bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF X-Mesh POLYPROPYLENE FIBER ON THE PROPERTIES OF ROAD CONCRETE
Authors: Tolmachov Serhi , Belichenko Olena , Diadiushko Roman
Published: May 2022

Road and airfield pavements are subject to constantly increasing vehicle loads, aswell as aggressive liquid media and temperatures. Under these conditions, the search for andimprovement of new types of cement concretes that are able to withstand these influences for severaldecades is urgent. First of all, such concretes include fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). The articlediscusses the advantages and disadvantages of using various types of fiber in the technology of heavycement concretes. Basalt or polymer fibers are most often used in road concrete. Steel fibers are notcommonly used due to possible corrosion of metal fibers. The use of basalt fiber gives an effect ifthere is a large amount of it (more than 6 kg/m3). But this leads to difficulties in their uniformdistribution in the volume of concrete mixture and increases the cost of concrete. Therefore, the useof polymer fiber is promising. It is shown that there is no consensus regarding the effectiveness ofusing fibers longer than 20 mm. Therefore, in the experiments, we used X-Mesh polymer fiber withlengths of 23 and 39 mm, with a fiber diameter of 100...150 µm. Experimental studies have shownthat X-Mesh fibers can form a structural framework within concrete. Therefore, when this fiber isintroduced into the composition of concrete, its compressive strength does not decrease, in contrastof concretes with other types of fiber. In addition, X-Mesh fiber disperse reinforces the concretestructure, which leads to an increase in flexural strength by 22 %. FRC strength studies have shownthat the optimal amount of X-Mesh fiber is 1.5 kg/m3. It has also been shown that polypropylene fiberswith lengths of 23 and 39 mm have the same positive effect on the properties of road concrete. It wasfound that X-Mesh fiber is capable of entraining an additional amount of air, which leads to adecrease the average density of concrete by 3 %, but increases its frost resistance. Despite theadditional air entrainment, the water absorption of concrete does not exceed 2.5 %.
MODELING, DESIGN AND TESTING TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE HELICOPER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM
Authors: Cherednikov Volodymyr , Cherednikova Oleksandra
Published: May 2022

During the operation of the helicopter in tropical climate (African countries) showedthat the water cooling system of the helicopter engine was worked inefficiently in the hover mode or athigh outdoor temperatures. Inefficiency is a limitation of hovering time or time of horizontal flight. Asa result, the flight had to be interrupted due to heating of the engine to a critical temperature. In orderto safely operate the helicopter in conditions of heightened air temperatures, it was necessary toupgrade the engine cooling system.In the article, the sequence of 3D modeling, design and testing of the cooling system of theinternal combustion engine (ICE) of a helicopter is presented with the aim of increasing the limits ofits application in countries with a tropical climate. The main purpose was obtaining more efficientcooling system of the ICE by increasing in heat removal from it. It was done constructively byincreasing the air flow through the radiator by more powerful fans with efficient blades and by usingof a radiator with high heat transfer. Based on the availability of cooling system components in themodern market, two variants of its design solution were proposed.The creation of a new cooling system went in two stages: a preliminary design and a prototype(working design) for two design options: the first cooling system with TEMIC fans and the secondcooling system with SPAL fans. At the first stage, the possibility of installing these systems on ahelicopter was determined, and in the second stage, detailed 3D modeling was created to makeworking drawings. After the production of variants of the new cooling system and their installation onhelicoptersю. The next step the testing were consisted of 3 stages: verification of the efficiency andeffectiveness of the variants of the new cooling system; determination of the maximum coolingcapacity of variants of the new cooling system; checking the efficiency and functionality of theautomatic engine temperature control unit.The most effective of both options was found by the results of their modeling, design and testing.Subsequently, it version of the cooling system was applied to the helicopter. That allowed increasingthe upper limit of operating temperatures to plus 45˚C.
TECHNOLOGIES OF WOOD WASTE INCINERATION IN LOW POWER BOILERS
Authors: Dzhyoiev Rafael Levanovich
Published: May 2022

