bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Human Resource Quality, Competitive Advantage of MSMEs with Innovation as Mediation in the Perspective of Islamic Economics
Authors: Purnamasari Femei
Published: May 2024

The research investigates the influence of training methods on innovation in Small and Medium Industries (IKM). In analyzing the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable both partially and partially. simultaneously carried out with three stages of analysis, namely univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis, all of which were carried out using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. These results explain that p training has no significant effect on competitive advantage. The direct influence of training methods on innovation. The t-statistical value of training methods on innovation is 6.542, which is smaller than the t-table of 1.96. These results explain that training methods have a significant effect on innovation. The indirect influence of competitive advantage in Small and Medium Industries (IKM) on innovation through the Sobel hypothesis test and the results of the Sobel test calculations obtained a statistical value of 0.208 because the t-statistical value obtained was 0.208 < 1.985 with a significance level of 0.835 > 0.10, so proves that competitive advantage has no significant effect on innovation. The indirect influence of training methods through competitive advantage on innovation, in Small and Medium Industries (IKM) with the results of the Sobel test calculations obtained a statistical value of 2.560 because the statistical t value obtained was 2.560 > 1.985 with a significance level of 0.010 < 0.10, thus proving that Innovation (Z) can mediate the relationship between the influence of training methods on Competitive Advantage and hypothesis 4 is accepted.
Keywords: Human Resource Quality Development, Competitive Advantage, Small and Medium Industries, Innovation
Analysis of the Effect of Temporary Syirkah Funds and Operational Efficiency on Profitability with NPF as a Moderating Variable (Study on Islamic Commercial Banks 2017-2022)
Authors: Ayu Novalista Lidiya , Anggraeni Erike , Nurmalia Gustika
Published: May 2024

This study aims to examine the effect of Temporary Syirkah Funds and Operational Efficiency on Profitability with NPF as a moderating variable. This study uses a type of quantitative research with a causal associative approach. The sampling technique used purposive sampling so that it was collected by 8 Sharia commercial banks. Data is obtained secondary through annual reports published on the website of each bank for 2017-2022. This study uses hypothesis testing using multiple linear regression testing tools. Data is processed using the Eviews-10 software application. The results showed that temporary syirkah funds had a positive and significant effect on profitability, operational efficiency did not affect profitability, Non-Performing Finance (NPF) was able to moderate the effect of temporary syirkah funds on profitability, Non-Performing Finance (NPF) was unable to moderate the effect of operational efficiency on profitability in Islamic commercial banks.
Keywords: temporary syirkah fund, operational efficiency, profitability, non-performing finance
Formulating a ConceptualModel of SuccessfulMarriage based on the Lifestyle of Imam Ali (AS) and Sediqeh Tahereh (SA)
Authors: Sangdeh Javad.khodadadi , Parhizkari Helia.
Published: May 2024

Aim: The purpose of this study was to present a conceptual model of successful marriage based on the life style of Imam Ali (AS) and Sediqeh Tahereh (SA). Methods: In this fundamental study, content analysis methodology was used. Findings: For this purpose, all available resources in this field were studied and led to the identification of the core themes of the research that include individual virtues, couples virtues, social virtues and religious virtues. Each of the core themes was related to the main themes and to the sub themes provided with examples of each of the themes. Conclusion: The results from this study indicates that there is a match between subsidiary themes based on world-view, interest, easy marriage, intimacy, mutural respect, empthay, understanding, cooperation, social and political similarity, being responsible, commitment, holiness of couple relation, marital satisfaction are effective factors in successful marital factors in Imam Ali (A) and Sedigheh (SA) way of life. Based on the recognized factors, conceptual model of marriage based on the lifestyle of Imam Ali (A) and Hazrat Sedigheh (SA) was designed.
Diagnóstico de Competitividad del Territorio Histórico de Bizkaia 2023. La competitividad al servico del bienestar en Bizkaia.
Authors: Magro Edurne ,   Universidad de Deusto, Vázquez Rakel ,   Universidad de Deusto
Published: May 2024

