bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE DIGITAL FINANCIAL INCLUSION: THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
Authors: Latinovic Milica , Dmitrovic Veljko , Benkovic Sladjana
Published: November 2022

Climate change is one of the most important issues in today’s world. To address this matter, countries and companies are trying to become more sustainable. Countries have set the targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, which cannot be reached without the joint effort of the retail, small, medium, and corporate sector. Moreover, emissions and pollution reductions can be achieved through the economic and social development. Digitalization proved to be a fast-track for the economic growth and green development. That fast track becomes even faster if the country’s financial system has a certain level of development. This study is based on two secondary datasets and focuses on the Republic of Serbia, in the period of 2005-2018. The aim of this research is to determine the state of financial inclusion in the Republic of Serbia, and to test the relation between financial inclusion and carbon emissions. Based on correlation analysis, the results suggest that higher number of bank branches will result in higher CO2 emissions. Conversely, the introduction of more Automated Teller Machine (ATM) will yield lower carbon emissions. Results show that digitalization of financial transactions is enhanced, and environmental indicators are slightly decreasing. Therefore, findings suggest that digital financial inclusion in the Republic of Serbia can lead to carbon emissions reduction. Such results are important for policy makers since further digitalization can help in completing the goals of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
THE INTRODUCTION OF A SIMPLIFIED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY IN THE MACEDONIAN LEGISLATION – A VALID ATTEMPT FOR FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP OR JUST ANOTHER INSIGNIFICANT REASON FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY LAW ACT?
Authors: Kocev Ljuben
Published: November 2022

In the past decade, there has been an ongoing trend, primarily among the EU member states, to decrease the legally required minimum capital for the establishment of limited liability companies. This was the effect of the introduction of the “1 GBP company” in the UK which resulted in the outflow of companies from other member states. Shareholders decided to set up companies in the UK instead of their home jurisdictions to take advantage of the lesser capital requirements. This was also possible due to the principle of freedom of establishment within the EU. However, with Brexit in full force, it remains to be seen whether some member states would reiterate from this practice. In the Republic of North Macedonia, the initiative for such amendment of the Company law act by the Government was launched in 2020. In September 2021 the proposal was finally adopted, resulting in the introduction of a new variant of the limited liability company – the so-called “simplified limited liability company” – a limited liability company with a minimum paid-in capital of 1 EUR. From its adoption in 2004 to this date, the Company law act has been amended more than 30 times, making it one of the most often changed legislative texts. A number of these amendments were controversial and even resulted in initiatives in front of the constitutional court for their abolishment. The paper aims to analyze the effect of the introduction of the simplified limited liability company in Macedonian legislation from a legal point of view. The analysis is focused primarily on the necessity, legal status, and effect of these forms of companies in comparison to the other forms of trade companies provided within the Macedonian Company law act. The analysis is conducted primarily through the use of the normative and comparative approach.
THE INFLUENCE OF ECOLOGICAL TRENDS ON THE SHAPING OF LIFE IN THE XXI CENTURY
Authors: Vučinić Ivana , Milenkovic Dragana
Published: November 2022

Man, as a natural being, modifies the ecosystems of which he is an integral part, but this does not diminish his obligation to leave the environment to his descendants, at least in the state in which he "got it for use" from his ancestors. The growth trend observed in the field of extraction of natural resources, global population, gross domestic product and waste disposal is the basis for the development of the global environmental crisis, which is caused by unreasonable and irresponsible human behavior towards nature and its resources. The ecological crisis, as a disturbance and threat to the balance of the natural and social components of the environment and consequently human existence, is a trend that is intensively influencing the shaping of life in the 21st century. Unsustainable use of natural resources in combination with continuous increase in waste causes concern for human survival and requires immediate transformation and transition from dominant economic models based on linear patterns of production, consumption and disposal, to closed-loop models - circular models. The process of harmonization of technological progress and economic growth and development, with the goals of preserving the quality of the environment, has developed the need to build the innovative potential of the economy and apply the principles of sustainable development, as a strategic commitment of almost all countries in the 21st century. In this regard, a change in worldview - the development of environmental knowledge is necessary and is the primary goal in establishing the optimal, interaction of man and nature. The aim of the work is to point out the negative consequences of irresponsible behavior towards the environment and natural resources.
ESTIMATING MANUFACTURING COSTS FOR KOSOVOS’S SME THROUGH COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Lahu Marigona
Published: November 2022

