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A number of actors and factors, whose action can be decisive for decision-making in the political process, are involved in the public policies making. Different authors have identified a number of factors, grouped in relation to some elements that may favor, streamline or, in some cases, have adverse effects on policy implementation. The actors involved in decision-making in public policies can exercise their influence, through their interests, but also the resources they have at their disposal. Over the course of the paper, the authors' opinions on the presence of several groups of actors were taken into account, the need to study them being given just by their influence within politics. The present study aims getting over the grouping of different categories of actors and factors, identified by foreign and domestic specialized literature, taking into account issues related to their role and impact, ways of intervention, relevant elements for their influence within the process. The conclusions summarize the essential ideas retained in the material, trying to capture the relevance of the research results of this topic. The novelty elements brought in the paper consist just in bringing together, in a synthetic manner, the aspects noted during the research and highlighting the contribution of each category of factors and actors in the implementation of public policies. The methodology used was the information from the foreign and domestic specialized literature, getting over the text and assimilation of the essential ideas on this subject, their processing from the perspective of the author's own interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Colombian Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development issued the Policy for Integrated Water Resources Management in 2010, with the formulation of Basin Management Plans (POMCA) as a key component. The main purpose of these plans is to support land use planning and sustainable management of renewable natural resources. Since the announcement of the policy; however, advances in the formulation of POMCAs have been limited, due to the need of generating knowledge and the necessary information to formulate such plans. To contribute to the generation of such knowledge, we developed HidroCHEP: a Toolbox to support the formulation and hydrologic characterization of Colombian basins. In this paper, we report the design, architecture, implementation and use of the toolbox, to understand the climatic variability of the country and to improve predictions in ungauged basins. The use of the toolbox is illustrated and evaluated through its application in three pilot river basins (Pamplonita, Gualí and Ceibas) each with different level of available hydrologic and climatic data. This paper focuses on the use of the toolbox for the development of one of the products required by the technical guide for the formulation of POMCA, in the Pamplonita river basin. Main advantages and disadvantages of its application are evaluated. It is demonstrated that the toolbox has the potential to support the formulation of POMCAs in the country and to contribute to integrated national water resources management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AWE (UK), IRSN (France), LLNL (USA) and ORNL (USA) began a long term collaboration effort in 2015 to update the nuclear criticality Slide Rule for the emergency response to a nuclear criticality accident. This document, published almost 20 years ago, gives order of magnitude estimates of key parameters, such as number of fissions and doses (neutron and gamma), useful for emergency response teams and public authorities. This paper will present, firstly the motivation and the long term objectives for this update, then the overview of the initial configurations for updated calculations and preliminary results obtained with modern 3D codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper is intended as a natural continuation to the study "Public policies and electoral cycles" - a paper presented at Challenges of the Knowledge Society - CKS - 2015. The evolution and reform of public policies meet new challenges under the social-economic and political conditions of the 2016 electoral year. The year 2016 is electoral in Romania, Austria, the Czech Republic, Ireland, the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation as well as in the United States of America - presidential elections. We propose to analyze this year's probable evolution of public policies. Aside from elections, the governments of several states, as well as the European Union's structures of leadership, are called to offer viable solutions with which the international arena is confronting: the migrations wave from the Middle East and the refugees' seemingly impossible integration, the probable economic crisis in China, urgent reforms which must be adopted for an European cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration phenomenon is a complex, cross-country, emerging issues and more often the decision-makers are challenged in terms of public policies. Therefore, in their attempt to find better or the best solutions to public policies problems, including migration, policy makers look to their neighbours for policy transfer. The context of international cooperation on emerging issues fosters the spread of ideas, models and practices of policies, and the last decades emphasised that policies fostering and promoting return and integration have been a common subject of governments. Still, the evolution of return has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions come into force in all countries. Therefore the attention of this paper is not on the effects of COVID-19 on migration policies, but on migration policies measures, especially those targeting return migration in "common" time. In this sense, the analysis is focus on return migration policies as one side of migration cycle and on the other hand tries to find an answer to "Does these policies follow a pattern of policy transfer?" The main objectives are to identify and study several policies initiatives and to see in what extend they are made based on policy transfer approach. From methodological standpoint, the analysis is conducted in terms of comparative perspective based on deep - document analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The initiatives of social entrepreneurship are rather scant in Romania, social businesses scoring a significant increase during the last ten to six years, with such enterprises as Ashoka Romania, Meşteshukar ButiQ, Atelierul Merci, MamaPan, Concordia Bakery, etc., being especially active in this field. Nonetheless, this particular environment remains problematic, in the absence of public policies encouraging this new type of business and the general redistribution of profit. This paper is concerned with the definition and conceptualization of the notion of "social entrepreneurship", providing a theoretical and taxonomical framework for the discussion of social business in Romania. Furthermore, it dwells on three case studies in Romania, in the attempt to properly identify the steps in the process of initiating a social enterprise and the main