Empirical study on the solutions for rendering the activities of the Romanian agricultural companies more effective

The characteristics of the current economic environment, where the fight for profit becomes harsher by the day, determine the autochthonous agricultural companies to face significant pressures, generated by the global food market. This is the effect of the compromises made in accepting, both at the level of international legislation and at the level of the final consumer, of synthetic products and genetically modified cultures. Also, the strong specialization completed by the technological and technical “flexibility” of the international companies imposes on Romanian organizations competitive restrictions concerning the sale prices of the products. In this context, a dynamic adaptation of the business plans is necessary, as the competitive market does not allow any deviation from the correct dimensioning of the resources invested into the activity, from the cautious management of the operational activity or the optimum level of work productivity. The present study aims, based on a sample of 40 BSE quoted companies, to analyze the extent to which organizational performance is determined by the volume of the investments, by the size of the stocks, by the degree of integration of the economic cycle, and by the level of work productivity. The specificity of the activity is taken into account in the analysis, as it decisively influences the considered factors. The results of the study reveal a positive association of the degree of integration of the economic cycle with the net profit, while a high weight of the stocks in the total assets determines a decrease in it. Higher productive investments, together with an increase in work effectiveness, imply achieving superior economic benefits. In order to obtain the results of the research, the following tools have been used: the ratio analysis, the multiple correspondences factor analysis, and the multiple linear regression analysis with category variables (ANCOVA). The data were processed using SPSS 19.0 statistic software

Exploratory study of the analysis of the performance of stock exchange quoted companies, per activity fields

In order to support strategic decisions, current and potential investors as well as managers need pertinent information that would reflect a faithful image concerning the financial position and performance of the companies. In their analysis and evaluation, besides financial factors, it is necessary to consider non-financial factors as well. Therefore, the specificity of the activity fields of the companies influence a series of financial indicators, determining different results concerning their performance. The present study aims to analyze the financial performance according to the activity field (agriculture, industry, commerce, and services), quantified by criteria based on traditional financial indicators, respectively stock exchange criteria for the acknowledgement of the global performance by the participants to the capital market. The study also aims identify a performance profile of the companies, according to their activity field and to the performance criteria considered. The target population is represented by companies quoted in the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE). From it, a random sample was extracted of 100 quoted companies, activating in the field of agriculture, industry, commerce, and services, for the fiscal year 2011. The results of the research were obtained after applying the univariate analysis and the multiple correspondences factor analysis, using the SPSS 19.0 statistic software. The results show the existence of differences in what concerns the indicators of financial performance on activity fields. The characteristics of each activity field, as well as the risks corresponding to each of them, influence the traditional indicators, as well as the stock exchange indicators. Each field is characterized by certain performance indicators. Based on the results obtained through the performance profile of the companies according to their activity field, actual and potential investors, as well as the other categories of stakeholders, can make decisions without a complete fundamental analysis. Although the results are a useful means for the stakeholders, they must also take into account the limitations of the current study, which are determined by the degree of representativeness of the sample, respectively by the small number of companies in each of the four activity fields, quoted on the Romanian capital market. As a result of these limitations, future research directions concern the increase of the number of studied companies, by extending the analyzed period and taking into consideration other performance criteria as well, such as those focused on value creation, or related to the cash flow

High performance mass spectrometry for advanced interactomics studies

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding protein, involved in different biological processes, such as angiogenesis, bone signaling, embryonic development, morphogenesis or cartilage metabolism. GAGs, one of its binding partners, are long-unbranched polysaccharides exhibiting a repeating disaccharide unit. Moreover, preceding studies have shown that GAGs play an important role in tissue development, cellular behavior or extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. The FGF-GAG noncovalent interactions are of high importance in the biological and biomedical fields of research, as a result of their influence in the tissue regeneration and cell proliferation processes. Here, we have employed one of the most advanced mass spectrometric (MS) techniques consisting of fully automated chip-nanoelectrospray (nanoESI), coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) MS for studying the FGF-GAG noncovalent complexes. The experiments were conducted in 10 mM ammonium acetate/formic acid, pH 6.8, by incubating FGF-2 and CS disaccharides dissolved in buffer; aliquots were collected after 5, 10, 30, 60 and 90 minutes and further submitted to chip-based MS analysis. For the first time, a CS disaccharide was involved in a binding assay with FGF-2. The detected complexes in the screening experiments were further characterized by top-down fragmentation in tandem MS (MS/MS) using collision induced-dissociation (CID) at low ion acceleration energies. CID MS/MS provided data showing for the first time that the binding process occurs via SO3 located at C4 in the GalNAc moiety