Descripción Este diagnóstico de Bizkaia analiza su realidad competitiva y el bienestar de las personas que habitan en el territorio. Es una herramienta de inteligencia que contribuye a la estrategia de futuro del territorio en un contexto económico global caracterizado por numerosas incertidumbres. El diagnóstico aplica el marco de competitividad al servicio del bienestar desarrollado por Orkestra para profundizar en los diferentes resultados de bienestar y económico-empresariales del territorio, ahondando en las palancas sobre las que pueden actuar gobiernos, empresas y otros actores para influir en dichos resultados, y todo ello teniendo en cuenta el contexto estructural particular de Bizkaia. A diferencia del primer diagnóstico realizado en 2021, el análisis en esta ocasión no solo se ha centrado en obtener una radiografía actual, sino que también incorpora un análisis evolutivo para entender los impactos de la crisis COVID-19 y otros aspectos como la subida de los precios energéticos sobre la competitividad y el bienestar de Bizkaia. Así, el diagnóstico responde a las siguientes preguntas: ¿Cuál ha sido el impacto de la crisis de 2020 y otros elementos de incertidumbre acaecidos globalmente, en la competitividad y el bienestar de Bizkaia? ¿Cómo ha sido la recuperación del territorio en el corto plazo? ¿En qué retos hay que seguir trabajando en el medio y largo plazo? ========================================================================================== Laburpena Bizkaiko diagnostiko honek lurraldearen lehiakortasuna eta bertan bizi diren pertsonen ongizatea ditu aztergai. Adimenari lotutako tresna bat da, lurraldearen etorkizuneko estrategia eraikitzeko lagungarria, ziurgabetasun handiko ingurune ekonomiko globalean. Diagnostikoak Orkestrak landutako ongizatea helburu duen lehiakortasun esparrua aplikatzen du, lurraldeko ongizatearen emaitzetan eta ekonomia eta enpresa emaitzetan sakontzeko. Gainera, gobernuek, enpresek eta beste eragile batzuek emaitza horietan eragiteko erabil ditzaketen palankak aztertzen ditu, Bizkaiko egiturazko ingurune zehatza kontuan hartuta. 2021ean egindako lehen diagnostikoan ez bezala, oraingo azterketan, gaur egungo erradiografia lortzeaz gainera, bilakaera ere aztertu dugu, COVID-19aren krisiak eta beste zenbait alderdik, horien artean, energia prezioen gorakadak, Bizkaiko lehiakortasunean eta ongizatean izan duten eragina ulertzeko. Hala, diagnostikoak galdera hauei erantzuten die: Nolako eragina izan dute 2020ko krisiak eta ziurgabetasuna eragiten duten maila globaleko beste elementu batzuek Bizkaiko lehiakortasunean eta ongizatean? Nolakoa izan da lurraldearen susperraldia epe laburrean? Zein erronkatan jarraitu behar da lanean epe ertain eta luzean?
Development of a Net Zero Route for the Circular Production of Additive Manufacturing Powders
Authors: Baramate K A , Lacan F , Ryan M , Gangopadhyay S , Badhuri D
Published: May 2024

The research centres on the development of a Net Zero route for the sustainable production of metal additive manufacturing (AM) powders. In particular, the study involves recycling of waste machining chips to produce usable AM powders via solid-state crushing/ball milling (BM) at room temperature. Experimental work deals with the conversion of AA5083-H111 aluminium chips into powders using BM, followed by powder characterisation. It is observed that the particle size distribution and the powder morphology are influenced by the chip’s length scale and BM parameters (such as ball-to powder ratio, ball diameter, milling speed and time). Finally, a framework of a novel circular hybrid manufacturing process chain to fabricate high value AM parts from the produced powders is proposed.
Electro-Thermal Coupling for Simulation of 52 kV Polymeric Bushing with Nonlinear ZnO Microvaristor Under Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Aboshwerb M
Published: May 2024

Bushings are considered as one of the main components of power transformers, a key element of the transmission network. Recently, bushings with composite housings have been adopted because of their advantages over ceramic bushing, e.g., reduced weight, reduced explosive hazard and better performance under polluted conditions and under seismic activity. However, excessive electric field intensity can originate tracking and erosion effects on the insulating material affecting the withstand capabilities of the bushing. This paper investigates the electric field distribution coupled with temperature distribution on a 52 kV polymeric bushing to determine any vulnerable areas. The simulation evaluates the electrical and thermal stress reduction in these identified areas by introducing ZnO-microvaristor material, as a possible solution to mitigate these damages. A suitable bushing design using this field grading material is proposed for effective stress control near the flange ground terminal to offer the manufacturers additional confidence for applying novel insulating materials.
Investigating the Feasibility of MRI Auto-segmentation for Image Guided Brachytherapy
Authors: Doherty C , Duman A , Chuter R , Hutton M , Spezi E
Published: May 2024

A feasibility study has been performed to investigate the viability of applying auto-segmentation methods to the delineation of regions of interest (ROIs) in the treatment of cervical cancer using Image Guided Brachytherapy (IGBT). The introduction of auto-segmentation in IGBT aims to improve outlining consistency while improving patient experience by reducing the time taken to plan treatments. An anonymised database of MRI images and corresponding clinical ROI outlines was curated, categorised by brachytherapy treatment applicator type. This database was then used to train and test an auto-segmentation model to contour the Bladder using three established algorithms, U-Net, SegNet and PSPNet. Quantitatively the U-Net model was found to produce contours geometrically closest to the original manual contours with a mean Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of 0.942 compared to 0.919 and 0.879 for SegNet and PSPNet respectively and a mean Mean Distance to Agreement (mDTA) value of 0.46mm compared to 0.66mm and 0.89mm for SegNet and PSPNet. Visual assessment of the resulting contours demonstrated good agreement for the U-Net and SegNet produced outlines, particularly in the region of clinical significance, with greater variations seen at the extremities of the contour. In conclusion this feasibility study has shown that auto-segmentation methods can be applied to MRI IGBT contour delineation with a method established to facilitate further investigations in the application to all clinical ROIs and brachytherapy applicator types.
Evaluation of Radiomic Analysis over the Comparison of Machine Learning Approach and Radiomic Risk Score on Glioblastoma
Authors: Duman A , Powell J , Thomas S , Spezi E
Published: May 2024

