bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Trypanosoma cruzi-Trypanosoma rangeli co-infection and pathogenic effect on Chagas disease spread
Authors: Wu Xiaotian , Gao Daozhou , Song Zilong , Wu Jianhong
Published: June 2022

A mathematical model is developed to investigate the impact of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli co-infection and Trypanosoma rangeli-induced pathogenicity of triatomine bugs on the spread of Chagas disease. Due to the presence of two parasites, basic reproduction numbers of one parasite in the absence of the other parasite (\begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}_{10} $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}_{20} $\end{document}) and invasion reproduction numbers of one parasite invading the other parasite (\begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}_{12} $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}_{21} $\end{document}) are derived to determine the dynamics of the co-infection system. With a simple case of two parasites' independent transmission, we have found that both parasites go extinct if both \begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}_{i0}<1\,(i=1,2) $\end{document}, thus no Chagas disease spread. Nevertheless, the condition of \begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}_{i0}>1\,(i=1,2) $\end{document} is not sufficient to cause Chagas disease persistence, the invasion reproduction number of Trypanosoma cruzi invading Trypanosoma rangeli transmission \begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}_{12} $\end{document} plays an important role. Specifically, Chagas disease could go extinct if \begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}_{12}<1 $\end{document}, and uniformly persistent if \begin{document}$ \mathcal{R}_{12}>1 $\end{document}. Moreover, due to pathogenicity, oscillation pattern of Chagas disease is observed, which is different from other mechanisms such as maturation delay, seasonality and regular spraying with insecticides for vector control. In conclusion, we have found that the presence of Trypanosoma rangeli infection leads to the risk reduction of Chagas disease infection. Our findings are beneficial to the prevention and control of Chagas disease.
Modelo dinámico para analizar el ciclo de construcción de vivienda económica de la zona metropolitana de San Luis Potosí, México
Authors: Parra Rodríguez Omar , López Mares Lourdes Marcela , Pérez Pozos Omar Nahúm , Alva Fuentes Benjamín
Published: June 2022

La vivienda es uno de los mercados más dinámicos en las ciudades. Sin embargo, la vivienda de interés social en México, cuya producción y adquisición es subsidiada por el sector público no se comporta igual y presenta déficits constantes. Esta investigación tiene por objetivo el identificar y proyectar a futuro las variables de mayor injerencia en el ciclo de construcción de este tipo de vivienda en la Zona Metropolitana de San Luis Potosí, México. Este es un estudio prospectivo en el que se utilizó software especializado de simulación para estimar posibles escenarios futuros. Las variables de estudio fueron identificadas a partir de la revisión literaria y de entrevistas con expertos en el tema. Posteriormente, estas fueron proyectadas a 20 años mediante un modelo dinámico de estructura cíclica. Los resultados del estudio muestran que la variable de mayor injerencia es el precio por metro cuadrado de terreno, que se eleva en relación a su disponibilidad y a la vez incrementa el precio de la vivienda. Si esta variable mantiene su tendencia incremental, construir vivienda de interés social en el área de estudio no será factible en los próximos cinco años. Si, por el contrario, se incrementa la disponibilidad del suelo en un 35%, la tendencia del precio de la tierra decrecería un 10% y el de la vivienda un 5%, incrementando su asequibilidad. Esta situación demanda políticas públicas que promuevan el acceso al suelo asequible para la construcción de vivienda económica para estratos desfavorecidos de la población.
Time, observer, and consciousness
Authors: Šorli Amrit , Čelan Štefan
Published: June 2022

In today’s physics, opinions on what is time are different. Some physicists deny the existence of time, and others think that time has physical existence. Nevertheless, time was never directly perceived by senses. With our eyes, we perceive the flow of material changes, i.e.,
motion in space. Our recent proposal is that universal space is time-invariant in the sense there is no physical time which would be the fourth dimension of space. The model of space-time is replaced with the model of time-invariant space, where we perceive the flow of material changes. In
past years, neuroscience has discovered that linear psychological time “past-present-future” has origin in neuronal activity of the brain. An observer is experiencing the flow of material changes in the frame of psychological time. With eyes, we do not perceive some physical time
in which material changes run. The observer perceives a stream of changes that run in the time-invariant space. This stream of changes the observer experiences in the brain through the psychological liner time. In the universe, there is no linear time past‐present‐future, material
changes run in time-invariant space. An observer only perceives changes (not time) and he experiences changes in the frame of psychological time. The observer (the subject) is beyond psychological time, and it does not change during a human lifetime. Observer can be understood as the function
of consciousness.
On the wave nature of particles
Authors: Uğurlu Berat Tuğrul
Published: June 2022

