The activity of public sector managers is constantly subject to challenges arising from legislative changes, ad-litteram compliance with legislation, but also from demands from citizens. The article aims to analyze the degree of compliance of county council organizations, prefectural institutions, city and town halls in the North-East Region of Romania with regard to the degree of publication of information of public interest. The analysis was carried out by processing data from 2024, monitored by the General Secretariat of the Government and displayed on the website www.sgg.ro. Secondary data analysis was used to highlight the situation of ex officio publication of information of public interest. The study highlighted the fact that public institutions with a more complex organizational structure, with a larger number of employees, which have specialized IT departments, record higher percentages of compliance with regard to the publication of information of public interest, while small city halls with a small number of employees hardly reach the 50% compliance percentage. The institution of the prefect record the highest average compliance among the institutions analyzed.
College students are one of the groups facing significant transition challenges due to the highly demanding and stressful nature of higher education. In the higher education system, students are faced with a large volume of material, time pressure, and expectations to master technical and interpersonal competencies. This often leads to culture shock, especially for first-year students, who must navigate the significant differences between high school and college education systems. Social media, especially Instagram, has become a popular platform for Generation Z, including medical students, to express themselves. According to the 2024 Indonesian Internet Service Providers Association (APJII) report, Generation Z accounts for 34.4% of total internet users in Indonesia, with 85.3% using Instagram. This platform provides a space for students to share academic experiences, concerns, or achievements virtually. This study aims to provide an overview of self -disclosure among Instagram-using students in the Public and Private Education Study Programs in North Sulawesi, Class of 2024. The population in this study was all new students in the 2024 class of the Faculty of State and Private University Study Programs with a population of 20,000 people. The sample in this study was the entire population. The results of the study indicate a fairly clear difference in the level of student self-disclosure on Instagram social media between state universities (PTN) and private universities (PTS). Students from PTN, namely IAKN and IAIN, have a lower average self-disclosure score.
This study explores behavior-based customer segmentation by integrating Recency, Frequency, and Monetary value (RFM) analysis with the K-Means++ clustering algorithm. Using one year of invoice-level transactional data from a Romanian Food and Beverage (F&B) provider serving restaurants and coffee shops, the research aims to deliver actionable insights to enhance marketing and sales strategies. After standardizing the dataset to address scale differences, the Elbow Method was applied to determine the optimal number of clusters, resulting in five distinct customer groups: Champions, Loyal Customers, Promising, Hibernating Customers, and Lost Customers. Notably, the Champion segment, consisting of a single customer, accounts for 15% of total sales, highlighting both profitability and dependence risks. Loyal and Promising customers were identified as the most strategically valuable segments for targeted retention and growth initiatives. The clustering results were validated through visualization techniques and internal metrics, confirming the effectiveness of the segmentation. By relying exclusively on transactional data, this approach ensures GDPR compliance and offers a scalable framework for continuous monitoring and dynamic strategy adaptation. The findings provide immediate financial implications for the company, illustrating the potential of machine learning-driven behavior-based segmentation in B2B markets with frequent, recurring transactions.
This study presents a comprehensive meta-data analysis of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) research in the healthcare sector, synthesizing recent academic literature to map key themes, trends, and construct relationships. Leveraging a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA protocols, 38 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus (2021–2025) were analyzed to describe the evolution of scholarly interest, collaboration networks, and thematic clustering in LSS healthcare research. The results reveal a dynamic and collaborative research landscape, with contributions from 130 unique authors across 57 countries, and a broad spectrum of journals and publishers. India leads in publication volume, highlighting regional disparities and the need for greater engagement from underrepresented countries such as Indonesia. The study identifies three core constructs—Organizational Management & Efficiency, Operational Implementation, and Healthcare Delivery and Quality—each empirically grounded in co-occurring and highly correlated keywords. Through co-occurrence analysis and keyword correlation, the research develops robust indicators for each construct and proposes a data-driven path model for future quantitative analysis using PLS-SEM. While the findings advance theoretical and practical understanding of LSS implementation, the study is limited by its focus on English-language, Scopus-indexed articles within a five-year period, and by the predominance of research on private hospital institutions. Recommendations for future research include empirical validation of the proposed constructs, extension to broader healthcare settings, and examination of mediating and moderating factors in LSS effectiveness.