Accurate patient prognosis is important to provide an effective treatment plan for Glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Radiomics analysis extracts quantitative features from medical images. Such features can be used to build models to support medical decisions for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic response. The progress of radiomics analysis is continuously improving. The aim of this research is to extract standardised radiomic features from MRI scans of GBM patients, perform feature selection, and compare radiomic-based risk score (RRS) and machine learning (ML) approaches for the risk stratification of GBM patients. We have also tested the generalisability of these models which is crucial for clinical implementation. Our work demonstrates that a stratification model based on logistic regression generalised better than the RRS method when applied to new unseen datasets.
Determining Surface Velocity Coefficients in Headwater Streams for Natural Flood Management
Authors: Little J , Pan S , Follett E
Published: May 2024

With concerns about climate change, nature-based solutions for flood risk management have been increasing in popularity across Europe, and targeting headwater streams can be an effective approach by increasing forest floodplains through inundation of surrounding areas. However, accurately measuring stream discharge remains a challenge. One promising method is to measure the surface velocity and apply a surface velocity coefficient. This study investigates the determination of surface velocity coefficient in headwater streams using the float and current meter methods. The relationship between surface velocity coefficient and relative submergence (ratio of water depth to roughness height) is analysed. The results support prior modelling results that the surface velocity coefficient decreases with relative submergence and extend the range of prior work for very small relative submergence, using experimental and field observations. The surface velocity coefficient was observed to decrease from 0.85 to 0.53 as relative submergence decreased from 270000 in a smooth glass laboratory channel to 0.093 in a field setting. Field discharge measurements upstream of a channel-spanning engineered logjam were used to show used to predict local inundation and the uncertainty is reported.
Simulating Flood Hazard in Wye Valley during Storm Dennis using Hec-Ras
Authors: Andrews E , Pan S
Published: May 2024

A 2D Hec-Ras flood model is established at the middle reach of the River Wye, from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth, along the English-Wales border. The flow conditions during Storm Dennis, which occurred on 15-16 Feb 2020, are used to simulate the flood extents in the study area. The flood hazard rate suggested by EA, is analysed to assess the risk level of flooding in the area. The results show the extensive flood extents at the study site. The flood hazard rate map shows that large part of Wye Valley is at high risk of flooding.
Accelerating Multi-step Sparse Reward Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Yang X , Ji Z
Published: May 2024

After the great successes of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) in recent years, developing methods to speed up DRL algorithms for more complex tasks closer to those in the real world has become increasingly important. In particular, there is a lack of research on long-horizon tasks that contain multiple subtasks or intermediate steps and can only provide sparse rewards at task completion point. This paper suggests to 1) use human priors to decompose a task and provide abstract demonstrations – the correct sequences of steps to guide exploration and learning, and 2) adjust the exploration parameters adaptively according to the online performances of the policy. The proposed ideas are implemented on three popular DRL algorithms, and experimental results on gridworld and manipulation tasks prove the concept and effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Developing Antibacterial Nanocomposites
Authors: Eaton M , Maillard J Y , Ward B , Zare S
Published: May 2024

After the pandemic, we became more aware of microorganisms around us and realized how these creatures could affect our health and environment. In this regard, this project was planned to prepare polymer-based nanocomposites with antibacterial properties. This study selected a cationic polymer, poly (diallyl dimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA), along with graphene oxide reinforcement to achieve this goal. The mechanical and thermal properties of PDDA, GO, and the prepared PDDA-GO nanocomposite will be characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A high glass transition (Tg) (around 250 ̊ C) has been identified with DSC and DMA for the PDDA. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) technique was used to study their antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The early results for the PDDA were shown to be moderately effective against E. coli and S. aureus, with values of 64 and 16 μg/mL, respectively.
Microwave Resonator-based Microfluidic Sensors Fabricated Using 3D-Printing Technology
Authors: Silver K , Bestow S , Richardson J , Nagara C , Choi H , Li J
Published: May 2024

