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PRODUCT-LINE DIVERSIFICATION AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF THE MACEDONIAN NON-LIFE INSURANCE MARKET
Full text linkThis study investigates the relationship between product-line diversification and financial performance among non-life insurers in North Macedonia over the period 2013–2022. Drawing on firm-level data and applying fixed and random effects two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS) models, we examine whether diversification improves profitability in a market characterized by low insurance culture and heavy reliance on the regulated motor third-party liability (MTPL) segment. We use two diversification measures: the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) of insurers’ product portfolios and a weighted HHI adjusted for market competition across lines of business. Our findings reveal a nonlinear relationship between diversification and profitability, supporting the coexistence of both diversified and specialized insurers. While initial diversification appears beneficial, excessive diversification may reduce returns, and evidence linking diversification away from competitive lines (e.g., MTPL) to higher profitability is weak. These insights carry important policy implications, suggesting that a measured liberalization of the MTPL market could support healthier diversification dynamics, while highlighting the need for careful monitoring of risk underpricing and solvency risks in evolving product strategies
„Шчо напраифме и шчо требите да праиме за однапред“ (Отстапувања од стандарднојазичната норма во електронските медиуми во РСМ)
No full textПо долги години борба за сопствен јазик, во 1944 г. на Првото заседание на АСНОМ конечно се кодифицираат македонскиот јазик, азбуката и правописот. Оттогаш, со залагање на голем број лингвисти, македонскиот јазик постојано с еразвива за денес тој да претставува стабилизирана наддијалектна форма за сите припадници на општествената заедница. Бидејќи ги обединува сите припадници на анцијата, тој мора да биде постојано стабилен, а тоа може да се постигне преку доследно почитување на стандарднојазичната норма во говорната и пишаната форма. Целта на ова истражување е да ја испита употребата на стандарднојазичната норма во насловите од електронските медиуми во РСМ, во однос на интерпункциските и правописните знаци имајќи предвид дека насловите се кратки текстови во кои, вообичаено, не се употребуваат какви било знаци. Примерокот го претставуваат 50 случајно избрани наслови од електронски медиуми во РСМ, а за анализа на податоците се употребува општиот квалитативен интерпретативен/индуктивен метод. Резултатите покажуваат бројни отстапувања од стандарднојазичната норма што се забележуваат во сите текстови од новинарскиот потстил кои влијаат врз усвојувањето на погрешни модели што понатаму се пренесуваат меѓу зборувачите и се усвојуваат како правилни, а се јавува и потеба за дообјаснување и прецизирање на некои од постојните правила
QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN FRUIT JUICE PRODUCTION: EFFECTS OF PACKAGING AND STORAGE CONDITIONS ON PH STABILITY
No full textAbstract: The quality of fruit juice production is influenced by various factors, including raw ingredient quality, processing methods, packaging, and storage conditions. This study examines the effect of packaging type and storage conditions on the pH stability of apple and orange juices. A total of 12 juice samples, packaged in plastic bottles, Tetra Pak, and cans, were analysed over six days under refrigerated (4°C) and room temperature conditions. pH values were measured at different time intervals using a calibrated digital pH meter. The results indicate that Tetra Pak packaging and refrigeration provide
optimal pH stability, while plastic bottles allow for greater pH fluctuations due to gas permeability. Canned juices remained stable as long as the internal lining was intact. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed significant effects of packaging, time, and fruit type on pH, but no significant interactions between these factors were observed. These findings suggest that proper packaging and
refrigeration are crucial in maintaining juice quality and minimizing physicochemical degradation.
