Current Environment Research Articles

WEAPONIZATION OF HISTORICAL TRAUMA NARRATIVES IN HUNGARY, RUSSIA AND TURKIYE, AND THEIR POTENTIAL IMPACT ON INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

In this paper we point out the significant impact that historical trauma narratives may have on the current international security environment, especially in our area. To this end, we will analyze the impact of historical trauma narratives spread by the elites and governments of Hungary, Russia and Turkiye, which are meant to justify and fuel policies, attitudes and strategies that have a potential negative impact on regional security. This exact same type of narrative has fuelled the justification for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and are also fuelling aggressive and revisionist foreign policies from Ankara and Budapest, creating a climate of tension and security risks in our region. While there are definitely various real historical traumas and suffering that need to be properly addressed and reconciled with throughout the world, there are also cynical weaponizations of these traumas, manipulated by politicians and academics alike, for personal, political, and geopolitical benefits.

Optimizing Digital Marketing Strategy on Return on Investment

In the business environment globally, there is a paradigm shift in the way businesses conduct their daily functions. In the business environment, there has been an upsurge in terms of digital migration. A large percentage of businesses globally have shifted from analog operations to digital. The advancement in technological innovations, coupled with increased use of the internet among the general public globally has forced businesses to adopt the use of the internet as a platform to reach their existing and prospective customers. The current competitive market environment has forced businesses to innovate more ways to retain as well as acquire new customers, if they are to survive in the current competitive business environment. Customers play a critical role in the growth of the business. This review seeks to analyze how optimizing digital marketing strategy affects the Return on Investments for a business.

What Is Next for Consumer-Based Brand Equity in Digital Brands? Research Itineraries and New Challenges

Considering the expanding e-commerce in the social media landscape and the increasing importance of brand management in the online sphere, our primary goal was to comprehensively review existing research on consumer-based brand equity in digital brands. The current post-pandemic environment has seen a significant surge in digital presence, particularly on social networks and e-commerce platforms. Although the available literature provides an overview of brand equity in general, digital brands have taken center stage in consumer interactions on social media, becoming highly commercialized in virtual environments and, recently, gaining significant value in financial markets. However, there is still a lot to uncover regarding the research trajectory for these brands. Using the PRISMA protocol, a corpus of 258 articles was obtained from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, with Journal Impact Factor and CiteScore impact factors. The bibliometric analysis for mapping the production was performed using SciMat, VosViewer, and Biblio-metrix software. According to the results, we found that consumer-based brand equity in digital brands is strongly linked to online consumer behavior variables, particularly engagement, electronic word-of-mouth, communication effects (such as social media advertising), impacts on various metrics, and applications in specific contexts. Overall, our research shows that the brand equity of digital brands is studied similarly to non-digital brands. Still, their virtual origin and their exposure on social media have increased consumer appreciation for them. The main studies and trending topics were discussed, providing a foundation for a research agenda regarding new challenges and approaches of consumer-based brand equity in the digital market.

Emission reduction investment for green products of a manufacturing system via optimal control theory and artificial hummingbird algorithm

Now, due to the global industrialization, carbon emission from the industrial section imposes a severe impact on the current environment. Due to the increasing awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, green products, also known as eco-friendly, include a considerable impact on the today’s market economy. Keeping mind of these two important issues of the current scenario, a production inventory model is developed in which time-dependent production rate is considered. In this work, the level of greenness of the products, selling price and time, influences the customers’ demand rate. Again, two different cases are considered due to the business assimilation of defectively manufactured items: rework and salvage policies. Additionally, the company uses pollution reduction technologies to lower emissions from the manufacturing firms in order to lower emission taxes. The Euler-Lagrange equation is used to solve an optimal control problem that arises in the model as time-dependent production rate is taken into the account. The optimisation problem corresponding to the proposed model is solved with the help of artificial hummingbird algorithm (AHA) as the system's average profit functions for both of the considered scenarios are highly nonlinear in nature w. r. to its decision variables. Further, the results obtained from AHA are compared with the help of other well-known metaheuristics. Finally, sensitivity analysis is conducted to arrive at meaningful conclusions and implications for the competent manager of the manufacturing firm.