Microwave resonators can be utilized as precision, fast, selective, and non-invasive sensors for reagent and material characterisation. The quality factor (Q-factor) of a microwave resonator determines its dielectric sensing performance, and the value of Q-factor can be improved by the resonator structure optimisation. However, conventional microwave resonator fabrication can be a complex, time-consuming process that constrains the device prototyping and development. Here we present a low-cost, fused filament 3D printing method to effectively fabricate integrated, split-ring microwave resonators with fluidic inducts, operating in the frequency range 2 to 4 GHz. Finite element modelling is employed to simulate the resonation of sensing aqueous droplets in continuous mineral oil flow, using COMSOL Multiphysics software. We evaluate the sensing performance of different 3D-printed microwave resonators with geometrical variations of ring shapes, sizes, and numbers of split gaps, focusing on the increase of their Q-factors for improved sensitivity. Our work demonstrates a rapid prototyping approach to optimise microwave resonator, that can be applied to flow chemistry and engineering biology applications for functional soft material development purposes.
Study of the relationchips between leadership and psychological safety
Authors: Forte Denise Wentz , Cristina Nardi da Silva Karmel , José Castro de Almeida Cunha Cristiano , Maria da Silva Solange
Published: May 2024

Leadership is an essential and indispensable factor in organizations and has a direct connection with organizational effectiveness. When there is a connection between employees and leadership, it is possible to generate psychological safety, which allows free expression of judgments and favors the productivity of employees, who can be more creative because they are more available for expression and learning. For the preparation of this article, an integrative literature review was carried out, using the method proposed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005), with the research problem: what is the influence of leadership on psychological safety in organizations? The review findings portray the importance of psychological safety as a mediator between the leader's role and the team's behaviors, and the transformational leadership style favors psychological safety in organizations.
Beyond Financials: Understanding the Implications of NFRD and CSRD on Non-financial Reporting
Authors: Čufar Matic , Belak Jernej
Published: May 2024

In an area where transparency and accountability are two crucial corporate governance factors, the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) present key legislative acts to foster these principles. Both directives determine that selected companies must include and publish non-financial information in their annual business reports (such as environmental and social matters, human rights, etc.) alongside financial ones. NFRD and CSRD have been implemented for companies to report more comprehensive information about their operations, informing all interested individuals and groups about the information they need for their decision-making, thereby reducing risk, extending the scope of information, and providing a comprehensive view of the company's management. Both directives determine how companies report on their social and environmental impact and signal a shift towards sustainable CSR business practices. This paper aims to determine the methodology and develop a research model to evaluate the effect of NFRD and CSRD on non-financial information reporting in practice.
Cyclicality Influence on the Global Trend of Turbulence for Business
Authors: Podliesna Vasylyna
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this article is to investigate, in the context of global military-economic cyclicality, the impact of cyclical processes of societal development on the global trend of turbulence that determines the current business environment. The study is based on the combination of logical and historical methods, as well as on the dialectical ascent from the abstract to the concrete. The main results of the study: the essence of military-economic cycles is defined, the role of their crisis-militaristic phases in the formation of business conditions, in particular in the resolution of contradictions of competing societal organisms, and thus - reducing turbulence is substantiated; the actualization of militarization of the economy, industrialization of war and economic policy of military Keynesianism in the conditions of local-global conflict in Ukraine is shown. The value of the study lies in the forecast of the modern world-system approaching the beginning of crisis-militaristic phases in the deployment of global military-economic cycles. This process lays the foundation for the reduction of global turbulence, and thus for the transition to an upward economic environment and more favorable conditions for business.
Strategic Insights: How Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors Shape Portfolio Investments
Authors: Morina Fisnik , Dinaj Saimir
Published: May 2024

This study aims to explore the intricate effects of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on investment portfolios using a meta-analysis and meta-regression methodology. The objective is to gain insights into how ESG factors impact both investors and companies, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the relationship between financial performance and responsible business practices. Utilizing meta-analysis and meta-regression techniques, the study systematically analyzes a wide array of literature on the impact of ESG factors on investment portfolios, aggregating empirical studies, case analyses, and theoretical frameworks from academic journals and industry reports to identify patterns and trends through rigorous meta-regression analysis. The findings of this study provide compelling evidence in support of a sustainable performance premium associated with companies prioritizing robust ESG practices. Companies with higher ESG ratings consistently demonstrate sustainability, effective risk management, and strong financial performance. The meta-analysis highlights the significant influence of institutional investors, regulatory developments on ESG disclosures, and sector-specific nuances, enabling investors to capitalize on the advantages of sustainable performance and risk mitigation linked to ESG factors. The study suggests that aligning with robust ESG practices can help corporations attract institutional capital, navigate regulations, and inform policymakers about frameworks promoting responsible investments and sustainable practices.
Unraveling Air Pollution Dynamics Under the Influence of Fossil Fuel Subsidies: The Cases of Slovenia and North Macedonia
Authors: Cvetkoska Violeta
Published: May 2024

