bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forest Disturbance Mapping with Microwave Remote Sensing
Authors: Kaushik Kavita , Kumar Deepak
Published: August 2020

It is pre-requisite to conserve and protect the forest cover, therefore mapping of the forest distribution and monitoring of their temporal changes are also necessary. In the field of forestry, radar datasets have a high potential due to its ability to derive/extract information from the surface, sub-surface and even from the depth. The current work tries to utilize the capability of C-band radar datasets provided by Sentinel 1A/B mission to derive the required information for sensing the disturbances in the forest areas. Application of SAR or microwave remote sensing for forest disturbance mapping with dual-polarization is partially developed and have been attempted by limited researchers to process and interpret the derived results. Microwave datasets can map the areas with frequent cloud-cover due to its cloud penetrating capabilities in day-night operation mode. The present work tries to identify and locate the disturbances in forest areas to organize better understanding of detailed information for further analysis with the help of open archive microwave datasets incoherent to optical datasets.
Altersrationierung im Gesundheitswesen – ein wirtschaftsethisch vertretbarer Weg?
Authors: Noll Bernd , Wolf Sascha
Published: August 2020

Die im Alter exponentiell zunehmenden Krankheitskosten sind Anlass dafür, in alternden Gesellschaften mit medizinisch-technischem Fortschritt und steigenden Gesundheitswünschen der Bevölkerung neben anderen Rationierungsformen auch über altersabhängige Begrenzungen von Gesundheitsleistungen nachzudenken. Zuteilungsbeschränkungen sind generell moralsensible Entscheidungen, da Gesundheit unabhängig vom Alter der Person ein besonderes Gut ist, um persönliche Lebenspläne umsetzen zu können; sie weist neben privaten auch öffentliche und meritorische Gutseigenschaften auf. In der Debatte um Altersrationierungen werden utilitaristische, kontraktualistische und neoaristotelische Rechtfertigungsversuche vertreten. Alle Ansätze scheitern in einer wertepluralistischen Gesellschaft letztlich daran, dass sie ohne Rückgriff auf spezifische Wertprämissen nicht auskommen. Für altersmäßige Rationierungen bei aufwändigen, lebensverlängernden Therapien der Intensivmedizin sprechen allerdings pragmatische Vorzüge, zumal die Option privater Zusatzabsicherung bestehen würde.
Hematological and Oxidative Status Parameters in Domestic Dogs Naturally Infested by Rhipicephalus Sp.
Authors: Kebbi Rosa , Besseboua Omar , Belhadj-Kebbi Melaaz , Hassissen Lila , Ayad Abdelhanine
Published: August 2020

The present study was aimed to evaluate hematological and oxidative stress parameters in domestic dogs infested naturally (n=10) by Rhipicephalus sp. to compare with non-infested dogs (n=10). All blood samples were collected from brachial vein into tubes EDTA for the hematological analysis such as red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin (HGB) and platelets (PLT). Serum was rapidly separated after centrifugation and stored at -20 °C until it was used for malondialdehyde (MDA) and 2,2’-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) inhibition measurements. HGB in non-infested dogs was significantly higher than in infested dogs (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in RBCs, WBCs and PLT between both groups (P>0.05). The mean of MDA concentration was high in infested dogs (0.92±0.62 nmol/ml) compared to non-infested dogs (0.75±0.25 nmol/ml). On the other hand, the percentage of ABTS inhibition was similar in both groups (P=0.71). High tick number seems significantly affected WBCs (P<0.0001) and HGB (P<0.001) in infested dogs. Concerning oxidative status, there was no significant differences (P>0.05) between low and high infested dogs, neither in the amount of MDA nor in the ABTS inhibition. In conclusion, infested dogs induced RBCs alterations, which coincided with the oxidative damage, as evidenced by MDA serum levels. Also, there was a relationship between the tick number in infested dogs and the hematological parameters.
First-principles calculations to investigate structural, electronic and optical properties of (AlSb)m/(GaSb)n superlattices
Authors: Caid M. , Rached D.
Published: August 2020

