bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: A TIME SERIES ANALYSIS OF PAKISTAN
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Sargodha, Pakistan, Waqas Muhammad , Awan Aqsa ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Sargodha, Pakistan
Published: May 2023

The study aims to determine the relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth in the case of Pakistan by using the annual data from 1973-2021. The three independent variables are foreign direct investment, inflation, and trade while gross domestic product (GDP) is the dependent variable. The unit root test results explore that all variables are integrated at first difference. The Johansen cointegration technique examines both short- and long-term relationships. The study found log run as well as short run relationship among variables. All variables are integrated at first difference, based on the outcomes of the first unit root test. The Johansen cointegration method is used to investigate both the short-term and long-term connections. The findings suggest that while inflation negatively correlates with GDP, trade and foreign direct investment have a favorable (positive) effect on economic expansion. The policy recommendation is that only some foreign investment sectors benefit Pakistan's economy due to the different characteristics of developing and developed countries. The Government may give incentives to foreign investors, give cheap raw materials, and make better economic policies that are fruitful for foreign investors. The Government may reduce the taxes directly and indirectly and give subsidies. Keywords: Economic Growth, Inflation, Trade, FDI
EXPLORING EXISTENTIAL CRISES IN NADEEM ASLAM'S MAPS FOR LOST LOVERS
Authors:   Department of English, Quaid-e-Azam University, Ghilzai Shazia Akbar , Hussain Aamir ,   Visiting Lecturer, Karakorum International University, Gilgit, Gilgit College of Commerce and Economics, Batool Areesha ,   Undergrad Student, Department of English
Published: May 2023

This paper seeks to analyze the exploration of existential crises in Nadeem Aslam's Maps for Lost Lovers, by examining the characters' struggles to reconcile their own principles with the external pressures and oppressive customs of society. The data was collected from a close reading of the text, as well as through a comparison of the novel to different schools of Existentialism (Jean-Paul Sartre 1943; Albert Camus 1942; and Friedrich Nietzsche 1882). It explores existential crises as it focuses on two individuals, Suraya and Shamas, attempting to live their lives according to their own principles while negotiating the external pressures of society. The novel is divided into sections that represent the four seasons and follows Suraya's journey from divorce to a relationship with Shamas, to the eventual realization of the impossibility of their union. Additionally, the novel serves as a criticism of oppressive customs and practices, such as honor killing, prevalent in Pakistani culture and religion. Aslam's novel provides a unique perspective on the struggle of individuals to find balance between their own desires and the weight of existing customs. The research findings suggest that Aslam's novel effectively examines the tension between the individual and society, as well as the pain and brutality of dislocation, highlighting the existential crises of individuals in the face of restrictive and oppressive customs. Keywords: existentialism, oppressive customs, existential crises, honor killing
EXPLORING EFFECTS OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS ON ENGLISH VOCABULARY LEARNING AND ACQUISITION
Authors:   National University of Modern Languages, Karachi, Pakistan, Kurd Shehla Anwer , Hassan Saima ,   National University of Modern Languages, Karachi, Pakistan, Iqbal Aqsa ,   National University of Modern Languages, Karachi, Pakistan
Published: May 2023

The current research aims to explore the effects of mobile applications (apps.) on English lexis learning. This paper explored the interests of learners in mobile apps., especially in the English vocabulary learning process, and investigated the efficacy of mobile apps in their academic environment. It also observes that Interactive use of technology is showing effectiveness in the performances of the learners. This study adopted a quantitative approach, using a questionnaire that consists of 20 items. 150 students from the English department of National University of Modern Languages (NUML) contributed to this study who were regular users of mobile phones and apps. The data was analyzed by the SPSS program through frequency and mean deviation. The study concludes that it becomes easier for the students to learn vocabulary proficiently when vocabulary is accessible in numerous ways such as Pictures, Definition, Sound, etc. Findings also showed that it is easier for the participants, to learn vocabulary by apps, because it provides them visuals which leave a long lasting impact on their memory. Investigation also proved that the majority of the participants considered learning vocabulary through mobile app an enjoyable experience. Keywords: Mobile Applications, English Vocabulary Learning and Acquisition, Interactive use of Technology.
DYNAMIC ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF PAKISTANI ENGLISH: A DESCRIPTION OF FORMANT VARIATIONS OF F1 & F2 PRODUCED BY PAKISTANI SPEAKERS
Authors:   Department of English Language Teaching, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan, Kashifa Afsheen , Mahmood Arshad ,   Director Translation & Interpretation, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, Pakistan
Published: May 2023