Purpose – Addressing the imperative of sustainable development and environmental conservation, this study investigates the intricate relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and annual fossil fuel subsidies in Slovenia and North Macedonia. Methodology/Approach – Utilizing regression analysis aligned with the indicators of the twelfth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), we discern trends in sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, and total suspended particulate matter emissions. Findings – For every billion dollars in subsidies, North Macedonia experiences an average annual reduction of 40.073 kilotons in carbon dioxide emissions, while Slovenia sees an increase of 6.999.431 kilotons per year. The results point out the negative impact fossil fuel subsidies have on the environment by making fossil fuels more affordable, thus warranting further regulation by lowering or eliminating this type of subsidy. Implications – The implications address the need for research advancement and enhanced SDG reporting in North Macedonia, coupled with a demand for improved environmental indicators in Slovenia. Policymakers can leverage these findings for air pollution regulation, and managers can champion socially responsible practices for a green economy. Originality/Value – This study fills a critical gap in the literature regarding cross-country comparisons in this area, identified through a Scopus database search.
Challanges and Opportunities Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Adaptation in the Economic Environment
Authors: Czédli Herta , Szigeti Cecilia , Horváth Róbert , Major Zoltán , Varga Zsolt
Published: May 2024

In an increasingly urbanised economic environment, with more and more cities, there is a strong incentive for people to seek innovative local solutions to reduce their exposure to the risks of climate change. Accelerating urbanisation affects people in different ways, increasing exposure to the impacts of climate change. Air and surface temperatures in urban built-up areas are higher than in surrounding rural areas, leading to increasing urban heat islands. The more favourable economic environment has led people to move from rural to urban areas, and urbanisation has resulted in a mix of agricultural land, commercial and transport centres, industrial estates, industrial parks, transport hubs and coherent residential communities, housing estates, health and education facilities. The need to develop urban living space and its feasibility within a framework of sustainability requires a systemic, historical approach. In this article, we present the results of our survey in the parks of residential areas in Debrecen and the impact of contiguous green space on the microclimate. Through our computational methodology, we illustrate the influence of green space rehabilitation and innovative park developments adaptable to the urban environment on property value growth in a booming economic environment.
Adoption of Sustainability-Oriented Innovation: Case of Shared Mobility in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sudzina František , Pavlíček Antonín
Published: May 2024

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to investigate whether use of shared mobility could be explained by an attitude towards risk while controlling for sex and age on a sample of Czech university students. Methodology: An online questionnaire was used to collect data. There were 529 respondents. Ordinal regression was used to test an effect of risk-aversion, gender, and age on use of shared mobility. Findings: Risk-aversions and age were found to have a significant impact. Risk-aversion is negatively associated with use of shared mobility, and age is positively associated with use of shared mobility. Research limitations: The research was conducted on a sample of university students. This may explain why the effect of age on shared mobility is positive though other research found it to be negative when surveying also older respondents than in the sample at hand. Implications: It would be advisable for shared mobility platforms to decrease perceived risk of shared mobility (obviously it would be appropriate to minimize actual risk as well), so even more risk-averse people feel fine using it. Originality/value: The original approach in this paper was to risk risk-aversion as a trait as opposed to measuring perceived risk of shared mobility.
AI-driven Strategies for Sustainable Business Development: Lessons and Innovations Post-2008 Economic Crisis
Authors: Lokce Ahmet , Sulejmani Liza Alili
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the main aim concerns the impact of AI as a driving force behind sustainable business strategies analysed after the 2008 financial crisis. Although there are some existing empirical studies regarding the impact of AI on the sustainability and growth of enterprises during financial crises, there is still room for further research and empirical contributions. Thus, by using a systematic review of literature and appropriate case studies, this research seeks to analyse how AI-driven approaches have been incorporated into operations for improved sustainability and efficiency in the post-crisis era. Methodologically, this study adopts a mixed method approach whereby case studies’ qualitative analyses and quantitative data evaluation stand alongside one another to grasp the big picture of AI’s effect. Finally, the results show that AI has provided sufficient support to sustainable business, which promotes economic revival and the formation of resistant future-focussed strategies. Thus, this paper provides contribution towards understanding technology-sustainability linkage with economic recovery for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.
The Transformation of Polish Enterprises Towards Sustainable Development
Authors: Spoz Anna
Published: May 2024

A company can be considered sustainable when it pursues its goals while maintaining ecological balance, and employee and community well-being. This perception of enterprise activities results from the spread of the concept of sustainable development, according to which enterprises should not only achieve their own goals, but also address the needs of a wide range of stakeholders. The transformation of enterprises towards sustainability is a difficult and multidimensional process. It requires changes in operation of an enterprise, e.g., including environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into its business model. This article aims to show the process of transformation of Polish enterprises towards sustainability. The article analyzes ESG activities of companies from industries with different impact on the environment (chemical and banking) in 2021-2022. The results show that companies are aware of the need to include ESG factors in their business model. The scope and nature of the activities depend on the financial situation of the enterprise and its needs. In industries with a strong impact on the environment, environmental investments are more important. The activities of the enterprises over the analyzed years did not change significantly, suggesting determination in implementing the adopted strategy consistent with the sustainable development.
The Future of Employees’ Learning: Understanding Generation Z Attiitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zolak Poljašević Branka , Šarotar Žižek Simona , Gričnik Ana Marija
Published: May 2024

