić Elena , Stojanović Danijela
Published: November 2023

The economic growth and development of the Western Balkan largely depend on the integration of national economies into international trade flows. Bearing in mind the expanding presence of China in the Western Balkan countries and the considerable increase in bilateral trade over the previous decade, it is of great importance to focus on the strategies for overcoming main challenges and fostering more balanced trade in the forthcoming period.  Regarding that, the main aim of the research was to analyze trade flows and patterns and investigate the trade intensity between the Western Balkan countries and China. Furthermore, the research attempted to determine the main challenges and to consider the strategic approach to their overwhelming, including better exploiting the opportunities provided by trade cooperation with China in the rapidly changing global environment.

The paper used desk research - a descriptive analysis of data on merchandise trade between six Western Balkans countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Serbia) and China. The analysis was based on the data available in the UN Comtrade and Trade Map statistical databases for the period 2016-2021. In addition, the Trade intensity index (TTI) was also used in the paper in order to discover how intensively the Western Balkan countries were trading with China.

However, despite the rapid trade growth with China, its share in the WB countries' total trade remains at a relatively low level of about 7%. The trade deficit also increased significantly, indicating a deepening of the asymmetry in the economic relations of the observed countries. Although the trade intensity index (TII) confirms the deepening of trade relations, the TII value of 0.24 in 2021 indicates that trade between the Western Balkans and China is still under-represented and there is considerable room for improvement.
Managers’ Attitudes on Sustainable Development Concept Application in Trading Companies
Authors: Staletović Maja , Bačevac Srećko , Stevanović Mirjana , Pantelić Ljubica
Published: November 2023

Trading companies face various challenges brought by the modern environment. For this reason, the trading company managers try to adapt their business to various requirements of the environment. This is supported by the fact that recently there has been a global change in the structure of retail, with evidence in the following examples: new sales formats have appeared, there are new categories of retail companies, sales facilities are modernized, soft information is emphasized, flexibility and innovation in business are encouraged, the role of interest groups is valued, unpredictability is accepted as the norm of functioning, the offer of trade mark products is expanded, etc. However, as economic, environmental and social problems gain more and more importance, another very important topic that captures the attention of business managers is sustainable development concept application. Doing business in accordance with the rules of sustainable development implies that trading companies base their work on ecological and moral principles of sustainable social communities. In accordance with the importance that sustainable development concept has today, the aim of the paper is based on the analysis of attitudes of employees in management positions in trading companies in the Republic of Serbia regarding the application of economic, ecological and social dimensions of sustainable development. The research results showed that the application of certain elements of sustainable development basic dimensions in their trading companies has been evaluated by the managers as good.
Enhancing Women's Economic Empowerment through G-WiN Project: Research Report
Authors: Achakpa Priscilla , Radović-Marković Mirjana
Published: November 2023

The lack of women empowerment calls for research by scholars and policy makers. This article explores the impact of G-WiN project on women economic empowerment in Nigeria. We used questionnaire, interview, web surveys, and direct observation in data collection. Key findings of the study showed that lack of skills and political and economic power affect the marginalization of women in Nigeria. Based on the research results, it was concluded that G-WiN Project plays a critical role in the economic development of women. In line with this, the study recommends that implementation of this and similar programs can support women and girls and  improve their position in society.
Creative Accounting in Income Statement: the Case of Entrepreneurs in Serbia
Authors: Stašević Nastasja , Stavanović Slavica
Published: November 2023

Financial reports represent the main base for the decision-making process taken from users of financial statements. When financial statements contain wrong information, or they do not contain pieces of information at all, that can result in wrong decisions. Quality of financial reporting implies that the financial statements need to be compiled by with applicable legal, professional, and internal regulations. Creative accounting techniques include increasing or decreasing expenses, overstating assets, or early recognition of income.

The primary purpose of this paper is to identify the existence of creative financial reporting and its main techniques used by entrepreneurs in Serbia. Considering the unique way of the financial reporting of the entrepreneurs in Serbia, in the paper were analyzed income statements from ten entrepreneurs containing men and women. The research included a horizontal analysis of the income statements, sales growth index, which shows the possibility of creative accounting among the entrepreneurs and the analysis of average financial costs for five years. The central hypothesis is the existence of creative accounting, but not to create or show better results, but to show worse financial results to minimize tax liability.