The current study explores the variations of formant frequency of English vowels produced by eighty students of BS English and English language at NUML and International Islamic University Islamabad. The research defines the acoustic monophthongal variations under the influence of gender and four standard regional varieties of Pakistan and presents a macro-level description of Monophthongs of Pakistani English. The respondents belong to Balochi, Pushto, Punjabi, and Sindhi languages. This study explores monophthongal formant variations among these speakers through the lenses of the ‘Formant Frequency Model’ (Lindblom, 1979). For this purpose, the poem entitled, “The North Wind and the Sun” has been used to collect the required data. The formant values have been extracted from PRAAT, a software presented by (Boersma & Weenink, 2019). The manually extracted data from PRAAT were analyzed via statistical tools of SPSS and ANOVA. The findings of this research disclose that monophthongal formant variations are related to the unclear realization of sounds like /ə / and /ʌ/, paucity in realizing the vowel pairs of English, identical articulation of /ɒ/ and /ͻ:/ among the groups. The findings of the research would contribute to the phonological system of Pakistani English, which is an Asian- variety of the Outer-Circle. The findings would assist English language teachers to teach pronunciation of English with an acoustic-phonetic perspective. Keywords: PakE, Acoustic & Statistical Analysis, Formant Frequencies, Monophthongs
PULL FACTORS TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER: A PSP PERSPECTIVE
Authors:   PIDE School of Social Sciences, PIDE, Islamabad.Pakistan, Khan Fida Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Joining the Civil Service through the Civil Service Exam is one of the most sought-after careers in Pakistan. With each passing year number of CSS, aspirants are increasing. Among the Civil service, the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) and the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) are most sought after due to the power and nuisance value that these cadres promise. This paper has tried to address why PSP remains a preferred choice and what are the motivating factors that PSP officers have when they opt for the Police service of Pakistan. The study has adopted an interpretivist epistemology with a constructivist ontological stance and has applied the method of thematic analysis of interviews conducted with Police officers of different ranks in the police service of Pakistan. The study found that the PSP officers view themselves to be in a superior position compared to other groups, the motivations for joining police service include the perception of superiority, power, protection, nuisance value and ability to influence society through police office. The study also found that the PSP officer perceives himself/herself differently. The motivations of noncommissioned officers are however different. Keywords: Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), Civil Service of Pakistan, Police Reforms, Cavil service Reforms, Interpretivism, interpretivist research, constructivism, constructivist ontology. Selection of Police as a Career. Public sector employment.
HUMAN ORGAN TRAFFICKING AND TRANSPLANTATION: A LEGAL ANALYSIS OF CAUSES, CHALLENGES AND IMPLEMENTATION OF EXISTING LAWS IN PAKISTAN
Authors:   School of Law, University of Gujrat, Pakistan, Idrees Rao Qasim , Imran Muhammad ,   College of Law, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan, Manzoor Saba ,   Lahore High Court Bar Association Lahore, Pakistan
Published: May 2023

Organ transplant save many lives every year throughout the world. But at the same time lives of donors are in danger because of illegal organ trade which is common in third world countries. People from all over the world especially from developed countries including Europe, Australia, and United States come to developing countries including Pakistan, India, and other developing countries every year. They used to hunt poor donors who are all set to sell off their healthy organs in return of money. Recent repot of World Health Organization (WHO) says that annually almost ten percent kidney transplants of the overall kidney transplants that happen in the world involve donors from the above mentioned developing countries. Current research is based on laws which can overcome this alarming situation and also highlights the issues regarding implementation of existing laws and policies. Transplant of Human Organ and Tissue Act 2010 is a relevant law which provides removal, storage and transplantation for therapeutic purposes. This research is of qualitative and exploratory nature. It is such as to find out the most relevant information for the topic and made evaluation using tools to take out research through articles, books, case studies and online materials. This research critically evaluates the laws which are related to organ trade in Pakistan. Primary source of research is relevant laws and their critical evaluation and secondary source of this research is journals and articles of relevant topic. This research concludes that Organ trafficking is one of the most common illegal activities in the world and particularly in Pakistan. In the last few decades, there have been a number of transnational issues. The most highlighted causes are poverty, exploitation of minors, and lack of viable organs. However, the root cause for the current scenario is the lack of proper legislation regarding illegal organ trade and the implementation of existing laws. The government and other public/private organizations shall observe the relationship between donors, donor health and organ trafficking in order to develop efficient policies against organ trafficking and transplantation tourism (Naziha Syed Ali, 2017). Keywords: Human Organ Trafficking; Legal Challenges; Transplant Tourism; THOTA Act
INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF TWITTER IN MANIPULATION OF PUBLIC OPINION
Authors:   University of Narowal, Pakistan, Huzaifa Muhammad , Bajwa Aqeel Jaffar ,   University of Narowal, Pakistan, Majid Muhammad Raza ,   Department of Media and Communication, The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Published: May 2023

The Study aimed to explore the role of twitter in manipulation of public opinion. The main purpose of this study is to find out the impact of twitter in changing or transforming or creating the mind-set of the public. The data was collected through “N capture extension powered by Nvivo”. The finding of this study demonstrates that on a remarkable level, politically exciting dissertation on Pakistani digital space was definitely observed in the months of April and May 2022. This study also revealed that using the popular hashtag derived by political parties, seems to have impact on public related to their choice to favour their liked one among political parties. Keywords: Social media, Twitter, Public Opinion, Political communication
The Forgotten: Reconstructing and Reclaiming African Spirituality in the Post-Truth Era
Authors: Pitso Teboho
Published: May 2023

