Big Players Research Articles

How competitive are Ukrainian agricultural holdings?

ABSTRACT The competitiveness of Ukrainian agricultural holdings in international markets is assessed as before the outbreak of all-out war, when they were leading players in agricultural commodity markets, and under current operational conditions. The categories of agricultural holding and competitiveness are defined. A comprehensive indicator of competitiveness reveals that most of the agricultural holdings of Ukraine do not occupy leading positions vis-à-vis the present big players on the world stage. A visual analysis would allow further use of the final results for different regions of Ukraine in determining priority areas and programmes to promote and develop the agricultural sector, attracting foreign investment, thus providing financial resources for the enterprise and the national economy.

RF Systems on Chip and Mixed-Signal Front-End Devices: Game-Changing RF Technologies for Space Applications

Growing interest in the commercialization of space (NewSpace) is leading to increased acceptance of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics and thus enabling use in space of the latest technologies developed for terrestrial applications. This opens new capabilities for applications in space missions. RF communication via satellites has been established for decades; traditionally used for military applications, it is becoming increasingly important for commercial users. Today, global connectivity and access to the Internet has never been so important, and the demand for worldwide connectivity increases significantly each year. Space-based Internet access is especially important for areas with poor terrestrial infrastructure, such as Africa and Antarctica. There are already geostationary-Earth orbit (GEO)-stationary-located satellites available such as <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">Inmarsat</i> or low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations like Iridium, which provide almost-global access to the Internet, but they are either very expensive or have low data rates and long latencies, so they are not very attractive. New solutions with high data rates, low latencies, and affordable fees are currently in development, such as StarLink, with its giga constellation <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref1" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[1]</xref> , <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref2" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[2]</xref> , and Amazon’s Project Kuiper <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref3" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[3]</xref> , <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref4" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[4]</xref> , <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref5" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[5]</xref> . So it is true: there really has been a change in the market with the NewSpace Era. With NewSpace, or in other words, the commercialization of space, traditional space missions with high-quality assurance requirements, very long design and manufacturing times, and extraordinary costs may become obsolete at a certain point, at least when it comes to commercial services like satellite-based Internet access. To decrease the lead time and costs of such missions, satellite designers and manufacturers need to rely on commercially available electronics, namely, COTS devices, which are usually much cheaper and have better performance and shorter lead times compared to space-qualified parts. In terms of performance, COTS devices have great benefits over space-qualified parts simply because the design, development, and qualification processes for space parts are very complex and take years before they are qualified and available for the market. It is likely that state-of-the-art space-qualified parts are 10 years behind what we currently have available for terrestrial applications, such as for the automotive or industrial markets <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="ref6" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">[6]</xref> . One obvious reason is certainly that electronic parts manufacturers develop products for certain markets, and space is yet not one of the biggest or most attractive markets. But this has already started changing and big players such as Texas Instruments and Analog Devices are moving forward with the NewSpace wave and establishing ever-more products for commercial space applications. Truly, using state-of-the art electronics is not only of interest for the space-based Internet, there are also other space-related applications that can clearly benefit from using the latest technologies.

Additive Manufacturing: The Way Ahead

What is the state of the art when it comes to the various technologies in additive manufacturing? And where is one of the industry's biggest players going? Stratasys offer some answers.

A STUDY ON PREFERENCES OF CONSUMERS TOWARDS INTERNATIONAL OTT PLATFORMS AND SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY IN INDIAN MARKET

