EXPLORATION OF LASEM BATIK MOTIFS THROUGH A FITTING TOOL “ARBATULA” APPLICATION BASED ON AUGMENTED REALITY

Lasem batik is one of the prestigious cultural products of Rembang Regency, with distinctive motifs including Sekar Jagad, Latohan, and Watu kricak. Lasem batik faces an existential crisis due to declining interest among the younger generation in preserving it. Various efforts have been made, one of which is by academics who have made Lasem batik a research topic by adapting digital technology as a representation of the lives of the younger generation. The most basic preservation of Lasem batik can begin with the introduction of motifs through fashion, in line with current trends. This became the basis for the author to conduct exploratory research on Lasem batik motifs through the Fitting Tool application based on Augmented Reality technology. Both have been applied in the fashion industry, but have never been applied to Lasem batik motifs. This research uses a Research and Development method that is oriented towards innovative product development and descriptive presentation. Data collection was conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation at the Lasem Batik Cooperative, supported by a literature review of journals and books on Lasem batik. The main result of this research is the "ARBatula" application prototype, which simulates an Augmented Reality-based fitting tool to display Lasem batik motifs on 3D fashion through markers with several features such as gender selection, motif selection, and mode selection. The results of this research are expected to attract the attention of the younger generation in an effort to preserve the existence of Lasem batik through a technological and fashion approach

Reporting practices in Romania: Propelling corporate sustainability forward through firm performance

In the context of growing global emphasis on sustainable business practices, understanding the financial drivers of corporate sustainability has become increasingly important. This study examines key financial and market indicators to understand their influence on corporate sustainability disclosure. Focusing on Romanian companies, it investigates how market share, financial ratings, probability of insolvency, and market value shape sustainability outcomes. The dataset was sourced from Azores Sustainability and CSR Services, a well-known organization in Romania that offers insights into the Romania Corporate Sustainability and Transparency Index, as well as from the Risco database. Over an eight-year period from 2016 to 2023, we compiled a total of 264 observations from 33 companies that provided sustainability information. Correlation and regression analysis were used as inferential statistics to achieve the study’s objectives. The findings reveal that market share has a positive and significant impact on corporate sustainability disclosure. Additionally, the study shows that financial ratings significantly and positively influence corporate sustainability. The study’s results indicate that probability of insolvency has a negative and significant effect on corporate sustainability disclosure. Moreover, market value was found to have a significant positive impact on corporate sustainability disclosure. The findings of the study underscore the relevance of firm performance in influencing Romanian companies’ sustainability disclosure following the provisions of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and 2014/95/EU Directive. Ultimately, this study proves essential in the context of the CSRD, which plays a critical role in enhancing corporate transparency regarding sustainability practices. The key contribution of this study is to address the ambiguity in existing research by exploring the reverse relationship, how firm performance influences corporate sustainability outcomes

MILITARY FABRICS MADE OF HEMP FIBERS

The relevance of this research is determined by the necessity to replace the existing camouflage fabrics on the Ukrainian market, which are made with synthetic fibers for military clothing, with eco-friendly fabrics produced from natural raw materials – hemp fiber. The aim was to analyze the qualitative properties of mixed hemp fabrics developed by scientists of Kherson National Technical University and to determine their potential use in military uniforms. Comprehensive methods of analysis, synthesis, observation, measurement, comparison, and generalization of results were applied, as well as standard methodologies widely used in the light industry. The paper provides a detailed analysis of the current state of the global protective and military textile market. Samples of existing camouflage fabrics for military uniforms and equipment were examined, and results of testing new hemp fiber-based fabrics were presented. Physico-mechanical, aesthetic, and operational tests demonstrated that hemp-based materials surpass most existing analogs in their qualitative characteristics. The introduction of hemp fabrics into military textile production may ensure increased reliability, functionality, and environmental safety of defense products

Are human skills still important in the digital age? An analysis of the entrepreneurs’ perspectives

There is a more or less well-founded fear among the worldwide workforce that in the digital economy, robots will replace people. In this context, a concern arises as to what are the human skills that can help people adapt to the new labor market conditions. The prevailing answer seems to be the soft skills, considering that these are increasingly required for their contribution to enhancing the competitiveness of companies that have already automated their routine tasks. The present article hinges its analysis on these considerations and proposes an in-depth investigation of the importance placed by entrepreneurs on soft skills, disentangling the core layers (difficulties, consequences, actions, and actors of solutions). By combining classical (Kruskal-Wallis H test) with more modern methods (generalized ordered logit model), our study spots targeted solutions for the success of companies and employees in the labor market. Our research reinforces the idea that a combination of soft skills with digital and green ones can increase the competitiveness of both companies and employees. The article also indicates the main actors of the success of recruiting: companies and education, supported by the government, and the opportunities outside the EU. Furthermore, our investigation highlights the critical need for public policies and educational institutions to adapt and collaborate in developing training programs and curricula that align with evolving labor market demands, emphasizing the integration of both technical and soft skills, and leveraging innovative technologies to enhance workforce resilience and adaptability

Case studies of subjective data dimensions in business intelligence based on literature