The book focuses on uncovering lies and myths that sustain the colonial and European supremacist agendas and restores Africa’s role in originating civilisation, science, mathematics, philosophy, spirituality, and Christianity. It forms part of questioning the deification of Global North episteme as a universal theory. The volume thus contributes to Southern theorisation that draws from multiple practices and lived experiences of those from the austral geographic location (Global South) whose understanding of time is secular. Such theorisation challenges and denounces the imperialist gaze on contemporary science as the sole spectacle and arbiter of its significance in society. The Global South episteme, whose sources are indigenous practices, collective knowing, and collective experiences, has all the right to claim its stake in hallowed spaces of knowledge production.
Vasculiti facili e difficili: cosa deve sapere e saper fare un pediatra
Authors: De Nardi Laura , Petrone Maria Isabella , Benvenuto Simone , Natoli Valentina , Abu-Rumeileh Sarah , Castaldo Benmario , De Benedetti Fabrizio
Published: May 2023

Vasculitis is defined by a state of inflammation of the blood vessel walls. It can result in formation of either aneurysms or stenosis with ischemia and necrosis. The heterogeneity of clinical presentation depends on the type and size of the vessels involved, which leads to different patterns of organ damage. The skin is usually involved but not necessarily as a first manifestation of disease. Indeed, significant organ damage may occur at any time in the disease course and may precede other symptoms with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in case of diagnostic delay. The most common vasculitides in childhood are IgA-associated vasculitis (Schönlein-Henoch purpura) and Kawasaki disease. Other vasculitides are much rarer, often arising with insidious symp- toms that make them life-threatening. This paper aims to review the literature on paediatric vasculitides providing a practical guide to disentangle between different diagnoses. It also provides an overview that underlines the key differences in vasculitis presentation, management and follow-up.
Evaluating the antioxidant activity in different citrus genotypes
Authors: Widjaja Gunawan , Mukhamedov Bakhrambek I. , Mahmudiono Trias , Shalaby Mohammed Nader , Shichiyakh Rustem Adamovich , Rudiansyah Mohammad , Hasan Mohammed Khudair , Al-Dhalimy Aiman Mohammed Baqir , Jalil Abduladheem Turki
Published: May 2023

Citrus fruit consumption per capita has steadily increased over the world over the last 30 years. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C as well as other active ingredients like phenols and flavonoids that are beneficial to human health. Therefore, the amounts of total phenol, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity in 12 different genotypes of the citrus have been investigated in the present study. These genotypes have been selected from four citruses, including Lemon, Kiwi, Mandarin, and Orange. There are three genotypes for each of these citruses, and the numbering is done according to the place of harvesting the genotypes and also due to the ease of evaluation. Studies have been done for the leaves and fruits of the mentioned plant. Results showed that the average value of total phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant activity in different citrus genotypes is 15.06 mg/g, 37.02 mg/g, and 75.54 μg/ml of dry extract, respectively. The extract of the fruit had the highest amount of phenol, and the leaf extract had the highest amount of flavonoids. The values of total phenol, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity, from highest to lowest, belong to Kiwi, Orange, Lemon, and Mandarin groups.
Capacidade funcional para a realização das atividades de vida diária como forte preditora de autopercepção de saúde de idosos: um estudo comparativo com dois países da América Latina
Authors: Tiecker Ana Paula , Pillatt Ana Paula , Gonçalves Bós Ângelo José
Published: May 2023

O envelhecimento populacional é mais evidente e acelerado em países em desenvolvimento como o Brasil e o México, processo que pode gerar maior prevalência de doenças que causam incapacidade. Por interferir na independência e na autonomia dos idosos, a diminuição da capacidade para realizar as atividades da vida diária vem sendo associada à pior autopercepção de saúde (APS). Comparações internacionais podem melhor esclarecer possíveis impactos da relação entre capacidade funcional (CF) e a APS a nível populacional. O objetivo do estudo foi observar a relação entre APS e CF para a realização de atividades da vida diária em duas amostras representativas desses países. Foi realizada uma análise secundária dos dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde de 2013 (Brasil) e da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde e Nutrição de 2012 (México). Ambas as pesquisas nacionais eram transversais, baseadas em amostragem domiciliar. Evidenciou-se que a população idosa brasileira tem maior chance para APS boa quando comparada a população idosa mexicana; e que a capacidade funcional, a partir da independência e da autonomia, influencia na APS, independentemente da idade. Salienta-se a importância da discussão de políticas públicas que visem à manutenção da capacidade funcional dos idosos e, consequentemente, a autopercepção de saúde desta população.
Média de oferta de alimentos para idosos residentes em duas instituições do interior de São Paulo
Authors: Monteiro Betânia De Andrade , Sousa Camila Teixeira , Silva Thamires Da Cruz , Reis Pamela Gabrielle , Manochio-Pina Marina Garcia
Published: May 2023