The analysis of ways of burning wood waste and waste of vegetable origin, biomassand their energy potential are given. Possibilities of reconstruction and modernization of gas boilerunits of Ukraine about burning biomass and wood waste were studied. The scheme of solid fuelcogeneration power plant with wood waste incineration has been developed. The high energyintensity of Ukraine's GDP and the lack of its own fuel resources determine its dependence on energysupplies. Therefore, the current policy of involving local fuels and renewable energy sources (RES)in the fuel and energy balance of municipal and municipal energy. The use of wood and plant biomasswaste in the housing system (boilers) will reduce the consumption of imported natural gas. Moderntechnologies provide efficient incineration of wood waste, but their use is determined by thecharacteristics of fuel and capacity of commercial boilers. The most effective methods andtechnologies of thermal processing of wood waste are being developed. High gas prices in 2021 arecaused by rising prices for rare earth metals and other elements used in renewable energy: lithiumby 400 %, silicon – 300 %, aluminum – 37 %, cobalt – 85 %, neodymium – 58 %, magnesium - 9,copper – 25 %, zinc and nickel – 25 %.Renewable energy also needs the resources from which windmills and solar panels are made.70 % of windmills and solar panels are made of metals and alloys and their cost will affect the costof generating new RES capacity.Analysis of the reasons for the increase in prices for components for RES shows that with risingprices for fossil fuels (gas, oil, coal) and increasing construction of RES, prices for lithium, cobaltand other elements increase. At the same time, rare earth reserves are limited and concentrated inseveral countries (China, Austria, Bolivia, Chile, Brazil, Congo) and therefore these countries havea stricter pricing policy.
A Comparative Analysis of User Experience of the Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Moodle E-Learning Platforms
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Deželak Zdenko , Parusheva Silvia ,   University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria, Ashok Anjana ,   University of Economics - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria, Bobek Samo ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Sternad Zabukovšek Simona ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

Lately, user experience (UX) has become an important and frequently used approach to determine the perception of digital products and services. UX measures what users feel and sense directly while getting to know and using these products and services regularly. In this study, which was conducted in Slovenia and in Bulgaria, we have researched the UX of students related to the Microsoft Teams (MS Teams), Google Meet and Moodle e-learning platforms. We used a standard and freely available User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) that was developed to measure the UX of interactive products and services. The preliminary research showed that the MS Teams obtained the highest score among all the measured UX scales. Google Meet had slightly lower values, while Moodle had the lowest average values. The data also show that in terms of pragmatic quality, MS Teams was rated the best followed by Moodle and Google Meet. The students find Google Meet the weakest in terms of the quality of its task-related aspects. The hedonic quality data shows MS Teams first, followed by Google Meet and Moodle. The results of the research have been analysed and discussed, and future research suggestions have been defined.
Corporate Governance in the COVID-19-Era Through the Prism of NonFinancial Reporting
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Primec Andreja , Belak Jernej ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

Non-financial reporting is undoubtedly an essential institutional measure aimed at socially responsible corporate governance and thus at the sustainable development of corporations and society in general. Large corporations were required to disclose information on non-financial performance in their 2017 financial report for the first time. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused socio-economic damage, exposed workers' vulnerability, and highlighted the fragility of supply chains. In this paper, the authors have analysed the practice of selected Slovenian corporations in non-financial reporting by observing the companies' disclosed non-financial data during the 2020 epidemic. The aim of this study is to consider how well corporations have adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 epidemic. The results of the case study will show how the selected Slovenian corporations are striving to consider the interests of workers in their governance in times of emergencies such as the COVID-19 epidemic. Moreover, in light of the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), these results will provide a good starting point for future research into whether the selected Slovenian corporations are on the right path towards sustainable corporate governance and/or what they need to change in this area to achieve their goals.
Defining and Evaluating the Information Content of Sustainability Reports
Authors:   University of Sopron, Alexandre Lamfalussy Faculty of Economics, Sopron, Hungary, Mattiasich-Szokoli Enikő , Szóka Károly ,   University of Sopron, Alexandre Lamfalussy Faculty of Economics, Sopron, Hungary
Published: May 2022

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is a company framework that focuses on environmental, social and corporate governance sustainability. Incorporating ESG into company operations plays a significant role in investment decision-making and can provide a significant advantage over competitors. The challenge is that the ESG does not yet have uniform standards, but several international initiatives have been launched to develop these standards. The European Union's ESG reporting framework is already being developed and is expected to enter into force in 2023. The purpose of reporting is to show how the company fits into its global sustainability goals. The number and depth of ESG topics is significant. The chosen framework will determine which topics are relevant to the company. The aim of our study is to identify and examine financial, economic information and possibilities and methods from which the objectives set out in the Sustainability Report can be verified for both internal and external stakeholders; in this paper we deal with the private sector only. It is important to note that the preparation of a sustainability report will be dataintensive and successful reporting will depend on existing, welldesigned reporting systems.
Digitisation – an Important Tool for the Transformation of Society in Terms of Sustainable Development
Authors:   University of Economics in Bratislava, Faculty of Economic Informatics, Department of Accounting and Auditing, Bratislava, Slovakia, Lovciová Kornélia
Published: May 2022