Research on the physico – chemical characterization of improved genotypes for Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. obtained in the ecological system

Currently, world, horticultural producers and processors are concerned to obtain high quality organic products in conditions of economic profitability. The main aim of the research is to highlight the physico – chemical characteristics of some improved genotypes from the species Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. obtained in ecological system in the experimental field within USAMV Iasi in 2019. Thus, the aim was to highlight some qualitative parameters, respectively: titrable acidity, pH value, total dry matter content, soluble dry matter, vitamin c, carotene and lycopene content. The biological material was represented by 37 improved tomato genotypes in order to ensure competitive horticultural techniques. The 37 genotypes of Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. showed an average value of the total dry matter content of 7.07 ± 0.5%, showing an oscillating amplitude of the lower delimited values of 4.64% (G223) and 17.9% (G265). The average pH value was 4.4 with limits that fell within the range of variation [4.15 – 4.85]. The content of vitamin C ranged between 14 mg/ 100 g and 29 mg/ 100 g. Other components with antioxidant value that have been shown in important proportions are represented by carotenes (2.36 – 21.22 mg/ 100 g) and lycopene (3.01 – 33.7 mg/ 100 g). This research results strengthens the data in the literature referring to the bioactive compounds of tomatoes emphasizing that the study was conducted for different genotypes grown in organic conditions

The prevalence and risk factors for visceral hemangiomas in children with infantile cutaneous hemangiomas

One of the most frequent benign tumor pathology in children is represented by infantile hemangiomas (IHs). Although they are mostly cutaneous, sometimes they can develop at visceral level, the liver being the most common localization. Objectives. Estimating visceral hemangiomas (VHs) prevalence, and identification of risk factors for VHs in patients with infantile cutaneous hemangiomas (ICHs). Materials and methods. 6 years cross-sectional study (2012-2017) including children diagnosed with ICHs, admitted in I.N.S.M.C “Alfred-Rusescu“. All patients underwent an ultrasound screening for the detection of VHs. In order to identify possible risk factors, we collected demographic and perinatal data. Outcomes. 138 patients diagnosed with infantile cutaneous hemangiomas (ICHs) were included, with a slight predominance of girls (58%). The prevalence of the VHs in our study was 7,24% (10 patients). The liver was the most common visceral localization (7 patients). Conclusions. Female gender, preterm birth, low birth weight, and multiple gestations were described as potential risk factors for IHs. In our study, only multiple gestations tend to be associated with visceral hemangiomas, but without a significant statistical correlation

Insertion of life sciences graduates in the labour market

Ensuring student-centered training, oriented towards the labor market and carried out in partnership with sustainable development actors ensures a favorable framework for increasing economic competitiveness, adapting production processes to sustainable objectives and increasing the resistance of the economic environment to economic, social and geopolitical vulnerability. The purpose of the research consisted in the analysis of the insertion of the graduates of the University of Life Sciences in Iași (USV Iași) on the labor market. For this, a survey was carried out based on a questionnaire administered to graduates after a variable period after their graduation. The data processing was carried out using statistical tools agreed for the researched topic, including the TwoStep Cluster analysis. The results reveal an insertion of graduates of 66.31%, percentage represented by 36.76% employees and 29.55% entrepreneurs, with small differences between women (50.2%) and men (49.8%). Conversely, women preferred studies (19.1%) and employment and men entrepreneurship (48.8%). Graduates of bachelor studies declared an employment of 22.6%, 6.5% continue their studies. Among the employed respondents, 41.6% started a business or got hired in less than 3 months in the field of completed studies (49.7%). Graduates of master's studies declared themselves employed in percentage of 81.3%, of which 40.2% are employees and 32.2% are entrepreneurs. The first form of employment or first entrepreneurial activity was during studies for 28.8% and less than 3 months after finishing studies for 28.0%. Graduates of doctoral studies were registered with the professional status of being employed for 38.7% of the respondents, of which 22.6% are employees, 9.7% are entrepreneurs and 9.7% are continuing their studies. The results recommend: the dynamic analysis of the insertion of graduates on the labor market and their career path; analysis and correlation of educational plans and developed skills in accordance with labor market demand; strengthening partnerships between USV Iași and public and private economic organizations