In this research, production costs were analyzed using data from accounting as a starting point. The objective was to demonstrate the calculation, estimation, and cost analysis based on the data from financial accounting in three distinct methods (accounting analysis, high-low and regression analysis) and to see the differences between those three methods. Each approach has benefits and drawbacks, and the best one to use will depend on the circumstances. The three techniques have produced a range of outcomes. We believe that the regression method is the most accurate of these three techniques. As we previously indicated, the majority of businesses in Kosovo, particularly small and medium-sized ones that struggle with personnel, lack the high knowledge and expertise in the division of Kosovo that is necessary for the technique of accounting analysis. Managers of small and medium-sized firms can benefit from this analysis by using it to identify the number of items that can be produced at the lowest cost and tailor it to the market's economic circumstances. In order to establish or alter their production volume and, indirectly, the sales price in terms of profitability, they must take into consideration the production costs, changes in the cost level of both the material component and the salary component, and other relevant factors. The high-low technique can be suitable if a rapid estimation is required. Although it is an examination of the past, it signifies the levels of activity that have been seen and the impacts that have been identified at each cost level The advantage of the Regression analysis is that this analysis can still be done without knowing the values of the fixed and total fixed costs. Creating the connection between fixed cost, variable cost, and quantity will aid managers in making decisions and enable cost planning and management. This investigation is constrained because we had trouble obtaining data from more manufacturing companies for a longer period of time.
MAINTAINING ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE IN VIRTUAL TEAMS
Authors: Miklosh Bojan
Published: November 2022

The wave of the tendency to work from home and take virtual participation in the work of companies and organizations, through the web tools that the progress of technology makes available, is gaining more and more momentum and is becoming represented in the everyday life of both smaller enterprises and firms, and giant companies. Whether it is an unintended effect of globalization or its natural developing product, however, what cannot be avoided is the fact that video conferencing, web meetings, and working over the Internet is everyday in business and society. Naturally and additionally, the pandemic with the virus COVID-19 has only strengthened this tendency to work from home, from an isolated environment or through the tools and platforms offered by the Internet and the recent successes of web communication. From the aspect of organizational culture, if the beginning of the 2000s marked a period in which knowledge about organizational culture was placed on a solid foundation, but was still followed by the need to test, delineate and develop them, twenty years later, the phenomenon manifested itself which potentially means a threat to the organizational culture of companies and organizations. The challenge that is set before the organizational sciences is the need to investigate what will be the methods for forming and maintaining the organizational culture among the teams that function in the virtual world. To achieve this, the paper analyzes the characteristics and challenges of the virtual context and virtual teams, perceives proven best practices for strengthening the social element in the virtual world, and connecting these elements with the elements of organizational culture, points to certain conclusions regarding the research problem.
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH ON THE INFORMATION EFFICIENCY OF THE MACEDONIAN STOCK EXCHANGE
Authors: Tasevska Ivona
Published: November 2022

One of the basic hypotheses in modern finance that defines financial markets is the Efficient Market Hypothesis. The existence of information efficient markets, where all information is incorporated in the price of financial instruments is the basis of rational economic theory. There may be an upward or downward trend in the financial markets, but after the inclusion of new information in the financial instruments, they would stabilize until the next new information. In addition to the definition of efficient markets, the hypothesis of random walk has a significant application, which explains that the market cannot be beaten and that prices and returns move in a random upward or downward direction. The paper includes two methodologies to confirm the efficiency of the financial markets. The first research was conducted in order to confirm the hypothesis of a random walk implementing a coefficient of variance test. The test was conducted using a large series of data of the returns’ movement of stock exchange indices on the Macedonian, Belgrade, Zagreb, Sofia and Ljubljana Stock Exchange, as well as the American S&P500 index. The second research which is including the model of market multipliers was conducted for the most liquid stocks on the Macedonian Stock Exchange and selected stocks from the US Stock Exchange Markets, in order to show the underestimation or overestimation in relation to the market value of stocks, thus to show the sentiment that investors have when trading a certain type of stock. The results of the research show that the regional financial markets, as well as the domestic ones, do not follow the random walk, giving an opportunity to the possibility of using alternative behavioral approaches to explain the reasons for the deviation. For the second survey, where significant differences in the fundamental and market value of the stocks appear, the reason for the deviation is the expectations of investors.
PROCESS OF E-RECRUITMENT FOR ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS IN NORTH MACEDONIA
Authors: Kiselicki Martin , Josimovski Saso , Pulevska ivanovska Lidija
Published: November 2022