The main goal of the present article is to elucidate the wave-particle duality problem by giving an unambiguous mathematical expression of the origin of the wave nature of particles. It is indicated that the wave nature of particles is originated from the multidimensional universe approach
and under the one-dimensional universe assumption the wave nature vanishes. The one-dimensional universe assumption also gives a deterministic explanation for the double-slit experiment and answers how a single electron can interfere with itself. The locality paradox is also discussed. It
is demonstrated that the same principle shows how a local measurement can determine the state of a distant system. The theoretical framework presented here may help us to understand various quantum physics phenomena. i.e., the superposition principle, wave function collapse, and entanglement.
An intuitive and simplified formulation of general relativistic gravity in empty space
Authors: Miller Lane R.
Published: June 2022

General relativistic gravity in empty space is formulated using undergraduate calculus, differential equations, and matrix algebra. The key to the formulation involves certain limited assumptions of Newtonian-like behavior in freely falling frames. The formulation results in a field-motion
matrix equation that serves essentially the same purpose as Einstein’s field equations in empty space. The limited assumptions of Newtonian-like behavior in freely falling frames are then justified using well-known tensor relationships. To demonstrate its use, the new field-motion equation
is used to solve for the Schwarzschild metric.
A Review on SRAM Memory Design Using FinFET Technology
Authors: Lakshmi T. Venkata , Kamaraju M.
Published: June 2022

An innovative technology named FinFET (Fin Field Effect Transistor) has been developed to offer better transistor circuit design and to compensate the necessity of superior storage system (SS). As gate loses control over the channel, CMOS devices faces some major issues like increase in manufacturing cost, less reliability and yield, increase of ON current, short channel effects (SCEs), increase in leakage currents etc. However, it is necessary for the memory to have less power dissipation, short access time and low leakage current. The traditional design of SRAM (Static RAM) using CMOS technology represents severe performance degradation due to its higher power dissipation and leakage current. Thus, a Nano-scaled device named FinFET is introduced for designing SRAM since it has three dimensional design of the gate. FinFET has been used to improve the overall performance and has been chosen as a transistor of choice because it is not affected by SCEs. In this work, we have reviewed various FinFET based SRAM cells, performance metrics and the comparison over different technologies.
An Exploratory Mixed Method Study on H5P Videos and Video-Related Activities in a MOOC Environment
Authors: Thurner Stefan , Schön Sandra , Schirmbrand Lisa , Tatschl Marco , Teschl Theresa , Leitner Philipp , Ebner Martin
Published: June 2022

In this paper, an exploratory mixed-method study is presented examining the video-related behavior of participants of a massive open online course (MOOC; N=1.238). Firstly, detailed log-file analysis of six videos has been carried out to compare clickstreams of videos with and without integrated H5P quiz integration. It shows quite different seeking and watching pattern behavior in video with H5P quizzes. In a second step, learners participated in an online questionnaire (N=707): Most of them see the quizzes in videos as always or mostly helpful (67%). The survey also shows that for many, taking notes, turning on subtitles, using the transcripts or even increasing the speed are important activities when learning with the videos in the MOOC. In a third step, interviews with ten MOOC participants are a source for qualitative insights in how the learners use the learning videos.
Telework Distress and Eustress Among Chinese Teleworkers
Authors: Van Slyke Craig , Lee Jaeung , Duong Bao , Ma Xiangyang , Lou Hao
Published: June 2022

This study investigates antecedents to and outcomes of two stress reactions, telework distress (detrimental stress), and telework eustress (beneficial stress) using a model derived from an integration of the transactional model of stress with the job-demands and resources model. The model includes a person antecedent (resilience), and three environment antecedents (work-family conflict, work overload, and autonomy). These factors should influence experienced distress and eustress, which, in turn, affect telework outcomes (telework satisfaction, exhaustion, perceived performance, and perceived productivity. The model is evaluated using a sample of 329 Chinese teleworkers. This study findings indicate that resilience, work-family conflict, and work overload affect experienced distress, while resilience and autonomy affect experienced eustress. Experienced distress influenced satisfaction, exhaustion, and perceived performance; eustress had effects on all four outcomes. Interestingly, resilience had the largest total effect sizes on telework outcomes.
Substrate Color Prediction through Active Monitoring of the Exhaustion Dyeing Process
Authors: Alves Bruno , Silva Luís , Soares Graça , Santos Jorge
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, the monitoring and control of the exhaustion dyeing processes is still done in a reactive and indirect fashion. The monitoring focusses on variables that influence the output of the dyeing process, such as temperature, pH and electrolytes concentration. This approach is more reactive than preventive, since it does not proactively detect deviations in the dyed substrate color that are caused by other process variables.The aim of this work is to develop a customized system that could actively monitor and predict the color of the dyed substrate after washing. This involves mathematical models and integration of a USB 4000 spectrophotometer and T300 dip probe made by Ocean Optics, which collects, analyzes and process the data from dyeing solutions. Validation tests performed with direct dyes and 100% cotton fabrics showed a good correlation with the real results, especially after 60 minutes of dyeing. For all the tested dyes, applied alone and combined, the color differences (ΔE94) between the measured and the predicted color were equal or less than 0.70 and 1.52 respectively.
Simulation of Mechanical Behaviour of Woven Fabrics at the Scale of Yarns under Multi-Loading
Authors: Ogreni Nertila , Zavalani Gentian , Nikolla Ligor , Sinoimeri Artan
Published: June 2022

