State Companies Research Articles

Validation of a Deep Learning Tool for Detection of Incidental Vertebral Compression Fractures.

This study evaluated the performance of a deep learning-based vertebral compression fracture (VCF) detection tool in patients with incidental VCF. The purpose of this study was to validate this tool across multiple sites and multiple vendors. This was a retrospective, multicenter, multinational blinded study using anonymized chest and abdominal CT scans performed for indications other than VCF in patients ≥50 years old. Images were obtained from 2 teleradiology companies in France and United States and were processed by CINA-VCF v1.0, a deep learning algorithm designed for VCF detection. Ground truth was established by majority consensus across 3 board-certified radiologists. Overall performance of CINA-VCF was evaluated, as well as subset analyses based on imaging acquisition parameters, baseline patient characteristics, and VCF severity. A subgroup was also analyzed and compared with available clinical radiology reports. Four hundred seventy-four CT scans were included in this study, comprising 166 (35.0%) positive and 308 (65.0%) negative VCF cases. CINA-VCF demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99), accuracy of 93.7% (95% CI: 91.1%-95.7%), sensitivity of 95.2% (95% CI: 90.7%-97.9%), and specificity of 92.9% (95% CI: 89.4%-96.5%). Subset analysis based on VCF severity resulted in a specificity of 94.2% (95% CI: 90.9%-96.6%) for grade 0 negative cases and a specificity of 64.3% (95% CI: 35.1%-87.2%) for grade 1 negative cases. For grades 2 and 3 positive cases, sensitivity was 89.7% (95% CI: 79.9%-95.8%) and 99.0% (95% CI: 94.4%-100.0%), respectively. CINA-VCF successfully detected incidental VCF and even outperformed clinical reports. The performance was consistent among all subgroups analyzed. Limitations of the tool included various confounding pathologies such as Schmorl's nodes and borderline cases. Despite these limitations, this study validates the applicability and generalizability of the tool in the clinical setting.

Relationship between mental fatigue and cognitive functions in energized line workers of electric sector companies in Aragua State-Venezuela, 2024

Introduction: Understanding the physical and mental state of operational personnel in the electrical sector was essential to ensure health and prevent workplace accidents. This research analyzed the relationship between mental fatigue and cognitive functions in energized line workers of electric companies in Aragua state, Venezuela. Methods: The study was developed under the positivist paradigm with a quantitative approach, non-experimental, descriptive, field-based, and cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of twelve workers assigned to energized line departments. Data collection was conducted through observation, photographic records, sociodemographic survey, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test version 8.1 (MoCA), and Subjective Fatigue Patterns Test (PSF). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between variables. Results: The results showed a low inverse correlation, suggesting that increased fatigue levels could be associated with a decrease in cognitive function values. Conclusions: A moderately low and non-significant statistical correlation was concluded, suggesting the need for future research with larger sample sizes and validation of other variables such as age, educational level, experience, as well as specific analysis of the Montreal Cognitive Test variables.

Accounting Conservatism In Non-State Companies And Consolidated Financial Statements

Abstract Research background Accounting conservatism has been a significant area of research in the last few decades due to its effects on financial reporting quality. Nevertheless, it has been influenced by many factors that lead companies to be more or less conservative. Purpose This paper aims to contribute to this research stream by exploring the impact of state ownership and consolidation on accounting conservatism. The literature has not given much attention to state ownership and has never explored consolidation. Research methodology The study employed the data of 90 Algerian companies from 2016 to 2021 and employed Basu’s (1997) model to measure conservatism. The relationships between variables were estimated using linear regression. Results The results indicate that Algerian companies’ financial statements are generally conservative. However, accounting conservatism is more prevalent in state companies and separate financial statements. Novelty The study is the first in Algeria and is among the few studies that are interested in accounting consolidation as a determinant of conservatism.

Norway in the geopolitics of energy

Petroleum production on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) has made Norway a player of strategic importance for the geopolitics of energy. Particularly significant is Norway's role for energy security in European markets for natural gas, actualized by Russia's war against Ukraine. While climate concerns, as a long-term security risk in the balance between economic growth and fossil fuel emissions, are shared by Norway with most others in the Western Hemisphere, the country's significance in the geopolitics of energy presents some challenges of its own. Albeit otherwise considered small state in international affairs, in energy it has significance for more than itself. In the country, the Norwegian state and energy companies make significant revenues, while at the same time, fluctuating and occasionally high domestic electricity prices affect households and non-energy businesses, negatively. The situation puts simultaneous pressure on domestic, foreign and security policy played out on a scale and scope not previously experienced. Important questions are to which extent and how geopolitical challenges and energy security may put the country in a sensitive or vulnerable position, and, alternatively, how they may strengthen it for more opportunities and room for economic, commercial, and political maneuvering.