The focus of the paper are the different channels for implementation of e-recruitment and their respective efficiency. As the “work from home” model became the default in the pandemic, there was a steady rise in the use of e-recruitment platforms and social media channels. However, businesses report that there is a discrepancy between in the e-recruitment process between varying position levels, based on the industry, type of job and required experience. The paper researches the first step (i.e. attracting candidates) in the e-recruitment process for entry-level positions, as defined being with lower than country average salary, no required experience and faculty education. Through the process of primary quantitative and qualitative analysis, the results of the paper determine that certain channels may deliver results several times higher than others, in particular social media as a whole. Variable factors such as creative elements, job description and other are outlined in the paper to place the foundation for further research. The reach and efficiency of social media channels in e-recruitment is determined to be a powerful tool if utilized within a proper framework. The paper finalizes the research with the obstacles created with e-recruitment as a whole in the recruitment process, after the first phase of attracting candidates is completed.
National surgical antibiotic prophylaxis guideline in Singapore
Authors: Chung Wei Teng Gladys , Shafi Humaira , Seah Jonathan , Purnima Parthasarathy , Patun Taweechai , Kam Kai-Qian , Seah Valerie Xue Fen , Ong Rina Yue Ling , Lin Li , Choo Robin Sing Meng , Lingegowda Pushpalatha , Lim Cheryl Li Ling , Chung Jasmine Shimin , Chua Nathalie Grace SY , Lee Tau Hong , Yap Min Yi , Ng Tat Ming , Somani Jyoti
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Institutional surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) guidelines are in place at all public hospitals in Singapore, but variations exist and adherence to guidelines is not tracked consistently. A national point prevalence survey carried out in 2020 showed that about 60% of surgical prophylactic antibiotics were administered for more than 24 hours. This guideline aims to align best practices nationally and provides a framework for audit and surveillance.
Method: This guideline was developed by the National Antimicrobial Stewardship Expert Panel’s National Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Guideline Development Workgroup Panel, which comprises infectious diseases physicians, pharmacists, surgeons and anaesthesiologists. The Workgroup adopted the ADAPTE methodology framework with modifications for the development of the guideline. The recommended duration of antibiotic prophylaxis was graded according to the strength of consolidated evidence based on the scoring system of the Singapore Ministry of Health Clinical Practice Guidelines.
Results: This National SAP Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the rational use of antibiotic prophylaxis. These include recommended agents, dose, timing and duration for patients undergoing common surgeries based on surgical disciplines. The Workgroup also provides antibiotic recommendations for special patient population groups (such as patients with β-lactam allergy and patients colonised with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), as well as for monitoring and surveillance of SAP.
Conclusion: This evidence-based National SAP Guideline for hospitals in Singapore aims to align practices and optimise the use of antibiotics for surgical prophylaxis for the prevention of surgical site infections while reducing adverse events from prolonged durations of SAP.

Keywords: Antibiotic prophylaxis duration, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, hospital-acquired infection, surgical site infections
Pathologic Changes in Highly Myopic Eyes of Young Males in Singapore
Authors: Koh Victor TC , Nah Gerard KM , Chang Lan , Yang Adeline HX , Lin Sheng Tong , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko , Wong Tien Yin , Saw Seang Mei
Published: November 2022

Introduction: This study describes the pathologic changes in the retina of a group of young Asian subjects with myopia worse than –10 diopters spherical equivalent (SE) refraction. Materials and Methods: The study population consists of 20 male subjects undergoing pre employment screening for public service for a 1-year period from 2009 to 2010. A detailed series of visual tests of function, fundus examination and grading, ocular biometry and posterior segment optical coherence tomography were performed for all eyes. Results: A total of 21 eyes with mean SE of –10.88 diopters, [standard deviation (SD) , 1.28 diopters], and mean age of 21.8 years (SD, 1.3 years) were included. Out of 21 eyes, 17 (81.0%) had beta peripapillary atrophy, 10 (47.6%) had clinically detectable optic disc tilt, 1 (4.8%) had positive T-sign and 18 (85.7%) had retinal tessellation, 4 (19.0%) had posterior vitreous detachment and 14 (66.7%) had peripheral retina degeneration. The mean retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness was 92.48 mm (SD, 9.99 mm). Conclusion: None of the 21 highly myopic eyes had features of myopic retinopathy but most of these young males had clinically visible myopia-associated abnormalities of the optic disc, vitreous and peripheral retina. Generally, these eyes had thinner RNFL. Further longitudinal studies are required to investigate if these eyes will eventually develop complications of pathological myopia.

Key words: Optic disc, retina, Optical coherence tomography, Pathological myopia
Ensino de Estatística, Probabilidade e Combinatória na Educação Básica:
Authors: Lima Samya de Oliveira , Lima Reinaldo Feio , Silva Ady Wallace Jaques , Giordano Cassio Cristiano
Published: November 2022