The structural, electronic and optical properties of (AlSb)m/(GaSb)n (m-n: 1-1, 2-2, 1-3 and 3-1) superlattices are investigated within the density functional theory (DFT) by using the last version of the first principles full potential linear muffin tin orbital method (FP-LMTO) as implemented in LmtART 7.0 code. The exchange and correlation potential is treated by the local density approximation (LDA) for the total energy calculations. Our calculations of the band structure show that the superlattices (n ≠ 1) have a direct band gap Γ-Γ. The optical constants, including the dielectric function ϵ(w), the refractive index n(w) and the reflectivity R(w) are calculated and discussed.
Effective hydrogen gas sensor based on palladium nanoparticles dispersed on graphene sheets by spin coating technique
Authors: Inpaeng Saowaluk , Muangrat Worawut , Tedsree Karaked , Pfeiler Wolfgang , Chodjarusawad Thanawee , Issro Chaisak
Published: August 2020

A room-temperature hydrogen gas (H2) sensor was successfully fabricated by dispersion of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) on graphene sheets (GRs) (hereafter referred to as “Pd NPs/GRs”). GRs and Pd NPs were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition technique and by polyol process, respectively. A colloidal solution of Pd NPs with an average diameter of 11 nm was then dispersed onto the GRs by spin coating technique. The density of dispersed Pd NPs on GRs was controlled by varying the volume of the dispersed solution within the range of 50 – 150 μL. The fabricated Pd NPs/GRs sensors exhibited a high sensitivity for H2 gas with a concentration of 1500 – 6000 ppm at room temperature. Upon H2 exposure, the Pd NPs/GRs sensors showed an increase in electrical resistance, which could easily be measured. The relationship between sensor response and H2 concentration is in correspondence with the Langmuir adsorption model. The H2 detection limit is estimated to be 1 ppm. The results demonstrate that the Pd NPs/GRs sensor is an easily fabricated, but very effective means for room-temperature detection of H2at ppm level.
Industrial Noise as a Source of Threat in the Field of Blasting Technology in Coal Mines
Authors: Mocek Piotr
Published: August 2020

The publication presents partial results of hearing screening tests conducted in 2019 among employees of 37 hard coal mines located in the Śląskie and Małopolskie voivodships. The tests were carried out in different cities of both voivodships using the Mobile Hearing Diagnosis Center, which parked near the selected mine and specialized hearing diagnostics points of the ACSłuchmed Sp. z o. o. from Lublin. At the diagnostic points, detailed total audiometry tests were conducted on people diagnosed with hearing disorders as part of screening tests. The obtained results allowed to identify branches and workplaces with the highest risk of noise hazard in mines. The presented publication shows the results of noise measurement during blasting works and the results of anonymous surveys conducted among employees of the Department of Blasting Technology of hard coal mines. The survey concerned the subjective feelings of employees regarding noise levels at the workplace and its impact on their well-being and state of health. In the publication summary, the author draws attention to the need to take measures to constantly control the noise level at the workplace and introduce solutions that will enable its reduction and allow for better protection of employees against its damaging consequences.
Analysis of Methane Concentration Distribution at U-Ventilated Longwall Outlet – Case Study
Authors: Niewiadomski Adam , Badura Henryk , Ivanova Tanyana N. , Repko Alexandr , Yury Nikitin R.
Published: August 2020

The methane hazard concerns a growing number of longwalls in the Polish coal mining industry each year. Mitigating this hazard, both of work safety and economic reasons requires the application of preventive measures adequate to its level. Commonly threat level is estimated based on registered methane concentrations, which fluctuate and highly depends on the place of measurement. The article presents studies on the average and maximum methane concentrations at the longwall outlet, including analyses of the interdependence of methane concentration in methanometry sensors installation locations.
The Use of a Stereovision System in Shape Detection of the Side Surface of the Body of the Mining Machine Working Unit
Authors: Cheluszka Piotr , Jagieła-Zając Amadeus
Published: August 2020