Nurse caring in Iran and its relationship with patient satisfaction

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between patients’ reports of nurse caring and patient satisfaction with nursing care. Design: The study used a cross sectional design. The Persian versions of the Revised Caring Behaviors Inventory (CBI) and the Patient Satisfaction Instrument (PSI) were used to establish the strength of association between nurse caring and patient satisfaction with nursing care. Data were analysed using SPSS version 10. Setting: The setting was the educational hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS). Heavy workloads and severe staff shortages are common characteristics of Tehran educational hospitals and the time that nurses previously allotted to direct care has been reduced. Subjects: Two hundred and fifty patients who were hospitalised for medical conditions or surgical procedures were selected through a quota sampling method during 2007. Results: The findings indicated a statistically significant relationships between patient reports of nurse caring and satisfaction with nursing care (r=0.72, p=0.000; CI 95%; 178.31‑189.99 for the CBI and 82.81‑86.71 for the PSI). Male patients were more satisfied with nursing care than female patients. Admissions to hospital during the last five years were positively correlated with patients’ perceptions of nurse caring and satisfaction with nursing care. Conclusion: This study which was carried out in Tehran, Iran supports earlier western evidence that nurse caring is associated with patient satisfaction with nursing care. It is important to reflect on the impact of the current health care environment and cultural religion of Iran on caring behaviors of nurses and patient satisfaction with nursing care. Heavy workloads and severe staff shortages are common characteristics of Tehran educational hospitals and the time that nurses previously allotted to direct care has been reduced which may contribute to changes in patients’ perceptions of nurse caring and satisfaction with nursing care possibly reducing the effects of nursing care services. Iranian nurse managers need to consider the religious and cultural barriers to nurse caring and recompense it by providing more human resources.

SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

The current global business environment is highly dynamic and fraught with uncertainty. Globalization, technological advancements, and rapid economic changes compel companies to continually adapt. Situational leadership is crucial as it enables leaders to adjust their leadership styles according to the situation and organizational needs. This research aims to explore and analyze the effectiveness of situational leadership in the context of global entrepreneurial business, with a specific focus on the communication strategies employed to tackle environmental changes. This study utilizes a literature review method with a qualitative approach. Data were gathered from articles accessed via Google Scholar published between 1988 and 2024. The study findings indicate that situational leadership offers an adaptive and effective approach in addressing the complexities of the global business environment. By tailoring leadership styles to specific situations, leaders can achieve maximum effectiveness in guiding teams and managing change. Effective communication strategies such as transparency, regular feedback, active listening, and leveraging technology support the successful implementation of situational leadership. By proactively preparing and managing change effectively, leaders can ensure that their organizations remain competitive in facing global business challenges.

Адміністративний договір в правовій сфері

In this article, we will consider the role and importance of administrative agreements in modern legal practice. The concept of administrative contracts, its main aspects and impact on the relations between state institutions, citizens and enterprises are considered. Special attention is paid to the legal regulation of administrative contracts, their types and the procedure for their conclusion. The article analyzes the role of administrative contracts in ensuring the rights and interests of the parties, as well as in the performance of their public functions. Practical aspects of the use of administrative agreements in various areas of governance are highlighted. This article will help the reader to better understand the essence and significance of administrative agreements in the modern legal environment. In addition, the article discusses the existing aspects of legal regulation of administrative agreements, especially in the context of changes in legal and judicial practice. The author also considers possible problems and prospects for the development of the institution of administrative contracts in the future. Based on the analysis of scientific sources, international experience, regulations and practical experience, the author draws conclusions about the effective use of administrative contracts in the legal field to achieve public goals and protect the interests of all parties to legal relations. Thus, this article will provide a clear overview and analysis of the current state of administrative agreements in the legal field, which will contribute to the further development and improvement of this institution. The analysis of the legal framework governing the conclusion and performance of administrative contracts is carried out with a focus on the key aspects of Ukrainian legislation and international experience. The types of administrative contracts, structures and procedures related to their conclusion, as well as the peculiarities of monitoring their implementation are taken into account. The article also discusses the problems and difficulties that arise in the implementation of administrative contracts in the current environment. In particular, the author examines issues related to the legality and legitimacy of such agreements, the possibility of abuse of power by public authorities, and the protection of the rights and interests of individuals. Particular attention is paid to the comparative analysis of administrative agreements with other forms of litigation, such as administrative and civil law agreements. This makes it possible to determine the features and advantages of administrative agreements in the regulation of social relations. The author also draws conclusions about the need to improve the legal regulation of administrative agreements and develop specific recommendations to improve the efficiency of their application. This article will be useful for lawyers, jurists, law students and anyone interested in administrative law and legal regulation of government activities.