O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em investigar a relação entre os escores dos domínios de qualidade de vida e variáveis como sexo, idade, estado nutricional e nível de atividade física em uma amostra de 105 idosos atendidos na atenção básica. Foram empregados teste Exato de Fisher, correlação de Pearson, teste de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis. A média de idade foi de 68,0±6,1 anos, com 64,8% dos participantes apresentando sobrepeso ou obesidade, e 83,8% classificados como ativos ou irregularmente ativos fisicamente. O domínio psicológico obteve a maior média de qualidade de vida (81,1±7,5), enquanto o domínio ambiental obteve a menor média (63,1±9,7). Foi observada uma correlação inversa e significativa entre o domínio ambiental e o Índice de Massa Corporal (p≤0,01). Os homens apresentaram uma média significativamente maior no domínio físico em comparação com as mulheres (67,6±13,3 vs 62±12,9; p=0,012). O nível de atividade física demonstrou associação significativa com os domínios físico (p≤0,01) e ambiental (p≤0,01). A maioria dos idosos apresentou sobrepeso ou obesidade e foi classificada como ativa ou irregularmente ativa fisicamente. Verificou-se que quanto maior o IMC, menor o escore no domínio ambiental, enquanto idosos com alto nível de atividade física exibiram uma média de escore no domínio físico significativamente maior.
Efeito da capoterapia e da dança sênior na flexibilidade e qualidade de vida de idosas
Authors: Lacet Vieira José Newton , Silva Flor De Maria Araújo Mendonça , Rêgo Adriana Sousa
Published: May 2023

A capoterapia e a dança sênior são atividades físicas que podem ser utilizadas para favorecer o ganho de flexibilidade e qualidade de vida de pessoas idosas. Com essa hipótese, o presente artigo se propõe a avaliar quais são os efeitos da capoterapia e da dança sênior na flexibilidade e qualidade de vida de idosas. O estudo é do tipo observacional, de coorte, realizado com uma amostra de 94 idosas, sendo que 66 praticavam atividade de capoterapia e dança sênior e 28 idosas estavam sedentárias. Aplicou-se o Medical Outcomes Study-36 abreviado e a avaliação da flexibilidade. Foi aplicado o teste t de Student para amostras dependentes. Os resultados revelam que a maioria das idosas ativas apresentaram um bom nível de qualidade de vida nos domínios capacidade funcional e aspectos sociais; enquanto a maioria das inativas apresentaram um bom nível no domínio saúde mental. Na análise da flexibilidade, as idosas apresentaram diferença significativas (p = 0,12 vs. p = 0,28). Conclui-se que a prática da capoterapia e da dança sênior contribui com efeitos positivos, mesmo que limitados, para a flexibilidade e a qualidade de vida das idosas.
Uso de anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais em idosos: a função renal importa?
Authors: Damaso Soraia de Freitas Tavares , Baldoni André De Oliveira , Carneiro Thamara Pessamilio , Pinto Sérgio Wyton Lima , Morais Flávio Augusto , Otoni Alba
Published: May 2023

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar a prevalência da taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (TFGe) alterada e os fatores associados em idosos em uso de anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais (AINEs). Trata-se de um estudo transversal desenvolvido de janeiro a dezembro de 2015. A população foi composta por idosos que retiraram os AINEs, ibuprofeno e diclofenaco de sódio, em uma das farmácias do Sistema Único de Saúde de Divinópolis-MG e que tinham pelo menos um valor de Creatinina sérica para cálculo da TFGe. Foram realizadas análise bivariada, comparando os pacientes com e sem alteração da TFGe alterada e regressão logística multivariada para avaliar a associação das variáveis explicativas do estudo com TFGe alterada ou não. Do total de 2511 idosos em uso de AINEs, 1216 (48,4%) tinham registro de creatinina sérica e foram incluídos no estudo. O ibuprofeno foi o mais dispensado (66,1%); 38,3% utilizaram os AINEs mais de uma vez ao ano e 10,4 % em meses subsequentes. Do total, 44,7% apresentaram TFGe alterada e as variáveis faixa etária < 80 anos (OR=5,40) e sexo feminino (OR=1,93) apresentaram associação significativa (p<0,01) com esse desfecho. A prevalência de TFGe alterada foi 44,1% e idade > que 80 anos e do sexo feminino tiveram associação significativa.
Efeitos de um programa de exercícios físicos multicomponentes na capacidade funcional, indicadores hemodinâmicos, antropométricos e na composição corporal de mulheres de meia idade e idosas
Authors: Silva de Oliveira Paôlla Bárbara , Fernandes Ferreira Santos Diniz Elizângela , Rodrigues de Oliveira Renata Aparecida , Mota Júnior Rômulo José
Published: May 2023