This work explores the disparities between the Arab and Jewish education systems in Israel, focusing on structural inequalities, government policies, and recent developments in educational outcomes. Drawing on official data and academic research, it highlights persistent funding and infrastructure gaps, differences in teacher training, and varying levels of access to non-formal education. The paper pays particular attention to Government Resolutions 922 and 550, which sought to reduce inequalities through targeted funding and support for Arab local authorities in Israel. While these initiatives have led to some improvements - such as increased participation in higher education and improvement in teacher qualifications—many gaps remain, especially in infrastructure and academic achievement. The findings emphasize the need for sustained investment, structural reform, and culturally responsive education policy to advance equity between the two systems.
Understanding the interconnectedness of financial markets is essential for assessing market efficiency, risk transmission, and financial integration, particularly in the context of global shocks. While the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted numerous empirical investigations into international stock market co-movements, important gaps remain regarding the integration between developed and emerging European markets. This study explores the degree of integration between the Romanian stock market and major developed Western European markets, with a particular emphasis on Germany, Romania’s largest trading partner. Employing partial wavelet coherence analysis, we analyze the co-movement between the German DAX and Romanian BET indices across three distinct periods: before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that the pandemic temporarily weakened market integration, but this effect was reversed in the post-pandemic period, with integration not only recovering but intensifying. These results carry important implications for investors, policymakers, and scholars concerned with financial contagion, regional integration, and the resilience of emerging markets in the European context.
This systematic literature review explores recent academic insights into the influence of ambient music on the consumption behaviors of generation Z, a demographic characterized by distinct digital habits, emotional responsiveness, and unique preferences in retail and hospitality environments. By synthesizing findings from peer-reviewed studies across marketing, psychology, and consumer behavior disciplines, the paper identifies key dimensions of auditory stimuli—such as tempo, genre, familiarity, volume, and emotional valence—and analyzes their psychological impact on mood, perception, and purchase intentions. Special attention is given to the contextual factors that modulate the effectiveness of music as a background element in consumer spaces. The review offers actionable implications for marketers aiming to optimize the sensory experience for generation Z customers and highlights research gaps regarding the cultural, situational, and technological mediators of music-induced behavioral responses, suggesting avenues for future interdisciplinary exploration.
Production of milk and dairy products is one of the key directions of the Ukrainian food industry. The development of this sector contributes to the food security of the state, as well as contributes to the development of its export potential. However, Ukraine’s dairy industry has experienced substantial structural transformations, with milk production declining to 9.8 million tonnes in 2020 – the lowest level since the country’s independence. The export of dairy products decreased by 33%, dropping to 541 thousand tonnes, while imports surged by 90% to 335 thousand tonnes. Therefore, the study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of milk and dairy production in Ukraine, evaluating the economic efficiency, concentration of dairy enterprises, and their financial performance. Utilising secondary data from the State Statistical Service of Ukraine and Emerging Markets Information System (EMIS), the research employs multivariate statistical methods to analyse industry trends. The practical importance of the study lies in providing actionable insights for industry stakeholders to improve milk production efficiency, dairy product competitiveness, and market stability.
The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between economic growth and changes in consumption of macronutrients and raw materials in the Visegrad countries. Data on diet are from the World Health Organization's HFA online database, while GDP per capita data are from the Penn World Table database from 1993 to 2018. Spearman rank correlation with correlation coefficients was used to analyse the relationship between economic growth, average number of calories available per person per day (kcal), protein available per person per day (g), average amount of cereal available per person per year (kg), average amount of fruit and vegetables available per person per year (kg), and fat available per person per day (g). As economic activity increased in the Visegrad countries, the average number of calories available per person per day also increased. Also, there is a significant relationship between economic growth and the changes in consumption of macronutrients and raw materials in the Visegrad countries, although, some exceptions were identified. Based on our findings decision-makers within the Visegrad countries should strengthen policies promoting a healthier diet.