Wildflower strips of 2.5-year-old promote earthworms and enchytraeids (Annelida, Oligochaeta) in arable fields

In the last 50 years, humans have increased crop yields due to intensive agricultural practices and by homogenizing cultivated lands (e.g., larger and more uniform fields). However, this land management practice has led to serious environmental issues, and now, the importance of heterogeneity and semi-natural landscape elements in production systems is acknowledged. Perennial habitats, such as flower strips, could play a key role in agroecosystem sustainability, but little is known about their effects on earthworm and enchytraeid (Annelida: Oligochaeta) communities. The aim of this study was to assess earthworms and enchytraeids in 2.5-year-old wildflower strips that were sown in the middle of arable fields in northern France. Samples (soil, earthworms and enchytraeids) were collected at ten locations, in flower strips and in adjacent cropped fields. The same number of earthworm species was found in both habitats, but more enchytraeid species were detected in the flower strips than in the adjacent cropped fields. Moreover, the total abundance of earthworms and enchytraeids significantly increased in the flower strips compared with the adjacent cropped fields, by 69 % and 61 %, respectively. Flower strips had a significant positive effect on anecic and endogeic earthworms but not on the abundance of epigeic earthworms, which was highly variable among the samples, although on average, it was seven times greater in the flower strips than in the cropped fields. Although the flower strips were sown only 2.5 years earlier, significant changes were observed in the soil Oligochaeta communities. These findings advocate for sowing flower strips within cultivated land as a source of soil biodiversity in the current changing environment. Considering the positive role of flower strips on biodiversity and particularly on the studied tiny soil engineers, these perennial landscape elements should be more widely considered to support the agroecological transition.

EFFICIENCY OF THE PROCESS OF BALANCED LAND USE UNDER MARTIAL LAW

The article discusses the process of balanced land use and its efficiency, which is an extremely important element of socio-economic development of any country. Since land is Ukraine's main natural resource, the basis of life and a source of income, the efficiency of using this potential is not being realised to the fullest extent in the current environment. For more than two years now, Ukraine has been under constant shelling and land seizures, so the need to improve the level of land protection is urgent and, given the difficult conditions of hostilities, is becoming a top priority. The purpose of this article is to analyse the functioning of the land market and highlight the main changes and problems that have arisen in the course of the land reform. Methodology. For this purpose, both general scientific and special methods of cognition of phenomena were used: analysis, synthesis, selection and generalisation. Results. This allowed to identify the relevant tasks, which are to create fundamental conditions and rights for all users to dispose of the land fund, as well as to ensure compliance with the responsibility for improper use. This may become an important prerequisite for introducing new effective ways to address and improve the process of balanced land use. The revision of the existing legal framework for regulating the land market after the lifting of the moratorium on the sale of agricultural land, especially in the context of military operations in Ukraine, has helped to ensure, first and foremost, the protection and guarantee of property rights. Practical implications. The relevance of this paper lies in the implementation and formation of a land policy that will primarily ensure the development and functioning of the land market in the system of balanced land use, both today and in the near future. Value/Originality. The proposed new mechanisms for establishing land relations in a market environment will help to increase the efficiency of land use and the value of land resources, which should be extremely important for the growth of the full economic potential of the state and strengthening the position of Ukraine as a guarantor of global food security.

