scholarly journals Monitoring Democracy in the Eastern Neighbourhood: When Are the EU’s Assessments Lenient and Why?

2021 ◽  
pp. 088832542110187
Author(s):  
Lusine Badalyan
Keyword(s):  
Development Aid ◽  
Export Market ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Political Liberalization ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Democratic Performance ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Assessment Reports

How reliable are the EU’s reports when assessing its Eastern neighbouring countries’ progress towards democracy? To explore this question, I first developed an original scale that enables to identify the variation in the quality of the EU’s assessment reports across the partner countries and over time. Subsequently, by employing both quantitative and qualitative research techniques, I carried out a systematic analysis of the key structural factors that tend to influence and compromise the quality of the EU’s assessments. The main results of the study suggest that the more dependent partner countries are on the EU as a source of development aid and export market, the less lenient the EU’s institutions appear in their assessment reports. Furthermore, the findings of the study show that somewhat counter-intuitively, the more authoritarian the regime in question is, the less willing the EU appears in criticizing the country’s poor democratic performance. However, when a certain level of political liberalization is underway, the EU institutions become rather critical in their assessment reports by explicitly and openly denouncing the country’s poor democratic performance.

Menopausal hormone therapy and uterine cancer: the acceptability of the tandem

GYNECOLOGY ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 42-47
Author(s):  
O V Yakushevskaya ◽  
S V Yureneva ◽  
A E Protasova ◽  
G N Khabas ◽  
M R Dumanovskaya
Keyword(s):  
Hormone Therapy ◽  
Uterine Cancer ◽  
Menopausal Hormone Therapy ◽  
Medical Rehabilitation ◽  
Cytostatic Treatment ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Strict Adherence ◽  
Patient Profile ◽  
The Past

The aim of the work is to conduct a systematic analysis of the available research results on the possibility of using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in patients who successfully completed the treatment of endometrial cancer (EC). Materials and methods. The review includes data from foreign articles published in PubMed and Medline, and domestic works published on elibrary.ru over the past 40 years. Results. The results obtained allow us to consider MHT as an independent method of medical rehabilitation for women who have undergone EC. A clear patient profile should be established, allowing the use of this method, with strict adherence to health monitoring. Conclusion Patients who have successfully completed the treatment of EC require the creation of special rehabilitation conditions in the interests of maintaining health and quality of life and should be under the close attention of the doctor. Argumented approaches to the appointment of MHT in such patients will avoid complications associated with estrogen deficiency after surgery, radiation with or without systemic (cytostatic) treatment methods.

The Emergence of Service Quality and Brand Awareness Toward Strategic Competitiveness and Its Impact on Hotel Performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Khairunnisa Khairunnisa ◽  
Nila Krisnawati
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Slow Growth ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Brand Awareness ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Hotel Performance ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Front Office

Five-star hotels are known by their immense competitiveness, first-class portrayal and are superior in level of extravagance, eccentricity, representation, sophistication and amenities. Slow growth of five-star hotels aggravates strong competition, thus forcing hotel businesses to be competitive. This study attempts to analyze service quality and brand awareness toward strategic competitiveness and its impact on the performance of XYZ Hotel. The study applies both quantitative and qualitative research, which were obtained from questionnaire distribution to 100 respondents who have stayed at the hotel, in-depth interview with the PR and Front Office managers, and Focus Group Discussion with managers and hotel experts from Jakarta and Tangerang. The finding suggests that service quality has no correlation with strategic competitiveness and no significant impact on performance. Thus, brand awareness was found to be the most influential factor on strategic competitiveness. However, it is necessitated that five-star hotel continuously improve the quality of its service and the factors associated with service quality. 

scholarly journals Systematic Analysis of Literature on the Marketing of Healthcare Systems. Challenges for Russian and Romanian Healthcare Systems

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 656
Author(s):  
Vladimir Bulatnikov ◽  
Cristinel Petrişor Constantin
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Funds Allocation ◽  
New Perspective

This paper aims at finding the most dominant ideas about the marketing of healthcare systems highlighted in the mainstream literature, with a focus on Russia and Romania. To reach this goal, a systematic analysis of literature was conducted and various competitive advantages and disadvantages of the medical models that require special attention from the governments are considered. In this respect we examined 106 papers published during 2006 to 2020 found on four scientific databases. They were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria according to PRISMA methodology. The main findings of the research consist of the opportunity to use marketing tools in order to improve the quality of healthcare systems in the named countries. Thus, using market orientation, the managers of healthcare systems could stimulate the innovation, the efficiency of funds allocation and the quality of medical services. The results will lead to a better quality of population life and to an increasing of life expectancy. As this paper reviews some articles from Russian literature, it can add a new perspective to the topic. These outcomes have implications for government, business environment, and academia, which should cooperate in order to develop the healthcare system using marketing strategies.