Data quality is widely recognized as a decisive factor for the success of business intelligence systems, as it directly influences the reliability of insights, the effectiveness of decision-making, and the level of trust placed in analytical outcomes. Traditional approaches have emphasized technical aspects such as accuracy, completeness, and consistency. Recently, attention has shifted toward subjective, user-related dimensions of data quality, influenced by perception, trust, and understanding. This study responds to this development by defining and categorizing subjective dimensions of data quality and identifying the organizational and technical conditions affecting user perception and trust in business intelligence environments. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a structured literature review with five case studies conducted in financial and non-financial organizations. Data from the case studies were gathered through semi-structured interviews with practitioners responsible for designing and managing data solutions. The findings revealed four distinct categories of subjective data quality (data access, usability, processing, and evaluation), which together capture the ways in which users assess the relevance, interpretability, and value of data. Six critical success factors were identified as essential in shaping these perceptions: data governance, metadata management, knowledge and competence development, organizational culture, technological infrastructure, and stakeholder relationships. From these insights, five best practices were derived that support the enhancement of subjective data quality, such as developing business glossaries, comprehensive metadata catalogues, and transparent documentation of data lineage. The study concludes that subjective data quality is co-produced by technological infrastructures and human factors, and it proposes a multi-layered model that integrates these dimensions to guide the design of business intelligence systems that foster trust, understanding, and greater decision-making value

Employee perceptions of VR training across generations: Insights into benefits and barriers

This study explores generational differences in employee perceptions of virtual reality (VR) training within corporate settings. As immersive technologies become increasingly integrated into organizational learning, understanding how diverse age cohorts respond to VR is critical for effective implementation. Based on a quantitative survey of 121 employees who participated in VR-based training programs, the research investigates perceived benefits, limitations, and barriers across Generation Z, Millennials (Generation Y), Generation X, and Baby Boomers. The results reveal statistically significant differences between age groups in terms of perceived usefulness, intuitiveness, and physical comfort. Younger employees (especially Millennials) showed higher acceptance, technological confidence, and stronger engagement, whereas older participants, particularly Baby Boomers, reported lower confidence, greater discomfort, and higher skepticism. Key advantages identified include improved engagement, safe practice in realistic simulations, and better knowledge transfer. However, barriers such as physical side effects, low digital literacy, limited prior exposure, and reduced personal interaction with trainers remain prominent, especially among older cohorts. Correlation analysis further demonstrated strong links between supervisor support, digital readiness, and positive training outcomes. Findings also highlight that while VR can enhance job performance and motivation, successful implementation requires addressing generational expectations, providing sufficient onboarding, and offering targeted support. This study contributes to the growing body of research on immersive learning by emphasizing the role of intergenerational dynamics in technology acceptance and training effectiveness. The insights offer practical implications for HR professionals, trainers, and instructional designers aiming to develop inclusive, adaptive VR-based training that meets the needs of a multigenerational workforce

How important are behavioral analytics tools in the age of modern digital marketing?

This study evaluates how behavioral analytics tools contribute to short-term business objectives in digital marketing. We analyze 73 case studies from 12 brands collected on October 3, 2023, using content analysis to extract tools, outcomes, and problems addressed. Expert weighting from three senior scholars is applied to value outcome categories, with moderate agreement reported by Kendall’s W = 0.47. We then compute aggregate tool evaluations, build a co-occurrence matrix, and estimate linear and multiple regressions together with Pearson correlations. Synergies with top-rated tools are strongly associated with more outcomes achieved, the total result increases by 2.8295 for each additional co-occurrence, with R2 = 0.936, and the largest effect appears for conversion and site optimization. Tool ratings are highly correlated with the number of problems solved, r = 0.9888. Effectiveness in solving UX and optimization issues is strongly associated with gains in satisfaction and loyalty, r = 0.9646, with a positive regression coefficient for this category. Session recordings, heatmaps, A/B testing, and conversion funnels emerge as the most impactful instruments. We propose a six-category framework and provide practical guidance for integrating complementary tools within iterative, data-driven workflows. Results underline the strategic role of behavioral analytics in improving conversion, satisfaction, and short-term performance

A bibliometric overview of job demands-resources theory literature

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on job demands and resources (JD-R) theory and uses bibliometric analysis. A total of 688 articles and 204 journals published in the Web of Science database are included in the analysis. The study first provides an overview based on bibliometric indicators such as publication trends, influential journals, and prominent authors. Then, the thematic structure and relationship networks of the JD-R literature are examined using advanced bibliometric methods such as co-word analysis, citation, and co-citation analysis. Through these methods, the development of the field of JD-R theory is mapped, key concepts are identified, and critical studies, journals, authors, and subtopics are revealed. According to the results of the study, two significant findings were obtained: i) the literature on JD-R theory focuses predominantly on core concepts such as burnout, work engagement, job demands, and job resources; and ii) JD-R theory is increasingly being integrated with broader topics, proactive behaviors, organizational dynamics, and work-life balance. This research has not been found to have a comprehensive bibliometric analysis study conducted on the basic framework of JD-R. This study examines scientific research conducted with JD-R using bibliometric analysis methods. It presents important findings regarding the past, current status, and methods of developing the theory in business and management disciplines