Corporate Social Responsibility in The Disinformation Age

Following a long period in which pressures to adopt CSR practices came largely from the left, the current communication environment has become far more divisive with the rise of illiberal political pressures from the right. These conflicting pressures arise from irreconcilable communication logics that threaten the future of CSR. This paper examines how these disruptive communication logics reflect the changing roles of disinformation in CSR communication, highlighting two overlapping eras: (1) the history of some companies using disinformation strategically to avoid or misrepresent CSR commitments; and (2) the more recent addition of what we term systemic disinformation generated by politicians, think tanks, and irresponsible competitors. These disinformation spheres challenge liberal democratic values and amplify attacks on CSR values. We discuss the dilemmas for companies seeking to adopt more responsible business practices and explore the implications of CSR communication becoming increasingly linked to larger societal conflicts over the nature of democracy.

Research on Supply Chain Development Trends of New Energy Vehicles --Taking BYD and Tesla as Examples

In the current global environment, supply chain uncertainty has increased, leading to a decline in supply chain stability, and even problems such as partial supply chain breaks, poor information, and rising comprehensive costs. This paper studies the current situation of the new energy vehicle market, selects two typical enterprises in this industry - BYD and Tesla for supply chain analysis, and finds that the supply chain of new energy vehicles faces many risks, such as unstable supply of raw materials and external environmental impacts. After further analysing the risks faced by the supply chain of new energy vehicles, the future development trend of the supply chain of new energy vehicles is proposed, as well as the conclusion that new energy vehicles will develop in the direction of sustainability, diversity and innovation.

Evolution and Contribution of a Global Partnership against Measles and Rubella, 2001-2023.

This article describes the arc of global measles and rubella elimination since 2000 from the perspective of the founding partners of the Measles Initiative. The Measles Initiative was formed in 2001 as a partnership among the American Red Cross, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, the United Nations Foundation, and the World Health Organization with the aim to reduce measles deaths in low-income countries. Recognizing rubella as the leading infectious disease cause of congenital abnormalities globally and achievement of measles and rubella elimination in the region of the Americas, the partnership was renamed the Measles and Rubella Initiative (MRI) in 2012. The goals of the MRI were at least a 95% reduction in global measles mortality and elimination of measles and rubella in at least five of the six WHO regions. In January 2023, the membership of the partnership was expanded to include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and its name changed to the IA2030 Measles and Rubella Partnership. We describe the role the partnership has had in measles partner effectiveness and its impact on measles and rubella disease burden, including how the partnership has strategically adapted to the evolving immunization landscape. We conclude with lessons learned regarding the role global partnerships can play in furthering the impact of disease control programs within the current global immunization environment.

Global inflation: modern determinism and challenges for policy

The article studies global inflation determinants, causing it in recent decades and at the present stage under the influence of cascading shocks in world economy and financial system. The relevance of the problems summarized and analyzed in the article is explained by the significant risks of the inflation duration at the present stage, which is affected by an increasing number of shocks from demand, supply, and global financial system. In these conditions, even adaptive monetary policy may cease to be effective. The purpose of the study is to assess the nature and extent of developed and developing countries’ economies vulnerability due to inflationary shocks and to identify the inflation fundamental determinants in crisis conditions on the basis of retrospective analysis. Achievement of the goal implied the solution of such priority tasks as: global inflation dynamics factors identification considering the risks of stagflationary and recessionary trends in world economy; inflation new determinants identification in the context of changes in the scale and structure of the global financial market; assessment of monetary policy adjustment and adaptation mechanisms in the current inflationary environment; consideration of the current nature of supply and demand shocks and their impact on global inflation. The current inflationary shock is unprecedented, and the study assesses it in its historical context and for its similarities and differences with significant inflation episodes observed in the post-war decades. The key factors of inflation at the present stage have been analyzed in their relationship with the monetary policy key trends.

Balancing Truth and Pragmatism -- Media Ethics in the Age of Fake News

In the rapid development of the information age, The goal of this paper is to explore how the media can cope with the ethical challenges when reporting news, especially the responsibility and moral dilemma when dealing with fake news and false information.By comparing and analyzing Kant s and Machiavelli s two completely different ethical views, this paper aims to explore how the media can find a balance between maintaining moral standards and practical operation in the current environment. We will discuss how the media should adhere to moral principles in the face of temptation and pressure, and explore how to effectively deal with the spread of fake news and false information in practice.