Functional quality of improved tomato genotypes grown in open field and in plastic tunnel under organic farming

In response to urgent demand to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of tomato consumption and to advocate for healthy diets through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, this study is intended to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle, sharing the best practices of production and consumption. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of the growing system (field vs. plastic tunnel) and of genotype characteristics for organic improved tomato genotypes. The research was carried out in the 2019 and 2020 years on eight improved tomato genotypes. The results showed that the ascorbic acid content presented higher values for organic tomatoes cultivated in the field for all genotypes studied, with an upper limit of 18.57 mg 100 g1 FW. In contrast, the content in -carotene and lycopene showed higher values for genotypes grown under plastic tunnel conditions. Significant statistical differences were noticed concerning the mean values of all genotypes according to cultivation conditions (field vs. plastic tunnel) for most parameters excepting total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), maturity index (MI) and flavor index (FI). This highlights the major importance of the selection of some genotypes of tomatoes that respond positively to the organic cultivation system in terms of the presence of the antioxidants compounds (vitamin C, lycopene, and carotene) in representative quantities. Genotype 3 is highlighted by the highest content in carotene (7.4 mg 100 g1 F.W.) and lycopene (8.4 mg 100 g1 F.W.) and genotype 5 by the highest content in vitamin C (16.8 mg 100 g1 F.W.). The results of the study suggest that by applying appropriate techniques for growing organic tomatoes in the plastic tunnel system, the antioxidant substrate can be optimized compared to the results obtained for the field system

THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE VALUE RELEVANCE LITERATURE

In the last decades, numerous studies have covered the relationship between stock price or stock return and financial information. These studies represent the "value-relevance" literature. Knowledge of this area of interest, through literature and the main ideas, yields scientific progress. The aim of the study is to achieve a qualitative and a quantitative analysis regarding the level of knowledge in the value relevance literature, in an international context. To achieve this aim, a number of 53 scientific articles published between 2001 and 2013 were selected, from the first two journals related to the number of citations in the rankings compiled by Google Scholar, Accounting and Taxation category. Qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis (factorial analysis of multiple correspondences as statistical method) were used. The results reflect the importance of existing problems in the financial markets. The studies are focused on solving these problems, to support the investors

THE ANALYSIS OF COMPETITIVENESS IN THE TOURISM SECTOR IN THE ACTUAL CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC CRISIS

The past few years have witnessed many storms in the Tourism sector. Under the influence of an extremely volatile world economy (financial crisis, commodity and oil price rises, sharp exchange rate fluctuations, increase terrorism acts in several region with tourism potential ) Tourism demand slowed significantly. Yet, despite the current difficulties, the Tourism sector remains a critical economic sector worldwide and one that provides significant potential for economic growth and development internationally. A growing national Tourism sector contributes to raises national income, employment, and can improve a country's balance of payments. The sector is thus an important driver of growth and prosperity and,  within developing countries, it can play a leading role in poverty reduction. Despite the overall importance of developing the Tourism sector, many obstacles at the national level continue to hinder its development. This analysis aims to serve two purposes. First, we intend to provide useful comparative information for making decisions related to business and tourism development. Second, and more importantly, we hope that the analysis provides an opportunity for the Tourism industry to highlight the obstacles to Tourism competitiveness. </span

THE ANALYSIS OF COMPETITIVENESS IN THE TOURISM SECTOR IN THE ACTUAL CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC CRISIS

The past few years have witnessed many storms in the Tourism sector. Under the influence of an extremely volatile world economy (financial crisis, commodity and oil price rises, sharp exchange rate fluctuations, increase terrorism acts in several region with tourism potential ) Tourism demand slowed significantly. Yet, despite the current difficulties, the Tourism sector remains a critical economic sector worldwide and one that provides significant potential for economic growth and development internationally. A growing national Tourism sector contributes to raise national income, employment, and can improve a country’s balance of payments. The sector is thus an important driver of growth and prosperity and, within developing countries, it can play a leading role in poverty reduction. Despite the overall importance of developing the Tourism sector, many obstacles at the national level continue to hinder its development. This analysis aims to serve two purposes. First, we intend to provide useful comparative information for making decisions related to business and tourism development. Second, and more importantly, we hope that the analysis provides an opportunity for the Tourism industry to highlight the obstacles to Tourism competitiveness.competitiveness, tourism sector, tourism, performance, economic growth.