In the post-pandemic period, greater emphasis has been placed around the world on addressing environmental and societal issues, leading to a stronger perception of society's impact on environmental protection. One of the strategic plans for how the government of the Slovak Republic can contribute to the start of rapid and sustainable economic growth after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia is the Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Slovak Republic. The role of the Green Economy within the Slovak Recovery and Resilience Plan is to support environmental sustainability, while the transformation of society into a digital society and ‘digitisation’ itself is considered a significant green innovation in a sustainable business environment with a positive impact on environmental protection. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the key area of public policy digitisation, because its successful implementation in society has a significant impact on the Slovak legislation in the field of accounting.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Arm's Length Principle
Authors:   University of Sopron, István Széchenyi Economics and Management Doctoral School, Sopron, Hungary, Tóth Rita , Kovács Tamás ,   University of Sopron Alexandre Lamfalussy Faculty of Economics, Sopron, Hungary
Published: May 2022

The wide-ranging economic impacts of the COVID19 pandemic suggest that previous analysis methods such as the arm’s length principle can no longer be fully applied in the usual way. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has disrupted companies’ accounting, administration, and controlling systems. These systems are essential for analysing the prices applied to related companies. Comparative data evaluation over time is essential to understanding an economic entity. The different measures governments have implemented to contain the epidemic and help businesses to operate have disrupted the economy. Thus, the year-on-year business performance is no longer comparable using annual historical data. Considering future changes in contractual relations analysis is also necessary because nontransitory factors should also be assessed. These factors are incorporated in the countervalue of pricing, which also changes the cost price calculation methodology. Determining force majeure situations is crucial in contracts since its assessment is a legal problem, even for independent undertakings. This paper aims to show how national GDP data help examine the application of the arm’s length principle. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, internal comparative prices, pricing mechanisms and pricing principles have become more valued than the use of external comparables. This trend is expected to continue.
The Views of Generation Z on Progression at Work
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Šket Robert , Nedelko Zlatko ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the views of Generation Z in relation to progression at work. Based on a field survey of 113 business students. Generation Z members are encouraged to work hard, take responsibility and learn continuously as an appropriate way of increasing their chances of promotion at work. Their flexibility and intention to achieve to change their work environment if it does not suit them or does not allow them to achieve their goals. Difficult tasks present challenges that they want to overcome. Generation Z’s motivation is declining rapidly, therefore constant encouragement is important to improve satisfaction and help organisations to achieve their goals. Due to their specific characteristics and habits, this generation will play a key role in the future in helping companies achieve their goals and establishing or improving their reputation and visibility in society. Companies will need to offer their employees value for money, otherwise they will lose quality staff and be plunged into crisis.
Sustainable Learning and the Cultivation of Students’ Core Literacy From the Perspective of Comprehensive Learning: The Application of Multimedia in a Flipped Classroom
Authors:   Dalian Minzu University, International Business College, Dalian, Liaoning, China, Zhang Juyong , Zou Jing ,   Dalian Minzu University, International Business College, Dalian, Liaoning, China
Published: May 2022

Cultivating students’ core literacy is the ultimate goal of education. It is restricted by multiple factors and it is necessary to consider that students at different stages have different physiological and physical characteristics. Studies have a great impact on the teaching process. Therefore, this article analyses the various factors that cultivate students’ core literacy in classroom teaching under multiple influencing factors with multimedia at the core. It also tracks and researches the sustainable development of students through a case analysis and the characteristics of relevant survey data, using Stata tools for empirical analysis. Finally, feasible measures are provided for the formation of a flipped classroom teaching that cultivates students’ core literacy.
Modelling Users’ Preferences Towards Autonomous Vehicles
Authors:   University of Szeged, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Szeged, Hungary, Ujházi Tamás
Published: May 2022