Esse artigo tem por objetivo identificar alguns dos principais desafios para o ensino de Estocástica — Estatística, Probabilidade e Combinatória — na educação básica brasileira, que atende estudantes com idades na faixa de seis a dezessete anos, a partir da reforma curricular, desencadeada pela publicação da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC), em 2018, e a formação de professores que ensinam Matemática. Buscamos evidenciar possíveis fragilidades na formação inicial e continuada no campo da Estocástica, frente às novas demandas educacionais. É uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, de cunho bibliográfico e documental, que analisa documentos oficiais norteadores da educação básica e pesquisas recentemente publicadas, que caracterizam as dificuldades enfrentadas e apontam para alternativas para a promoção do letramento, raciocínio e pensamento estocásticos. Ao final, apresentamos algumas propostas que podem contribuir para alcançar os objetivos centrais da educação Estocástica, em consonância com a BNCC.
Curiosidade e Investigação
Authors: Lira Flávia Luíza de , Carvalho Liliane Maria Teixeira Lima de
Published: November 2022

A Educação Infantil no Brasil constitui primeira etapa da Educação Básica. Discussões a respeito de propostas pedagógicas para ensino de crianças de zero a cinco anos, foram intensificadas com a publicação das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para Educação Infantil em 2009. Atualmente, a Base Nacional Comum Curricular orienta a organização do currículo mediante Campos de Experiências contemplando uma diversidade de conhecimentos, entre eles os de matemática e estatística. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a vivência do planejamento de uma professora da Educação Infantil com crianças de 5 anos sobre o trabalho com estatística com base no letramento estatístico. O trabalho é um recorte de uma pesquisa de mestrado, na qual realizou-se estudos em grupo conduzidos em contexto colaborativo e que envolveu reflexões e elaboração de planejamento de aulas na perspectiva do letramento estatístico, a partir de etapas do ciclo investigativo. O planejamento da docente expressou a possibilidade de vivência de uma investigação cuja problematização partiu da curiosidade das crianças. A sua prática colocou em evidência mediações coletivas das etapas do ciclo investigativo desde a escolha do tema, elaboração do instrumento para a entrevista, realização da coleta dos dados, organização e representação dos dados em gráfico pictórico, assim como discussão sobre os aspectos conclusivos da pesquisa. Destaca-se a importância das reflexões e análises que a professora participou durante os estudos em grupo, sobre o letramento estatístico. Consideramos que a valorização de aspectos do universo infantil estimulou a investigação realizada pelas crianças e contribuiu para que elas participassem da atividade como protagonistas.
Analisis Pengaruh Tingkat Pendidikan Dan Kompensasi Terhadap Produktivitas Kerja Pegawai Kantor Dinas Pasar Kota Padang
Authors: Gustina Leni , Rahmi Aswim Ullya , Sari Fitrah
Published: November 2022

This study aims to examine and analyze the effect of education level and compensation on work productivity of employees of the Padang City Market Service Office. The independent variables used are education level (X1) and compensation (X2). The dependent variable is employee work productivity (Y). The type of research methodology used is the causative method. The data used are primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained by interviewing a sample of 97 Padang City Market Service employees. The analysis tool used is Multiple Linear Regression with the SPSS version 19.0 program. The results of the study show that the first hypothesis (H1) can be accepted. It can be seen that the tcount value for this variable is 3.137. Meanwhile the value in the 5% distribution table is 2.376. Then tcount (3.137) > ttable (2.376). This means that the education level variable (X1) has a positive influence. This is also reinforced by the significance value (0.004 <0.050) meaning that the education level variable (X1) has a positive and significant effect on the work productivity of Padang City Market Service employees. Whereas the second hypothesis (H2) is also accepted, seen in the tcount value for this variable of 5.020. Meanwhile the value in the 5% distribution table is 2.376. Then tcount (5.020) > ttable (2.376). This means that the compensation variable (X2) has a positive influence. This is also reinforced by the significance value (0.000 <0.050) meaning that the compensation variable (X2) has a positive and significant effect on the work productivity of Padang City Market Service employees. For the third hypothesis (H3) it is also accepted that Fcount is 15.535, while the results of Ftable in the distribution table with an error rate of 5% are 3.44. This means Fcount > Ftable (15.535 > 3.44). These calculations show that the variable level of education (X1) and compensation (X2) together have a positive and significant influence on employee productivity variables (Y).
EMPLOYMENT IN ACCOMODATION AND FOOD SERVICE ACTIVITIES. COMPARISON BETWEEN ROMANIA, BULGARIA AND HUNGARY
Authors: RUGE Paul Marian
Published: November 2022

The aim of this article is to analyze the evolution of some relevant indicators regarding the labor force over the past 10 years that correspond to the accommodation and food service sector. Also, to underpin the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the employment part of this area. It would be a comparative study of the countries mentioned that could shed some light on which countries managed to maintain better control regarding the pandemic impact in accommodation and food service activities. So, a first objective is to obtain a measurement of the impact of pandemic in this area in 2020. Some other objectives are to find out which country has a better annual productivity per employee. Another one, related to in which country are the most employees in this area and what are the percentages of employees from this sector in the whole economy of these 3 cases. Last but not least what could be in terms of the perspective over the next few years. In terms of the methodology used, the Google Scholar platform would be used as the main source for the literature research, while the websites of the national institutions on statistical data for each country would be used for the empirical study.
THE EXPANSION OF OTA’s: BENEFITS AND RISKS
Authors: TUDORICA Mihaela
Published: November 2022

