SOME ASPECTS ABOUT MATHEMATICAL MODELING FOR EPIDEMIC MANAGEMENT

The mathematical study of epidemics and their management has been performed for many years, however, in the last few years, new models have been published. Public health is considered very important and has to be monitored, as it is permanently under risk due to the appearance of even more types of microorganisms. Compartmental models, such as exponential models, SI, SIS, SIR, SEIRS, SEIAR, MESIR models, other generalized SIR models were and still are remarkable for studying the spread of an epidemic and for their simulations in software such as MATLAB, Maple, GLEAMviz, etc. The paper has two main objectives: a. to present new simulations in Maple and GLEAMviz for the spread of COVID-19; b. to suggest a generalization of the SIR model for analyzing the spread of COVID-19 and a simulation of it in GLEAMviz. The conclusions are that, generally, mathematical models show a value of a reproduction threshold, which can be used to forecast whether the pandemic is the increasing or decreasing phase, and that mathematical models and simulations in various programs facilitate the improvement of methods of analysis of an epidemic situation and the management of the public health system.

DEVELOPMENT WITH CHARACTERISTICS AND INNOVATION – CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE AT LBUS

The research is on how to manage language teaching and culture promotion effectively through building explicit characteristics and seeking for innovative development of the program for the purpose of mutual understanding and common prosperity, taking Confucius Institute of Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu (LBUS) as an example. A brief introduction of the overall development of Chinese teaching program in the world and specifically in Romania will be conducted in the first part of the thesis. And then, characteristics of C.I. at LBUS in teaching and culture promotion will be discussed with detailed elaboration and progresses especially in the past five years. In the third part, some innovative ideas to accelerate the development of management will be proposed for more practical purpose. The conclusion provokes further research in managing language teaching and culture promotion overseas.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN THE GENETIC IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OF SUGAR CANE FROM UFPR

This study aims at promoting an analysis of the process of technology transfer undertaken by Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), by means of the activities developed in the Genetic Improvement Program of Sugar Cane for the development of new technologies, new varieties of sugar cane. To do so, a single case study performed at the UFPR is held, aiming at identifying the main aspects that involve this process from the point of view of an institution. It was possible to notice that it creates a stimulus to the development of knowledge about a particular variety of the sugar cane plant by means of the interaction between the ten universities and also with its partners, in order to develop a variety more genetically developed that allows, for example, increased productivity. The technology transfer in the course of the process allows the development of several new varieties of sugar cane, in addition to providing expertise to members of the project. It is of fundamental importance for the activities and varieties to be carried out in a better way every time.

MANAGEMENT PROCESSES IN A PUBLIC ORGANIZATION PROVIDING SERVICES TO CITIZENS

The scientific paper proposes a pragmatic perspective of presenting some theoretical and practical aspects regarding a new approach within the studied organization, a process-based approach. The point of view submitted is a small part of the possibilities to implement the process-based approach. For an overview, I did a presentation of the organization in which I carry out my activity, the Sibiu County Directorate for the Registration of Persons, I showed the place and the role of the organization. Later, I explained the way, was organized and the activities that take place in the organization. An important aspect was the realization, in the organization, of personal analysis to make a new, process-based approach. Based on these processes we have made a current map of processes. A further direction of research is building a new process map following analysis to improve the processes within the studied public organization. Subsequently, we intend to execute the modeling of processes with a method that we will establish later.

FORMATION AND MANAGEMENT OF REGIONAL AGRI-FOOD CLUSTERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: CASE OF “AGROTRANSILVANIA” (ROMANIA)

Business clusters are considered to be more applicable in countries classified as developed. However, in modern times developing countries take risks of establishing business clusters and get the expected economic and social rewards. The work observes peculiarities of regional agri-food cluster formation and management in developing countries in the frames of the Romanian “AgroTransilvania” cluster. Based on the empirical analysis and the “CIPM” (“Cluster Initiative Performance Model”) technique, author conducts an expert assessment and finds out how the cluster’s members combine cooperation and competition in order to achieve outstanding results. The research paper encompasses practice-oriented models, including a diamond model for the Romanian agri-food market, a target board of the observed cluster, as well as a map of its members.