The demand for autonomous vehicles (AVs) will most likely grow in the upcoming years, thus revolutionising transport. As highlighted by KPMG and many academics, one of the key factors of the mass implementation of AVs is their public acceptance. As a result, there is a growing body of literature investigating consumer acceptance of AVs. The authors of these studies mostly use various versions of the available technology acceptance models. However, there is a limitation to using these models to investigate the consumer acceptance of AVs, since they assume that the respondents have real-life experience of using the given technology, which is not the case with AVs. In this pilot research, the author uses conjoint analysis, which is widely applied to better understand users’ preferences during product development and research. The product attributes are formed according to the independent variables of the model of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Eighteen cards were created with a combination of different attribute levels. These cards were evaluated by 202 respondents in two steps. It was found that this research model is capable of measuring users’ preferences towards AVs, and safety is the most important factor in the decision-making process.
How to Deal with luxury and prestige Goods in Business?
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, List Alen , Potočan Vojko ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

The luxury goods market is growing constantly, despite the fact that there is no unified definition of the basic terms such as ’luxury’ and ’prestige’. This can lead to misunderstandings and wrongly created synonyms. It is for this reason that, from an academic and organisational point of view, there is a distinct need to define the fundamental concepts and their differences in relation to the world of luxury and the luxury market, which is the main goal of this paper. The paper is constructed as a review paper. It begins with a comparison of various authors’ views and definitions of ‘luxury’ and ‘luxury goods’. This is followed by defining the terms ‘prestige’ and ‘prestige goods’ by reviewing authors’ discussions based on this area. The research paper concludes with the design of a model for the future treatment of such goods in business. The term ‘luxury’ is a wide concept that has evolved over time. To understand the meaning of luxury, it must be understood as a whole. Prestige, meanwhile, goes hand in hand with the luxury goods market. This paper contributes to a better understanding of luxury and prestige goods in academic science, which can be applied for organisational purposes.
Strengthening Guests’ Perceived Value Through Restaurants’ Innovativeness, Creativity, Sustainability and Local Features
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Basle Nuša , Lebe Sonja ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Milfelner Borut ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

This research deals with a rarely discussed topic: upscale gastronomy. The field is under-researched due to the restrictions imposed by restaurant owners who primarily do not allow researchers to have direct contact with their guests, thus assuring them an undisturbed, private atmosphere. Despite this fact, the authors of this study were successful in assuring partners within upscale restaurants (among them holders of Michelin stars and holders of other awards) who agreed to cooperate. The aim was to verify the relationships between innovativeness, creativity, sustainability and local features as important competences of upscale gastronomy. The reliability, convergence and discriminant validity of the scales were tested by using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. The results confirmed that a) innovativeness and creativity could potentially be an important antecedent of the perceived sustainability of upscale restaurants, b) innovativeness and creativity also influence the level of included local features in upscale gastronomy, and c) if guests perceive a restaurant as more sustainable and more related to its local environment, they also perceive the upscale restaurant as having higher value. In this study, sustainability and local features played a mediating role in the impact of innovativeness and creativity on perceived value.
Does it Pay Off? Tool-supported Profitability Analysis of Alternative Drive Technologies
Authors:   Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (LUBS), Ludwigshafen, Germany, Bongard Stefan , Friesenhahn Andreas ,   Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (LUBS), Ludwigshafen, Germany, Wolff Jacob ,   Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (LUBS), Ludwigshafen, Germany
Published: May 2022

The Corona crisis led to a variety of challenges in the logistics sector due to volatile demand and changes in demand behavior, as well as strong cost increases. In this respect, there is increasing pressure to reduce these costs in the future through innovative solutions. For road freight transport, the question arises as to whether alternative drives can achieve the goal of cost reductions and also have positive effects on climate protection. Logistics service providers are therefore not only faced with the problem of selecting a specific technology (e.g. Battery Electric Vehicles or Fuel Cell Vehicles) but above all with the problem of economic efficiency and evaluation of climate impacts. The aim of this project is to support the selection of alternative drives in corporate practice with a pragmatic practical approach. The Excel-based tool is characterized by the use of a direct costing based approach with fixed and variable costs as well as the structured collection of basic data (e.g. energy prices) and sample vehicle data for comparisons. As initial results of the case studies conducted shows, it can be stated that there are already use cases in which an alternative drive offers economic advantages over conventional combustion engine vehicles.
The Impactof Home-based Work on Stressat Work and Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Slovenia
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Januš Simon , Sitar Aleša Saša ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

t This study examines the relationships between homebased work, stress at work and burnout among workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovenia. Mediation analysis was conducted to test the proposed relationships. The study includes 446 employees from 56 organisations. The results support the proposed hypotheses and show that employees who constantly worked from home experienced higher levels of stress and consequently burnout than employees who did not or rarely worked from home. In addition, the results show that stress at work mediates the relationship between home-based work and burnout experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study contributes to the discussion of the relationship between home-based work and stress at work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research findings have important implications for managers considering home-based work arrangements for their employees after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critical Success Factors of Document Management Systems Considering the Maturity of the Organisation
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Jordan Sandra , Sternad Zabukovšek Simona ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