Keywords: Fruit juice quality, pH stability, Packaging materials, Storage
condition
Too Much of a Good Thing? Endogenous Human Capital and Nonlinear Growth Beyond the Middle-Income Trap
No full textThis paper develops a nonlinear growth model to examine how human capital shapes long-run growth and convergence, with particular attention to the dynamics of the middle-income trap. Human capital is modelled as a determinant of absorptive capacity, enhancing economies' ability to adopt and utilize advanced technologies. While retaining the core logic of the neoclassical framework, the model relaxes the constant-elasticity assumption, allowing the productivity effect of education to vary endogenously with its level. This captures both saturation and composition effects that shape convergence trajectories and govern the transition from imitation to innovation. Empirically, the analysis combines a production-function and a macro-Mincerian specification and employs a rolling-threshold estimation strategy that mitigates endogeneity in both covariates and threshold variables. The results show that human capital promotes growth at low levels, consistent with technology-driven catch-up, but its marginal effect declines and may even turn negative beyond a critical schooling threshold. Higher initial education also amplifies the responsiveness of growth to initial income, implying that convergence may slow or even reverse at middle-income stages. This reconciles conflicting evidence in the growth literature and suggests that the middle-income trap arises when educational expansion is not accompanied by improvements in technological adaptability and institutional capacity
CRIMINAL LAW ASPECTS OF FRAUD IN THE CONCLUSION OF CONTRACTS – ANALYSIS OF THE BOUNDARY WITH CIVIL LIABILITY, WITH AREVIEW OF JUDICIAL PRACTICE IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA
Full text linkThe frequent occurrence of fraud in the conclusion of contracts undermines
the stability of legal transactions, highlighting the need to distinguish clearly
between civil and criminal liability. This distinction is essential for rendering
just and lawful judicial decisions and maintaining a functional legal system.
This paper analyzes the legal framework and judicial practice in the Republic
of North Macedonia, complemented by comparative international
experiences and statistical data, with the aim of proposing guidelines for the
appropriate legal qualification of fraud. The objective is to prevent the overcriminalization of private legal relations and to enhance legal certainty and
predictability.
Particular emphasis is placed on developing an integrated and balanced legal
approach that aligns with technological advancements, safeguards
democratic values, and contributes to improving citizens’ quality of life
COLOR STABILITY OF DAIRY PRODUCTS ENRICHED WITH BEETROOT (BETA VULGARIS L. SPECIES)
No full textConsumer concerns about the negative impact of synthetic dyes on their health have prompted manufacturers to
use natural dyes. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. species) is abundant in betalains, naturally occurring pigments that
are water-soluble, with pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antitumor properties. Its
availability and ease of application make beetroot an attractive option for dairy producers as both a natural and
functional colorant. However, betalains’ chemical instability limits their wide application. Temperature, pH,
water activity, oxygen, light, chelating agents, pigment concentration, storage and processing conditions are
some of the factors affecting their stability. In this brief desk review, we will look at the possibilities for
applications of beetroot as a natural colorant in dairy products and changes that occur under various storage and
production conditions.
Keywords: Beetroot, dairy, natural color, color stability
REASON-CAUSE AS AN ESSENTIAL ASSUMPTION TO OCCURRENCE VALID CONTACT
Full text linkThe basic legal instrument for the exchange of goods and services in domestic and international trade is the contract of obligation. For the conclusion of a valid contract, four basic (essential) assumptions must be met: there must be contracting parties who are capable of concluding the contract, the parties must reach an agreement of their wills, there must be a suitable subject for which the contract would be concluded and, finally, there must be a basis (cause) for which the contract is concluded.
The reason of contractual obligation is one of the contentious issues in legal science. In legal thought, historically, there have been different theories about the reason as an essential assumption for the formation of a valid contract, ranging from theories according to which the reason is one of the principal assumptions, to theories that the basis is not essential for the formation of a valid contract at all.
At its essence, the reason is what appears as the purpose for which an obligation is undertaken. Any person who enters into a contract and assumes obligations to another, does so for a purpose. That purpose in legal terminology is called the reason or cause of a contractual obligation.
Тhe obligations relationships Law does not define the term reason (cause) of the contract, but it conditions the formation and validity of the contract with the existence of a permissible reason, and prescribes that any contractual obligation must have a permissible reason i.e. be in accordance with the Constitution, laws and good customs. Otherwise, if the reason does not exist, or if it is inadmissible, the contract is null and void.