There are several social benefits generated by digital platforms, including facilitating inclusion. Communication services have been critical in accelerating the inclusion of marginalized users into formal systems, particularly for financial, health, and education services that are enabled by OTT providers. Using OTT platforms places a significant strain on energy resources, services providing music and video streaming have a far lower carbon footprint than traditional physical formats.&#x0D; Over The Top (OTT) industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The usageofOTTplatformsinIndiahastremendouslyincreasedafterCOVID19.ThereasonsforthisismobilefriendlyandtheoriginalcontentthattheseOTTplatformsprovide.In India, big international players like Netflix entered and changed the entertainment industry making platform for more international as well as Indian OTT platforms. This study focuses on various international OTT platforms in India and their performance in Indian Market. The study attempts to identify current international OTT platform trends with reference to type of shows preferred by customers &amp; investigate OTT platform success factors in India. The research concluded that majority of the people preferred Netflix, followed by Disney+ HotStar and Amazon Prime Video. The respondent’s shows liking towards OTT which focus more on Original Shows and Web Series which gets frequently updating list just like Netflix. It was also observed that Disney+ HotStaris more preferred as they of digital broadcasting partner for big cricket events like IPL and World Cup. The research concludes that localization of content, affordable pricing, high quality picture quality, strong distributorship partnership, good user experience and better after sales services are the major factor for success of international OTT in Indian Market.

Policy analysis of nutrition stewardship for prevention and control of Non-communicable diseases in Iran

BackgroundNon- communicable diseases (NCDs) are the main cause of death, which lead to over 73% of death and 62% of DALYs globally. As an unhealthy diet is the leading behavioral risk factor of NCDs, in line with the national action plan for the prevention and control of NCD, this study explored the nutrition-related stewardship problems to reduce the burden of NCDs in Iran.MethodsThis is a qualitative study. We interviewed 30 purposefully identified key informants, i.e., stakeholders, policymakers, and academics, from December 2018 to August 2019. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. We analyzed data using qualitative content analysis facilitated by MAXQDA 11 software.ResultsAmple policies and laws were identified, most of which were not or partially implemented. Despite some plausible efforts, NCDs do not seem to be a top priority for high-level managers and decision-makers. Besides, the role of non-state actors, i.e., the private sector, is marginal in NCD’s planning and management. Whereas the government, e.g., the Food and Drug Organization (FDO), is the biggest player. Worse still, many harmful products are advertised and easily distributed across the country.ConclusionIran’s government has created a noticeable roadmap to battle NCDs despite imposing many sanctions and related socioeconomic problems. Nevertheless, more interventions are needed to strengthen the stewardship of NCDs by various stakeholders. We recommend the government to monitor the implementation of policies and advertisement of harmful products to prioritize prevention and control of NCDs. In addition, we advocate employing the capacity of non-state actors to reduce the consumption of unhealthy food and the burden of NCDs across the country, ultimately.

Customer Behavioral Trends in Online Grocery Shopping During COVID-19

The evolution of online shopping started when big players like Amazon began selling all types of merchandise. Customers understood the ease of shopping online, so the trend grew even stronger. It is therefore essential to conduct a study of online shopping usage and the perception of customers during COVID-19, especially in the grocery sector. In this study, approximately 28 respondents from 50 specifically targeted groups were surveyed, and data collection was undertaken through a structured questionnaire. The regression method was conducted to analyze the collected data. Additionally, 5 interviews were conducted to validate and support the findings. Customers definitely preferred online grocery shopping (OGS) services during COVID-19 due to safety, convenience, and government restrictions. The influential factors were very important in this case, like delivery times, good discounts, and the quality of products. Secondly, OGS services were more stable and alert during the pandemic situation, following the government's rules and restrictions. Customers were extremely satisfied with the safety precautions during COVID-19, the assistance provided through helplines for support, and the increased customer reach to make groceries as accessible as other reputable online departments.

State Capitalism in the GATT/WTO Legal Order

ABSTRACT Originally, the multilateral trading regime did not address state capitalism in a comprehensive manner, since none of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade founders had espoused this form of economic governance. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade did contain specific provisions dealing with state trading and with subsidies, but nothing more. This situation has remained unchanged over the years, except for tightening the screws in areas already regulated (like subsidies), even though the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade/World Trade Organization membership has become more and more heterogenous, with some members being overtly state capitalists. This was the case because these new members were either too small to really matter (e.g. Hungary) or because it was hoped that bigger players would transform into market economies (e.g. China). In hindsight, this has proved to be a grave error, since many of the difficulties that the world trading system currently faces originate in the unsatisfactory disciplining of state intervention in the workings of the economy of World Trade Organization members.

