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FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION LEVEL IN ALBANIA
No full textThis study analyzes Albania\u27s fiscal decentralization level, taking into consideration fiscal decentralization measures using both combined and separate indicators, vertical imbalances, dependency ratios, etc. The study highlights fiscal decentralization data from various European countries and analyzes Albania\u27s fiscal decentralization from 2014 to 2023. This analysis investigates the impact of fiscal decentralization measures and reforms undertaken in Albania, particularly following the administrative-territorial reform, on the enhancement and improvement of local government revenues and expenditures. Additionally, the study explores and analyzes the evolving relationship between central and local governments and their dynamics since 2014. Based on the analysis carried out through statistical and comparative methods, it has been observed that while autonomous revenue for local governments has increased, there has been a parallel rise in transfers and grants from the central government. Local expenditures have grown at a rate consistent with the overall budgetary expenditures and GDP, significantly contributing to the local deficit. The study also examined various associations between decentralization indices and different variables. It is recommended that in the future, the types and size of taxes be determined through cooperation between local self-government units and business communities. This will help increase the pace of local revenue collection. As a result, it will contribute to the reduction of the local fiscal deficit and will simultaneously affect the reduction of the financial gap between the transfer of functions and powers to the local government and the financial resources required to exercise them
THE ROLE OF CALCIUM CARBONATE IN CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) EMISSIONS FROM SOILS
Full text linkCalcium carbonate (CaCO3) plays a significant role in the carbon cycle in soil ecosystems. Its presence in soils can influence carbon dioxide (CO2) release both through chemical processes and indirectly by affecting microbial activity and physicochemical properties of the soil environment. This article reviews the literature on the effect of CaCO3 on CO2 release under different soil and climatic conditions. The different mechanisms of CaCO3 transformation in soil depending on environmental conditions are discussed. The difficulties in separating the different sources of CO2 (biological-respiration and chemical) are highlighted. Possible directions for future research on the interaction of CaCO3 with soil microorganisms, vegetation, soil organic matter content and fertilisation were also identified. The conclusions of the review emphasise the need for further integrated research from the consideration of CaCO3 as a possible source of increased soil CO2 in both laboratory and field studies
ANALYSIS OF THE PANGENOME OF BACILLUS CEREUS AND ITS RELEVANCE IN FOOD SAFETY
Full text linkThe study of the pangenome of Bacillus cereus through the analysis of 135 complete and validated genomes provides insight into its genetic diversity and implications for food safety. The pangenome, composed of a core genome (shared by all strains) and an accessory genome (variable between strains), can be classified as open, demonstrating a high adaptive capacity due to the acquisition of genes through horizontal gene transfer. This analysis identifies key genes associated with virulence, such as those responsible for producing toxins (Nhe, Hbl, cereulide), spore formation, and biofilm production. These factors are fundamental for understanding the differential pathogenicity of strains and their persistence in food-related environments. Additionally, exclusive genes and those within the accessory genome reveal specific adaptations, such as resistance to extreme conditions or metabolic advantages for colonizing diverse niches. Phylogenomic analysis based on core genome genes enables the identification of clades and lineages associated with outbreaks of foodborne diseases. Moreover, the detection of antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids and transposons, highlights the risk of resistance dissemination in food and clinical environments. These findings are essential for developing targeted control strategies, improving detection methods in the food industry, and mitigating risks associated with the contamination and transmission of B. cereus. The pangenomic approach integrates bioinformatics and microbiological analyses to advance the surveillance and control of this pathogen in the food chain, contributing to the protection of public health
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN BULGARIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
Full text linkThis paper aims to assess the relationship between GDP growth and changes in youth unemployment in Bulgaria and other countries of Central and Eastern Europe during 2000–2023. The study empirically verifies Okun’s Law in a cohort-based approach, disaggregated by age groups (15–74, 15–29, 15–24) and gender. The analysis is based on Eurostat panel data covering 11 countries in the region, with a separate model estimated for Bulgaria. To ensure the robustness of the estimates, the study employs outlier-resistant techniques and nonparametric bootstrap methods. The results confirm a negative relationship between economic growth and youth unemployment dynamics. In the pooled model for the 11 countries, the Okun coefficient for the total population (15–74) was –0.22, and as high as –0.51 for the 15–24 age group. In the Bulgarian model, the relationship proved even stronger: –0.27 for the total population and –0.70 for the youngest workers, with young men showing the highest sensitivity to GDP fluctuations (–0.74)
HOW MAY GOVERNMENTS AFFECT THE LOCATION OF NEW BUSINESSES? EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Full text linkThis paper examines how Chinese local governments influence the location choices of new businesses through various policy measures. As China transitions toward high-quality economic development, local authorities actively implement strategies to attract firms, yet the complexity of these policies and their combined effects remain underexplored. Using data from 266 major Chinese cities, we analyze the impact of demographic, monetary, infrastructural, and environmental factors on firm entry, with a particular focus on government interventions. Our contribution to existing literature lies in assessing both direct and indirect effects of local government policies, revealing that expenditures on research and development, education, and infrastructure significantly enhance a region’s attractiveness for businesses. Additionally, we find that firms are more likely to establish themselves in areas with looser environmental regulations, aligning with cost-minimization strategies. The results suggest that policy interventions play a crucial role in shaping business distribution, but their effectiveness varies depending on regional economic conditions. For economically lagging cities, additional government efforts in infrastructure and human capital development are needed to improve competitiveness. Stricter environmental policies may also help balance economic growth with sustainability without necessarily deterring firm entry. Future research should explore long-term policy effects and consider a broader range of industries, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of firm location dynamics