The mechanical behaviour of textile structures is one of their most important characteristics as far as their end use is concerned. Textile structures, fabrics, or yarns are often considered as continuous mediums apart from the fact that they are composed of some discrete elements, individual fibres composing yarns and yarns composing fabrics. This is known as the transition scale, a very important lock to be considered, to evaluate the real structure behaviour. In this context, this work presents some simulations of the mechanical behaviour of a fabric where the yarn is a continuum material. Particular attention was paid to simultaneous loading in uniaxial or biaxial extension and shear loadings. The results of numerical simulations, which show the deformed fabric unit cell under multi-load conditions, are coherent with experimental observations and encourage the authors to continue the present work with parametrical and inverse case studies.
Study on Electrical Characteristics of Flexible Textile Aluminium-Air Battery/Wetness Sensor and their Applications
Authors: Briedis Uģis , Vališevskis Aleksandrs , Carvalho Miguel A.
Published: June 2022

The field of smart textiles has been steadily growing throughout the last decades. Wearables and garments with integrated electronics being one of the major sections of this area. One of the components that virtually any such product has is a power source. This paper focuses on one such option, which employs only non-toxic materials, which can be safely used in close proximity to human body. The paper builds on previously developed flexible textile aluminium-air battery prototype. New electrical measurements are provided, which show possibilities and limitations of the developed primary battery, as well as niches, where it can be used. This paper focuses on testing the battery in real-world application conditions, by repeatedly activating and deactivating it for short periods of time in order to test its useful life period. From that point useful practical applications can be determined, which take into account limitations of the battery. The measurements show that the battery is best suited for use in emergency and alarm systems, where the system is activated for relatively short period of time in order to change system’s state or transmit an alarm message. Some examples are smart diapers with smart monitoring capabilities and anti-drowning safety bracelets.
Low Twist Hybrid Yarns from Long Recycled Carbon Fibres for High Performance Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Hasan Mir Mohammad Badrul , Bachor Samuel , Abdkader Anwar , Cherif Chokri
Published: June 2022

With the increasing demand and use of carbon fibre reinforced composites (CFRP), the disposal of carbon fibres (CF) and end-of-life composite parts is gaining tremendous importance, particularly in terms of sustainability. The current focus of using recycled carbon fibre (rCF) is still on nonwovens or injection-moulded components, characterized by low performance. On the contrary, spinning rCF to yarn constructions offers good potential for improved CFRP material properties due to longer fiber length, high fibre orientation, compaction of rCF and even yarn structure. However, previous experiences reveal that the shortening of fibres increases with longer input rCF during carding. Therefore, the focus of this work is placed on broadening the knowledge concerning gentle processing of rCF, especially for fibres > 60 mm in combination with thermoplastic fibres. In this work, a new yarn construction is developed by significantly reducing the yarn twist to ensure a fibre orientation parallel to the yarn axis in order to increase mechanical properties of composites significantly. With the developed hybrid yarns, tensile strength and E-modulus of 1364 ± 49 MPa and 100 ± 15 GPa, respectively in composites could be achieved.
Electrospinning of Poly(Caprolactone)/Gelatin/Clindamycin Nanocomposites as an Antibacterial Wound Dressing
Authors: Mohamadi Parian , Mirmoeini Ghazaal , Bahrami Hajir , Mohsenzadeh Elham , Cochrane Cédric , Koncar Vladan
Published: June 2022

These days, nanofibers are used in the medical sector, such as drug delivery and wound dressing structures, because of their excellent characteristics, high permeability, and important surface area. Natural and synthetic polymers may be electrospun in the form of a blend. Besides, the antibiotics such as linezolid, enrofloxacin, and vancomycin are used in wound dressing due to their antibacterial properties. In this research, the blend nanofibrous structures made of PCL and gelatin (Gel) with a 25:75 ratio were produced for wound dressing applications. Clindamycin HCL as a drug was added to Gel and PCL polymeric solutions. Surface morphology, functional groups, and hydrophilicity of nanofibers were examined using SEM, FT-IR spectroscopy, and contact angle measurement, respectively. In addition, the antibacterial properties of nanofibers were evaluated quantitatively. The drug release mechanism of samples was investigated which the best-fitted model was recognized Korsmeyer-Peppas model. SEM images of scaffolds demonstrated uniform and bead-free morphology that, with incorporating the 6% of the drug, the diameters of mats were decreased from 398 nm to 303 nm. Moreover, the samples showed proper hydrophilicity and antibacterial properties against a gram-positive (89%) and a gram-negative (98%) bacterium. Finally, the nanofibers are capable of releasing the clindamycin gradually for 6 days.
Effects of Stitch Density, Thread Tension and Using Conductive Yarn as Upper or Lower Thread on Reading Performance of Embroidered RFID Tag Antennas
Authors: Duman Mujgan Nayci , Usta Ismail , Esmer Gokhan Bora
Published: June 2022