Optimisation of River State Company (RTC) Fleet Management System

In the transportation industry, fleet maintenance is essential for ensuring operational efficiency, reducing costs, and extending vehicle lifespan. As fleets age, maintenance challenges escalate, impacting profitability. This study focuses on developing a maintenance reliability program for the Rivers State Transport Company (RTC) to optimize fleet management and enhance financial performance. The aim of this study is to assess RTC’s maintenance activities and design a reliability-based program that minimizes costs and maximizes profits. A mixed-method survey research design was adopted, with secondary data collected from RTC’s maintenance workshop records and financial reports spanning from 2014 to 2023. The dataset includes maintenance costs, replacement costs, and income for three vehicle models (Nissan Urvan, Toyota Hiace, and Ford Transit) across multiple years. The Dynamic Recursive Programming Model was employed to analyze vehicle age, cost, and income trends, and Microsoft Excel was used for data processing. The results show a significant rise in maintenance costs as vehicles age. For example, the Nissan Urvan’s maintenance costs increased from ₦1.2 million in 2014 to ₦2.6 million in 2023, representing a 116.7% increase over 9 years. Replacement costs for the Toyota Hiace surged from ₦4 million in 2014 to ₦8.5 million in 2023. Income generated by older vehicles also declined by approximately 25%, with the Ford Transit generating ₦5.1 million in 2023 compared to ₦6.8 million in 2014 due to frequent breakdowns and reduced reliability. The analysis further revealed that replacing vehicles after 6-7 years of operation would maximize financial returns, based on the balance of maintenance and income. In conclusion, maintaining an aging fleet presents a substantial financial burden, with rising maintenance costs, diminishing income, and increasing replacement expenses. This study recommends that RTC adopt a structured vehicle replacement policy guided by the Dynamic Recursive Programming Model. Furthermore, reliability-based maintenance strategies should be implemented to reduce unnecessary expenses and improve the overall performance and profitability of the fleet.

The Effect of Strategic Intelligence on Enhancing Customer Value: An Exploratory Study of the Opinions of a Sample of Employees at the State Company For Drug And Medical Supplies Manufacturing / Samarra - Iraq

The core objective of this research was to pinpoint the sources of strategic intelligence and their effect upon enhancing customer value, as well as to provide some suggestions that contribute to clarifying the effect between the research variables. Accordingly, the current problem was represented by the central question: (Is there a statistically significant effect of strategic intelligence on enhancing customer value?). To assess the opinions of the respondents, the research relied on the descriptive-analytical approach in dealing with the theoretical and field data of the studied company. Several research tools were used in the field aspect of the study to achieve the desired results, with the questionnaire being the main tool for data collection. A total of 130 forms were given to a random sample of employees in the studied company, of which 125 valid forms were returned for analysis, representing a rate of 96%. Several statistical methods and tools were used to handle the data, analyze the questionnaire items, and test its hypotheses based on the data processed through the (SPSS.V26) statistical program. The research concluded with several findings, including there is a statistically significant positive effect of strategic intelligence on enhancing customer value in the studied company.

The making and unmaking of demand for dairy and chicken in Norway: a systems of provision perspective

This study examines the supply and demand for chicken meat and fresh cow’s milk in Norway and argues that understanding demand as being co-constituted and interrelated with supply is crucial for reducing consumption. This study takes a constructivist systems of provision perspective to examine the chain of activities that links production and consumption. Analyzing how the use of chicken meat and fresh cow’s milk has evolved through socially and historically contingent processes in Norway, the article describes how these products became commonplace through state involvement, nutritional advice, companies, and consumers. The demand for liquid milk decreased in the 1980s, providing a rare insight into a system of provision in decline, although both government and industry actors wanted the situation to be otherwise. This study highlights that the milk-provision system failed to address the factors that contributed to the decline in milk consumption, which worsened the situation for dairy farmers. This is contrasted with the case of chickens, which represents a story of expanded demand through industrial intensification and new food norms. Under the presumption that a theory that explains an increase in demand must also be able to explain a decrease in demand, the analysis highlights the factors that caused a reduction in fresh milk consumption and the factors that led to growth in the demand for chicken meat. The article concludes that a constructivist perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of the making and unmaking of demand through processes of alignment/misalignment with established political, economic, and societal goals.