The role of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of kinetotherapy applied starting from the first month of life in patients with Larsen syndrome. Larsen syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by multiple skeletal abnormalities and other congenital malformations. It is caused by mutations in genes affecting connective tissue development, particularly collagen, and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Treatment for Larsen syndrome is multidisciplinary, personalized, and tailored to the specific symptoms and complications of each patient. Larsen syndrome manifests across multiple systems and organs (skeleton, joints, spine, heart, respiratory system), requiring complex interventions and collaboration among specialists: orthopedists, surgeons, cardiologists, pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, and physiotherapists. To highlight the importance of kinetotherapy in the recovery of patients with Larsen syndrome, we implemented an early kinetotherapeutic treatment program starting from the first month of life. The results of this early therapeutic program led to the acquisition of motor skills aligned with age-appropriate neuromotor development milestones. Achieving age-appropriate skills ensures a higher quality of life, facilitating the child’s integration into psycho-emotional and social contexts: kindergarten, school, and recreational activities.
By preventing traffic accidents, the economic burden on health care can be reduced. The aim of our research was to examine the relationship between road traffic accidents with injuries and changes in the number of passenger cars per thousand inhabitants with regard to economic development and alcohol consumption in the Alpine region. A study on the ecological relationships was conducted for the Alpine countries that had data going back at least 20 years. Spearman's rank correlations were used for analysis. Road traffic accidents involving injuries were significantly and negatively correlated with years, Gross domestic product and cars per thousand inhabitants. A significant positive correlation was found between road traffic accidents and alcohol consumption. In conclusion, an increase in the number of cars in itself does not lead to more accidents and avoidable deaths in any country. Therefore, policy makers should consider investigating the introduction of zero tolerance in these countries.
In 2020, the Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (OJK) introduced Regulation No. 12/POJK.03/2020, mandating that all commercial banks maintain a minimum core capital of three trillion rupiah by the end of 2022. This regulatory change aimed to strengthen the financial resilience and stability of the banking sector. However, the potential impact of this requirement on bank performance remains a critical area of investigation. This study seeks to provide empirical evidence on the relationship between core capital requirements and the financial performance of commercial banks in Indonesia. Using banking statistical data from 2013 to 2022, we examine the extent to which core capital influences bank profitability. The study employs Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) and Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) as proxies for core capital, while Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) serve as indicators of bank performance. A descriptive-explanatory research design was adopted, and a simple regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between these variables. The findings reveal that the core capital requirement has a statistically significant negative effect on bank profitability, suggesting that higher capital requirements may impose constraints on the financial performance of commercial banks. Based on these results, we recommend that banking regulators in Indonesia strengthen their oversight mechanisms and explore strategies to mitigate potential adverse effects, ensuring that capital requirements contribute positively to the stability and long-term performance of the banking sector.
This case study examines a method used to bypass legal regulations on the restitution of properties seized during Romania's communist regime. Since the regime's fall, Romania has faced criticism from international bodies, including the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), for delays or failure to complete property restitution. The ECHR has issued several rulings and recommendations urging the Romanian state to uphold the rights of those affected by these seizures. From 2009-2023, administrative measures aimed at completing restitution were insufficient, facing bureaucratic delays and resource shortages. Despite constitutional commitments to human rights, implementation often lags. The ECHR has stressed that without political will, the restitution process will not be completed. Romania continues to struggle with fulfilling these commitments, with public administrations showing reluctance and questions about judicial independence. This study offers original insights into the challenges of property restitution in Romania, emphasizing the need for political will, efficient administration, and judicial independence. It highlights the relevance of addressing legal and administrative barriers and proposes practical solutions to fulfill international obligations and protect citizens' rights.
This article examines the appointment of education department directors in Arab local authorities in Israel, focusing on the influence of hamula (clan) politics. Drawing upon court hearings and verdicts, the study reveals that hamula politics significantly impact these appointments, leading to procedural irregularities, flexible interpretations of qualification requirements, and the prevalence of extraneous political considerations. The analysis highlights a disconnect between state regulations and local practices, driven by internal political pressures and familial ties. This research underscores the complex interplay between national policies, local governance, and traditional social structures within the Arab education system in Israel, demonstrating how hamula politics undermine merit-based appointments and perpetuate systemic challenges.
The education system in Israel is characterized by a centralized structure where the Ministry of Education sets the national curriculum and standards, while local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day management of schools within their jurisdictions. The education system in the Arab sector in Israel plays a central role in the social, economic, and cultural development of the Arab population. Arab local authorities in Israel play a significant role in managing and influencing the local education system, but at the same time, they face unique challenges arising from budgetary, social, and political limitations. This article focuses on Arab local authorities that manage separate schools for the Arab population, and examines their influence on the education system in their communities, while addressing the unique budgetary, political, and social challenges they face.
