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Found 6515 publications
Family-friendly workplaces in the public and private sectors
Publication Name: International Journal of Organizational Analysis
Publication Date: 2026-12-14
Volume: 34
Issue: 12
Page Range: 33-52
Description:
Purpose – The study aimed to examine family-friendly practices of employers in Hungary and compared public and private sector organisations to better understand their approaches to promoting the work–life balance of employees. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional, quantitative survey was carried out between April and June 2023, involving 702 organisations certified as family-friendly workplaces in Hungary, of which 101 managers responded. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-squared tests to examine associations between sector and the prevalence of family-friendly practices. Findings – The findings indicate sectoral variation in the implementation of family-friendly practices. Private sector organisations more frequently reported flexible working arrangements, whereas public sector employers more often reported traditional measures such as childcare services and child-friendly work environments. Teleworking was available in 87.3% of private organisations, compared with 67.4% of public organisations (p = 0.016). Similarly, part-time work was offered by 87.3% of private organisations and 63.3% of public organisations (p = 0.004). Conversely, on-site childcare (52.2% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.002) and child-friendly workplaces (58.7% vs 23.6%, p < 0.001) were more prevalent in the public sector. Research limitations/implications – The study is geographically limited to Hungary and focuses mainly on certified family-friendly workplaces, which may not represent all organisations uniformly. However, it provides a basis for benchmarking international research on family-friendly workplace policies. In addition, it does not include a qualitative study to provide more in-depth insight or to capture the views of employees, but identifies further research directions in this way. Practical implications – Based on these findings, organisations should consider implementing family-friendly policies that better promote work–life balance. The study recommends that the public sector extend flexible working arrangements and increase family benefits to improve recruitment and retention. Conversely, private sector employers should focus on developing childcare facilities on-site and fostering family-friendly work environments to support their employees’ needs effectively, thereby increasing job satisfaction. Social implications – A better understanding of family-friendly workplace policies can help to raise awareness of the importance of promoting work–life balance. The implementation of these policies has the potential to improve the well-being of employees and contribute to wider societal goals, including gender equality, family stability and the development of a more sustainable society. Originality/value – The study provides a comprehensive analysis of family-friendly workplace policies in the various sectors in Hungary, highlighting sectoral strategies and practical recommendations for better promoting work–life balance and organisational efficiency.
Open Access: Yes
The Role of Ergonomic Handrails in Inclusive Public Transport: User Aspects, Accident Risks and Design Guidelines †
Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings
Publication Date: 2025-01-01
Volume: 113
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Inclusive design is not a design framework provided by legislation, but a design strategy that takes into account the diversity of abilities of users. Ensuring the mobility of people with disabilities is central to their social inclusion, which is why accessibility standards have been developed. Some elements of this are costly (e.g., low-floor vehicles), but simple and cost-effective solutions can make a significant difference in inclusive public transport. This paper uses qualitative methods—interviews, case studies and literature review—to illustrate one of the problem areas, the difficulties of grabs, and one of the potential areas for improvement: grab rails. In non-crash accidents, properly designed handholds play a key role in preserving the integrity of passengers and in creating a sense of physical/psychological safety, contributing to intuitive and independent use and to the social sustainability of public transport.