Ensuring the compliance of the finished product with the project during the manufacturing of cutting heads/drums of the mining machines, largely determines the efficiency of rock mining, especially hard-to-cut rocks. The manufacturing process of these crucial elements of cutting machines is being robotized in order to ensure high accuracy and repeatability. This determines, among others the need to assess in real-time the degree of the approach of pick holders positioned by the industrial robot to the side surface of the working unit of the cutting machine in their target position. This problem is particularly important when in the manufacturing process are used the bodies of decommissioned cutting heads/drums, from which old pick holders have been removed. The shape and external dimensions of these hulls, unless they are subjected to regeneration, may differ quite significantly from the nominal ones. The publication, on the example of a road header cutting head, presents the procedure for automatically identifying and indexing markers displayed on its side surface, recorded on measuring photos by two digital cameras of a 3D vision system. Experimental research of the developed method was carried out using the KUKA VisionTech vision system installed on the test stand in the robotics laboratory of the Department of Mining Mechanization and Robotization at the Faculty of Mining, Safety Engineering and Industrial Automation of the Silesian University of Technology. Data processing was carried out in the Matlab environment using the libraries of the Image Processing Toolbox. The functions provided in this library were used in the developed algorithm, implemented in the software. This algorithm allows automatic identification of markers located in the images of the side surface of the cutting head. This is the basis for determining their location in space. The publication presents a method of segmenting images recorded by cameras into homogeneous areas. The method of separating interesting areas from the image by comparison to the pattern was presented. Also shown is the method of the automatic numbering of mutually matching pairs of markers on photos from two cameras included in the vision system depending on the spatial orientation of the marker grid in the measuring images.
Sensitive bioindicator plants studies, under the environmental conditions of climate change impact
Authors: Cozea Andreea , Manea Gheorghe-Cosmin , Bucur Elena , Catrina Traistaru Gina Alina
Published: August 2020

Air pollution is a serious problem in many heavily populated and industrialized areas in the world. It affects vegetation, and also human health. The diversification of emission sources, among them vehicles, industrial processes, waste burnings and fuel storage, creates zones with different species and concentrations of air pollutants. In this paper was studied the excessive accumulation of toxic metals such as Al, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb in vegetation as a risk factor for ecosystem and also for human health. The purpose of the study was to establish an optimal method of determination for toxic elements accumulation in leaves, using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). These results made to suppose that, visible and analyzed responses of in in-situ exposed bio monitors compared with heavy metal accumulation depended on the atmospheric situation during the period of exposure, which could assess the efficiency of biomonitoring programs in the region. The advantage of this study consists in new and appropriate approach using a friendly methodology for air monitoring and favoring the development of a circular and sustainable economy.
Discussing the potential of using submersive water pumps powered by photovoltaic panels in agriculture and the alternative use for the supply of households in Romania
Authors: Ana Costăngioară
Published: August 2020

According to the current leadership of the EU Parliament, the use of renewable energy should not only represent a condition for emission reduction as an ecological demand, but also an opportunity to modernize the European economy and insure the sustainable development of the member countries. In this context, the aim of the current paper is to analyze the potential of using photovoltaic panels to power the water pumps utilized in both agriculture and supply of households in Romania and what the resulting impact would be from the ecological standpoint, as well as the economic and social one. The impact assessment follows the guideline proposed by the European House Ambrosetti latest publication regarding the socioeconomic impacts of the energy transition in Europe, but proposes a granular approach rather than a global one. The literature review of the existing publications presents an overview of the conclusions reached so far regarding water pumps powered by photovoltaic energy used for different purposes, such as the environmental and economic benefits of heat pump water heaters which are powered by photovoltaic energy or the performance comparison between photovoltaic heating systems and traditional ones. The current paper has the purpose of answering whether the utilization of photovoltaic powered water pumps in agriculture in Romania could bring economic and ecological benefits which would outweigh the costs and also, if this is the case, if there are also social benefits to be considered which would result in the use of this technology for households as well. The conclusions reach through this paper show the benefits of using the above mentioned technology for industrial purposes and its alternative potential for households. The contribution is to both the research field of renewable energy and its uses and to the policymakers to encourage investment in this direction.
The role of European funds in developing and sustaining rural entrepreneurship in Romania
Authors: Răzvanţă Puie Florina
Published: August 2020

With the integration into the European Union (EU) in 2007, growth opportunities have arisen for Romania. In terms of rural area and agriculture, National Rural Development Programs (NRDPs) are implemented, through which funds are granted from the European Union and the Government of Romania, for the economic and social development of the rural area. In this context, entrepreneurial initiatives for rural development have been encouraged, and many SMEs were given the opportunity to be eligible for European funding. The NRDP 2014-2020 continues the efforts for rural development, through strategic objectives, allowing entrepreneurs to implement their business ideas and sustain the development of the rural communities. The paper aims to analyze how the European funding influences the development of rural entrepreneurship in Romania. The study will comprise an analysis of the existing results of the NRDP 2014-2020, referring to annual evaluation indicators of the project implementation (number of jobs created in supported projects, percentage of rural population targeted by local development strategies, etc.). The methodology focuses on interpretation of the latest statistical data from trusted sources, as well as analysis of the official documents and reports (e.g. NRDP 2014-2020 annual report). This paper will contribute with accurate results and discussions concerning the role of EU funds for the rural communities. Also, the study will describe some of the challenges that Romanian rural entrepreneurship still faces after implementation of European funding programs and unresolved issues.
Risk management in corporate governance
Authors: Caraiman Adrian-Cosmin , Mates Dorel
Published: August 2020