scholarly journals Sounding out falsified medicines from genuine medicines using Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy (BARDS)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anas Alfarsi ◽  
Céline Caillet ◽  
Garry Fawbert ◽  
Simon Lawrence ◽  
Jacob Krüse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Ingredient ◽  
Lower Cost ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Acoustic Resonance ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Acoustic Signatures ◽  
Falsified Medicines ◽  
Acoustic Phenomenon ◽  
The Eu

AbstractThe trade in falsified medicine has increased significantly and it is estimated that global falsified sales have reached $100 billion in 2020. The EU Falsified Medicines Directive states that falsified medicines do not only reach patients through illegal routes but also via the legal supply chain. Falsified medicines can contain harmful ingredients. They can also contain too little or too much active ingredient or no active ingredient at all. BARDS (Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy) harnesses an acoustic phenomenon associated with the dissolution of a sample (tablet or powder). The resulting acoustic spectrum is unique and intrinsic to the sample and can be used as an identifier or signature profile. BARDS was evaluated in this study to determine whether a product is falsified or genuine in a rapid manner and at lower cost than many existing technologies. A range of genuine and falsified medicines, including falsified antimalarial tablets from south-east Asia, were tested, and compared to their counterpart genuine products. Significant differences between genuine and falsified doses were found in their acoustic signatures as they disintegrate and dissolve. Principal component analysis was employed to differentiate between the genuine and falsified medicines. This demonstrates that the tablets and capsules included here have intrinsic acoustic signatures which could be used to screen the quality of medicines.

scholarly journals Supranational Assessment of the Quality of Probiotics: Collaborative Initiative between Independent Accredited Testing Laboratories

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1456
Author(s):  
Jean-Pol Warzée ◽  
Marina Elli ◽  
Abdoulaye Fall ◽  
Daniela Cattivelli ◽  
Jean-Yves François
Keyword(s):  
Daily Basis ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Close Collaboration ◽  
Quality Label ◽  
Accredited Laboratories ◽  
Quantitative Analyses ◽  
Quality Of Food ◽  
The Eu

Recent acquisitions about the role of the microbiota in the functioning of the human body make it possible to envisage an increasing use of beneficial microbes, and more particularly of probiotics as well as their metabolites, as nutritional supplements. National and EU authorities are engaged in assuring the safety and quality of food supplements and in defining rules to assess and communicate their efficacy on human health. The quality of probiotics, intended as strains’ identification, viability, and stability over time, is a crucial factor of credibility with consumers and health professionals. Analytical technologies for the quality control of probiotics must also be adapted to new preparations, such as those including new multistrains complex combinations. Accredited laboratories face this relevant challenge on a daily basis. Through its close collaboration with the laboratory commissioned to produce the specifications for its ESLP quality label (identification and quantitative analyses) together with its scientific committee, the ESLP has been focusing on this issue for 10 years. Recently, as part of the internationalization of the ESLP quality label, a new and unique initiative in Europe for the evaluation of the quality of probiotic preparations has been carried out. The collaboration between two accredited laboratories in Belgium and in Italy represented a concrete example of supranational collaboration in the assessment of the quality of probiotic preparations. Results show that both laboratories are in line as expected in terms of performance. Common approaches to the qualitative assessment of probiotic preparations, especially for complex and composite recipes, in terms of number of strains and included substances, should be encouraged and promoted all over the EU.

Regulating Proxy Advisors Through Transparency: Pros and Cons of the EU Approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaia Balp
Keyword(s):  
Status Quo ◽  
Legislative Process ◽  
European Regulation ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Status ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Proxy Advisors ◽  
Legal Constraints ◽  
The Eu

This article outlines potential pros and cons of a future European regulation of proxy advisory firms, as set forth in the Commission’s Proposal for a Directive amending Directive 2007/36/EC. After summarizing criticisms concerning the proxy advisory industry, and findings regarding its de facto influence on investors’ voting conduct both in the US and in the European context, the article adverts to why the power of proxy advisors appears to be overestimated. Uncertainty on the status quo of the industry’s actual impact on key decisions in listed companies, as well as costs associated with a regulation, need to be considered for assessing the suitability of the rules drafted to ensure adequate levels of independence and quality of voting recommendations. While transparency rules may be preferred to stricter legal constraints or requirements in a first stage, possible shortcomings of the Draft Directive exist that may undermine its effectiveness. Analyzing the amendments to the Proposal adopted by the European Parliament, and the Council’s Presidency compromise text, may suggest a preferable approach as regards single rules still making their way through the European legislative process.

scholarly journals Key Determinants of Airline Loyalty Modeling in Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 4165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dissakoon Chonsalasin ◽  
Sajjakaj Jomnonkwao ◽  
Vatanavongs Ratanavaraha
Keyword(s):  
Airline Industry ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Perceived Quality ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Airline Passengers ◽  
Domestic Airline