The Interpretation of Public Administration Controlling From an Economic Perspective

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to assess the adherence of state/municipal economic companies to the requirements outlined in Government Decree 339/2019 (XII. 23.) concerning the use of budgetary funds. Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of internal and external control systems and propose measures to enhance the efficiency and transparency of these companies' financial management. Theoretical Framework: The research builds on the principles of public sector governance, focusing on the role of internal control systems and external monitoring in ensuring the proper use of public funds. Government Decree 339/2019 serves as the regulatory basis for evaluating performance, while theories on financial control, transparency, and accountability in public administration are employed to interpret the findings. Method: A qualitative approach was employed, including an audit of selected state/municipal companies. The study utilized data from the ÁSZ (State Audit Office) reports, internal control mechanisms, and management reviews. Performance evaluations were conducted in light of the companies' compliance with regulatory requirements, with a focus on identifying systemic shortcomings and proposing improvements. Results and Discussion: The audit revealed that while the companies generally complied with Government Decree 339/2019, several shortcomings were noted, particularly in the areas of internal control and economic management. External monitoring by the ÁSZ and existing internal control systems contribute to ensuring the proper use of budgetary funds. However, there is a need to strengthen these systems further to address the observed issues. The study suggests the implementation of a management-oriented controlling system, which would emphasize economic decision-making and improve overall performance and transparency. Research Implications: The findings have significant implications for state and municipal economic companies. By adopting a more economically focused internal control system, these entities can enhance their financial management practices, optimize the use of public funds, and foster greater transparency and efficiency in their operations. This approach would not only benefit public administration but also improve service delivery to the general public. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of a management-oriented controlling system based on economic principles in the public sector. It provides practical recommendations for enhancing the internal control and audit processes of state/municipal companies, offering valuable insights for policymakers and public administration professionals striving for greater fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Unlocking public infrastructures? State aid and the common European data space

EU state aid rules are part of the EU’s competition policy, a form of soft law developed to nudge states away from public investments in many areas. Rules were used to impose that market competition holds a privileged position, and that enacting social, political, or economic benefits that might stifle competition requires a complicated legal and political negotiation process between the European Commission, Member States, and private companies. Nonetheless, many strategic projects or situations in recent years led to significant state aid. The Commission utilised a variety of means to encourage both private and public investments in EU based digital infrastructure that is critical for public media services and for unified European data space. Despite EU’s balancing act between the private and public interests, business interests are dangerously capturing the development in the media data space. To grasp the social and economic contribution of publicly financed productive activities, we approach public broadcasting systems as producers of public wealth of a peculiar kind whose activities and goals are defined by their public purpose, rather than the imperatives of capital and profitmaking. Unifying data spaces with too many design decisions conceded to capitalist production runs the risk of further neglecting social foundations of member states. We argue that the desired digital transformation would be more successful if it moved towards affirmative approaches to public services and public infrastructures, recognising the historical and contemporary contribution of the production of public wealth and public media in member states.

Juridical Analysis of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) with Bankruptcy Status

Bankrupt BUMN is not as simple as bankruptcy of a person or other legal entity, because this BUMN has state assets whose management must involve state intervention. Government intervention is proven by the presence of the Minister of Finance as CFO and majority owner of BUMN and the Minister of BUMN as director and supervisor of BUMN activities, apart from that there are supporting regulations, namely the KN Law, PN Law and Constitutional Court Decision No. 62/PUU-XI/2013 which notes that wealth separated from BUMN remains state wealth. If a state company is bankrupted by its own debtor, the finance minister has the largest say in the state-owned bankruptcy application than the GMS, in Peru the finance minister has the highest power and is the only party. who can file bankruptcy. The legal consequence of BUMN bankruptcy is that a public confiscation is carried out, but first the BUMN must go through a process of paying state assets in accordance with Minister of Finance Regulation No. 50/PMK.06/2014 because BUMN goods are still considered state-owned goods.

Applying Pattern Language to Enhance IIoT System Design and Integration: From Theory to Practice

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is pivotal in advancing industrial automation, offering significant improvements in connectivity and efficiency. However, the integration of heterogeneous devices within IIoT systems presents substantial challenges, primarily due to the diversity in device hardware, protocols, and functionalities. In this paper, we propose a new pattern language specifically designed to enhance interoperability and operational efficiency across industrial settings. Drawing from a case study of the State Company for Automotive Industry (S.C.A.I.) in Iraq, this study details the development and integration of eleven interrelated patterns. These patterns were carefully combined based on identified relationships, forming a comprehensive pattern language that addresses key aspects of system heterogeneity, including device communication, data security, and system scalability. The pattern language was validated using the Delphi process theory, engaging industry experts to refine and optimize the framework for practical application. The implementation of this pattern language led to significant improvements in system integration, enabling seamless communication between diverse devices and enhancing operational workflows. The case study demonstrates the practical viability of the proposed pattern language in enhancing interoperability within real-world Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. Furthermore, the replicable nature of this framework makes it a valuable resource for other industrial environments seeking to harness the power of IIoT technologies.