Energy recovery and efficiency improvement method of proton exchange membrane fuel cell system by applying the expander in plateau environment

The compressor can improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system, but excessive parasitic power can actually have a counterproductive effect. PEMFC system also faces the issue of plateau environmental adaptability. This paper experimentally verifies the energy recovery effect of the expander and explores the system performance in plateau environment. In plain environment, with a rated stack power of 162.2 kW, the application of the expander decreases the air compressor power from 18.7 kW to 13.2 kW, and increases the system efficiency from 44.5 % to 46.5 %. Based on simulation model, further research is conducted on plateau environment. PEMFC system can operate under rated conditions below an altitude of 3000 m. At an altitude of 0–3000 m, the compressor power increases from 18.1 kW to 24.9 kW, and the system efficiency reduces from 44.8 % to 42.5 %. By applying the expander, the air compressor power reduces to 16.8 kW, and system efficiency increases to 45.1 %. The working boundary of the compressor limits the operating load and altitude of PEMFC system. The expander can achieve better energy recovery effect in high current density and plateau environment. In future, the expander will be an indispensable part of high-power PEMFC system.

The Impact of Social Media on Tourist Destination Choices: A Quantitative Analysis

In the current travel environment, social media significantly influences how travelers discover and select destinations. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube serve as sources of inspiration, offering visually captivating content that encourages extensive travel. Increasingly, travelers rely on social media for trip planning, seeking reviews and tips from influencers and peers alike. Social proof, in the form of endorsements and user-generated content, reinforces destination choices and builds trust. Drawing on a literature review approach, this study examines existing research on the impact of social media on travel behavior. It synthesizes findings from various studies to explore how platforms shape travel decisions and consumer behavior. Gender-based analysis reveals that women tend to utilize social media more frequently than men for travel-related decisions. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective destination marketing strategies. Despite inherent limitations in the literature reviewed, this study provides valuable insights for destination marketers and tourism professionals. Future research could delve deeper into additional variables to comprehensively understand the multifaceted effects of social media on travel behavior.

Online Marketing Strategy for Fashion Products: A Case Study on Matahari Company

The marketing communication strategy of Toska Fashion is designed to increase customer engagement through the company website. In the current business environment, competition is intensifying, with companies facing increasing pressure to refine their communication strategies and highlight the advantages of their products. Matahari, a retailer offering both local and international clothing, has encountered challenges in online marketing. This presents an opportunity to examine the effectiveness of the marketing communication strategy, particularly in the context of websites integrated with social media platforms such as Instagram. The objective of these methods is to enhance customer engagement with Matahari Fashion products. The process of building customer engagement is comprised of several key elements, including the utilization of advertisements, the integration of shopping features on social media, the implementation of campaigns with prizes, the monitoring of after-sales interactions, and the engagement with social media features. These elements are expected to contribute to an increase in Matahari's customer engagement, which in turn should result in an uptick in the number of sales transactions.

Как компаниям химической отрасли следует адаптировать свои операционные модели в текущей рыночной среде