The aim of this paper is to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of OTA’s (Online Tourism Agencies). Many travelers today prefer OTA’s to look for advantageous tour packages and especially to make their reservations. They can make these reservations not only for accommodation but also for flights, excursions and why not, for other trips. OTA’s is an important component for a successful strategy, for all tour operators skilled in business. This way it helps them to reach more passengers and implicitly to make more reservations. But let’s not forget that paying a commission for each booking, it should balance the pros and cons. Due to intense competition, OTA is trying to remain financially sustainable. For this, however, it needs to involve its customers more, of course offering them superior value propositions. For this, however, a thorough understanding of consumption values ​​is needed. The role of OTA’s is becoming more and more important due to the ease of customers to compose a trip from the comfort of their home where they can also compare hotel prices and booking the choice on the Internet. An OTA’s agency organizes and sells accommodation, excursions and transportation to customers. It also organizes trips on an online platform for travelers. These OTAs are third parties that sell services on behalf of other companies. As a rule, these OTA’s offer many benefits. They have more comfort and a more self-serving approach. They also include a built-in booking system with which you can make instant bookings. OTA’s works in two models: Merchant model and Agency model. Merchant model is the model in which hotels sell rooms to OTA’s at a reduced or wholesale price. OTA’s then sells them to customers at a markup price. Agency model is the commission-based model in which OTA’s acts as a distribution partner. OTA’s receives full commission after the stay, and the hotel receives payment directly from the last customer and does not wait for the transfer of payment from third parties.
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTING – A CHALLENGE OF MODERN ACCOUNTING
Authors: DUMITRU (SOARE) Cati-Loredana
Published: November 2022

In the context of the new global knowledge economy, hidden intangible assets (intellectual capital) have become the main generator of added economic value and the one that creates significant competitive advantages in the business world, but traditional valuation and accounting methods, in addition to referring only to past issues, they fail to provide concrete solutions regarding the valuation and accounting of all intangible assets generating value and competitive advantages of contemporary enterprises. This study aims to show the importance of hidden intangible assets (intellectual capital) in the knowledge economy, what are the modern methods of valuing and accounting for them and to what extent these methods manage to provide solutions to the reported valuation and accounting difficulties.
AFRICA’S WATER INSECURITY AND ITS TRIGGERS
Authors: BENEA Ciprian Beniamin , NEGREA Adrian
Published: November 2022

Even Africa boasts some of the greatest water resources in the world with large rivers, they are unevenly distributed on the continent, some countries being well endowed with water resources, other being forced to make difficult choices in order to get sustainable access to water; in the same time, precipitations’ regime has the same feature: too much during specific part of the year, lower (or missing altogether) precipitations doubled by high evaporation rate due to high temperatures. Overlapping these natural elements, there have been engineering actions and urban planning – both, during colonial period and after Africa’s countries gained independence – influencing the access to this vital resources in a discriminatory manner. Climate changes doubled with the dynamic population trend on this continent are newcomers, influencing in a negatively way the possible evolution on the continent. Water commodification is another element hitting hard the poor in Africa; as wealthy parts of African cities are well connected to urban water pipes and facilities, poorer parts of the same city totally misses access to water facilities. The poorest people must buy bottled water to get through daily challenges, large part of their incomes being diverted to gaining access to water. The paper intends to bring to East-European audience the problems and challenges the most dynamic continent is going to face, and how can it influence the evolution there, and in other parts of the world, due to migration. Poor access to water, and when available its dubious quality, are other components of African water landscape with great medical consequences and costs at both personal and state level.
THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (AN EXAMPLE FROM EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES)
Authors: GAFAR Almhamad
Published: November 2022

Entrepreneurship has had an indecisive role due to its effects in enhancing living standards for usual people, exploiting opportunities in undiscovered areas, improving sustainability in all fields, and encouraging the process of innovation.

In this sense, entrepreneurship plays an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UNSDGs-2030). The main goal of this research is to study the role of entrepreneurship in achieving sustainable development goals through conducting a qualitative method. Granger causality test was used for selected Eastern European countries (2006 – 2016), data were collected from Global Entrepreneur Monitor and World development indicators. The study concluded through Granger’s causality that entrepreneurship causes human development and therefore affects the economic and social dimensions of Sustainable Development. Entrepreneurship is one of the causes of economic growth, and the relationship between entrepreneurship and the extent to which environmental quality is achieved is moving from the environmental dimension to Entrepreneurship.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF THE ROMANIAN AND HUNGARIAN AGRICULTURAL COMPANIES
Authors: IEREMIAS Eva , TARNÓCZI Tibor
Published: November 2022

Performance measurement is essential in all sectors of the national economies. Still, it is especially true for agriculture, as more efficient farming is becoming increasingly important to provide the population with adequate food.