Objetivou-se verificar o efeito de 12 semanas de exercícios multicomponentes na capacidade funcional (CF), indicadores hemodinâmicos (IH), antropométricos (IA) e composição corporal (CC) em mulheres de meia idade e idosas. Participaram do estudo 11 mulheres de meia idade (51,09 ± 5,00) e 8 idosas (66,75 ± 2,31). Foram avaliadas CF, IH, IA e CC antes e após a intervenção. Os dados foram apresentados descritivamente e comparado entre os momentos. Houve melhoria na força de membros superiores (Pré: 17; Pós: 19; p=0,017), resistência aeróbia (Pré: 469; Pós: 492; p=0,019), frequência cardíaca (Pré: 82; Pós: 77; p=0,004), duplo produto (Pré: 9483; Pós: 8831; p=0,036), gordura (Pré: 28,22; Pós: 27,12; p=0,025) e água corporal (Pré: 52,55; Pós: 53,35; p=0,024) no grupo de meia idade e força de membros inferiores (Pré: 17; Pós 22; p=0,003) e pressão arterial sistólica (Pré: 135; Pós: 120; p=0,014) nas idosas. Desta forma, 12 semanas de exercícios multicomponentes melhorou a CF, IH, IA e CC de mulheres de meia idade e idosas.
POTENTIAL OF MELIA AZEDARACH L. AS LIVESTOCK FODDER CROP
Authors: Ahmad Firoz , Malik M. S. , Kumar Abhishek
Published: May 2023

The livestock sector plays an important role in India in terms of ensuring food security and a source of income. Availability of nutritive fodder round the year is a big constraint in India, particularly in Jharkhand which accounts for the low productivity of livestock sector. Agroforestry with fodder trees and browse species has been practiced for a long time here. Melia azedarach is a remarkable fodder tree species with its high nutritional fodder value and good biomass production which needs popularisation among farmers and for payment of ecosystem services. The present investigation was carried out to analyze the quality and quantity of Bakain intercropped with fodder crops viz., Stylo, Charabadam, Paragrass and Hybrid Napier in agroforestry system at the Faculty of Forestry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand during 2019-20. Fodder production in Bakain tree in terms of green and dry leaf biomass, as well as their quality attributes viz., crude protein, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, ether extract, ash content, nitrogen free extract were assessed. Five different treatment combinations viz., Bakain + Stylo, Bakain + Charabadam, Bakain + Paragrass, Bakain + Hybrid Napier, and one control plot of Bakain tree was replicated three times and statistically analyzed in Randomized Block Design. The result indicates that sole Bakain tree had the highest green and dry leaf biomass (2.133 and 0.912 kg/tree respectively), CF and NDF (53.63 and 34.84 respectively), whereas, CP, Ash and E.E (12.97, 3.07, 4.13 respectively) found highest in Bakain + Stylo combinations and highest ADF (38.27) was obtained in Bakain + Charabadam combination. However, some combinations of intercrops with Bakain could not be established for the farmers of Jharkhand. The study concludes that intercropping of Bakain with legume grass like Stylo and Charabadam were found to be most beneficial with regards to fodder production both in term of nutritional quality and quantity.
Use of Gamification in Employee Training and Development
Authors: Abuladze Lasha
Published: May 2023

Gamifying employee training and development is becoming more and more attractive to companies from year to year. By using the right elements of gamification in employee training and development, HRM can identify the strengths and weaknesses of its employees. Training and development programs tailored to the needs of employees can be considered an effective tool for helping employees to transform their weaknesses into strength. The lack of information, research, and comparisons on the ways of gamifying employee training and development focused on employees’ soft skills and its effectiveness hinders its wider dissemination. In the article, we identify and describe different situational stories, when gamification is used by HRM to increase, develop employees’ soft skills such as: decision making, willingness to change, teamwork and resilience. We also measure the effectiveness of gamified employee training and development focused on their soft skills by comparing the percentage results before and after use of gamification in this area within bank „Technology “.
Factors Affecting the Financial Performance of Enterprises Listed on the Slovakia Stock Exchange
Authors: Barkóciová Miroslava , Dolná Mária , Rudý Stanislav
Published: May 2023

The financial performance of a company is one of the key indicators that show the public whether the company is doing well, moreover, improving financial performance should be a top priority in order to be attractive to investors. Financial performance is reflected in financial statements, which provide financial information by which investors make their investment decisions. A company's performance could be explained as the rate of achievement of set targets. The aim of this study is to find out the factors that affect financial performance and identify the key factors among the selected ones. The subject of this study is the companies listed on the Stock Exchange of the Slovak Republic during the period 2010-2021. The data for this study is based on secondary data collected by analysing the financial statements of the selected companies. The data is then analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26 software. The research findings yielded the following results: all the selected independent variables show an impact on financial performance. Firm age showed a clear positive effect, cost of capital showed a clear negative effect and factors such as liquidity, debt, firm size and credit risk did not show a clear negative or positive effect.
Investigation of Procrastination Prevalence Among Employees in Small and Medium Enterprises in Slovakia
Authors: Hutmanová Nikoleta
Published: May 2023