This paper examines the complex process of school principal appointments in Israel with a specific focus on the Arab education sector. School Principal appointments are governed by a legal framework, however, the process varies between state-owned and local council-owned schools. In the case of Arab local councils, "Hamula" (clan) politics frequently dictate principal appointments and has consequences on trasperancy, teachers’ motivation and students’ performance. Further research is needed to investigate the extent of this phenomenon and explore means to ensure appointments are based primarily on professional qualifications.
The social-economic approach in rice production emphasizes the importance of understanding and solving social and economic problems related to the agricultural sector. The Ongoing economic changes, competition for resources from other sectors, environmental changes and the increasing commercialization of rice farming mean that the way rice is produced in the future will be very different. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of the relationship between rice productivity and economic indicators on maintaining sustainable food security. This research uses the HDI variable instrument as an intervening variable using panel data from 34 provinces in Indonesia in 2018-2023, which was tested using the REM, CEM, and FEM models. It is known that simultaneously, economic indicators, namely land area, productivity, inflation, poverty index, rice consumption, and population, have an effect on the amount of rice production; however, in partial testing through sub structural model 1 testing, it was found that productivity and rice consumption had no impact on the intervening variables HDI and sub structural test 2 found that partial inflation, poverty index, rice consumption, and population had no effect on the amount of rice production. Despite a series of tests, the results remained consistent. In the future, it is necessary to develop a new vision for rice farming, such as exploring food security and technology, and drafting strategic policy reforms, considering global trends and the unstable economic scenario.
The performance of construction projects is often measured by the triad of cost, quality, and time. However, many projects fail to meet these criteria, leading to significant cost overruns and delays. This research investigates the micro-level factors contributing to time and cost overruns in construction projects. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative data from a comprehensive survey of field professionals and quantitative data from a detailed case study of a hospital construction project in northern Jordan. The findings reveal that changes during the project lifecycle, particularly those stemming from requirement modifications and miscommunication, are the primary drivers of delays. While the number of workforce personnel influences activity duration, its impact is secondary to that of changes. The study underscores the critical need for effective change management and communication strategies to mitigate delays and enhance project performance. These insights offer valuable contributions to the construction industry, providing practical recommendations for improving project outcomes through better management practices. The research emphasizes the importance of workforce quality, skill, and contractual arrangements, thereby presenting a comprehensive analysis of the factors affecting construction project success.
Preparing a qualified workforce for the agricultural sector is a current issue at national levels in Romania an in the EU. The shortage of specialists in agriculture affects the western regions of Europe as well, but it is more acute in the newly joined EU states, which are experiencing labour migration to economically developed countries in search of better salaries and living conditions. The import of labour from non-EU regions, like the local workforce, faces the need for specialized training to meet European standards. This paper proposes an analysis of vocational training programs in Romania within the European context. The research utilized information provided by national statistics and authorized vocational training centers. The research results highlighted regional differences in the competitiveness of the agricultural sector, dependent on the presence of specialized training centers/programs for the agricultural sector. Developing vocational training courses tailored to regional specifics and market needs, and establishing partnerships between educational institutions, agricultural organizations, and public authorities are other requirements that emerged from the research. The absence of national improvement strategies and support measures for vocational training in Romania's agricultural sector can have a significant short- and medium-term impact, with negative trends in productivity, reduced access to technological innovation, increased unemployment rates, and labour migration.
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the global soybean trade, emphasizing its evolution and significance in the context of food security and nutrition. Originating in East Asia, soybeans have transformed into a crucial commodity, particularly influenced by geopolitical dynamics and trade relations, especially between the United States and China. Recent disruptions, including tariffs and the COVID-19 pandemic, have reshaped trade flows, presenting both challenges and opportunities for various countries. Utilizing Social Network Analysis (SNA), the study elucidates the complex interconnections among producers, exporters, and importers, highlighting key players like the U.S. and Brazil as dominant exporters while China stands out as the largest importer. The research underscores the environmental implications of soybean cultivation, particularly in Brazil, where expansion has led to deforestation. By analyzing trade patterns from 2003 to 2023, the article aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the intricate dynamics of soybean trade, ensuring strategies that promote food security and sustainable practices amid ongoing global challenges.