Textile-based Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are widely used in diﬀerent applications such as sensing, localization, and identification applications. Embroidery is one of the methods in textile-based RFID tag production. The embroidered RFID tags are generally used in the follow-up of textile raw material production and inventory, and laundry of commercial textiles. They capture the transmitted electromagnetic wave and generate a new one with a special coding that includes the required information about the item. Therefore, the fabrication parameters of the embroidered antennas are important in terms of durability, cost, and working performance. The conductivity of an embroidered antenna depends on the conductivity of the thread, stitch density, thread tension, and sewing method of the embroidery. In this study, the effect of stitch density, thread tension, and using conductive yarn as needle (upper) or bobbin (lower) thread for embroidered RFID antennas were examined using a polyester yarn twisted with stainless steel that is plain stitched on cotton fabric. The read range performances of the samples were tested with an integrated circuit (IC) by using an indoor RFID reader. It was seen that the optimised stitch density has a significant impact while it was determining the amount of conductive element due to the length of the yarn. Additionally, using conductive yarn as lower thread gave nearly 50% better results in signal strengths.
Melt Spinning of Elastic and Electrically Conductive Filament Yarns and their Usage as Strain Sensors
Authors: Probst Henriette , Wollmann Joanna , Mersch Johannes , Nocke Andreas , Cherif Chokri
Published: June 2022

Electrically conductive fibers are required for numerous fields of application in modern textile technology. They are of particular importance in the manufacturing of smart textiles and fiber composite systems with textile-based sensor and actuator systems. Elastic and electrically conductive filaments can be used as strain sensors for monitoring the mechanical loading of critical components. In order to produce such sensorial filaments, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is compounded with carbon nanotubes (CNT) and melt spun. The mechanical performances of filaments produced at different spinning speeds and containing different amounts of CNT were tested. Furthermore, the correlation between the specific electrical resistance of the filaments and the mechanical strain were analyzed depending on the CNT-content and the spinning speed.
Development of Antimicrobial Polyester Fabric by a Green In Situ Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Mediated from Chitosan and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Mehravani Behnaz , Ribeiro Ana Isabel , Montazer Majid , Zille Andrea
Published: June 2022

The antimicrobial functionalization of polyester fabrics (PES) is useful to provide protection from pathogens and reducing odors. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have been widely applied due to their antimicrobial properties and higher biocompatibility compared with other metal nanoparticles. However, the inherent instability of CuNPs under atmospheric conditions and the use of harmful chemicals during their synthesis limit their use. Thus, the development of efficient and safe methods for the CuNPs synthesis and their stabilization onto surfaces present high interest. In this work, PES was functionalized with CuNPs via in situ synthesis using cost-effective and safe chemicals in the presence and absence of chitosan. In sample without chitosan, the CuNPs showed a suitable stabilization onto PES due to the doubled stabilization of ascorbic acid (AA) and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). In sample with chitosan, less CuNPs were retained by the PES but also less CuNPs agglomeration was observed. Both samples presented excellent antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as well as laundering durability.
Development of Actuator Networks by Means of Diagonal Arrangements of Shape Memory Alloys in Adaptive Fiber-Reinforced Plastics
Authors: Ashir Moniruddoza , Nocke Andreas , Cherif Chokri
Published: June 2022

Adaptive fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) contain actuators that enable the controlled modification of system states and characteristics. The textile-technical integration of actuators, in particular shape memory alloys, into reinforcing fabrics has increasingly been applied in recent years. The objective is to achieve optimum force transmission from shape memory alloy to FRP, long-term stability of adaptive FRP as well as a maximum degree of deformation. This paper presents the development of actuator networks for adaptive FRP, where two shape memory alloys are integrated into reinforcing fabrics by means of open reed weaving technology. After infusion of the functionalized reinforcing fabrics, the deformation behavior of adaptive FRP was characterized with variable actuator switching frequencies (≥ 1 Hz) or actuator activation times (≤ 1 s).
Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Malposition: Iatrogenic Vesical Perforation
Authors: Jha Vijoy Kumar , Mahapatra Debasish
Published: June 2022

Despite perceived disadvantage of percutaneous continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis catheter placement compared to its surgical placement, complications are very rare if done by a trained nephrologist under fluoroscope guidance. We present a case of end stage renal disease whose peritoneal dialysis catheter position was confirmed through fluoroscope initially but subsequently developed urinary urgency after initiation of peritoneal dialysis and detected to be bladder perforation which required laparoscopic repair.
Significance of platelet parameters in squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity – A case-control study
Authors: Anand Ankit , Raju Kalyani , Azeem Mohiyuddin S. M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Tumor microenvironment plays an important role in cancer progression. Platelets are one of the components of the tumor environment shown to have a role in cancer survival and progression.