Is formalisation Enough to Achieve Growth in SMEs?

The objective of this research is to determine whether the formalisation (FORM) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has an impact on the growth, and determine which aspects of SMEs management, when formalised, are associated with and contribute to the growth of these organisations. A survey was applied to 403 proxies of SMEs in Lima, Peru. A structural equation model was used to validate the hypotheses. The results indicate that there is a positive and significant association between the FORM of SMEs management and the growth of these organisations. The main finding of this research is to determine that the formalisation of SME management in Lima, Peru explains their growth by only 27%, leaving 63% explained by other factors that could be not only management aspects, but also aspects of the SME environment. State institutions, companies and academia should analyse the low economic contribution of SMEs from a broader approach and not only from the position that formalisation is the only reason for growth. Other aspects should be studied, such as education in management issues by entrepreneurs, development of collaborators' competencies, improvement in the efficiency in the management of State institutions, among other factors; and thus, find the appropriate mechanisms that contribute to the growth of SMEs. This research is the first to analyse, in a single study, whether the formalisation aspects of SMEs management contribute to their growth. Finally, this research has contributed to the construction and conceptualisation of the SME growth variable.

The metamorphoses of denationalization of 1993. Report II. The prices of medications as information

In the history of Russian pharmaceutical market, the year of 1993 became the year of both formation of rules of market relations and alteration of market landscape for changed conditions. The significant segment of state centralized purchases moved under responsibility of regional authorities and their health authorities. At that, authorizations of former three state organizations occupied with import purchases were distributed between new state companies of the Ministry of Health Care and commercial organizations and firms that entered pharmaceutical market. Pretty soon, this diversity gave rise both to competition for budget funds and Government experiments with market regulation. The traces of these clashes and attempts to make market manageable are found in the Ministry of Health Care archives and journal publications.The Report II uses informational potential of medications prices to decode rules of play in Russian pharmaceutical market with purpose to analyze distributions of power at playing table.

Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System for Generating Energy to Dairy Farm Activities

Minas Gerais is the leading milk-producing state in Brazil, and many dairy activities are supplied with electricity by the cable aerial network of the electrical energy state company. Given that the Brazilian energy matrix relies primarily on hydroelectric power, studies on the potential of other renewable energy sources in the context of dairy farms are innovative. Additionally, frequent disturbances and interruptions have motivated the installation of solar energy systems on dairy farms. However, the scarcity of technical and scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of electricity generated from photovoltaic panels in Minas Gerais has caused dairy farmers to fear potential financial losses. In this study, grid-connected photovoltaic systems in dairy farms were evaluated, considering three fixed tilt angles for the panels (latitude - 10°, latitude, and latitude + 10°) and electrical energy demands of dairy activities associated with two herd sizes (100 and 150 cows). Meteorological databases and mathematical models were used to predict daily global radiation on tilted panels in dairy farms of two Brazilian municipalities of Minas Gerais State (Lavras and Paracatu). Energy consumption related to dairy activities was monitored for 12 months. For both municipalities, the best results were verified with the tilt angle of panels equal to the local latitude - 10°. The municipality with the lowest latitude (Paracatu) showed higher electricity generation potential. In all simulated scenarios, a greater energy surplus was found from late spring to early autumn (Southern Hemisphere), when the higher electricity generation by the photovoltaic panels met the elevated electrical energy demand of the dairy farms. A high energy surplus was also verified during midwinter, where lower energy consumption by the dairy farms compensated for the reduced availability of solar radiation. The proposed methodology can be adapted to other dairy farms, agricultural and urban buildings.

Managerial Performance and Economic Performance in the Technology Sector

The technology (tech) sector outperformed all other sector stock price averages in 2023. This paper addresses two issues regarding the tech sector. First, relative to other firms, are there any managerial areas in which the tech sector outperforms to explain their superior performance relative to all other firms? Second, within the tech sector, what managerial practices lead to higher profits? Four areas of managerial performance are considered: customer satisfaction, employee engagement and development, innovation, and social responsibility. This paper utilizes Bloomberg data and takes the novel approach of utilizing the Drucker Institute Indexes to assess performance in the tech sector. The Drucker Institute has computed a Corporate Effectiveness Index since 2017. The overall effectiveness index is based on performance regarding five dimensions: customer satisfaction, employee engagement and development, innovation, social responsibility, and financial strength. The firms they track are United States companies whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq Stock Market and meet certain size requirements. Among the four dimensions tested, customer satisfaction is the one dimension that is positive and significant when comparing across tech firms. Second, employee engagement is more important for tech firms than for other firms. The major contribution of this paper’s findings is that while innovation may be the hallmark feature of tech firms, innovation for its own sake does not drive firm performance. A focus on people (customers and employees) is the key to earning higher profits in the tech sector.