Open Access: Yes
Metaheuristics in Logistics: Increasing the Efficiency of Algorithms by Defining Appropriate Parameter Settings
Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions
Publication Date: 2024-01-01
Volume: 114
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 1009-1014
Description:
Metaheuristic algorithms are well-researched and popular techniques in the field of optimization, which can solve complex tasks with a large number of instances with acceptable quality. They are extremely problem- and parameter-sensitive methods, so the exact definition of the necessary data and the testing of the appropriate parameters fundamentally determine the efficiency and performance of an algorithm. This is a time-consuming and expensive task. In many cases, when applying a metaheuristic, it works properly with the variables of a given task and there is no specific interval where a given algorithm can still be effective. To increase efficiency and reduce costs, the authors defined a general parameter definition by applying the Ant Colony Optimization algorithm applicable to the simple Traveling Salesman Problem with the number of cities n=50, where for values of 30 ≤ n ≤ 50, the defined parameter setting structure can be properly applied based on the results. The proposed parameter setting structure can work effectively not only for the task presented in the paper, but also for any similar task within the defined interval. In the case of tasks of a similar size, it is not necessary to experiment with the parameters to achieve the appropriate result, thereby reducing the optimization time and improving efficiency. The presentation of the set parameter setting scenarios and the obtained results all contribute to reducing the optimization time in the field of logistics as well. All of this can also help facilitate the practical application of metaheuristics in solving NP-hard tasks.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3303/CET24114169
Generative AI and knowledge management in higher education: the impact of human development on student perceptions
Publication Name: Journal of Knowledge Management
Publication Date: 2026-12-14
Volume: 30
Issue: 11
Page Range: 293-318
Description:
Purpose – This study aims to explore how the Human Development Index (HDI) is associated with students’ perceived academic, personal and skill-development outcomes related to the integration of generative artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, into higher education. From a knowledge management perspective, the research examines adaptive use of AI tools, structuring of information and support of autonomous learning in countries with varying development. Design/methodology/approach – The study draws on 11, 910 valid responses from the 2024 Global ChatGPT student survey, covering 58 countries. Based on 33 Likert-scale items, three reflective constructs were identified. To explore the relationships between HDI, usage intensity and perceived impacts, the analysis combined descriptive statistics, K-means clustering and a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) mediation model. Findings – The regression analysis showed a weak but statistically significant negative correlation between HDI and perceived impacts: students from lower-HDI countries tended to view ChatGPT’s impacts more positively. The PLS-SEM results indicated that higher national development is associated with lower perceived academic, developmental and skill-related benefits. This relationship appears both direct and indirect, as students in more developed countries report using ChatGPT less frequently and less creatively for academic purposes. Practical implications – The findings highlight the need for context-sensitive, pedagogically grounded artificial intelligence strategies, particularly in highly developed countries and in the support of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Originality/value – This study is among the first to examine how national development levels shape perceived ChatGPT impacts in higher education. By combining HDI, cluster analysis and mediation modeling, it offers a novel perspective on digital inequality.
Open Access: Yes
Spatial and spectral properties of the dummy-head during measurements in the head-shadow area based on HRTF evaluation
Publication Name: Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the Usa 35th International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering Inter Noise 2006
Publication Date: 2006-12-01
Volume: 7
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: 4477-4486
Description:
In accurate and repeatable measurements dummy -heads are often used to model the average human head and body. They are suited for standardized measurements and for investigating the human spatial hearing and localization performance. The monaural Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs) of the dummy-head can be used for various investigations. This paper uses the HRTF-set of a Brüel & Kjaer head and torso simulator focusing on the so called monaural head-shadow area, where one of the ears is shadowed by the head itself. Based on long-term measurements using the bare torso as well as other accessories (glasses, clothing etc.) on it, the extent of the head-shadow area will be presented in frequency and space. The head-shadow area is investigated in connection with the overall SNR of the measurement and sensitivity domains of the ears. Conclusions are drawn for binaural recognition in human spatial hearing using low-frequency 'bright spots' and high-frequency information during lateral-contralateral evaluation.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: DOI not available
The recent advances of near-infrared spectroscopy in dairy production—a review
Publication Name: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Publication Date: 2022-01-01
Volume: 62
Issue: 3
Page Range: 810-831
Description:
One of the major issues confronting the dairy industry is the efficient evaluation of the quality of feed, milk and dairy products. Over the years, the use of rapid analytical methods in the dairy industry has become imperative. This is because of the documented evidence of adulteration, microbial contamination and the influence of feed on the quality of milk and dairy products. Because of the delays involved in the use of wet chemistry methods during the evaluation of these products, rapid analytical techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has gained prominence and proven to be an efficient tool, providing instant results. The technique is rapid, nondestructive, precise and cost-effective, compared with other laboratory techniques. Handheld NIRS devices are easily used on the farm to perform quality control measures on an incoming feed from suppliers, during feed preparation, milking and processing of cheese, butter and yoghurt. This ensures that quality feed, milk and other dairy products are obtained. This review considers research articles published in reputable journals which explored the possible application of NIRS in the dairy industry. Emphasis was on what quality parameters were easily measured with NIRS, and the limitations in some instances.