In this paper I want to present the place and role of risk management within an organization in corporate governance. Thus, the risk management of an organization consists of defining the risk, identifying and evaluating the impact and probability of materialization and, subsequently, establishing appropriate ways to manage the significant risks. According to some authors, the risk management of an organization is among the newcomers in the context of the concept of corporate governance, which brings a holistic perspective, as an integrating factor of the parts of a whole, which is the organization. At the same time, it can be emphasized that, according to the standards regarding strategic risk management, risk management should become an integrated part of the way any organization works; and in other ideas, being the basis of management approaches, it should not be separated from the daily activities of any organization. In corporate governance, in any entity, risk management is necessary because both in the company and in the environment in which it operates, there are uncertainties about the nature of the threats in achieving the objectives, or the nature of the opportunities. Any manager must pose the problem of managing the threats, because, otherwise, not reaching their objectives, they would be disqualified, or to take advantage of the opportunities for the benefit of the organization, proving their efficiency. If uncertainty is an everyday reality, then the reaction to uncertainty must become a permanent concern.
Blockchain – the accounting perspective
Authors: Pugna Irina Bogdana , Duţescu Adriana
Published: August 2020

Blockchain remains still an experimental technology, with current applications addressing only some elements of small-scale projects. Once the technology matures however, it has the potential to transform industries and even the economy, as it begins to integrate complementary technologies such as AI and IoT. It has the potential to bring fundamental changes to financial accounting and auditing, and even to entire financial markets. This paper explores the potential for blockchain applications in accounting, identifying major benefits and shortcomings, and analysing opportunities and possible threats. We investigate mainly the organizational challenges raised by an accounting blockchain systems and its potential to enhance the accounting activity. We discuss blockchain’s potentially disruptive effect on the accounting profession, and conversely, the potential role of this professions in further developing blockchain technology.
Global sustainability and responsibility in hotels and cruising industry
Authors: Vlasceanu Carmen , Tenie Iulian , Crismariu Oana
Published: August 2020

The tourism and hospitality industry is one of the largest industries in the world registering exponential growth over the past years. This study was conducted with the aim of highlighting various aspects of sustainable development from the hospitality industry perspective and the impact of tourism growth on the global touristic destinations. Attracting over 12 million passengers a year, the cruising industry alone contributes substantially by introducing every year a large number of mega size ships carrying over 5000 passengers on board. World renowned hotel chains have been expanding their regional presence providing services to millions of tourists and adventure seekers. The rapid development of the hospitality industry brings along undisputable challenges in environmental protection and natural landscape conservation. The methodology involves a review of the existing literature which concludes that around the world the situation is being addressed by the major players within the worlds’ biggest industry at international conferences and various interactive panel discussions in their attempt to tackle the severe issues of tourism growth and creatively find innovative solutions to ensure environmental sustainability. Our research underlines the successful implementation of the environmental management standards within the cruising industry. The objectives of the global management standards are to ensure compliance in regulatory practices intended to preserve the environment through sustainable and responsible tourism. From this perspective, our analysis indicates that the hotel industry is in a formal adoption phase, posing consistency and implementation challenges across the industry and geographical regions. The overall findings of this research are briefly discussed.
Social interactions impact on product and service development
Authors: Zarnadze Giorgi
Published: August 2020

Digital marketing has enabled a new style of consumerism. Nowadays consumers play active roles in product designing and service development. Social media and user-generated content give consumers possibilities to have some interactions regarding the new or existing product. This gives new opportunities to developers and empowers costumers to be involved in product and service development more than they used to be. While traditional marketing literature typically illustrates consumers as passive recipients this paper will show that digital marketing gives them chance to be actively involved in product and service development, tries to define how social interactions effects development and offers a conceptual model for future research. From the literature, it has emerged that social influence has a big impact on product and service development. This study will be important mostly for those companies who try to implement digital technologies now, as for companies who already adopted these technologies some time ago but they still can’t find benefits from it. In the academic field, this paper will help researchers for their future work. Marketing inferences are drawn, and direction for future research is developed in the entire manuscript.
Posibility to fast react in order to identify the risk and make first claim assesment in case of a severe earthquake in Bucharest
Authors: Rosu Madalin
Published: August 2020