The study examines the performance of Hungarian agricultural companies in Romania. There were selected a total of 5,390 companies for the analysis database, of which 3,789 were from Romania and 1,601 from Hungary. In the performance analysis, the efficiency of companies was examined between 2018 and 2020 using the Data Envelopment Analysis method.

Based on the results, it can be concluded that Romanian agricultural companies operate with statistically significantly lower efficiency. However, it can also be seen that the average efficiency of businesses is very low considering both countries.

Low performance is also observed considering the averages of the sub-sector efficiency coefficients. There is not a single year in which the average efficiency coefficient in any sector exceeds 50%. On the other hand, the Oilseed and Grain Farming sub-sector analysis shows that the proportion of companies with an efficiency coefficient below 50% is very high, especially in Romania. Similar findings can be made for the Poultry and Egg Production subsector.

Further research is needed to explore the causes of low efficiencies of agriculture companies more accurately.
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES
Authors: POP Anamaria-Mirabela , SIM Monica-Ariana
Published: November 2022

The communication in an organization involves agreeing on the objectives of the organization by achieving an optimal dosage between internal communication and external communication. Internal communication in an organization is the link that binds its departments, and leads to the smooth running of the business. The relationship between internal communication and external communication within an organization is the result of cooperation between its departments, and the result is the image it transmits externally. In order to have communication within an organization, one must know who is communicating, in what atmosphere, and especially what they are communicating. It is no secret that the importance of knowing a foreign language influences almost every aspect of multinational business. Language can be a barrier in everyday activities, when branches that speak different languages have to communicate with each other. Knowledge of a foreign language can be an aspect that facilitates the flow of communication, both internally (within the same department) and externally (between several departments). The employees with language skills who know one or more foreign languages have more opportunities to work with people from different departments and can keep in touch without effort. Also, speaking the same language, both employees and managers can more easily maintain relationships with other affiliates, not depending on each other and thus saving valuable time. In the same time, as a result of the many cultural contexts, the workplace faces additional communication issues and even when employees in different locations or offices speak the same language, there are some cultural differences to consider in order to improve communication between the two parties. An effective communication strategy begins with the recognition that the message sender and recipient come from different cultures and backgrounds. Thus, this adds a layer of ambiguity to conversations, making them much more difficult. Therefore, this paper considers to demonstrate that without diving into cultures and subcultures, it is perhaps most crucial for individuals to grasp that cultural variety is the key to success.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY – A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS
Authors: CRIȘAN Emil Lucian , MIHĂILĂ Alin Adrian
Published: November 2022

Quality management has evolved in business for already a century. It was a continuous development; new concepts have emerged and have been used without giving up on previously developed constructs. For example, Shewhart has used the PDCA cycle under an initial form in 1939, but it is still widely used as a core construct of the ISO 9000 quality management family of standards. The question we address within this article is how quality management has been adopted within the healthcare industry, probably one of the most reticent industries when it comes to adopting new technologies and solutions. In order to answer this question, we firstly review the quality management concepts developed within the healthcare industry. Secondly, we detail a framework for the adoption of quality management initiatives (QMIs) in other industries, as a reference for managers working in the healthcare industry to guide their actions. In the third part, a review of the most relevant quality management initiatives within the healthcare industry are presented. The fourth part is a presentation of the most common issues related to process management in the healthcare industry, one of the most important areas related to quality management these days. The fifth part concludes with some advices for healthcare industry managers who are to further adopt quality management in their organizations.
STUDY ON LEARNING MOTIVATION OF MASTER’S STUDENTS IN MASTER’S COURSE IN LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DEBRECEN
Authors: HAJDU Franciska , BARIZSNÉ HADHÁZI Edit , KOTSIS Ágnes
Published: November 2022

The aim of our study is to present the topic of adult learning and its motivation. We first define the definitions and importance of learning in a person’s life. We then turn to the definitions of motivation and the historical background and evolution of adult learning. We also point out some big events that helped reaching the today’s form of adult learning. Moreover, the motivation of adult learning as a function of different motivational theories is presented. In the second half of the study, an initial research is focusing on the motivation of adult learning. The subjects of our research are young adults who are studying at the Master’s programme in Management and Organisation at the Faculty of Economics, University of Debrecen. Our questionnaire was filled by 27 students, as only a small sample was available during the pandemic time. By the results, we want to get answers to which different factors motivate examined young adults in studying. According to the results, these students are mostly motivated by the fact that they can largely shape their own learning effectiveness and external factors do not affect this that much. Moreover, they perceive that they have control over their learning performance, which has a great influence on their learning motivation. With the results, we want to give an idea of how the learning motivation of the students can be characterized to both lecturers and human resource professionals working in the private sector. We intend to expand the research to a larger sample in the future.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF BENCHMARKING AS A MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE IN THE FIELD OF WATER IN ROMANIA
Authors: KUNTZ Aniko , DRIHA Cristina
Published: November 2022