Generation Z’s attitude towards ever-developing technology and related AI reflects the interweavement of curiosity, fear, and cautious optimism. Since AI is constantly developing, it certainly changes the labour market, organisation processes, different human resource processes, as well as the training and development of employees. The main purpose of the research reported in this paper is to examine the attitudes of Generation Z regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the context of employee training and development. Empirical research was conducted on a sample of 129 respondents from Slovenia, and hypotheses were tested by descriptive statistics and T-test. The research results confirm the positive attitudes of Generation Z members towards contemporary training models, regardless of their sociodemographic characteristics. This aligns with the finding that Generation Z shows a strong interest in AI, with many actively seeking out information on the topic and learning about it, either formally or informally. This paper contributes to the human resource management literature because it brings new insights into Generation Z, whose participation in the active workforce will significantly increase in the coming years.
Planning the Development of Cosmetics Company by Introducing Blockchain Technology
Authors: Prosen Lena , Belak Jernej
Published: May 2024

Our research focuses on Kozmetika Afrodita d.o.o., a leading Slovenian cosmetics company, and the impact of blockchain technology on its business environment. The cosmetics industry is increasingly emphasizing natural products and transparency, with health-conscious consumers demanding more insight into what they put on their skin. Many companies have adopted blockchain technology for transparency from ingredient sourcing to final production. We analyzed Kozmetika Afrodita internal and external environments, identifying opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses. We found that digital transformation and blockchain technology would significantly benefit Kozmetika Afrodita.The new technology would enable the company to have excellent product transparency, consumer trust and competitiveness at home and abroad. Revenues would also increase. Despite some potential disadvantages, we do not perceive these as risky. Blockchain technology is a powerful tool for promoting sustainability, supporting green production processes, and enabling real-time collection and analysis of low-carbon or green data. We analysed the internal and external factors of the company using STEEP (sociocultural, technological, economic, ecological, political-legal environmental factors) and IFAS (internal factors synthesis) methods. We found that blockchain technology would have a positive effect on the company’s product quality, customer loyalty, market position and revenue.
Exploring Price Unfairness in Multi-Channel Retailing and Its Impact on Complaint Behaviour
Authors: Malc Domen , Pisnik Aleksandra
Published: May 2024

As retail companies expand their presence across multiple channels, they face the crucial question of whether to offer uniform pricing for their products across all channels or implement some form of price differentiation strategy. While there are arguments for both approaches, there is a lack of research on how consumers perceive such pricing strategies. The present study investigates the influence of perceived price unfairness on consumer complaint behaviour and the effect of the interaction between the place of purchase and the place of the reference transaction on this relationship. We conducted a scenario-based experiment involving 190 participants with a 2 × 2 factorial design. We analysed the data using the PLS method, by applying the MIMIC approach. Our findings suggest that consumers’ perception of price unfairness is not affected by the interaction of the place of purchase and the place of reference transaction. However, the context may play a role in determining whether consumers will seek sanctions against the “unfair” providers. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of our findings.
Work Values, Expectations and Motivation of Students as Future Employees
Authors: Nedelko Zlatko , Rahimić Zijada , Potočan Vojko , Šestić Munira
Published: May 2024

Young people born within the Internet era are entering the higher education system, streaming to the transition phase for their future workplace. This generation demonstrated a unique set of work values, expectations, and motivation, which will have implications at their workplace and must be better understood to develop effective human resource management strategies. The main purpose of this conceptual paper is to emphasize the need to examine the work values, expectations, and motivation of Generation Z, which represents future employees. Due to the gap between what organizations offer and what newcomers from Generation Z want or expect, there is a need to examine the work values, expectations, and motivation of Generation Z. Knowing what Generation Z wants will enable organizations to better manage the integration of newcomers in organizational settings, as well as enable organizations to attract the best students, facilitate their integration and promote their working development.
Assessment of the Fiscal Sustainability in Africa Using the Panel Unit Root and Cointegration Tests
Authors: Fir Nejc
Published: May 2024