Materials and Methods:

Ninety-six cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases of the oral cavity and 96 age/sex-matched healthy controls were considered for the study. Data regarding platelet count, platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), Platelet-Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR), Plateletcrit (PCT), platelet/neutrophil ratio (PNR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and Platelet/Monocyte Ratio (PNR) from automated hematology analyzer records and clinicopathological data from the Department of Pathology were captured. These data were compared between cases and controls and also with tumor size, tumor grade, lymph node status, and tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage of cases.

Results:

Mean ± standard deviation for platelet count, PDW, MPV, P-LCR, PCT, PNR, PLR and PMR among cases were 315.03 ± 98.26, 10.94 ± 1.66, 9.91 ± 0.77, 23.52 ± 5.64, 0.31 ± 0.086, 62.55 ± 31.51, 149.34 ± 61.32, and 498.67 ± 194.91, respectively, and among controls were 287.88 ± 74.11, 10.84 ± 1.18, 9.89 ± 0.72, 23.45 ± 4.55, 0.29 ± 0.061, 60.27 ± 21.02, 138.71 ± 49.28, and 497.64 ± 172.28, respectively. The association between means of platelet count, PDW, P-LCR, and PCT among cases and controls were statistically significant (P = 0.020, 0.006, 0.030, and 0.000, respectively). No statistically significant association was found between means of platelet count, PDW, MPV, P-LCR, PCT, PNR, PLR, and PMR versus tumor size, lymph node status, and tumor grades. The association between the means of PCT/PMR and TNM Stages I and II were statistically significant (P = 0.029 and 0.016, respectively).

Conclusions:

Platelet count, morphology, and functions are altered in oral SCC. Platelet activation plays an important role in oral cancer. PCT and PMR can be used to predict the progress of oral SCC as a cost-effective inflammatory marker.
Growth and immunological profile of gercacinid crab at different sublethal salinity regimes
Authors: Lawal-Are Aderonke Omolara , Moruf Rasheed Olatunji , Akan Victor Shane , Suleiman Adamu Mohammed , Abdul-Azeez Hassan
Published: June 2022

Salinity is the most variable ecological parameter in the lagoon with daily and seasonal variations. The changes in growth, serum biochemistry and antioxidant enzymes activities of Cardisoma armatum were examined during 84-day exposure to five different sublethal salinities (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ppt). At the start of the trial, the crab initial average body weight was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The highest weight gain was recorded in 15 ppt (47.40±1.01 g), followed by 20 ppt, 10 ppt and 5 ppt with no significant differences between them. At the end of 84 days experiment, the crab exhibited the lowest body weight growth (48.29 %) at 0 ppt and the highest (81.04±1.08%) at 10 ppt. The 10 ppt treatment had the highest specific growth rates (0.31±0.11 %/day), followed by 5 ppt, 20 ppt, 15 ppt, and then 0 ppt treatments. Aspartate and alanine aminotransferases significantly decreased after 0 ppt, but mean serum protein value increased with salinity increase. Greater activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde were recorded in 5-20 ppt. All the antioxidant enzyme activities (with the exception of glutathione) showed significant differences. Thus, deviation from the brackish water condition adversely affects the growth and immune functions of the gecarcinid, resulting in population decline in reclaimed wetlands.
Corporate Entrepreneurship as Renewal Strategy After COVID-19: The Case of Serbia
Authors: Kontic Ljiljana , Todosijevic Milos , Kontic Jovan
Published: June 2022

The main aim of the paper is to emphasis the role of corporate entrepreneurship in the strategic choice after Covid - 19 pandemic. Main proposition was that innovation and corporate entrepreneurship would be created a renewal and new growth. The study has been conducted on 287 managers and employees from various companies in Serbia. The Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI) has been used by written permission given by authors (Kuratko et al., 2014). The relevant statistical methods have been used for data analysis by SPSS 24.0 software. The results of factor analysis showed the key factors from CEAI questionnaire that must be included into renewal strategy in Serbian companies. The limitation and future research agenda would be presented, too.
The Digital Competences Level of Women Entrepreneurs in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Ivanovic Djina , Domazet Ivana , Antonijević Marija
Published: June 2022