A Forgotten ‘Merchant of Death’. Auguste Schriever, the deal-maker of Liège

Most scholarship on the arms trade of the late nineteenth century has focused on the big players in the industry; the ‘Merchants of Death’ whose activities are said to have made war inevitable. However this article focusses on a smaller, but no less troubling, aspect of the arms business: the trade in new and surplus military rifles and on one largely forgotten dealer; Auguste Schriever of Liège. Using contemporary reporting and the order records of the mighty ŒWG at Steyr, I will outline some of the deals that made him a significant figure in the arms trade. He was trusted by Ferdinand Mannlicher and was so respected by his rivals that they felt the need to spy on him. He was also accused of selling rifles to pirates in the far east and to an Emperor who used them to resist colonial powers and enslave his own people. My article begins to shine a light on this enigmatic figure and on to the complex and hidden trade in military rifles in this period.

Characterizing food systems to better understand their vulnerabilities: a case study in Québec and São Paulo

Abstract Characterizing food systems, i.e., describing their organizational features, can help to generate a better understanding of the structural vulnerabilities that constrain transitions towards sustainable food security. However, their characterization across different economic contexts remains challenging. In this paper, by linking key concepts from research on food regimes, food system vulnerabilities and responsible innovation, we aim to characterize food systems in a developing and a developed economy to identify their shared vulnerabilities. We applied a case study design to characterize food production, processing and distribution in the province of Québec (Canada) and in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). In both cases, the processing and distribution stages have higher economic predominance when compared to the agricultural production stage. Furthermore, we observed concentration in a few activities in both food systems, with a shared focus on export-oriented supply chains. Vulnerabilities in both food systems include: (1) increased interdependence because some supply chains are export-oriented or depend on foreign labor and are, therefore, exposed to external risks; (2) concentration in a few activities, which threatens present and future local food diversity and (3) unequal power relations, making small and medium players vulnerable to decisions made by big players. The characterization developed in this study shows that the two food systems are mainly pursuing economic goals, following the institutional logics of the neoliberal food regime, which are not necessarily aligned with food security goals. It also exposes the presence of characteristics of ‘responsibility’ that may eventually help overcome food systems' vulnerabilities and support transitions toward sustainability.

Role of MSME Sector in Growth and Development of the Economy: A Quantitative Investigation

India's Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Businesses (MSMEs) industry is acknowledged as a key factor in the expansion and development of the national economy. With over a million people employed and a sizable impact on the Economy of the nation, it is one of the greatest employment-generating sectors. Recognizing the significance of the MSME sector, the Indian government has launched a number of programmes to support its expansion and advancement. There are numerous approaches to measure the MSME sector's impact on the Indian economy. It creates job possibilities in both urban and rural areas, thereby reducing poverty and boosting economic growth. India is becoming a big player in the global market thanks to the sector's tremendous growth in exports over time. For the long-term growth and development of the nation, the MSME sector fosters entrepreneurship and innovation. For India's economy to flourish and thrive, the MSME sector must expand and develop. This sector is crucial to the development of the nation as a whole since it has the ability to enhance exports, foster innovation, decrease poverty, and create jobs.

Delivering Social Impact Via The Farm-to-fork Strategy and Sustainability Lens: The Kiwi Kisan Window

This study examines the entrepreneurial story of KiWi - a portmanteau of the Kisan (meaning farmer) and Window (meaning window of opportunity) - a universally acknowledged Agtech start-up. The study exemplifies the continuous progress and innovations this start-up has made to develop a profitable model in the fresh food industry. KIWIKisan Window (KKW) aspires to provide a constant window of opportunities for Kisan (farmers) of India by means of Fair Trade practices that ensure transparency, respect, and fairness in business trading, as well as encouragement and support for marginalized farmers who strive for equality as they compete with middlemen and big players and loose on their fair share of access to business opportunities. The paper highlights milestones achieved in terms of the evolution of social enterprise KKW and Evolve Foundation, their business model to create a sustainable food system, and the challenges of initiatives to generate new ideas and experiments in the food industry. KKWaspires to live a healthy, sustainable life, and they apply this philosophy to all organic products, from farm to fork. It also emphasizes typical decisions and dilemmas faced by the start-up and the challenges ahead. Their strategic decision being analysed through VRIO framework.