The paper addresses the introduction of paperless business, which is one of the important steps for organisations to accelerate the implementation of business processes, achieve better control over documents and ensure safer operations. The basis for the transition to paperless business is a good information solution called Document Management System(s) (DMS), which allows users to work more quickly, easily and save time. At the same time, there are many examples of unsuccessful or partially successful implementation of DMS in all areas of business information solutions. The key purpose of this paper is to evaluate the critical success factors and to what extent they affect paperless business as well as to evaluate the extent to which the implementation of paperless business is influenced by an organisation’s maturity. The authors of this paper researched the critical success factors when introducing DMS in connection with the assessment of the maturity of an organisation. Since the field of DMS is highly present and to date relatively little research has been carried out, the authors believe that research in this field will contribute to more successful implementation and use of DMS by organisations and to reducing the number of unsuccessful or partially successful implementations.
Artificial Intelligence Effects on Inventory Planning of Sensitive Products
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Domanjko Žan , Perko Igor ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

Pharmaceutical companies invested heavily in research and development, nowadays their funds are mostly allocated in the supply chain management. Inventory forecasting using AI focuses on optimising supply chain processes and mitigating operational risks related to the treatment of sensitive products. The purpose of this research is to comprehensively examine the processes and important factors that influence the implementation of forecasting and optimising inventories. The objectives identify data sources, examine data information flows, review appropriate forecasting models and analyse inventory optimisation-related metrics that could be applied in manufacturing companies. In this paper, the authors review the latest literature in the areas of sales forecasting, inventory optimisation and related forecasting models and metrics, with special emphasis on AI models. The literature review includes publications of scientific research results as well as reports on the development results of the applied inventory optimisation solutions in the industry. The research results will be useful for conducting applied research in a selected company, addressing the complex issue of managing a supply chain, as well as the production and storage of perishable materials and products. Results will be useful in research aimed at improving the forecasting of the inventory of sensitive products and consequentially increasing business efficiency.
Leadership Competency Framework for Industry 4.0 in the PostCOVID-19 Scenario
Authors:   University of Warsaw, Faculty of Management, Warsaw, Poland, Majczyk Julita
Published: May 2022

There is no single and ultimate leadership competencies framework, although expectations are evolving for such a framework, as can be observed in both scientific articles and reports on competencies for Industry 4.0 (I4.0). The aim of this study is to identify the leadership skills perceived as essential for I4.0 and describe the changes in the leadership skills curriculum caused by the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The author collected data from purposely drawn samples of nurturing leader process owners using in-depth individual interviews. A total of 26 programme owners from 22 large economic entities, in which the leadership development programmes (LDPs) operate, participated in the research. Qualitative data analysis was used to establish the effect of COVID-19 on the competencies for I4.0. Data indicate that the design of LDPs did not pay attention to the determinants of the economic environment known as I4.0, however, the LDP curriculum reflects the concepts and theories considered contemporary. However, the pandemic has affected the perception of a leader’s role as a caregiver. Therefore, the competencies added to the curriculum focus on building and maintaining positive relationships. Qualitative research does not allow for broad generalisations. Sample size, context of large companies, and perceptual data are additional limitations.
Health and Safety at Work in Times of Remote Work
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Hrast Nomi , Šarotar Žižek Simona ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

In recent years, there have been upheavals and a change in the way work and tasks are performed. Employees and companies have had to become much more innovative and adaptable to be able to survive, despite the changes brought about by the global situation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, matters took a turn for the worse, as most companies carried out teleworking to ensure health and safety at work, while companies continued to provide a safe working environment. The personal responsibility of individuals is not only to ensure their own health but also to meet the requirements of health and safety at work, thus families had to adjust and adapt around work in such a way as to meet these requirements. In this paper, the authors describe three important components that marked work during the COVID-19 period: remote work, health and safety during teleworking, and personal responsibility. Through three main topics, the authors provide answers to questions about work that affects health and safety at work, while also covering the findings of statistics from the field of work performance and the importance of personal responsibility in ensuring health and safety at work during remote work.
Ergonomic Arrangement of the Office Workplace
Authors:   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Jaklin Stella , Kramberger Pija ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Kostanjevec Katja ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Klančnik Alin ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia
Published: May 2022