The emergence of the COVID19 pandemic has changed the way the world and business function, where the physical environment is shifting to a remote (online) environment. The fact emphasizes the importance of information technology (ICT) and its tools. The demand for ICT derivatives leads to the dispersion of the necessary competences for their use. The importance of this paper is reflected in the fact that the authors determine the level of women entrepreneurs' knowledge (based on two Digital Competences framework areas) and identify which competences should be improved to be in line with market requirements. The research was conducted on a sample of 114 women entrepreneurs from February-March 2021. Based on the analysis, the authors identified the enormous gap in the second area of "Communication and Collaboration", which concerns the interaction with third parties through digital technologies.
Analysis of Company's Sustainable Growth Rate in the Function of Strategic Management
Authors: Vuković Bojana , Tica Teodora , Jakšić Dejan
Published: June 2022

e of the key segments of a company's strategic management is managing its growth. Growth needs to be sustainable so that companies can benefit strategically from it. The rate of sustainable growth represents the maximum rate of increase in sales of the company without the need for additional financial resources. The paper will research the key determinants of the sustainable growth rate of 81 companies operating in the Balkan countries in the period from 2014 to 2020. The appropriate statistical methods will research the impact of liquidity, profitability, indebtedness, firm size and asset efficiency on a company's sustainable growth rate. The obtained results should provide guidelines for the growth rate of the observed companies in the long run, considering that this is an indicator that leads to the growth of the company's value and meeting strategic goals. Also, the obtained results should indicate how it is possible to ensure long-term profitable and sustainable company growth in a rapidly changing economic, political and competitive environment, and what internal and external incentives are needed to further increase growth potential.
The Janus Face of Theatre: Marketing Analysis
Authors: Jukić Dinko
Published: June 2022

The paper researches and analyses the importance of theatre from the cultural, economic, and social aspect. It starts from an interdisciplinary analysis of cultural object and branding. Theatre is viewed from the aspects of art marketing, non-profit marketing, and service marketing. The impact of COVID-19 on theatre and the importance of culture in society is discussed. The building of the image of the theatre as a corporate and human brand is analysed. Theatre during the pandemic as well as the cultural needs of society are also discussed. The paper analyses the specificity of theatre as a cultural and non-profit organization in terms of marketing and discussed its position in society. The research is based on Kapferer's theories of brand building and Griswold's model of the cultural object. The purpose of this paper is to provide a better insight into theatre marketing.
Analytical Indicators of the Assessment of Financial Powers of the Company as a Key Factor for Improving Business in Turbulent Market Conditions during Covid-19
Authors: Starčević Vitomir , Stevanović Suzana
Published: June 2022

Operating according to market principles, companies under the influence of the dynamics of global change are continuously exposed to their adaptation, to provide an adequate platform for better affirmation in turbulent markets. The adaptation of companies to the dynamics of global changes is caused by their special features in the economy of the company itself. In such circumstances, every company is obliged to find an adequate management concept in order to adapt to new and upcoming changes. Today, in turbulent market conditions and under the influence of COVID-19, there is less time to make adequate business decisions and it is increasingly difficult to provide conditions for the implementation of strategic and operational goals of the company. To achieve a synergistic effect of coordination and integration of business management systems, which would certainly reflect on the improvement of the company's operations in turbulent market conditions and in the conditions of COVID-19 operations, the company should have good financial power. If the financial power of the company is not satisfactory, it will significantly affect the profit position of the company. Therefore, the essence of the research in the article is located on the assessment of the financial strength of a particular company with the use of adequate analytical indicators, to see how secure the company is under business conditions to improve the business process and increase return on investment.
Exchange Rate Pass-Through Asymmetry: The Case of the Euro-Zone
Authors: Stojkov Stefan , Beker Pucar Emilija , Glavaški Olgica , Beljić Marina
Published: June 2022