Insurer’s reaction in case of a severe event, in Romania, especially in Bucharest is well known that is more than difficult, mainly due to the existing resources that need to be appointed in a short time to a high number of reported cases. The lack of a clear plan to react, at the national level, by all authorities is showing that Romania is not prepared properly to react in case of an earthquake similar with the one in 1977. Romanian authorities in the insurance industry strive to find a fast and smooth process, to inspect the claims in due time, but the reality shows that this plan is not linked to reality, and, as it is currently described as project by PAID will definitively fail to it purpose. Current legislative framework and procedures shows that the process of handling a claim in case of a big volume of files will be more than difficult even could lead to a blockage in the system. The authors’ research follows the importance that claim inspection, identification of risk and claim file opening should have a total different process even a disruptive one via an online solution or special app. The research is starting from a plan of PAID which is mentioning that all resources available in the insurance companies to be combined and managed through a special command force under PAID supervision. The main finding of the research is that the Romanian insurance market need a totally different approach in order to assess the claims and in the same time the fact that currently discussed project, initiated by PAID cannot be applied in the existing environment due to many conflicts even with the EU legislation. A new modern solution to provide to the clients best services in the promised time is required to exist and to be applied in the moment of the event.
Business Digitization in the European Union
Authors: Şchiopu Ruxandra
Published: August 2020

Digitalization nowadays can stretch in all aspects of the functioning of a business. Therefore, given the available technologies, the speed at which businesses merge with the digital world dictates the comparative advantage a like company can harness over its competition. However, integrating digital means into businesses can come at a considerable cost. Moreover, this creates a dichotomy between digitalizing an already existing and thriving company functioning on traditional channels and the creation of new fully digitalized enterprises. This paper aims at revealing the relevancy of digitalization in the business world by evaluating the cost efficiency of going digital or starting digital across economic sectors for enterprises in the European Union from 2017 onwards.The argument of designing a business from scratch in an automated and smart digitalized style is much more comprehensive in a connected globalized world. The intricacies stretch far beyond the pure digital and business areal since most transactions happen internationally. The borderless approach creates a demand for all aspects of a business to work cohesively. Therefore, business operations such as accounting, legal actions, storage, delivery, and marketing must be corroborated with business operations as they are conducted in an increasingly digitalized manner. Through analyzing secondary data, statistics and case studies about the level of business digitalization across sectors in the European Union, this paper targets to reveal witch are the fast evolving sectors in terms of digitalization for businesses and the most effective way in which digitalization creates increased value for business. The countries of the European Union experience different levels of digital technology integration, it peaks in Denmark while, Romania, Bulgaria and Poland are situated at the other end of the spectrum. Manufacturing is the sector with the least amount of digital updates across the sample while communications, computer programing, travel agencies, and accommodation services surge in the digital arena. There is a direct correlation between the size of the company and its propensity to exploit opportunities in digital transformation. However there is a new aspect of the speed at which small mainly digital companies acquire acumen and therefore profit. This paper synthesis the fastest growing digitalized sectors in the European Union and highlights opportunities for old and new businesses.
The policies of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in financing pre-university education
Authors: Lixandru Ionel Florian , Todrican Rosca Mihaela Gabriela
Published: August 2020

In this article, we want to present the comparative report, as well as the results of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development policy review to improve the efficiency of the use of educational resources (Review Resources Resources). The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development report provides analysis and options to assist governments in achieving the goals of education policies, as well as the fair use of financial resources in this area. This report focuses on the more topics of interest, such us: how responsibilities for raising and spending school funds in increasingly complex education systems can be effectively organized, the way in which mechanisms for distributing funding to schools can be designed effectively to support the learning of young people and how planning procedures can support the preparation of education budgets to ensure their long-term sustainability and align them with the priorities of government education policies. At the same time we set out to present the governance of school funding and describes increasing the involvement of different bodies in the management and allocation of school funds in different States as well as how they are organized and interact with each other. The article also contains some examples of sources of education funding in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Member States such as Austria, Finland, Germany, Greece, The United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Bioeconomy related perspectives for boosting agriculture development in Romania
Authors: Butu Alina , Rodino Steliana , Butu Marian , Ion Raluca
Published: August 2020