As a rule, the cause, the purpose for which the contract is concluded, should be visible, not only to the contracting parties who have assumed certain obligations with the contract, but also to third parties. However, the obligations relationships Law establishes the assumption that a contractual obligation has a reason even though it is not expressed, which means that in situations where the cause is not visible, legal matter cannot be considered abstract and therefore impermissible. The legal assumption is that every contract has a reason. If one of the parties claims that the reason does not exist, it must prove it. This, in the spirit of the maxim favor negotii potior valeat quam pereat, i.e., that the legal matter should be maintained in force, if possible.
Keywords: agreement, reason, valid contract
Field: Social science
Evaluating the Impact of Education on Misinformation Suppression: A Stock-and-Flow Simulation Approach
No full textIn the digital age, the rapid spread of misinformation via online platforms poses significant challenges because the rising interconnectivity allows false information to circulate quickly and widely. This study proposes a Stock-and-Flow simulation model to evaluate the educational interventions' impact on misinformation, featuring three stocks: Misinformed Individuals, Well-Informed Individuals, and Educational Resources, with various flows governed by rates including the Misinformation Spread, Education Effectiveness, Resource Utilization, Resource Growth, and Decay Rates of both Misinformed and Well-Informed Individuals. The simulation explores how education reduces misinformation and how resource availability affects outcomes. While education can significantly lower misinformation, success depends on resource replenishment and Education Effectiveness Rate. Well-Informed Individuals can help counteract misinformation, underlining the importance of sustained educational efforts. The model provides insights for policymakers to design effective strategies for combating misinformation
ChatGPT in Foreign Language Acquisition: a close ally or a distant concept for Macedonian university students?
Full text linkAbstract. ChatGPT has instigated a tectonic change in foreign language acquisition. The latest research shows
that language learners use it to enhance their major language skills and boost their critical thinking, research
activities, and exam preparation. Consequently, ChatGPT has significantly impacted all levels of education,
particularly the tertiary level. This paper aims to showcase how Macedonian university students fare in
employing ChatGPT for foreign language acquisition. The study examines whether they are sufficiently familiar
with this chatbot and to what extent they use it in various language-learning contexts. It also explores students’
attitudes toward this novel tool for improving their language abilities. Insights are drawn from qualitative and quantitative analyses of data gathered via a tailor-made survey, which targeted Macedonian university students,
the majority of whom took a foreign language course during the academic year 2023/2024. Even though only
180 university students from several higher education institutions in the RN Macedonia showed interest in
the study, the findings reveal mixed student perceptions of ChatGPT’s effectiveness, with some recognising
its benefits for writing, translation, grammar, and research, while others expressing scepticism, particularly
regarding its role in generating high-quality writing ideas, improving speaking skills, and fostering critical
thinking, and creativity.
Keywords: ChatGPT; AI; foreign language acquisition; higher education; Macedonia; student
INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY IN THE SECURITY SECTOR: ANTI-CORRUPTION APPROACHES IN NORTH MACEDONIA
Full text linkIn transitional democracies with insufficient respect for the rule of law, where institutions are still developing and striving to strengthen their governance, corruption poses a significant threat to the security sector as well. In such conditions, corruption undermines the operational capacities of security institutions and weakens their efficiency, accountability, legitimacy and public trust. This paper aims to investigate, present and analyse the anti-corruption measures that are applied within the security sector institutions in the Republic of North Macedonia. A special focus will be placed on strengthening institutional integrity as an important component of good governance and sustainable reforms. The study analyses the existing legal and strategic frameworks, institutional practices and internal control mechanisms in preventing and countering corruption in key security sector institutions in the Republic of North Macedonia. It is conducted using a qualitative methodology, by reviewing national legislation, strategic documents, official reports and assessments from relevant international organisations. The findings highlight institutional challenges in establishing anti-corruption policies, as well as differences between the institutional approaches, measures and mechanisms adopted by the institutions to address corruption. The paper concludes with the importance of sustained political will and of creating and fostering a professional organisational culture that respects ethical standards, transparency and accountability as core values of the security sector