Open Access: Yes
Impact of financial technologies on economic development: Theories, methods and analysis
Publication Name: Journal of International Studies
Publication Date: 2021-01-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 4
Page Range: 286-303
Description:
This research focuses on an analytical review of the scientific literature to select appropriate methods and evaluate the impact of financial technologies on economic growth. Since non-cash payments can be affected by various factors, there is a great variety of studies relating to them in the scientific literature. However, existing scientific papers reflecting on the economic growth and non-cash payments do not determine the cause-effect relationship trends in different periods. Current study intends to fill this gap. Using an original method based on correlation analysis, the relationship of indicators in different periods is calculated with the use of the SPSS software. The data is collected for period of 2004-2019, during which the reviewed countries were actively developing and increasing their financial and technological capacities. Analysis results largely indicate an increase in the number of bank branches in many of the reviewed countries. Further, we consider the correlation between economic growth (expressed by indicators such as GDP), financial technologies (number of ATMs, user access to internet, and number of users of mobile communications) and gender indicators. The conclusions show a correlation between economic growth and financial technologies.
Open Access: Yes
Categorisation of SDG targets into ESG pillars based on ESRS taxonomy
Publication Name: Discover Sustainability
Publication Date: 2026-12-01
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study examines the alignment between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) pillars through the lens of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) taxonomy, complemented by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The research introduces a policy-relevant framework that categorizes SDG targets within ESG pillars, offering structured guidance for policymakers and regulatory bodies to harmonize global sustainability goals with corporate reporting practices. By mapping 199 GRI and 201 ESRS accounting entries to the 17 SDGs, the study identifies significant opportunities to address thematic and procedural gaps in existing reporting systems. The findings demonstrate that SDG 8 (“Decent Work and Economic Growth”) exhibits the highest linkage rate to ESRS accounting items, reinforcing its relevance for policy-driven frameworks that integrate economic resilience with social equity. This harmonized approach underscores the role of policy in fostering alignment between corporate ESG strategies and broader sustainability objectives, mitigating greenwashing risks, and advancing standardization across regions and sectors. The study advocates for policy interventions that leverage this framework to enhance transparency, accountability, and long-term decision-making for sustainable development.
Open Access: Yes
Viral coat proteins decrease the gene silencing activity of cognate and heterologous viral suppressors
Publication Name: Scientific Reports
Publication Date: 2024-12-01
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Plant viruses have evolved different viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) to counteract RNA silencing which is a small RNA-mediated sequence-specific RNA degradation mechanism. Previous studies have already shown that the coat protein (CP) of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) reduced RNA silencing suppression (RSS) activity of the VSR of CMV, the 2b protein. To demonstrate the universality of this CP-VSR interference, our study included three different viruses: CMV and peanut stunt virus (PSV) from the Bromoviridae, and plum pox virus (PPV) from the Potyviridae family. The RSS activity of the three VSRs (CMV 2b, PSV 2b, and PPV HC-Pro) was compared using Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana and the effect of CMV CP, PSV CP and PPV CP was validated on the RSS activity of their cognate and heterologous VSRs as well. Furthermore, the VSRs were also evaluated in PTGS suppressor-deficient CMV mutant (CMV NVE/10–12/AAA) virus-infected plants. The joint presence of CPs and VSRs resulted in decreased RSS activity in each combination, regardless of the origin of the two proteins, suggesting a universal role of the viral CPs in fine tuning of RSS. Interestingly the PSV CP elicited the strongest negative effect on the RSS activity of all three VSRs.
Open Access: Yes