Situated at the crossroads between several sectors, from biology, biochemistry, agronomy, management and economy to technology, the bioeconomy represents all uses of bio-resources, whether they come from agricultural land, sea, forest or waste materials. The current bioeconomy strategy of European Union identifies agriculture as one of the sectors mainly supplying biomass. In the last decades, agriculture was constantly transforming towards a knowledge intensive sector. Being almost entirely the physical support for agriculture, the rural regions are expected to become a key player in the development of the bioeconomy activities of the near future. In the modern biobased economies, the rural regions represent more than just a source of raw materials to bioeconomy industries. Future opportunities for the development of the agricultural sector in Romania, thus boosting rural development were identified by conducting a SWOT analysis of the domain through agriculture development.
From Thermodynamic Entropy to Knowledge Entropy
Authors: Bratianu Constantin
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this paper is to present the evolution of the concept of entropy from engineering to knowledge management, going through information theory, linguistic entropy, and economic entropy. The concept of entropy was introduced by Rudolf Clausius in thermodynamics in 1865 as a measure of heat transfer between two solid bodies which have different temperatures. As a natural phenomenon, heat flows from the body with a higher temperature toward the body with a lower temperature. However, Rudolf Clausius defined only the change in entropy of the system and not its absolute entropy. Ludwig Boltzmann defined later the absolute entropy by studying the gas molecules behavior in a thermal field. The computational formula defined by Boltzmann relates the microstates of a thermal system with its macrostates. The more uniform the probability distribution of the microstates is the higher the entropy is. The second law of thermodynamics says that in open systems, when there is no intervention from outside, the entropy of the system increases continuously. The concept of entropy proved to be very powerful, fact for which many researchers tried to extend its semantic area and the application domain. In 1948, Claude E. Shannon introduced the concept of information entropy, having the same computational formula as that defined by Boltzmann, but with a different interpretation. This concept solved many engineering communications problems and is used extensively in information theory. Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen used the concept of entropy and the second law of thermodynamics in economics and business. Today, many researchers in economics use the concept of entropy for analyzing different phenomena. The present paper explores the possibility of using the concept of knowledge entropy in knowledge management.
Romanian family business branding: contextual factors of influence of decisional processes
Authors: Motoc Adrian
Published: August 2020

Despite the difficulties of the economic environment and the challenges encountered, family businesses in Romania are drivers of economic growth. The tumultuous history and the cultural differences have impacted the way businesses are conducted and how decisions are made, especially in family-run companies, influencing how the family aspect is being portrayed and turned into a competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to determine how these contextual factors are influencing the promotion of the family aspect in the family business brand. The methodology of this paper is the exploratory qualitative interview-based study. Empirical data has been collected by way of in-depth semi-structured interviews with eleven Romanian family business owners or managers selected through non-probability purposive sampling, further analysed using content analysis technique. Results suggest that Romania’s cultural background directly affects family businesses and the way they promote their family image, identity and reputation. Although this has a positive effect, few Romanian family businesses are active and promote themselves on the marketplace as a family business. Romanian families have a high degree of autonomy and accountability in relation to local communities which can help or impede the development of a family brand because both families and communities require transparency and there is a high degree of uncertainty which can impact both the business and the family owners. The reference to current literature primarily relates to the position of the family in the business but most notably to branding. The role of family members is drawn to limit actions in certain aspects of promotion and branding, as a direct result of high-conservative views.
Placing self-assessed health within the systems framework: a preliminary insight into social synergy and syntony
Authors: Vătămănescu Elena-Mădălina , Andrei Andreia Gabriela , Zaiţ Adriana
Published: August 2020

The issue of self-assessed health (SAH) has been discussed within the scope of multiple interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary studies, gathering the attention and interest of scholars from various fields of study. Emerged at the confluence of subjective and objective measurements, the construct has triggered controversies and debates on its relevance and reliability, yet it is employed in many analyses as a pertinent reference point for individuals’ perceptions regarding their health status or wellbeing. Starting from these considerations, the current study aims to move the discussion further, by placing SAH in a broader argumentative perspective, as a multivalent process dependent on a myriad of individual, social, environmental, digital, etc. factors apposite to complex social systems. Therefore, the specific contribution intended via this approach is the advancement of a preliminary outlook on SAH within the social systems framework with a special emphasis on synergy and syntony. Against the backdrop of a conceptual undertaking, several factors are brought forward – i.e., environmental factors such as housing, neighborhood, residence and social (interactional) factors such as digital exposure, face-to-face communication, and social trust – hewing the path for future in-depth investigations on the topic.
Considerations regarding improving the ecological and environmental performance of agriculture
Authors: Popescu Lavinia , Safta Adela Sorinela
Published: August 2020