в условиях рыночных вызовов химическая промышленность сталкивается с необходимостью адаптации своих операционных моделей для обеспечения конкурентоспособности и устойчивости. Настоящая статья исследует, как химические компании могут стратегически подходить к пересмотру своих операционных моделей ведения бизнеса в условиях значительных изменений в отрасли. В первой главе анализируются текущие вызовы химической промышленности, такие как избыток предложения, волатильность сырьевых материалов и давление на маржинальность продаж, а также рассматривается влияние технологического отставания на операционную эффективность. Данные тренды отрасли оказывают прямое влияние на выбор оптимальных стратегий существующими игроками отрасли. Вторая глава посвящена обзору наиболее успешных стратегий для нефтехимических и специализированных химических компаний: стандартизация продукции для обеспечения ценовой конкурентоспособности при минимизации расходов компании и модель, ориентированная на инновационные разработки и на фокус работы с потребителями и клиентами для создания дифференцированных продуктов с более высокой добавленной стоимостью, необходимых отраслям-потребителям. Третья глава описывает подход к правильному выбору операционной модели ведения бизнеса в соответствии с корпоративными стратегиями и ключевыми направлениями развития, включая фокус на снижение затрат, ориентацию на клиента и технологические инновации. Для каждой из доминирующих стратегий в промышленности предложена операционная модель ведения бизнеса для максимизации эффективности и экономической прибыли. Эта статья предлагает комплексный взгляд на то, как химические компании могут преодолеть текущие и будущие рыночные препятствия, оптимизируя свои операционные модели для достижения долгосрочного успеха. Результаты: в статье проведен разбор существующих операционных моделей ведения бизнеса в химической промышленности в текущей рыночной ситуации. Вывод: приведены практические рекомендации для игроков химической отрасли для выбора наиболее конкурентоспособной операционной модели ведения бизнеса. in the face of market challenges, the chemical industry players must adapt their operating models to ensure competitiveness and sustainability. This article explores how chemical companies can strategically revise their operating models, focusing on managing changes in supply-demand dynamics, reducing operational risks, and integrating sustainable practices. The first chapter analyzes current difficulties in chemical industry such as oversupply, raw material volatility, and margin pressures, as well as the impact of technological lag on operational efficiency. These market challenges have direct impact on business strategies, which successful chemicals players should choose to succeed. The second chapter discusses the adaptation of operating models for petrochemical and specialty chemicals companies, emphasizing product standardization and innovative development. The third chapter describes the approach to adapting proper operating models in accordance with corporate strategies and key development directions, including focusing on cost reduction, customer orientation, and technological innovations. This article offers a comprehensive view of how chemical companies can overcome current and future market obstacles by optimizing their operating models for long-term success. It highlights the importance of agile management practices, the leverage of advanced analytics, and the necessity of innovating product development and marketing strategies to bridge gaps in market expectations, thereby ensuring sustained growth and profitability. Results: the article examines how different operating models of chemical companies perform in the current market environment. Conclusion: the article gives recommendations on how chemical players should select best suited operating model for their strategies.

Co-teaching in a Jesuit College: a case study in the humanities

Is every teaching innovation proposal within the new technological environment pedagogically legitimate and productive? Certainly, sociocultural transformations have produced a proliferation of methodologies in the last decades. Our project about co-teaching practices was carried out with two concrete goals. First, to measure the efficiency of co-teaching in a workshop with fourth-year students on the topic of the culture of the Baroque. Second, to assess the usefulness of the rich Jesuitical pedagogical framework in current learning environments. We suggest that collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching, by enhancing experiential contact with cultural heritage, using gamification techniques, and placing, front and centre, twenty-first-century debates on social media, virtual reality, and changes in gender issues, allowed the students to foster critical thinking and creativity. These skills, essential for the digital era and the Jesuitical identity, validate the Ignatian pedagogical framework in twenty-first-century university education.

Gaining competitive advantage through integrated talent development and engagement practices in the telecommunication sector; the mediating role of corporate image

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of training in multiple functions, communication of strategy, and feedback on performance on competitive advantage while assessing the mediating role of corporate image. A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. Three hundred and one permanent employees working in different organizations in the Ghanaian telecommunication service sector were sampled for this study. The respondents' responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (structural equation modeling partial least squares) with the aid of IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26.0) and Smart PLS (Version 4.0). The results revealed that training in multiple functions, communication of strategies, and feedback on performance does not significantly relate to competitive advantage. Further, the results established that corporate image mediated the relationship between both communication of strategy and training in multiple functions and competitive advantage. However, corporate image did not mediate the link between feedback on performance and competitive advantage. These results imply that human resource managers should devise strategies to rapidly respond to situations in this current, competitive and ever-changing business environment. To the best of our knowledge, studies that have explored the mediating role of corporate image in the relationship between training in multiple functions, communication of strategy, and feedback on performance and competitive advantage in the telecommunication service sector are rare.