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON CHEMICAL CAREERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PREPARATION, PERCEIVED CHALLENGES, AND ETHNIC DIFFERENCES
Full text linkThis qualitative study explores how final-year chemistry students at Durham University perceive career opportunities and preparation in the chemical sciences, with a focus on comparing the experiences of minority ethnic and White students. Through semi-structured interviews, the research investigates students’ aspirations, perceived skill needs, and anticipated challenges in transitioning from university to industry. All participants highlighted the importance of hands-on practical skills, communication, and adaptability developed through university studies, but noted a significant gap between academic training and industry demands. Real-world experiences such as internships were seen as crucial for career development, yet access to these opportunities was perceived as limited. Support systems, including career services and mentoring, were valued by all students. Distinct challenges emerged by ethnic background: minority ethnic students reported additional barriers such as a lack of visible role models and difficulties integrating into the scientific community, while White students more frequently cited age discrimination and competitive job markets. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive environments, expanded access to industry placements, and tailored career guidance to support all students’ successful transition into the chemical workforce. These insights inform recommendations for universities and employers seeking to promote equity and resilience in chemistry career preparation
THE NOUN PHRASE IN DOSOFTEI’S WRITINGS. A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL SLAVONIC TEXTS AND TRANSLATIONS IN OLD ROMANIAN
Full text linkIn the present paper, I aim to discuss the noun phrase in Dosoftei’s writings by comparing the original Slavonic texts with translations in Old Romanian. I describe the constituents of the noun phrase by adopting the perspective exposed in the Basic Grammar of the Romanian Language, which states that the five syntactic functions specific to the noun phrase are the determiner, the quantifier, the modifier, the possessor, and the complement. By comparing the noun phrases in the original Slavonic texts with translations in Old Romanian, as far as word order is concerned, I demonstrate that, in certain cases, Old Romanian preserves the syntactic patterns found in Slavonic while, in other cases, the translations depart from the original texts and adopt a word order specific to Old Romanian. All in all, the syntactic patterns I discuss reflect the complex possibilities of structuring the noun phrase in Dosoftei’s writings, illustrating a diversity of syntactic structures and demonstrating how translations sometimes stay loyal to the original text but in most cases adapt it to the peculiarities of Old Romanian, as far as the place of adjuncts within the noun phrase is concerned
DETECTIVE PICTUREBOOKS AND THE WIMMELBOOK AESTHETIC: RECONFIGURING MYSTERY FOR YOUNG READERS
Full text linkThe popularity of detective narratives in children’s literature presents a curious paradox -how can a genre traditionally reliant on complex reasoning and adult notions of crime be effectively adapted for young readers? Even more intriguing is the emergence of detective picturebooks that blend the investigative allure of classic detective fiction with the visual exuberance and layered detail reminiscent of wimmelbooks aesthetics. Despite their growing presence on shelves, these hybrid texts have attracted little scholarly attention. While adult detective fiction is typically subsumed under ‘crime literature,’ its adaptations for children are often relegated to the broad categories of ‘adventure’ or ‘mystery’ stories, thereby obscuring their unique narrative and aesthetic strategies. This paper examines a selection of detective picturebooks, in particular Katerina Gorelik’s Detective Samson (2022), Paul Martin’s Énigmes à tous les étages T. 1 (2021) and Hiro Kamigaki’s and IC4DESIGN’s Pierre The Maze Detective: The Curious Case of the Castle in the Sky (2020) to examine how intricate visual arrangements and subtle textual cues converge to create an interactive reading experience. Employing a multimodal analytical framework, we assess the interplay of narrative structure and visual composition, focusing on elements such as the sequencing of events across pages, the use of recurring motifs, narrative pacing, and the distribution of textual and visual prompts that guide reader attention and generate suspense. Our analysis demonstrates that these picturebooks encourage active investigation, foster observational acuity, and support collaborative interpretation by inviting readers to navigate a labyrinth of clues and red herrings. Ultimately, our findings reveal that by intertwining the enigmatic allure of detective storytelling with the immersive quality of wimmelbook aesthetics, these picturebooks offer a promising avenue for cultivating analytical thinking and imaginative exploration in young readers, thereby redefining genre adaptation in children’s literature
THE GREEN GENERATION: EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Full text linkThe transition toward a sustainable and climate-neutral Europe places increasing emphasis on developing green competences among young people. This paper investigates how education systems and public policies contribute to the formation of green skills and sustainability awareness, with a specific focus on Romania and a comparative perspective drawn from best practices in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Using a qualitative comparative policy analysis, the study examines strategic documents, national action plans, and educational reforms aligned with European frameworks such as the European Green Deal, the GreenComp framework, and the European Skills Agenda. The findings emphasize the necessity for Romania to strengthen cross-sectoral coordination, invest in green teacher training, and build partnerships with civil society and industry. The paper concludes with policy recommendations that draw from successful European models, aiming to support the development of green competences and to empower a new generation of sustainability-minded citizens across the European Union
THE USE OF CHLORELLA SUSPENSION IN CROP PRODUCTION AND ITS EFFECT ON SEED GERMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS
Full text linkThe beet plant in the early period of development requires certain conditions for seed germination. Based on the biological characteristics of the crop, to obtain high yields of root crops, it is necessary to use non-toxic bio stimulants, such as chlorella microalgae. Chlorella microalgae, containing a complex of macro- and microelements in a biologically active form, promotes plant growth at all stages of vegetative development, and also provides protection against diseases and pests. This paper presents the results of the positive effect of treating the seeds of common beet Beta Vulgaris varieties Bresko F1 and EXP 3625 with a suspension of Chlorella vulgaris. The best bio stimulating and economic effect was shown by a chlorella suspension with a concentration of 14 million cells/ ml