The agri-environment economy provides a significant database for environmental policy decisions. The prioritization of an actionable behavior regarding the agri-environment vulnerabilities, favors the orientation of the agriculture through more environmentally responsible methods, represents a current trend, with a broad support within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The promotion of an agricultural model capable of ensuring its own sustainability implies the existence of a set of common values and rules in which to buy as many producers as possible, with a common objective, respectively to reduce greenhouse emissions and to promote an ecological responsibility of the production model. Agriculture can significantly contribute to achieving the objectives of reducing the negative effects of climate change, not only from the perspective of ensuring the conservation of carbon reservoirs, which are still present in the soil, or by expanding their size and favoring the formation of humus, but in particular by reducing the consumption of energy needed in agricultural production and the supply of biomass needed for renewable energy production., much greener. The transition to a low carbon economy, more environmentally responsible, in the national agricultural sector can contribute, both to the significant increase of food security, but also to the optimization of the agricultural production structures, which will thus conform more easy to environmental requirements. It becomes primarily the role of implementation in agriculture of feasible standards more environmentally friendly, and environmentally friendly in this context, the research in the field and the continuous training acquiring new values. An important role is played by the implementation of best practice methods in the proper management of the land and the promotion of organic production models can significantly contribute to increasing the carbon absorption in the soil and, at the same time, to indicate possible improvments in their performance.
Accessing the European funds for agriculture and rural development in Romania for the 2014-2020 period
Authors: Dinu Mihai , Pătărlăgeanu Simona Roxana , Chiripuci Bogdan , Constantin Marius
Published: August 2020

This paper aims at identifying the extent to which Romania has accessed European funds for agriculture and rural development in the 2014-2020 period. During this financing period, Romania has received more than 8.12 billion euros from the European Union budget, more precisely from the Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFDR), through the National Rural Development Programme (NRDP). Five percent of the available amount was allocated to the Leader approach at local level and at least 30% was allotted for environmental protection measures. This paper will analyze the number of projects which were submitted, selected and contracted and the payments made until 2019. Subsequently, an analysis will be carried out of the NRDP sub-measures in order to prove the usefulness and necessity of this type of structural programme. The rate of absorbtion of European funds will be closely correlated with indicators such as the evolution of the GDP / inhabitant, the population and the number of enterprises in rural areas, the employed population and the number of enterprises in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, the development of villages through the construction or modernization of roads, sewage infrastructure, water and gas. To conclude, the positive and negative aspects regarding the implementation of European funds will be listed, especially in the fields of agriculture and rural development in Romania.
Methods of analyzing and evaluating the marketing environment specific to online trading
Authors: Bălăşescu Marius , Bălăşescu Simona
Published: August 2020

Since its inception, e-commerce had a strong impact on the way of thinking and doing business. Also, e-commerce had a strong influence on the world economy by destroying time and space barriers, offering both traders and consumers the opportunity to interact and engage in commercial transactions (no matter where they are located). Marketing environment has a significant influence on both the online stores and the shops of traditional commerce. Thus, companies must always be aware of all changes in the marketing environment. Internal and external factors can be studied and controlled so that weaknesses become strong points and threats turn into long-term opportunities. We will try to prove that elements of marketing macro environment, for example technological ones, influence in a very particular way the activity of electronic commerce companies. We also think that interacting with marketing micro environment factors, such as supply-chain sales (supply chain management), is totally different from what happens in offline trade. In this sense, two marketing researches, a qualitative focus group and another quantitative on a sample basis are made. These researches have as main objective the study of the perception of companies about the impact of environmental factors on their activity. The analysis and the results included in this paper will be useful to the companies that carry out their activity in the online environment, but also to the researchers who approach this field.
Challenges for reducing food waste
Authors: Chinie Alexandra-Catalina
Published: August 2020