As in other developed countries, small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovakia are the most widespread type of business. In this context, leadership is key to the sustainable management and support of employees, and especially those employees who are more prone to negative work habits, such as procrastination in the performance of work tasks. The paper focuses on how work procrastination is a negative behavior linked to unpleasant cognitive experiences that causes significant losses in both individual and organizational growth. Those findings are then put in connection with the understanding the causes of employees' work procrastination helps to reduce the frequency with which it occurs. Our assumptions are supported by research which was carried out by CAWI – computer assisted web interviewing. Slovak office workers in SMEs were taken as sample and the questionnaire were administered to capture the data. This quantitative approach added to our understanding of work procrastination and provided practical suggestions for avoiding its negative impacts. The main findings presented in this article show a significant frequency of online procrastination in the areas of Instant messaging and social media surfing during working hours in terms of office workers in small and medium enterprises. According to the data online procrastination also appears to be frequent regarding the daily reading of online news during working hours.
Impact of the Trade Defence Measures on EU-Russia Foreign Trade Relations
Authors: Juhás Henrich
Published: May 2023

The EU trade defence measures against products from a given country depend on the potential injury that imports of these products would cause. The groups of goods from the Russian Federation, which are mainly subject to antidumping measures, are no exception. The aim of the article is to determine the impact of the EU trade defence measures implemented against Russian products on their foreign trade relations pointing out the effectiveness of these measures. The article will also deal with the new technique of antidumping measures implementation, to which the Russian Federation is subject, and the article also concludes the perspectives of trade defence instruments in the EU- Russia foreign trade relations in connection with the current military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Awareness and Perception of Intercultural Competence Among Expatriates Living in Slovakia
Authors: Kozár Patrik
Published: May 2023

In an age where connections around the world have become commonplace, intercultural competence is undoubtedly a valuable asset. Every day, both at work and in private life, we encounter people from different countries and cultures who are likely to hold different values and beliefs than we do. It is for this reason that intercultural competence is important - and essential in today's world. The present paper focuses on the perception and awareness of intercultural competence among expatriates living in Slovakia. In the first part of the paper, we discuss the theoretical concepts of intercultural competence. In the practical part, we evaluate the results of a questionnaire that aimed to determine the awareness and perception of CQ among expatriates living in Slovakia. The main findings, among others, show that despite the importance of the topic, expatriates in Slovakia do not consider themselves interculturally competent, as well as that they are not provided with sufficient training in this area on the employer's side. The paper concludes with practical recommendations.
The History of Golf in Slovakia
Authors: Malíčková Lucia
Published: May 2023

Golf has come a long way in the world since the 13th century, but also in Slovakia. The beginnings of golf in Slovakia date back to before the First World War. The blossoming was halted by the Communist regime, which golf considered to be unacceptable. In Slovakia, the expansion of golf began only in the new millennium, with the construction of golf courses and the increase in the number of golfers. Twenty-five years of golf in the heart of Europe suffered from various prejudices. Golf is a snobbish and expensive sport for Slovaks, despite the cost is comparable to skiing. The turning year 2020 affected all parts of our lives with the Covid 19 pandemic. What slowed down our lives, that started the world of golf. The corona closed all sports grounds and closed people at home in Slovakia. Since golf is safe even in the event of pandemics, the courses were limited only for a few weeks and then they filled up with golfers to the last spots. Not only the pandemic, but also the 2020 Olympic Games helped in the development of golf in Slovakia. For the first time in history, Rory Sabbatini the Slovak golfer started with a double cross on his chest. Thanks to him, many prejudices against this sport have changed.
Household Financial Decision-Making Models: Which to Choose for Experimental Investigation
Authors: Petrenko Yuliya
Published: May 2023

The paper offers a comparison of household financial decision-making models considering a household as one of the initial economic units, understanding the decision-making process and utility function perception of which is influential for the conception of the integrate economic development of a society. Paper provides a brief description of the most applicable within- household decision-making models, namely unitary, bargaining, and collective ones, denoting the pros and cons of their employment for experimental investigation by stating the appropriateness conditions, which are as follows: the ability to include more than two members considering their own preferences, various possible scope of modelled decisions, and framework allowing for empirical research. Regarding previous research, the collective model with Pareto weights appears to be the one, which justifies the conditions set.
Impact of Active Labor Market Measures on the Return of Disadvantaged Applicants to the Labor Market
Authors: Pozsonyiová Natália
Published: May 2023

Disadvantaged jobseekers make up a significant proportion of all jobseekers in Slovakia, mainly the long term unemployed, so it is interesting to examine whether the provided employment services contribute to raising their standard of living and make it easier to find employment in the labor market, which is not always welcoming disadvantaged groups. However, at a time when a high number of jobseekers are disadvantaged, it is important to look at the needs of these groups and try to motivate them through active labor market policies, while finding a way to bring them back to the labor market effectively and in the long term by finding suitable employment, which would help to improve their living situation. These groups usually meet with insufficient support from the state and the institutions in their efforts to solve their difficult life situation, because the institutions often provide only the necessary services for the groups. Therefore, the question arises as to whether it would not be necessary to focus on improving employment services for the given groups, as an increasing percentage of the population is among the disadvantaged.
Key Performance Indicators in the Context of Sustainable Business Development
Authors: Sekáč Peter
Published: May 2023