The airline industry in Thailand has grown enormously over the past decade. Competition among airline companies to reach market share and profit has been intense, requiring strong strategic abilities. To increase the service quality of such companies, identifying factors related to the context of airlines is important for policymakers. Thus, this study aims to present empirical data on structural factors related to the loyalty of domestic airline passengers. Structural equation modeling was used to confirm the proposed model. The questionnaire was used to survey and collect data from 1600 airline passengers. The results indicate that satisfaction, trust, perceived quality, relationship, and image of airlines positively influenced loyalty with a statistical significance of α = 0.05. Moreover, the study found that expectation and perceived quality indirectly influenced loyalty. The findings provide a reference for airline operators to clearly understand the factors that motivate passenger loyalty, which can be used to develop the sustainability of marketing strategies and support competitiveness.

scholarly journals Small-Scale Coastal Fisheries in the Midst of Adaptation and Diversification: Insights from Southern Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7393
Author(s):  
Agata Nicolosi ◽  
Donatella Di Gregorio ◽  
Giuseppe Arena ◽  
Valentina Rosa Laganà ◽  
Donatella Privitera
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Multiple Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Artisanal Fishing ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Coastal Fisheries ◽  
Cluster Identification ◽  
The Eu

The study looks at the problems facing coastal fishing communities. It highlights the impacts that, in the complex framework of the EU reforms, have manifested themselves on economic activities and on society. The aim of the paper is twofold: to examine small-scale artisanal fishing in an area of Southern Italy in order to develop resilience and diversification and at the same time to outline the profiles of local bluefish buyers to highlight development strategies for the sector. The research carried out through a direct survey by administering a questionnaire to fishermen operating in areas of Southern Italy and the data cross-referenced with the opinions of local consumers. A conjoint experiment, followed by a multiple correspondence analysis and cluster identification, was used to outline the profiles of local bluefish buyers. The results of the analysis reveal that the fish market and the restaurant sector are the main distribution channels preferred by fishermen. Furthermore, fishermen are very sensitive to environmental issues and are willing to collaborate and actively participate in the environmental protection of the sea. Consumers recognise the quality of local bluefish, and they implicitly perceive the sustainability of the method of capture. The results show the need to undertake synergistic actions for the fishing industry, capable of activating marketing strategies adequately to support, promote and develop the sector. The results of the study provide helpful information for food companies in order to better segment their market and target their consumers, as well as to effectively promote their product using brands, certifications and traceability.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Plastic Waste Processing in the Modern Recycling Plant Operating in Poland

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Elżbieta Szostak ◽  
Piotr Duda ◽  
Andrzej Duda ◽  
Natalia Górska ◽  
Arkadiusz Fenicki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distillation Column ◽  
Solid Particles ◽  
Fuel Quality ◽  
Waste Processing ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Recycling Process ◽  
Heat Demand ◽  
Fuel Components ◽  
The Eu

Although Poland is one of the leading recipients of the waste stream in the European Union (EU), it is at the same time below the average in terms of efficiency of their use/utilization. The adopted technological solutions cause waste processing rates to be relatively low in Poland. As a result, the report of the Early Warning and Response System (EWRS) of the EU indicated Poland as one of the 14 countries of the EU which are at risk in terms of possibility of achieving 50% recycling of waste. This article discusses the implemented technological solutions, and shows the profitability of the investment and the values of the process heat demand both for extractor and reactor. The experimental part analyzed the composition of the input and output of the process and compared it to the required fuel specifications. Attention was drawn to the need to improve the recycling process in order to increase the quality of manufactured fuel components. As potential ways of solving the problem of low fuel quality, cleaning the sorted reaction mass from solid particles and extending the technological line with a distillation column have been proposed. The recommended direction of improvement of the technology is also the optimization of the process of the reactor’s purification and removal of contaminants.

Corporate social responsibility and earnings management in the EU: a panel data analysis approach

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis E. Dimitropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Earnings Management ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Eu

Purpose Over the past decades, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been considered as a significant corporate strategy and also has been documented as a main information dissemination mechanism of corporations to shareholders, creditors and other external stakeholders. This fact makes the CSR activities and CSR performance interconnected with the quality of firms’ financial reporting. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of CSR performance on the earnings management (EM) behaviour using a sample from 24 European Union (EU) countries summing up to 121,154 firm-year observations over the period 2003–2018. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a multi-country data set with various dimensions of CSR performance including indexes regarding workforce, community relations, product responsibility and human rights protection. The empirical analysis is conducted with panel data regressions. Findings Evidence supports the negative association between CSR and EM indicating that high CSR performing firms are associated with less income smoothing and discretionary accruals, thus with higher financial reporting quality. Practical implications Regulatory agencies in the EU could use the findings of the study for the improvement of the accounting framework via enhancing the use and publications of social and environmental responsibility information and reports. Social implications Also, the current paper could be of interest not only to academic researchers but also to potential and existing investors in European corporations. The negative association between CSR performance and EM could be used by investors in assessing the risk of firms and the quality and reliability of their financial information. Originality/value This is the first study within the EU, which considers the multi-facet characteristics of CSR on the quality of accounting earnings and offers useful policy implications for regulators and investors.

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