The main aim of this paper is to introduce the importance of ergonomic design of the office workplace and its impact on employee health. The discussion is based on the knowledge that a properly ergonomically designed office has a posivite impact on individual health. Ergonomics is the interdisciplinary study of workloads and the search for relief when the workload causes discomfort or even exceeds the permissible limit. An ergonomically incorrect office can cause a number of accidents and health problems for individuals. The aim of ergonomics is to adapt work to the potential and needs of people in the workplace, to ensure their safety and health. It is important to know the correct positioning of the elements in the office space, i.e. chair, desk, screen, mouse, keyboard. Proper regulation prevents health problems and increases employee satisfaction, productivity and engagement. This paper should also trigger questions about how to increase the knowledge and uptake of ergonomics in the workplace.
Applying Sustainability Knowledge and Skills to Post-COVID Challenges
Authors:   Northern Arizona University, San Francisco, United States of America, Parnell Roderic
Published: May 2022

The term “wicked problems” describes urgent challenges that are ill-defined, dynamic, complex, public, and often intractable. They stem from interconnected economic, social and environmental problems. Sustainability professionals take a transdisciplinary approach to creating a more sustainable society when dealing with wicked problems like climate change, water policy, resource management, biodiversity, and sustainable development. As society adapts to the complexities of a postCOVID world, it has become increasingly important to incorporate broader perspectives in decision-making. With the many interconnected issues of health, economics, and politics left in the wake of COVID-19, the business community must examine the role of corporate responsibility in addressing these problems. Business can look to the field of sustainability science for tools to help with this. Sustainability is oriented toward problem-solving on a variety of scales, from entrepreneurial niche innovation to global accords. Sustainability expertise will tackle wicked problems evolving in the post-COVID-19 economy - the flow of raw materials through the economy and the development of social resources to address issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Sustainability skills can be used to more efficiently acquire and use raw materials through the improved application of circular economy principles. Examples include how to use blockchain technology to create a more effective supply chain. Sustainability science also emphasises interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. These skills improve the acquisition and understanding of stakeholder perspectives, bridging differences in perspectives and vocabularies. Intrapersonal skills help to develop attitudes of community engagement and corporate responsibility, teaching how to incorporate stakeholder concerns in personal decision making. Sustainability professionals strive to build a more resilient, robust, efficient, and most importantly, effective society. A key focus is on building interactive networks and promoting community engagement and social responsibility.
Prosocial and Pro-environmental Outcomes of Higher Education in the Post-COVID World
Authors:   University of Split, Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism (FEBT), Split, Croatia, Alfirević Nikša
Published: May 2022

This presentation seeks to uncover if prosocial and pro-environmental outcomes of higher education in business and economics could be associated with business school activities in the field of Responsible Management Education (RME). These could include the teaching of business ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility and related subjects, as well as business school research and different practical ways of involving business schools in showing their commitment to RME. The presentation focuses on the UN PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) and how their implementation could support the prosocial and proenvironmental outcomes of higher education in business and economics. Recent and forthcoming research on the prosocial and pro-environmental outcomes of higher education in business and economics is reviewed, and based on the research results, the question of the 'new normal' in (business) ethics is posed: how should business schools frame their RME-related activities in the world, and to what extent are they currently being re-shaped by the challenges of the COVID pandemic and threats to the global, rules-based international order?
Regulation of the Digital Market in Post-COVID Times
Authors:   University of Montenegro, Faculty of Economics, Podgorica, Montenegro, Lazović Vujica , Bobek Samo ,   University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, Maribor, Slovenia, Rondović Biljana ,   University of Montenegro, Faculty of Economics, Podgorica, Montenegro, Djuričković Tamara ,   University of Montenegro, Faculty of Economics, Podgorica, Montenegro
Published: May 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of e-business and the digital economy came to the fore. It is certain that the growth of the digital economy will continue in postCOVID times. This raises many questions and challenges, one of which is especially important – the tendency of monopolisation in the digital market and possible regulation related to it. In this paper, the authors have dealt with this topic by presenting it as paradox: digital giants or ‘Big Tech’, created as start-ups on the waves of a competitive market of equal opportunities, have grown with the general support of consumers because their platforms offer connectivity and a more comfortable and interesting life full of creativity. In the meantime, they have become unstoppable monopolists making users/consumers dependent and subordinate with their privacy endangered. In the paper, the authors reveal the reasons for the monopolisation of the digital market as well as related problems faced by regulators. In addition, they analysed some of the approaches that individual countries are trying to apply, and suggest a possible scenario for how to reach quality and stable solutions for regulation at the global level.
Reduced atrazine doses combined with sorghum aqueous extracts inhibit emergence and growth of weeds
Authors:   University of Fort Hare, Tibugari H , Chiduza C , Mashingaidze AB ,   Chinhoyi University of Technology, Mabasa S ,   University of Zimbabwe
Published: May 2022