What Africa Can Learn from the Data Economy’s Big Players: A Discussion Paper.

What Africa Can Learn from the Data Economy’s Big Players: A Discussion Paper.

A global analysis of trade policies in antimicrobial medicines

Antimicrobial medicines are difficult to access for the poor people in many parts of the world, mainly because of their costs and lack of local availability. While it is not necessary that these medicines may be produced across the world, it is possible to import them from countries that have enormous production capacities. For this to happen, the countries that lack these medicines should have trade policies in place that facilitate their cheap imports. However, trade policies typically do not take this aspect into account when they are formulated. The policy determinants of high import tariffs are industrial policy and protectionism-related concerns on one hand and revenue considerations on the other hand. In this paper, we take a close look at the global trade and tariffs in various countries in several antimicrobial medicines and medicaments, to come up with inferences on how countries that import a lot of them may do better by reducing tariffs. Especially, the article deals with anibiotics trade. The export and import drug potentials are investigated. The largest export countries proved to be China, the United Kingdom, India, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. The import leaders are India, Chile, Austria, the USA, Switzerland. A major policy implication emerging from this study is that countries ought to take a deeper look at the trends in trade and tariffs on antimicrobial drugs on a priority basis, since this has to do with lives of real people. Unnecessary blanket tariffs meant for tariff revenue should be avoided, as we find this in many countries that have hardly any production capacity for these drugs (such as the Bahamas, Djibouti, Bermuda, the Comoros, etc.). The bigger players in the sector, both in terms of imports and exports, have relatively lower tariffs, but there is still a lot of scope of reducing these tariffs to ensure that these drugs are available at affordable prices to people at large. Industrial policy motivations to levy tariffs in order to protect the domestic industry against import competition may also need to be done in a measured manner, because this is about health and safety of people and not just another industry. Having said that, for health security purposes, it makes sense to develop domestic production capacity and supply chains. That can be done based on international partnerships, R&amp;D, domestic tax and other policy incentives like the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme in India (rather than tariffs).

The Influence of Price and Quality of Telkomsel Internet Package Products on Reseller Outlet Loyalty in Islamic Economic Perspective

This research is motivated by the case of Telkomsel internet package product competition which is still quite high, where many competitors, both retail players and big players from outside the region enter the Merangin zone area. This study uses quantitative method. Data was collected through a questionnaire which was distributed to 85 respondents at reseller outlets who shopped for Telkomsel products at Telkomsel TAP Merangin. The analysis was carried out by processing data using SPSS 26.0 for windows, then proceeded with validity, reliability, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression analysis and hypothesis testing using t-test and f-test. The results of the study obtained that the price and quality of Telkomsel internet package products had an effect on resellers’ outlet loyalty, in which there was a simultaneous influence between price and product quality on customers’ loyalty. In the perspective of Islamic economy, price and product quality will have a significant effect on customers’ loyalty, with ethical pricing based on good product quality so that it shows honesty that can increase customers’ trust and they will not be deceived so that their confidence becomes more stable because their rights are protected.