TOWARDS BETTER INVOLVEMENT IN GREEN BANKING PRACTICES: EVIDENCE FROM ROMANIA

The European Green Deal has re-ignited the imperative of green finance that is called to support the European Union transition to a greener economy. Green finance becomes even more opportune in the context of the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the paper is to explore green banking practices in the Romanian banking system. The investigation reveals the efforts of banks to be environmentally friendly and to be involved in financing of some green projects, such as the energy efficient projects. Nevertheless, the green banking products are still in the emerging stage and banks in Romania should develop their role in the field, by diversifying the range of green products and services, improving the expertise to assess green projects or intensifying the marketing initiatives to promote green products. In order to encourage banks in Romania to provide green financing several incentives should be conceived; similar to banks, the borrowers seeking green projects should be rewarded. Some mandatory requirements for banks to be involved in green investments may promote green banking in Romania. An essential condition to achieve the development of green banking in Romania is to increase awareness towards environmentally friendly behaviour at all levels.

FINANCING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: ALLEVIATING LIVELIHOODS IN THE FOREST SECTOR WITH SIERRA LEONE AS A CASE STUDY

Sustainable development concept has been associated with many things, as in this situation with “Payment for Environmental Services [PES]”; a modern invention craving attention across the world, and more so for the benefit of those in developing nations around Asia, Latin America and Africa. Financing of sustainable development schemes require scope for enhancing sustained maintenance of basic livelihoods for everyone [both in the present and future], but more so for those whose lives have been heavily dependent on renewable forest resources. The concept of PES has been exemplified in a simple way to enable readers [of all types, ranging from professionals, academics to non-professionals] to grasp basic concepts that bothers on economics and natural resource concepts, and their application in understanding the varied sources of funding sustainable means of livelihoods, while at the same time ensuring the environment is securely protected for the benefit of both present and future generations. To start with, an introduction to the concept of sustainable development is addressed in line with REDD/REDD+ schemes, followed by detailed background information about Sierra Leone as a nation [including the geography. Pre and Post-colonial management of forests, and political economy dimension]. Secondly, there is a focus on the concept of PES, and backed by ways of financing it, particularly in the context of Sierra Leone. Thirdly, there is discussion surrounding the case for PES, challenges and associated benefits. Lastly, the document concludes with an overview of the study and recommendations to address the situation in the context of Sierra Leone.

A DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION FOR THE ENTROPY OF RURAL TOURISM IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

The tourism industry was one of the world’s greatest markets, until the world was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, tourism managers have to carefully assess the impact of epidemics on their businesses and develop new risk management methods to cope with the crisis. The current pandemic has created an opportunity for the development of rural tourism. This study aims to present a mathematical modeling of the entropy of rural tourism in the context of COVID-19 and a differential equation verified by this entropy. The model presented in this paper reflects the entropy of the preference for this type of tourism and a differential equation that models its variation. This paper aims to offer a tool to measure uncertainty regarding this topic. The model can be generalized and applied to any epidemic. The model could be used by specialists in quality management and mathematical modeling, managers of rural tourism organizations, local authorities, to estimate the entropy regarding how rural tourism has been and is still impacted by the COVID-19. The results obtained will help policy makers take necessary strategic and operational decisions, along with maximizing the profit of the rural tourism organization as well as the safety of the tourists

QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE PRODUCTION OF BUTTERMILK WITH MUSHROOMS

In order to obtain safe and high quality dairy products, fermented dairy processors implement and maintain procedures based on HACCP principles, which are based on a systemic approach to risks and corrective measures to eliminate any potential risk associated with food safety. The aim of this study was to use tools to analyze hazard, risk assessment and determine critical control points during the production process of buttermilk with mushrooms as an innovative product. The safety control system for fermented dairy products based on HACCP concepts, involves a systemic approach to risks and corrective measures to eliminate any potential risk associated with food safety.

NEWS REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF CAR TRANSPORTATION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

The scientific paper presents a practical research carried out by the authors in order to implement certain concepts of technical nature, so that those interested in this field can become aware of a certain way of exposing the problems regarding the role of technology and autonomous vehicles in the sustainable development of car transportation. According to previous research, it has been found that human error has a share of about 95% in the occurrence of road accidents in Europe, causing thousands of human lives to be taken away annually. Experts in the field say that autonomous vehicles can significantly reduce this percentage and at the same time contribute to increasing road safety. Digital technology also has its advantages and disadvantages. It helps reduce congestion and pollution in road traffic, increases access to mobility for people with disabilities, creates new jobs, brings economic growth, increases safety in road traffic but can also become dangerous when disturbances and malfunctions make their mark on artificial intelligence. We present further a technical and managerial study with engineering nuances, through which readers can look at and understand the concept of sustainable development in a global context, presenting the place, role and current stage of development of the autonomous vehicle in the road transport system. At the end, some conclusions and further research directions in the approached field are presented.