KPI stands for key performance indicator. The name suggests, a corporate KPI is nothing more than an indicator that measures the performance of a particular business activity or area. There can be instantly find out from car's speedometer and other indicators on the dashboard. Well-chosen KPI combination will allow to run business effectively, not only provide information on how business is doing. but will be able to identify emerging issues in time, take corrective action and see at least a little bit into the future. With KPI, there can be tracked not only a company's financial results, but also performance in all other important areas, such as sales, marketing, manufacturing, customers, suppliers or employees. KPIs also differ depending on the different sectors and the nature of the activity (production / trade / services / logistics ...). Performance indicators can take various forms: absolute number (e.g. sales achieved in €), relative data (% sales growth), ratio (number of pieces produced per day), ranking or rating (customer satisfaction). From a global perspective, it is the goal of all initiatives addressing the issue sustainable development to correctly define the essence of sustainability, to formulate principles and measures to improve and maintain economic, social conditions from an environmental point of view, to set acceptable targets, to contribute with active interventions to fulfill them, but also to choose the right indicators, indices or other permanent measures sustainability.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Rate of Adaptation of the Industry 4.0 Concept in SMEs
Authors: Stovíček Filip
Published: May 2023

The current trend of digitization processes is referred to as Industry 4.0 - the onset of the fourth industrial revolution was a logical outcome of our progress in science and technology. If businesses want to be successful in today's market, they must respond to the digitalization trend. The pandemic revealed the need for digitization and the implementation of Industry 4.0 concepts in the business sector, where it was not necessary before. The aim of this paper is to describe the attitude of small and medium-sized enterprises to the very implementation of Industry 4.0 elements and the latest impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the speed of adaptation of small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovakia to Industry 4.0. The survey among companies was carried out using an electronic questionnaire. Only small and medium-sized enterprises from Slovakia will join the survey in the period from November 2021 to February 2022. The questionnaire was sent to 512 enterprises. The return rate of the questionnaire was 42.38%, which corresponds to 217 companies. The aim was to analyze the impact of the Covid-10 pandemic on the speed of adaptation to Industry 4.0 in small and medium-sized enterprises. Based on the conducted research and results, we can claim that companies have started the process of implementing Industry 4.0.
Evaluation of Selected Slovak Bookstores Using Modern Management Analysis Tools
Authors: Vajdová Jana
Published: May 2023

The aim of the paper is to evaluate the current state of selected bookstores in Slovakia and to suggest possible recommendations and changes that the organization should apply, or to point out the established processes and procedures that bring economic prosperity to companies. In a dynamic world, every company needs tools and methods to increase business efficiency. High competition in the global market determines the need to find ways to be competitive. An important role of management is to know and identify actual trends that affect the company and to be able to respond adequately. This requires not only the knowledge and experience of management, but also a team of people who are not afraid of changes and their aim is to adapt to the requirements of the market as much as possible and thus increase the overall competitiveness of the company. In the first chapter of the paper, we have processed a brief theoretical basis in connection with the issue of modern management tools from home and abroad. Based on the studied knowledge, we analyze the impact of change management in selected companies and how social networks affect and are used by companies in Slovakia. We will also focus on how agile organizations can better respond to change and adapt more flexibly in unexpected situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Correlation Between Car Sales and the GDP in EU Countries with Focus on the Impact of Covid Pandemics
Authors: Dzuro Matúš
Published: May 2023

The present paper deals with the sales of passenger cars and light utility vehicles in relationship to the GDP of EU countries. This relationship is evaluated with the correlation coefficient. A maximum period of up to 20 years is considered at first stage. In the second step the correlation is evaluated over a 10- year period prior to the Covid pandemics. The pandemics hit the EU countries in 2020. Therefore, the correlation is finally evaluated over a 10-year period including the year 2020. This paper studies the impact of a major external negative factor on the evolution of car sales across EU countries while considering their GDP.
Digital assets and reporting: is there anything new under the sun?
Authors: García Martínez Fernando , Martínez Resano José Ramón
Published: May 2023

Los efectos disruptivos de la digitalización de activos exigen no solo adaptaciones
legislativas y regulatorias, sino también la revisión del marco de reporting aplicable
a esa categoría general de activos. Pero la difusión de información relevante para
la toma de decisiones en relación con activos digitales como los criptoactivos se
enfrenta a retos específicos. La particular naturaleza de estos instrumentos ha
retrasado no solo una clasificación regulatoria completa y coherente para estos,
sino también un consenso sobre las necesidades y modalidades apropiadas de
reporting. Este trabajo examina los retos que plantea esta cuestión sobre la base
del examen conjunto de la tecnología y de los casos de uso de los criptoactivos, por
un lado, y de los estándares generales de reporting existentes, por otro. Asimismo,
se examina el estado de algunas iniciativas de adaptación a los criptoactivos de
marcos de reporting existentes. El trabajo analiza, además, el dilema entre calidad
y precisión de información que se suscita para muchos criptoactivos a consecuencia
de su volatilidad, que tiene consecuencias prudenciales.
Cambio climático, información y riesgos financieros: ¿horizontes lejanos?
Authors: Martínez Covadonga , Pérez Rodríguez Pablo
Published: May 2023