Best E-Learning Platforms for Blended Learning in Higher Education

Over the past ten years or so both companies and academic institutions have made significant steps towards either adopting an e-learning infrastructure or upgrading the systems already being used. During the past few years, we witnessed an incredible proliferation of Learning Management Systems (LMS’s) and the number of features they offered and a strong push towards a blended-based learning approach to training and education. This paper deals with the comparison and presentation of the most popular LMS’s currently available on the market. In our research, we strove to not only summarize the most important information about the big players in the world of blended learning today, but to also direct the readers to the right questions they need to be asking when researching their options. Before a company or an academic institution can make an educated decision as to which system will work best in its case, it needs to carefully consider several important questions — it must decide on its budget, its expectations, its audience, the requirement for specific features, as well as why it needs an LMS in the first place. The effectiveness of gamified learning systems has been extensively researched and consistently praised for its immense positive effect on learners’ motivation and engagement. We firmly believe that in the years to come, gamification will transform both corporate and academic training and that is why, in our research, we paid special attention to any existing system gamification features or ones that may be in development. Introducing game dynamics into an LMS results in numerous benefits and is a sure bet for the future of blended learning.

Biosurfactants' multifarious functional potential for sustainable agricultural practices.

Increasing food demand by the ever-growing population imposes an extra burden on the agricultural and food industries. Chemical-based pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, and high-breeding crop varieties are typically employed to enhance crop productivity. Overexploitation of chemicals and their persistence in the environment, however, has detrimental effects on soil, water, and air which consequently disturb the food chain and the ecosystem. The lower aqueous solubility and higher hydrophobicity of agrochemicals, pesticides, metals, and hydrocarbons allow them to adhere to soil particles and, therefore, continue in the environment. Chemical pesticides, viz., organophosphate, organochlorine, and carbamate, are used regularly to protect agriculture produce. Hydrophobic pollutants strongly adhered to soil particles can be solubilized or desorbed through the usage of biosurfactant/s (BSs) or BS-producing and pesticide-degrading microorganisms. Among different types of BSs, rhamnolipids (RL), surfactin, mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs), and sophorolipids (SL) have been explored extensively due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against several phytopathogens. Different isoforms of lipopeptide, viz., iturin, fengycin, and surfactin, have also been reported against phytopathogens. The key role of BSs in designing and developing biopesticide formulations is to protect crops and our environment. Various functional properties such as wetting, spreading, penetration ability, and retention period are improved in surfactant-based formulations. This review emphasizes the use of diverse types of BSs and their source microorganisms to challenge phytopathogens. Extensive efforts seem to be focused on discovering the innovative antimicrobial potential of BSs to combat phytopathogens. We discussed the effectiveness of BSs in solubilizing pesticides to reduce their toxicity and contamination effects in the soil environment. Thus, we have shed some light on the use of BSs as an alternative to chemical pesticides and other agrochemicals as sparse literature discusses their interactions with pesticides. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle sustainability analysis (LCSA) quantifying their impact on human activities/interventions are also included. Nanoencapsulation of pesticide formulations is an innovative approach in minimizing pesticide doses and ultimately reducing their direct exposures to humans and animals. Some of the established big players and new entrants in the global BS market are providing promising solutions for agricultural practices. In conclusion, a better understanding of the role of BSs in pesticide solubilization and/or degradation by microorganisms represents a valuable approach to reducing their negative impact and maintaining sustainable agricultural practices.

Ukraine’s civilizational offer to the world. Ideas of the noosphere and cosmic worldview in Ukrainian art of the XX–XXI centuries

The war in Ukraine, which is unfolding against the background of unprecedented and threatening climate changes, a colossal economic crisis and the escalation of tension between the “big players”, has caused new systemic challenges for our country and the world. We must look for extraordinary answers and offer unusual solutions, because traditional and outdated will not be able to solve anything. How to avoid a lifelong confrontation with Russia once and for all? What is the most important civilizational offer of Ukraine to the world? What can be a guarantee of a happy future for our country? Reflecting on these important questions, we offer an unexpected solution — a decisive turn and social movement towards noospheric-cosmic consciousness. This kind of thinking has long been inherent in the natural self-awareness of the inhabitants of Ukraine, and even the very theory of the noosphere was developed by the Ukrainian scientist Volodymyr Vernadskyi. How are these ideas intuitively reflected in Ukrainian art since the beginning of the 20th century? It is proposed to outline the main principles and approaches and some conceptual essays about approx.