Combining low doses of herbicides with allelopathic plant extracts subject weeds to different mechanisms of action, which reduces herbicide resistance. The effects of reduced atrazine doses combined with sorghum aqueous extracts (sorgaab) from sorghum accessions IS9456, IS22320 and Mahube on emergence and growth of Bidens pilosa and Eleusine indica were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment at the University of Zimbabwe in 2017. Two experiments were set up as a 3 ˟ 5 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design testing sorghum varieties as sources of sorgaab, and five atrazine-sorgaab mixtures (100% sorgaab, 10% of the label recommended dosage (LRD) of atrazine for maize + 90% sorgaab, 30% LRD atrazine + 70% sorgaab, 100% LRD atrazine, and untreated check). Percent emergence, height, and total chlorophyll content in leaves significantly decreased (P<0.001) as influenced by sorghum variety in the order IS22320>Mahube>IS9456, for B. pilosa and E. indica. Sorghum variety significantly (P<0.001) affected dry weight of B. pilosa similarly to other parameters but did not significantly (P>0.05) affect dry weight of E. indica. Percent emergence, height, total chlorophyll content and plant dry weight significantly (P<0.001) decreased in the order untreated control>100% sorgaab>10% LRD atrazine + 90% sorgaab>30% LRD atrazine + 70% sorgaab>100% LRD atrazine. There were significant (P<0.05) effects of sorghum variety as source of sorgaab ˟ atrazine-sorgaab mixture interactions on B. pilosa emergence and height and E. indica height. There is potential to exploit sorghum allelopathy using aqueous extracts alone, and in mixture with reduced doses of atrazine in controlling certain weeds. However, the allelopathic efficacy of sorgaab was dependent on sorghum variety. The sorghum variety IS9456 possibly produces high amounts of water soluble allelochemicals, making it a suitable candidate for use in integrated weed management. Key words: Herbicides, reduced dose, sorghum, allelopathy, Eleusine indica, Bidens
Evaluation of wheat-pigeon pea flour blends for noodle production in Nigeria
Authors:   University of Nigeria, Uzodinma EO , Onwurafor EU , Amulu NF ,   Institute of Management and Technology, Nwosu AN , Amadi CC , Azuka CE
Published: May 2022

Inclusion of legume flours/starches in food formulations such as pastas, noodles, among others, assists in enhancing structure, texture and nutritional quality of the final products. Pigeon pea as a legume is still underutilized in Nigeria and most places in Africa. In this study, the effect of addition of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) flour (PPF) in various proportions into wheat flour (WF) for noodle production was evaluated with respect to selected chemical, cooking and sensory properties of the formulated products. Pigeon pea grains (1 kg) were cleaned and boiled in 3 L of tap water for 15 min. Boiled seeds were de-hulled and sun-dried for 3 days (average ambient temperature of 33.0 ± 2oC), milled and sieved (mesh size: 300 µm). Flour blends (WF: PPF) for noodle production were 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50; and 100% WF was used as control. Selected functional properties (Water absorption, swelling, oil absorption capacities and bulk density) of the flours were determined, while the noodles were subjected to chemical, cooking and sensory analyses using standard laboratory methods. Results indicated that more inclusion of the pigeon pea flour (PPF) gave rise to increasing water and oil absorption capacities. The 50:50 noodle had significantly (p<0.05) higher crude protein (15.68%); Magnesium (109.23 mg/100g) and iron (6.88 mg/100g) than the other noodle samples, while all the noodles had low fat contents. This could be an advantage to prevention of rancidity in the food products during storage and availability of noodles suitable for obese and diabetes Miletus Type 2 individuals. The 90:10 noodles had lower values of cooking time and yield but its cooking loss was higher than others. This underscores the benefit of PPF on improvement of texture of the noodles as the amount increased in the mixture. The 90:10 noodle blend was also more acceptable in all the sensory attributes than others. Therefore, utilization of PPF in composite noodle production in Nigeria and other developing countries can be recommended as this could support the effort towards food and nutrition security of households and communities. Key words: water absorption, cooking, flavour, flour, noodle blends, pigeon pea, product
Impact of fermentation and incorporation of cashew flour on the micronutrient and macronutrient contents of millet flour sold on the market: Case of the city of Yamoussoukro
Authors:   National Polytechnic Institute Félix Houphouët Boigny of Yamoussoukro, Sékou Traoré , Akaki KD , Koné KY , Soro D
Published: May 2022