Las notas a los estados financieros (memoria) y, en el caso de las entidades de
crédito, los informes de Pilar 3 completan y complementan la información contenida
en el balance y en la cuenta de resultados, lo que contribuye a una mejor estimación
del importe y del calendario de los flujos de caja esperados, y de los riesgos
asociados a estos. El desafío del cambio climático introduce factores novedosos
que afectan a la materialización de dichos riesgos, y desde distintos ámbitos y
organismos se están desarrollando normas que tratan de determinar qué información
pública —más allá de la contenida en la memoria y en los informes de Pilar 3—
podría ofrecer una mejor perspectiva acerca de esos factores. En este artículo se
repasan las iniciativas en marcha en este ámbito de la divulgación (disclosure) sobre
riesgos financieros del cambio climático, centrándose en las más relevantes a escala
internacional: las promovidas por la International Financial Reporting Standards
Foundation, el European Financial Reporting Advisory Group y la autoridad bursátil
de Estados Unidos (la Securities and Exchange Commission). Se exponen el
contexto y las motivaciones, la evolución actual de dichas propuestas y su contenido
fundamental, y se discuten los canales a través de los cuales se están tratando de
integrar las iniciativas entre sí y de vincular este tipo de información con la de los
estados financieros, con el fin de evitar una fragmentación que podría afectar a la
estabilidad financiera.
Municipal Solid Waste Management in Dehradun and Indore: A Comparative Analysis with Legal Aspects
Authors: Agarwal Jaya , Kumar Singh Girijesh
Published: May 2023

A rise in urban populations has necessitated the need for municipal solid waste management (MSWM). Municipal corporations and urban local authorities are legally obligated to reduce and effectively handle solid waste. The local municipality of Dehradun is experiencing numerous issues due to increased MSW output and difficulty in appropriately handling it. The paper covers several government initiatives implemented in Indore city to manage its waste better. This research will also provide a thorough understanding of legal aspects in Indore city to be enlisted in clean cities of India. Dehradun has much flexibility to enhance its position and make it the cleanest city in India. Dehradun and Indore, two tier-II Indian towns, will be the focus of this article, for comparison of waste management practices.
Medbot- Design and Development of Medical Robot for Healthcare Digitalization
Authors: Saha Arajit , Bhuiyan Md. Mahadi Hasan , Saha Durjoy , Sara Sumayea Alam , Md. Saniat Rahman Zishan
Published: May 2023

The main goal of this paper is to make a multifunctional robot along with a database management system named “MEDBOT”. That will reduce the problem of spreading any viral or infectious disease by maintaining social distance. A robot is designed and implemented will replace the ordinary system in the medical sector in a digital way with fewer life risks. Being a multifunctional robot, it can perform as a receptionist, entertainer, nurse, cleaner, and deliveryman. As a nurse, it will check a patient’s temperature, Heart Rate, Oxygen Saturation, and Heart condition in a contactless way. Furthermore, these vitals are easily stored in its database system. These vitals are broadcast on the device’s display and server, where the doctor can quickly monitor them in real-time. A mobile application-based remote-control system is equipped in this robot to control it remotely. Moreover, a disinfecting system and UV-C light are used for sterilizing purposes. The previously invented medical robot can perform one or two tasks, but a revolutionary change will come into the medical sector by making this robot. At last, it can be said that the ‘Medbot’ can reduce infectious disease, save time moreover digitalize the medical industry by doing these works. Finally, building a digital Bangladesh, it will work along with the medical sector as a warrior.
Transforming Slum Dwellings into Better Livable Units: An Approach through Minimum Intervention
Authors: Tariq Saiful Hasan , Ibrahim M. Arefeen , Mannan Ashik Vaskor , Shoma Ajmeri Nusrat
Published: May 2023

Urban migration is becoming an increasing issue in the cities in Bangladesh. Since the migrants are mostly poverty affected, they have no other opportunity than to move to urban slums, where, there is no decent infrastructure. The high density of built-forms and lack of understanding about ventilation strategies and thermal insulation are some of the reasons for their sufferings during the summer and winter months. The constant need for health treatment, infrastructure repairing, increasing utility bills due to lack of daylight and ventilation are affecting their extremely marginal economic condition. This study investigates existing built-forms, socio-economic assets, and living conditions in a particular slum area, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh; and, suggests some adaptive solutions in the form of minor and affordable interventions to upgrade their infrastructure, mostly focusing on the inclusion of daylight and ventilation by retrofitting the existing condition.