An essential aspect of deepening the level of economic integration between European economies is the reduction of mutual economic disparities, which is especially emphasized by the formation of the supranational monetary authority of the Euro-zone member states. However, fixing the currency for the euro and losing monetary sovereignty in the circumstances of a structurally heterogeneous system meant that the same monetary policy provoked different repercussions for member states. This research aims to point out the differences in the exchange rate transmission mechanism between the representatives of two groups of Euro-zone member states: the core of the EZ (Germany, Finland, Belgium, and France) and the periphery of the EZ (Greece, Spain, Portugal, Ireland), in the 1999M1-2021M1 time horizon. Empirical findings are based on estimates of the VAR model, i.e. derived impulse response functions in the circumstances of shock transmission (nominal effective exchange rate) to inflation (consumer price index). The results of the research indicate the asymmetry of the exchange rate transmission mechanism in terms of a more pronounced and longer degree of exposure of peripheral economies to shocks of the nominal exchange rate compared to the representatives of the core of the Euro-zone. Empirical findings confirm the asymmetry of the exchange rate transmission mechanism as one of the indicators of the weakness of the Euro-zone, given the inflationary diversity and the consequent anomalies of the monetary union with heterogeneous membership.
Strategic Framework for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Online (Platform) Work
Authors: Lazić Milena , Domazet Ivana , Vukmirović Valentina , Banović Jelena
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated digital transformation and expanded the usage of advanced ICT solutions globally. Moreover, the expansion of remote work platforms and the tendency of modern businesses to outsource part of their business operations to individuals in remote locations creates significant potential for finding employment. According to available data sources, it is estimated that about 700,000 persons in Serbia face some form of disability. Of that number, only about 13% are employed. As a consequence of facing discrimination, persons with disabilities have a greater tendency towards long-term unemployment and complete withdrawal from the labor market. The Internet and advanced digital technologies provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to get involved in the digital labor market and increase their chances to find employment and generate income. This paper aims to discuss the potential of digital labor platforms for lowering the long-term unemployment of persons with disabilities in Serbia. Accordingly, the paper provides data on the level of digital competencies of persons with disabilities, since they are fundamental for obtaining employment on digital labor platforms. For that purpose, the standard desk-research method and secondary data analysis of relevant literature, strategic documents and public policies have been performed. The research results provide a deeper insight into the current level of digital competencies of persons with disabilities and suggest a potential solution for improving their chances of obtaining employment and generating income.
Resource Use and Food Security in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Kovljenić Mina , Nestorov Bizonj Jelena
Published: June 2022

Achieving food security and resources sustainability have a high priority in agrarian policy that  universal for all economies. Today modern agriculture has many complex challenges, so a sustainable agriculture approach is needed. Agriculture now must produce more food, using available natural resources efficiently and sustainably, including a reduction of post-harvest losses and waste, and developing agriculture more resilient to climate change. The Republic of Serbia has a good quality of agricultural land, favorable ratio of available land per capita, and favorable climate conditions for agricultural production. However, Serbia has a large number of small farms with fragmented property, family workforce, low level of technical equipment and capital, which have a high production costs and irrational use of resources. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact ofresource use on the level of food security in the Republic of Serbia. The survey data were taken from the FAOSTAT database, World Bank, as well as the national statistics of the Republic of Serbia and hierarchical regression analysis was used. The results of the research have shown that resource supply has a statistically significant impact on the level of food security in the Republic of Serbia.
Forms of State Aid and the Importance of its Regulation
Authors: Holzerová Patrícia , Čičková Zuzana
Published: June 2022

The direction of the company's operation and success in the market are related to number of strategic decisions from the moment of entering the market. One of the most important topics that companies have to deal with is financing business activities, which is not always easy and sometimes they have to reach for possible forms of help. These are mostly state aid and subsidies, effective tools that not only serve the beneficiaries by influencing their market presence and enabling to increase their competitiveness, but at the same time, they are effective for the provider, as they allow it to enter the market developments in accordance with its stated aims and intensions. However, this can lead to distortions of competition, for example by favoring certain companies, regions or types of services and goods. The presence of coordinators and regulatory authorities monitoring the use of such measures for the benefit of businesses within established criteria is therefore very important. In Slovakia this competence falls to the Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic. Our paper focuses on topic of state aid in individual areas of the economy with regard to its control and regulation, which is one of the tools of competition policy.
The Roles of Organizational Culture, Participative Leadership, Employee Satisfaction & Work Motivation Towards Organizational Capabilities
Authors: Aurelia Inezia , Musa Soebowo
Published: June 2022

Many firms still fail to develop organizational agility. There are more than 40% of organizations think that they are low/not agile in facing market change. Organizational culture plays an important role in developing the organizations to be adaptive in order to manage the VUCA effectively.  This study examines the relationships of organizational culture towards participative leadership, employee satisfaction, employee work motivation, organizational learning, and absorptive capacity in developing organizational agility in managing VUCA environment. 263 employees located from an international chemical-based company offices across the globe, who have worked more than three years were the respondents in this study. This study showed that organizational clan culture promotes the development of participative leadership, which it has an empowering effect towards people in the organization resulting in employee satisfaction. The study also confirms the role of organizational culture in creating organizational behavior within the organization that foster the organizational learning, absorptive capacity, and organizational agility; while the study also found that the relationship between participative leadership and employee work motivation is not significant.
Positive and Negative Sides of IT Consumerization from the Company's Point of View
Authors: Petrović Marijana
Published: June 2022

IT consumerization is a phenomenon that has caused a change in people's behavior and expectations of the technology they use, which has spilled over into all their spheres of life, including work. Consequently, organizations had to find ways to adapt to this, in order to attract and retain tech-savvy employees. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced companies to accelerate the provision of work from home on a larger scale, which is actually one of the aspirations and opportunities of employees in the era of IT consumerization. This paper helps to understand the impact that IT consumerization has on companies. Its positive and negative sides are presented through the impact on employees, technology, processes and data in order to draw attention to the consequences of this phenomenon and its potential dangers and opportunities.
COVID-19: Digital Transformation as a Force for Resilience
Authors: Oliveira Selma , Castro Leite Yasmim
Published: June 2022