The weaning period of an infant, which should begin from 7 months, is characterized by the gradual change from a liquid to a solid diet. After 6 months, the nutrients contained in breast milk are no longer sufficient to meet the growing demands of the infant. This is the ideal period for the introduction of a complementary food to make up for any deficiencies. To contribute to this situation, two groups, each consisting of five combinations of millet flour, enriched with cashew flour were formulated. The samples M100A0 (Unenriched millet flour), M92,5A7,5, M85A15, M77, 5A22,5 and M70A30 were enriched with 7.5%, 15%, 22,5% and 30% downgraded cashew flour, respectively. The samples MF100A0 (Unenriched fermented millet flour), MF92, 5A7,5, MF85A15, MF77, 5A22,5 and MF70A30 were constructed in a corresponding manner, the only difference being that the millet flour was fermented. After analyses of the different formulations, the best proportions of proteins were observed in MF70A30, MF77, 5A22, 5 and M70A30, which were 13.13%, 12.25% and 12.25%, respectively. Samples M70A30 and M77,5A22,5 exhibited the best iron contents of 8.44 ppm and 8.12 ppm, respectively. The protein contents of the unfortified samples M100A0 and MF100A0 were 7.53% and 6.13% respectively. Formulations MF70A30, M77,5A2,5 and M70A30 with levels of 1.06 ppm, 0.98 ppm and 0.98 ppm, respectively, gave the best zinc contents. The moisture contents of the formulated samples had minimal changes. They varied between 6.16 ± 0.06% and 7.6 ± 0.99% for unfermented samples, and between 6.35 ± 0.32% and 7.0 ± 0.02% for fermented samples. The humidity values of the two groups of samples were not significantly different at P≤0.05. These low moisture contents in the flours are important for better preservation. At the end of this study, certain formulations were selected because of their good nutritional profile. Thus the formulations M70A30 composed of 70% millet flour and 30% cashew flour and MF70A30 composed of 70% fermented millet flour and 30% cashew flour present the best options and could be used as quality infant flours. Key words : complementary food, infant, cashew kernel, weaning, millet flour
Profitability of bioethanol production using cassava (Manihot esculantus crantz) and sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) as raw material
Authors:   CSIR-Food Research Institute, Komlaga GA , Oduro I ,   Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ellis WO , Dziedzoave NT , Awunyo Vitor D , Djameh C ,   Inland Breweries Limited
Published: May 2022

Ethanol imports into developing countries such as Ghana over the past decade have been on the increase. Corn, sugarcane and wheat are major crops that are normally used globally to produce bioethanol. The use of cassava and sweet potato as raw materials for ethanol production has also been demonstrated. Cassava and sweet potato, which grow excellently in Sub-Saharan Africa, could therefore be used as excellent and readily available local raw material for ethanol production to replace the seventy (70) million litres and more of ethanol imported into Ghana in 2016 for various uses. The search for the optimum processing conditions to hydrolyse and ferment sugars from the starches in cassava and sweet potato had been the major focus of all the studies in the past. The price of ethanol produced with cassava and sweet potato compared to the price of ethanol produced with other feedstock in the global market would largely determine the competitiveness and sustainability of producing ethanol with cassava and sweet potato. The objective of this work is to evaluate the cost benefits of ethanol production using cassava and sweet potato as raw materials. Sika bankye (cassava variety) and Apomuden (sweet potato variety) were cultivated and harvested at ten (10) months and three (3) months maturity respectively for the study. Liquefaction, saccharification and fermentation of the cassava and sweet potato varieties to produce ethanol were carried out with Liquozyme SC DS, combination of Spirizyme Fuel and Viscozyme L and Bio-Ferm XR (Lallemand) yeast, respectively. The study indicates that the production of ethanol with a 1:1 mixture of cassava and sweet potato using a 10,000 litres per day capacity ethanol distilling plant generates a net profit of between 9% and 30% over a period of five years. The findings indicate that ethanol production with cassava and sweet potato is a profitable venture. Key words: Cassava, Profitability, Bioethanol processing, Sweet potato, Fermentation, Alcohol yield, Feedstock