One of the approaches to examine fiscal sustainability is to test the intertemporal budget constraint, which involves testing the stationarity of government revenues and expenditures, the primary budget balance, and the first differences of public debt. Part of this approach includes testing cointegration and causality among different pairs of variables. This paper focuses on assessing the fiscal sustainability of African group of countries in the period between 1995 and 2021. It has been found that fiscal sustainability is present, but in a weak form. Fiscal sustainability was confirmed when considering a constant and trend in calculations, while deviations were observed among first- and second-generation unit roots tests, and considered different pairs of fiscal variables. The study serves as a starting point for a more extensive analysis of fiscal sustainability. For more accurate findings, it would be necessary to categorize countries into smaller and economically more homogeneous groups and analyze them using other fiscal sustainability methods as well.
Sustainable Fashion Is “In” and Fast Fashion Is “Out” –A Corpus-Driven Analysis of Media Narrative Regarding the Fashion Industry’s (Un-)Sustainability
Authors: Gajšt Nataša
Published: May 2024

Being affordable and readily disposable, fast fashion has recently been perceived as a major cause of environmental pollution and unethical labour practices. To counter these pressing global issues, sustainable fashion has been gaining in importance. Mass media has a significant role in shaping public sentiment and influencing consumers” behaviour. This paper brings the results of a small-scale quantitative and qualitative linguistic analysis of three aspects of the fashion industry’s (un-)sustainability. More specifically, we examined the media's vocabulary when addressing fast and sustainable fashion. Our study followed the principles of corpus analysis and discourse analysis. We analysed 1,000 randomly selected media reports focusing on fast fashion and sustainable fashion in English in the NOW corpus. Key results of our study show that the fast fashion-related media narrative is negative, whereas the sustainable fashion-related narrative is positive, with some criticism. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge about the terminology in mass media narrative used to address fashion industry-related sustainability issues. Further, we aim to advocate how such narrative can and should be used as a vehicle for changes in consumer behaviour and company practices and, consequently, how it can impact the attainment of relevant 2030 SDGs.
Meaning is Use: the Case of Propositional Identity
Authors: Kupś Leonard , Chlebowski Szymon
Published: May 2024

We study natural deduction systems for a fragment of intuitionistic logic with propositional identity from the point of view of proof-theoretic semantics. We argue that the identity connective is a natural operator to be treated under the elimination rules as basic approach.
Pedagogiczne implikacje teorii dezintegracji pozytywnej Kazimierza Dąbrowskiego
Authors: Chojnowski Dominik
Published: May 2024

W książce analizuję teorię dezintegracji pozytywnej Kazimierza Dąbrowskiego ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem jej pedagogicznych implikacji dla współczesnych nauk społecznych. Koncepcja ta znalazła uznanie w świecie naukowym, ale pomimo tego jej recepcja podejmowana jest głównie poza granicami naszego kraju. Zajmuje się ona procesem ontogenetycznego rozwoju człowieka. Na tle innych tego typu teorii wyróżnia się tym, że w pozytywny sposób pojmuje dużą część zaburzeń psychicznych, zwłaszcza nerwice i psychonerwice. W inny sposób definiuje też zdrowie psychiczne i chorobę psychiczną. Zgodnie z nią część zaburzeń psychicznych dezintegrujących psychikę człowieka ma kluczowe znaczenie dla jego przyspieszonego rozwoju. Ten tok rozumowania teoria ta przenosi również na obszar zagadnień związanych z edukacją, zwłaszcza na problematykę uczniów zdolnych i związanych z nimi oddziaływań wychowawczych. Daje to rozległe pedagogiczne implikacje.
Głównym celem publikacji jest przedstawienie oryginalnej koncepcji wybitnego polskiego badacza w kontekście edukacyjnym. Poszukuję odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy jej aplikacja w pedagogice i edukacji jest korzystna, czy też jest to koncepcja przestarzała, nieznajdująca już zastosowania.
Metodą badawczą, którą stosuję w tej monografii, jest hermeneutyczna analiza rozpraw Dąbrowskiego, która polega na interpretacji i rozumieniu zobiektywizowanych źródeł kulturowych, jakimi są jego teksty. Analizuję zatem prace autora teorii dezintegracji pozytywnej i wydobywam z nich te treści, które dają mi możliwość wglądu w to, w jaki sposób rozumiał on kwestie edukacyjne i społeczne oraz jak wpisują się one dzisiaj w nauki społeczne i praktykę oświatową.
Effect of Planting Patterns and Weed Competition on Growth, Yield and Quality of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Gill Harmanpreet Kaur , Walia U.S.
Published: May 2024