Given the public and permanent nature, of the public utility services, as a continuous operation, coupled with the dynamics of changes in technology, communication, labor market and last but not least the many changes in recent years of legislation and tax regulations in Romania, lead to increased pressure on decision-makers in the field of public utility services with an impact on housing. This topic was chosen in the context of the economic realities in Romania in the field of public utility services with an impact on housing, an area that reflects the ongoing concerns for a development that will ensure technological reform and integration into European financial structures. It is of real interest for any entity in the field of public utility services with an impact on housing concerned about the need to implement a decision-making and financial mechanism that provides a clear and relevant picture of the performance of services provided. In this context, the opinion of the International Water Association Group of Specialists that “benchmarking is a tool for improving performance through systematic research and best practice” has motivated many water companies to introduce benchmarking as a method of management. This article provides an overview of benchmarking as a water management technique for European Benchmarking Co-operation (EBC) compared to the national benchmarking exercise called H2Obenchmark. Due to the fact that both are based on the methodology developed by the International Water Association (IWA), the most important advantage of these benchmarking techniques is that they ensure comparability at any time with any water company in the world that uses the same system. By ensuring the opportunity for knowledge transfer, operators are able to identify and implement best practices and innovative solutions to the realities they face in the field of management, operations and investment projects. The brief diagnosis of water benchmarking in Romania highlights the fact that H2OBenchmark is a mature benchmarking exercise, with experience gained and maintained both in the water sector (ARA, CEB, OR, ANRSC, etc.) and partner consultants.
THE MEANING OF LIFE AT 20 YEARS OLD. GENERATION Z CONSUMERS
Authors: MANOLICĂ Adriana , CEBAN Irina , ROZOLYO-BEN-HAMOZEG Nurit , HOPȘA Eliza
Published: November 2022

We live in a digital society where people can use their smartphones daily and just by a click, everything can be controlled and performed. As long as our world improves we as humans strive to find out more about life and the meaning of it. Every day we create new connections, share emotions with family and friends, but do we have time to think about the meaning of our lives? This research aims to explore how Z Generation consumers understand their meaning in life. Z Generation, with the help of technologies, are more capable to look for different definitions about this concept than other generations. The purpose of our paper is to understand better the opinion of the Z Generation about this subject and how their choice as consumers is affected by their perception. The results and conclusions are obtained with the help of a qualitative research conducted on students of Iasi universities with a focus on their perceptions and opinions regarding the meaning of life.
Mitracarpus hirtus VAR. sessilis VAR. NOV. (RUBIACEAE) FROM INDIA
Authors: Dhruvan Tandyekkal , Pandurangan A.G. , Mohanan N.
Published: November 2022

A new variety of Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. is described and illustrated. It forms the second new taxon of the genus from the Old World. Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. var. sessilis Dhruvan, Pandur., and Mohanan var. nov. differs from Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC. var. hirtus by its sessile, broader, denser flowers in larger glomerules, two larger, oblong or oblong-elliptic, calycine calyx lobes with a mucronate apex, two shorter, linear-lanceolate, hyaline calyx lobes, capsules with S-shaped bent calyx lobes that lack aristate tip, and by grayish-brown seeds.
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT CORRELATES OF NILGIRI WOOD-PIGEON (Columba elphinstonii) IN NORTH WESTERN GHATS, INDIA
Authors: Koparde Pankaj , Mhaskar Monali , Mhaske Prachi , Patwardhan Ankur
Published: November 2022

Nilgiri wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) was surveyed in two forest types (open and closed) for spatial distribution and habitat correlates using belt transects across 94 localities in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, India, during 2011–2013. Only closed forested localities showed presence of the species with maximum number of individuals sighted in evergreen forests. Poisson multiple regression analysis was conducted on species abundance data from 18 sites and seven variables. The species was found to be associated with high canopy cover and evergreen forests. Suitable habitat of the species was predicted using MaxEnt model. MaxEnt model showed high degree of suitable habitat in west Chandoli National Park and the corridor area of the tiger reserve. This paper provides fine scale distribution data and habitat correlates and discusses potential threats to the species in north Western Ghats and stresses the immediate need for conservation action in this area.
Range extension of Perbrinckia scansor (Crustacea) in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gabadage D.E. , Udagedara U.S.C. , Karunarathna D.M.S.S.
Published: November 2022