This study highlighted digital transformation, the transformation of accounting in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic, in light of the experiences of Brazilian multinational corporations from different sectors. Specifically, this study highlighted the relevance of digital transformation, through dynamic capabilities, for accounting / multinational corporations to become resilient in the context of the COVID 19 pandemic. Thus, using a scalar-type questionnaire, a survey was carried out with accounting professionals (accountants, controllers, analysts, coordinators, supervisors, etc.) of said corporations. The findings signaled that resilience was enhanced through dynamic capabilities, with emphasis on adaptability. This study is original and has implications for the practice of accounting, signaling the priorities of capabilities to achieve resilience in times of crisis or turmoil. This study represents a guide for managers in the accounting area, showing which skills need to focus their efforts. Furthermore, this research advances the body of knowledge for accounting theory.
Investigation of the Online Press and Commodity Exchange Using Neural Networks
Authors: Barta Akos , Molnár Márk , Naárné Tóth Zsuzsanna
Published: June 2022

The printed press greatly influences people's consumption attitudes, their stock market decisions, and their information on the decisions and internal problems of certain organizations and companies. In other words, the information obtained in this way may encourage them to give up a certain stock market position or to establish new ones, as they think they are familiar with the willingness and tendencies to buy on the market. Therefore, it is important to analyze how close this relationship is, and how effectively the content of articles published in the press can be linked to the prediction of short-term exchange rate or price developments, and to see whether a formal method can be applied to investment decisions. With the help of neural networks, we can search for relationships between large amounts of diversified data sets, and to set up a contingent forward-looking price and/or exchange rate forecasting model.
Enterprise Size and Industry as Factors of Enterprise Vulnerability in the Times of the Crisis –Analytical Approach
Authors: Jankovic Milic Vesna , Radosavljević Marija , Popović Žarko
Published: June 2022

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of any economy. Thanks to their characteristics, they represent important partners in the supply chain. However, on the other hand, crisis situations make them vulnerable and thus a weak link of the chain. To be resilient in times of crisis, SMEs need to think strategically and increase their success in adapting to changing circumstances. In that sense, the subject of the paper is the analysis of the impact of the latest, still on-going crisis on business performance, primarily of SMEs. The subject of the analysis are enterprises operating at the territory of the Republic of Serbia, of different sizes and industry, in order to establish potential significant differences in the manifestation of the effects of the crisis on their performance. Data analysis, as well as testing the significance of the difference in the examined values of selected indicators with regard to size and industry, will be conducted in the appropriate programming language, using adequate statistical methods. The aim of the analysis is to identify short-term consequences of the crisis on SMEs, as well as preconditions for their easier overcoming.
Strategic Definition of Direct Economic Effects of Valorization of Mineral Raw Materials from Ore Deposits in Mineral Production
Authors: Tosovic Radule
Published: June 2022

In modern market conditions, determining the economic viability of geological exploration and exploitation of mineral resources is accompanied by a number of traditional and new influencing factors, which need to be analyzed. The complexity of the economic evaluation of mineral reserves stems from the fact that the valorization of mineral resources is carried out in the age of exploitation, which for most ore deposits is longer than a decade. In the subject economic evaluation, it is especially important to consider the current traditional and new factors on the profitability of mineral resources. In the case of certain current events in the mineral sector of Serbia, related to geological exploration and potential exploitation of deposits, economic viability is important from the point of view of the company, but especially from the point of view of the community and additional economic benefits from production activation. The main goal is to realistically consider and plan the successful operation of the company with the most favorable contribution to the community based on the valorization of mineral resources. In the preparation of the necessary data and the accompanying analysis, the expert economic evaluation of the mineral reserves and the mineral deposit in question is of special importance. The method of expert economic evaluation, with the application of comparative analysis, enables efficient collection, processing and interpretation of necessary value indicators, necessary for strategic decision-making on mineral production, with economic profitability, with appropriate direct economic effects on the company and society.
Comparative Analysis of Waterfall and Agile Approach to Organisation in the Star Model Context
Authors: Čarapić Anđelka , Čudanov Mladen , Jaško Ondrej
Published: June 2022

This article presents a comparative analysis of agile in relation to traditional approaches in the organisation of software systems development, shows the differences through the elements of the organisational system (strategy, structure, processes, values, human resources, reward system, etc.) using the STAR organisation model. Further, the goal is to present theoretical views in the context of a project that aims to establish an identity and data access management system. Our empirical insights come from the development team task management in the Jira software solution for supporting software development. The result of the research is presented in the form of a comparative analysis based on the search for optimal software development method approach during an identity management project. This paper can contribute to deciding in which situations teams can consider to apply Waterfall, and in which agile approaches for the development of software systems.