Background: A study was done during the Rabi 2022-23 on the farm of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara (Punjab) on “Effect of planting patterns, weed competition on growth, yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).” PBW-824 variety was used for the experiment which is suitable under irrigated conditions of Punjab. Methods: The experiment was conducted in split plot design (SPD) with 4 planting techniques viz. two rows per bed, three rows/bed, bidirectional sowing, flat/line sowing in main/major plots and four weed competition treatments viz. competition by Phalaris minor only, competition by broad leaf weeds only, competition by both (weedy check) and no competition (weed free) in minor/sub plots. Result: The findings concluded that among main plots, crucially more grain yield (51.93 q/ha) and (51.29 q/ha) was obtained in cross sowing and three rows/bed, than two rows/bed and flat/line sowing pattern. Also increased seed/kernel yield in cross sowing, three rows/bed and two rows/bed was (14.43%, 13.02% and 5.39%) respectively than flat sowing. The growth and yield attributes were also seriously more in cross sowing, three rows per bed than flat sowing. Among weed competition treatments grain yield was significantly higher in no competition by both Phalaris minor and broad leaf weeds than other weed competition treatments. There were 41.85%, 25.55% and 14.75% increased grain yield in no competition treatment, competition by broad leaf weeds only and competition by Phalaris minor only as compared to control (unweeded) treatment. Among sub plots, all yield attributes were significantly higher in weed free treatment as contrast to all other weed competition treatments.
Occurrence Autosomal Mosaicism in Karan Fries Cattle and Murrah Buffalo with Poor Reproduction
Authors: Sen Sulochana , Tonk R.K. , Sah Vaishali , Yadav B.R. , Vandre Rajesh Kumar , Singh Abhilasha , Sant Suman , Gupta Nitin
Published: May 2024

Background: The present study was conducted at the Livestock Genome Analysis Laboratory (LGAL), ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana, India, to explore, chromosomal anomalies in reproductively inefficient animals. Chromosomal abnormalities are deviations in normal genetic architecture and lead to disorders in bearer individuals. These can be both in number and structure of autosomes or sex chromosomes, usually inflict adverse effects on anatomy, survival and reproductive performance in domestic animals. Methods: Present report is on a female Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and a Karan Fries cattle which were identified during a routine cytogenetic reproductively inefficient females at cattle yard, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. Metaphase chromosome preparations were prepared using standard lymphocyte culture method. Slides were stained with Giemsa and treated for R-banding using fluorochrome-photolysis-Giemsa technique (RB-FPG technique). Karyotypes were prepared and abnormal chromosome was identified. Result: Routine examination using Giemsa-stained slides revealed two cell lines with 60 and 61 chromosomal constitutions in cattle and 3 cell lines in buffalo. Among 182 metaphase plates examined were examined for Karan fries which revealed two types of chromosome configuration, the frequency of cells carrying 60 and 61 chromosomes was 83.5% and 16.5%, respectively. R banding technique distinguished autosome 16 responsible for mosaicism. Cytogenetic evaluation of 407 metaphase spreads of Murrah buffalo revealed three types of chromosome configurations, viz. 49, 50 and 51 all with XX and the overall frequency was 16.7, 76.7 and 6.6 per cent, respectively. The R- bandings confirmed autosome 11 both in monosomy (2n=49) and trisomy (2n=51), respectively. This unusual chromosomal number might have arisen due to non-disjunction during early stage of zygotic development of the buffalo and cattle.
Clinical and Hematological Effect of Constant Rate Infusion of Ketamine Alone and Ketamine-dexmedetomidine Combination on Isoflurane Anesthesia in Horses
Authors: Gopinathan Aswathy , Singh Kiranjeet , S. Shivaraju , V. Remya , P. Sangeetha , Mohan Divya
Published: May 2024

Background: Anaesthetic management of horses for a successful surgery is of utmost importance but a risky procedure than other companion animals. Peri-aneasthetic morbidity and mortality in horses could be alarming if proper combinations of drugs were not used. Balanced anaesthetic combinations are being explored by various authors to find safer combinations.Therefore current study was planned to evaluate the effect of CRI of ketamine alone and ketamine-dexmedetomidine combination for isoflurane anesthesia in horses. Methods: Twenty four clinical cases of horses were randomly divided into three groups S, D and DK, having eight animals in each. Xylazine (1 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg) were given intravenously for premedication and ketamine (2 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) were used for induction of anesthesia. Normal saline (1000 ml/hour), ketamine alone (2 mg/kg/hr), ketamine (2 mg/kg/hr) and dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg/hr) combination were given as CRI in groups S, K and KD, respectively. Thiopentone sodium (200 mg bolus, 5%) was given as fast intravenous to facilitate endotracheal intubation in some of the cases. Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and anesthetic efficacy was evaluated based on clinical and haematological parameters. Result: Overall quality of sedation, muscle relaxation, response to surgical stimuli, quality of intubation, anesthetic depth and quality of recovery was significantly (p less than 0.05) better in group KD. Down-time (min) and duration of anesthesia were non significantly less in group KD. CRI of ketamine and dexmedetomidine combination was having significant (p less than 0.05) thiopentone sodium and isoflurane sparing effect. Heart rateand RR, did not show any significant variation among groups but rectal temperature was significantly low in KD group than groups S and K. CRI of ketamine-Dexmedetomidine combination produced a better quality of anesthesia and significant thiopentone sodium and isoflurane sparing effect thus was found suitable for anesthesia of horses.