The Influence of Entrepreneurial Leadership on Innovativeness Mediated by Digital Leadership

Companies that are affiliated with and part of state companies, such as Krakatau Information Technology, play a greater role in supporting state finances, so their performance needs to be given attention. Efforts to realize this can be made by creating a climate of innovativeness that has implications for positive changes in employees, which can be done through leadership roles with entrepreneurial and digital characteristics, so the aim of this research is to test the construct of the relationship between these variables. Quantitative methods in the space of causality were used in this research by testing PCA data for the validity approach and Cronbach's alpha for measuring reliability, while testing the mediation model using the t-test and Sobel test. The general picture shows that entrepreneurial and digital leadership directly have a positive influence on stimulating employee innovativeness, and the leader's ability to use digital technology is able to positively mediate the influence of entrepreneurial leadership on the innovative behavior of Krakatau I.T. employees.

The Tax State: An Outdated Concept

Taxes are compulsory levies for no consideration. Because there is no earmarking, the budget funds are often not spent effectively by the state authorities. In economic terms, the incentive effects of taxes and deadweight losses are counterproductive. The alternative would be state financing that is primarily based on performance and consideration (equivalence). A key component of this would be marginal cost-oriented charges. A second element would be the financing of provisioning costs of public infrastructure from land rents. This would largely avoid the problems of tax financing. States and public companies can be observed that are already successfully moving in this direction.

The Impact of GCG, Internal Audit Eliminates Corruption and Improves Performance Company 2024

State performance and company performance will be better if corruption can be eliminated by implementing GCG and Internal Audit. The phenomenon of corruption has become entrenched, many public officials have been arrested and imprisoned for corruption cases by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and other law enforcement officials (Attorney General and Police). Even the chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (Firly Bahuri) was deactivated and questioned by the police over the alleged extortion case of the former Minister of Agriculture (Yasin Syahrul Limpo). In this context, we are interested in discussing the impact of GCG and Internal Audit on reducing corruption and improving performance.

Global Supply Chain Management and The Performance of Multi-National Companies in Rivers State of Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between global supply chain management and the performance of multi-national companies in rivers state of Nigeria. This study adopted a correlational research design. The population of the study consisted of 10 multinational companies operating in Rivers State as retrieved from Nigerian business directory search engine. The study adopted a census study, 3 respondents were selected from each firm multiplied by 10 firms give us a total of 30 respondents. Structured questionnaire instrument title” Global supply chain management and performance questionnaire was developed on five point likert scale. The result of the Cronbach's Alpha reliability test indicates .800 which is above .70 which implies that the items are reliable. Pearson product moment correlation was used to test the hypotheses using SPSS (statistical package social sciences). The study revealed that there is a significance relationship between global sourcing and profitability of multi-national companies in Rivers State of Nigeria. There is a significance relationship between outsourcing and operational7process efficiency of multi-national companies in Rivers State of Nigeria. There is a significance relationship between global production and distribution and customer satisfaction of multi-national companies in Rivers State of Nigeria. In conclusion, global supply chain management is a critical aspect of business operations for multi-national companies in Rivers State of Nigeria. By investing in infrastructure, building strong relationships with local partners, implementing effective communication and coordination processes, and utilizing technology, MNCs can improve the performance of their supply chains and gain a competitive advantage in the region. The study recommended that MNCs should consider investing in the development of infrastructure in Rivers State, including transportation and logistics systems, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their supply chains.

The metamorphoses of denationalization of 1993. Report-I. The market fight for medications import

In the history of the Russian pharmaceutical market the year of 1993 became the year of formation of rules of market relations and changing under them of market landscape. The significant segment of state-centralized purchases moved under responsibility of regional authorities and their health care authorities. At that, powers of three former state organizations being occupied with purchases of imported medications were distributed between new state companies of Ministry of Health and commercial organizations and firms that entered pharmaceutical market. This diversity rather soon gave rise to competitive fight for budget funds and experiments of Government with market regulation. The traces of these clashes and attempts to make market regulated can be found in Ministry of Health archives and journal publications. The Report I reveals circumstances of entrance of Ministry of Health into market relationships and its acquisition of market player identity.