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately one third of the food produced globally is wasted, by the private sector and consumers. Reducing food waste would have an essential role in fighting world hunger, by redistributing food that is not consumed. However, achieving this goal would not only have a positive social impact, but also an economic and environmental impact. The subject of food waste is strongly tied to the objectives of several international organizations and of public institutions that have lead awareness campaigns and have developed goals and policies for the reduction of the phenomenon. Reducing food waste would contribute to the achievement of the 12th Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations, “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”. For an efficient strategy, it is necessary that organizations and the involved people analyze and eliminate research gaps and the barriers for the reduction of food waste, both among consumers and private companies, such as producers, distributors, retailers, as well as the food service industry. The present article reviews the main challenges and barriers in achieving the reduction of food waste, both in the private sector, and among consumers. Among the main challenges that need to be tackled are the quantification of wasted food along the value chain, systematic reporting of wasted food and the evaluation of the causes of food waste.
The role of celebrities for the image of endorsed products
Authors: Opris Adriana , Pelau Corina , Lazar Laura
Published: August 2020

Celebrities are, in recent years, a popular way to draw the consumer’s attention to an advertisement. In an age with an abundance of details and advertising, the celebrities ‘ glamour has the power to increase the advertised product’s exposure and to attract the attention of the consumer. Several researches have focused on analyzing the impact of celebrity endorsement on the success of brands by pointing out the importance of the match between the celebrities’ personality and the image of the endorsed brand. Besides the positive aspects, there have been also pointed out the different disadvantages of using celebrities in advertising such as the overshadowing effect or the exaggerated costs involved. The results of our quantitative research have shown that, although there is not a high declared interest in celebrity endorsement, it has a role especially in shaping the social status of the consumer and that women are more attracted by celebrity endorsed product in comparison to men. :
Study on methods for evaluating employees performance in the context of digitization
Authors: Fogoroş Teodora Elena , Maftei Mihaela , Biţan Gabriela Elena , Kurth Bastian L.
Published: August 2020

This paper highlights the main elements of a doctoral research regarding the efficiency of workers evaluation process in the workplace. Based on the global competition, organizations are in continuous quality improvement of their processes to stay competitive. The focus is on motivating and constantly offering constructive feedback to the employees by evaluating them on the following criteria: job description requirements, operational objectives and behavioral objectives. The aim of this study is to confirm that in the context of digitization, both evaluation based on objectives and 360-degree evaluation have its advantages and disadvantages and to analyze the impact of it in organization’s performance. Since this process is divided in two parts (mid-year review and final review), an interesting research question would be how useful is to offer feedback to employees at the middle of the evaluation period and its impact on the final review. The first part of the paper will focus on defining the evaluation process and its scope, pursue by an analysis of 360-degree evaluation, evaluation based on objectives, and the evaluation process in the digital era. It would be a challenge to discover the inclination of organizations for different types of evaluations as well as perception differences between employees and employers. Many researches consider that one of the used methods implemented in companies is the evaluation based on objectives. A larger documentation on this subject would delimit the types of evaluations to help companies to easily choose the type that fits its culture. For this purpose, we will perform an outline on the existing literature by analyzing authors’ opinions on this subject and identifying advantages and disadvantages of the two types of evaluation specified above.
The changing landscape of economy: social and technological progress in explaining the informational efficiency of capital markets
Authors: Ursu Iuliana
Published: August 2020

In today’s ever-changing landscape of economy, one of the fundamental problems remains whether market mechanisms are functioning in an efficient way, and which are the variables impacting those levels of efficiency. The main objectives of the present paper are to contribute to a better understanding of market mechanisms, by testing the Efficient market hypothesis on its weak form at a macroeconomic level, and to assess the impact of technological and social progress, measured through different variables, on markets informational efficiency. We use an adapted version of L. Kristoufek si M. Vosvrda (L. Kristoufek, M. Vosvrda, 2013, 184) methodology for Efficiency Index, based on long term memory (using 2 estimators), fractal dimension (using 11 estimators), and entropy (estimated through the approximate entropy), in order to assess the levels of efficiency for 20 market indices from both developed and emerging or frontier economies, from the Eurasia region. Further on, by using the Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA), we study the impact of technological and social progress on markets informational efficiency. Main results of the study reveal the existence of a market dynamics characterized by areas with distinctive levels of “informational efficiency”, within both developed and emerging economies, encompassing a non-negligible link between past and present, persistence or anti-persistence, and a high data complexity. Moreover, while studying the relationship between market efficiency and social and technological progress, we observe that variables such as Government Effectiveness, or Control of Corruption, have a positive impact on the levels of efficiency of capital markets, while most of the technological progress estimators (amongst which Computer, communications and other services (% of commercial service exports), or Individuals using the Internet (% of population)), have a negative impact, translated into a decrease of informational market efficiency on the short run (the rise of high frequency trading).