A Review on Strategic Analysis of Australian Supermarkets

In Australia, Coles and Woolworths are the two primary participants in the grocery sector. They split about 80% of the whole retail market for groceries. In Sydney, one of Australia's major cities, Woolworths launched new food kiosks in 1924, while Coles opened the country's first supermarket in 1960. Coles and Woolworths consistently share most of the market in the Australian supermarket industry, which is known as a "duopoly." Between Coles and Woolworths and its retailers, there has been an imbalance of market power for the last few decades (suppliers). Numerous studies indicate that Woolworths and Coles conduct business in 840 and 741 supermarkets, respectively, in Australia. However, regardless of the three variables, these essential players can only locate a suitable company in the competitive and non-competitive market. The factors are buying power, selling power, and retail chain. This duopoly, dominated by the two big business groups, can potentially serve each retail product, including ready-to-eat foods, fresh food, and other essential retail products. This short article is concerned with the strategic analysis of the two big players in the Australian market, irrespective of environment, socioeconomic, politics, various usable tools, techniques, rules, and regulations. Swot analysis, the Five force model, value, rarity, imitability, and organization (VRIO) have been reviewed and discussed for both the market leaders. The past, present, and future potentialities also have drawn in the article with the snaky diagram and analytical tables. In conclusion, profit margins are obtained due to successful differentiation, which enables the company to demand even higher prices. Additionally, it promotes customer loyalty, which contributes to the financial stability and growth of the business.

A Review on Strategic Analysis of Australian Supermarkets

In Australia, Coles and Woolworths are the two primary participants in the grocery sector. They split about 80% of the whole retail market for groceries. In Sydney, one of Australia's major cities, Woolworths launched new food kiosks in 1924, while Coles opened the country's first supermarket in 1960. Coles and Woolworths consistently share most of the market in the Australian supermarket industry, which is known as a "duopoly." Between Coles and Woolworths and its retailers, there has been an imbalance of market power for the last few decades (suppliers). Numerous studies indicate that Woolworths and Coles conduct business in 840 and 741 supermarkets, respectively, in Australia. However, regardless of the three variables, these essential players can only locate a suitable company in the competitive and non-competitive market. The factors are buying power, selling power, and retail chain. This duopoly, dominated by the two big business groups, can potentially serve each retail product, including ready-to-eat foods, fresh food, and other essential retail products. This short article is concerned with the strategic analysis of the two big players in the Australian market, irrespective of environment, socioeconomic, politics, various usable tools, techniques, rules, and regulations. Swot analysis, the Five force model, value, rarity, imitability, and organization (VRIO) have been reviewed and discussed for both the market leaders. The past, present, and future potentialities also have drawn in the article with the snaky diagram and analytical tables. In conclusion, profit margins are obtained due to successful differentiation, which enables the company to demand even higher prices. Additionally, it promotes customer loyalty, which contributes to the financial stability and growth of the business.

Sustainability Practices and Greenwashing Risk in the Italian Poultry Sector: A Grounded Theory Study

Despite the growing recognition of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework by companies as a transparency tool to meet stakeholders’ requirements, a universal standard for ESG reporting is currently lacking, potentially fueling greenwashing phenomena. This study focuses on one of the leading sectors dominated by big players at the Italian level, the poultry sector, with the aim of analyzing how the green transition can be integrated into ESG company identity. This study employs, for the first time, the grounded theory (GT) methodology to investigate how sustainability is “perceived” and “practiced” by the entrepreneurs of the Italian poultry supply chain. The results provide insights into how changes toward greater sustainability can be transformed into concrete pathways that function within the organizational design. The outcome could be the reconfiguration of the organizational design, whereby the practice becomes incisive, or its circumvention, whereby the practice is adopted only superficially. The development of a more standardized ESG reporting system, along with incentivization measures and policies supporting small and medium-sized agrifood companies in the adoption of sustainability practices, could contribute to overcoming the “detachment” between the sustainability “perceived” and “practiced” by agrifood companies and to effectively adopting environmental sustainability as a development strategy.