Perbrinckia scansor (Ng, 1995) is the only known tree-climbing freshwater crab among the 52 freshwater crab species of Sri Lanka. According to published literature, this endemic species was recorded in eleven localities (elevation range 150–960m a.s.l) in the Kalu, Walawe and Gin River basins and assessed as “Least Concern”, but again this species was categorised as Endangered. This species is a habitat specialist with adults living in rainwater-filled phytotelms from about ground level up to 1 m above ground. We recorded the distribution of P. scansor from 47 localities through opportunistic observations within the period 2005–2010.
On the mating behaviour of captive Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata)
Authors: Mohapatra R.K. , Panda S. , Nair M.V.
Published: November 2022

The Indian pangolin, Manis crassicaudata is under serious threat due to hunting for local consumption and for international trade in skins, scales and meat, and to a lesser extent, loss and deterioration of its habitat. This species is listed as ‘Endangered’ and included under Appendix II of CITES. Because of their nocturnal, burrowing and secretive nature, information on their biology in the wild is very limited. They are difficult to maintain and rarely breed in captivity. Although several zoos have maintained this species, births in captivity have been reported by very few zoos: Calcutta zoo, Oklahoma zoo, Nandankanan Zoological Park. Although earlier studies have described nocturnal behaviour and activity pattern of Indian pangolins in captivity, observations on their mating behaviour are limited mainly because mating is seldom observed. This study reports on mating behaviour observed in captivity.
Habitat comparison of Cynopterus fruit bats at Lampung, Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Ramadhan J. , Winarni N.L.
Published: November 2022

Indonesia is home to at least 205 species of bats, over a fifth of the world's total. Chiroptera in the Indonesian island chain belong to nine families and 52 genera. Most of these bats are insectivores but the Pteropodidae of sub-Order Yinpterochiroptera are frugivores and nectarivores and, hence, important pollinators of economically significant plants such as petai (Parkia speciosa), durian (Durio zibethinus), mango (Mangifera indica), and kapok (Ceiba pentandra); they also disperse seeds of water apple (Syzygium aqueum), guava (Psidium guajava), and canarium nut (Canarium sp.). Not only do these pteropodid bats play roles in agriculture and ecosystem continuity, they also figure in the reproductive success of plants and in the regeneration of disturbed areas.
Mating behaviour of the Indian flying fox (Chiroptera) in southern Bangladesh
Authors: Baki M.A. , Al-Razi H. , Alam S.M.I.
Published: November 2022

Bangladesh is inhabited by 38 species of bats (Order Chiroptera) of which three are frugivorous. One of the latter is the Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus, a common species in the country. The Indian flying fox is widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia from Pakistan to China and as far south as the Maldives Islands. Although the IUCN deems it as a species of Least Concern the population trend is decreasing.
CANNABIS PARA O USO DA ACNE VULGAR
Authors: Fernandes Carvalho Giovanna , Dorizo Manzano Carrion Juliana , Rodrigues de Moura Tatiane , Arantes da Silva Alves Rhayna , Ferreira Silva Priscila
Published: November 2022

A acne vulgar é uma doença crônica, dos folículos pilosos e glândulas sebáceas. A cannabis sativa tem suas propriedades benéficas e seu potencial terapêutico, vem sendo estudado cada vez mais. O Roacutan® (isotretinoína) é um fármaco para o tratamento da acne severa. O objetivo deste trabalho tem como propriedade verificar as aplicações de canabidiol para a pele, com seu mecanismo de ação, o Roacutan® é eficaz contra a acne, mas contém efeitos adversos sendo só indicado em casos mais graves, que não respondem em tratamentos convencionais. No entanto, este trabalho fornece um avanço nas pesquisas de CBD, Roacutan® e a área cosmética para reconhecimento futuro.
Shining, touching, nodding, singing. Sensory encounters with reliquaries in the medieval Nordic countries.
Authors: Lahti Sofia
Published: November 2022

In a medieval church, saints were present in their relics and could be encountered, but typically not directly seen or touched. The sensory encounters occurred via specific interfaces or, in David Morgan’s words, focal objects – reliquaries made with the best available skills and materials to represent the holy presence. These encounters, taking place, for instance, in the contexts of miracles or feasts of relic translations, were highlights of lived religion for laymen and religious professionals alike despite the differences between the groups’ daily lives and access to religious objects.

Reliquaries were made with remarkable investments in visual impact. However, in the medieval Nordic written sources, this impact is seldom described. Instead, other sensory and interactive effects manifesting the power of the saints and their relics – scents, sounds, touch, and movement – seem to dominate the emotionally charged encounters with reliquaries. This article argues that the eloquent shapes, shining materials, and hagiographic imagery were not ignored, but their message was incorporated into the other sensory stimuli in the written descriptions of encounters with the holy objects.