challenges this type of endeavor is currently facing in the Romanian context, during the last six years, in a -- what would seem -- increasingly welcoming entrepreneurial environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research analyzed a sample of agricultural cultural landscapes recognized by United Nations agencies on the American continent, with the objective of study being the geographical delimitation established for each of the cultural properties. The results show the lack of "general considerations" that provide guidelines to carry out this activity, which consequently enables the protection of a territory and its management. It was identified that the perimeters of these cultural landscapes may have limits based on the following; geomorphological features, linear infrastructures, political–administrative limits, and if none of these limits are present then they are physically catalogued as vague or unclear. The establishment of general delimitation guidelines will allow the development of public policies for the organizing of such territory and a sustainable, dynamic, efficient, and resilient management for this type of living landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying collaborative relationships between the public and private sectors concurs to the knowledge of contribution in promote economic development, regeneration of urban and rural areas, through the participation of a wide range of actors belonging to central/local governments, private actors. The institutional system where the public-private partnerships evolve, offers to governments, the possibility to make their contribution in drawing up sustainable agreements through creating new institutional structures that provide a framework conducive to coherent policies formulation and experience development in project management. The institutional framework of the public-private partnership develops regulatory instruments through which it exercises its influence in the development of partnerships. The state establishes units of Public-Private Partnership type, their role being to make their contribution in solving problems regarding PPP - designing partnership projects in a wide range of areas and implementing their goals. These units can contribute with information in formulating national policies and practices, thus, supporting government in developing partnerships. The paper presents aspects of the institutional framework where Public-Private Partnerships form and evolves and elements whereby it takes part in their development - the institutional instruments and Public-Private Partnerships Units - the opinions of different authors concerning the influence which the institutional framework exerts on public-private partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public policies are implemented through larger and smaller public programs and projects that have to comply with very strict governance conditions. Evaluating the net benefits generated by public programs or projects allows for the identification of the cost-effective ones in order to select them. For this purpose, a lot of indicators, mainly the Net Present Value (NPV), both in financial and socio-economic terms, as well as the recovery period, are being constructed, the probabilistic modeling of which provides the information needed to determine the public spending performance, public expendityres financing the national economy development. Development and implementation of the public programs are faced with risks, their prediction being a complex approach. For the identification of risks, a wide range of values of indicators involved in risky actions is assigned so that probability appraisal of the occurrence of those risks can be made, including their impact upon environment and / or community. The mix of the probability of producing the risk and its impact leads to the identification of most of its manifestations, so that we can retain to evaluate the program only the significant risks. The paper also presents the most important criteria for the selection of the development programs / projects, focusing on addressing economic and social benefits, expressed in monetary terms. The cost-benefit analysis that must accompany any public project proposal will identify both its utility for the intended community and externalities, positive and / or negative, that will be a factor of impact upon the NPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most significant means by which insurance markets operate to spread risks beyond like risk pools is reinsurance. The reinsurance operation has the advantage that the original insured can increase his financial capacity in order to cover the risks that he cannot bear alone. The risks are therefore spread and the danger of insolvency or of decreasing the financial capacities either disappears or is reduced. The reinsurance involves a new insurance, carried out by a new policy, for the same original insured risk, for the purpose of compensating the insured persons for the previously concluded insurances. Both contracts exist at the same time. By reinsurance the reinsurer receives reinsurance premiums, in return for which it contributes, according to the obligations assumed, to bearing the indemnities that the reinsured pays on the occurrence of the risk subject to reinsurance; the reinsured cedes reinsurance premiums, in return for which the reinsurer contributes, according to the obligations assumed, to bearing the indemnities that the reinsured pays on the occurrence of the risk subject to reinsurance. The reinsurance does not terminate the insurer's obligations and does not establish any legal relationship between the insured and the reinsurer. This paper offers an introduction to key features of reinsurance, and some of the sources of complexity in the legal issues that arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The innovative approach of regional development during 2014-20 programming period, in line with the "Europe 2020" strategy, implies a new form of designing the local and regional strategies of development. The transition to a green, smart and innovative economy, cannot be attained only by adapting quickly to changes that appear in today's European society. Thus, an integrative strategic thinking becomes more necessary than ever. This research paper intends to guide and inspire those people that have the responsibility for designing and coordination of local and regional strategies of development. A lesson about strategic thinking in regional development refers mainly at the process of planning and implementation of policies with local focus, but with a significant European dimension, in an active partnership with all the relevant stakeholders. Another important lesson, mainly for Romanian authorities in charge with the management of local and regional development, is about timing with the Brussels. In order to be able to provide tangible results for citizens, each local/regional government should collaborate in order to harmonize their public policy in line with EU trend of development. Real multi-level governance is a novelty but also a necessity and a priority of 2014-20 programming period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the issue of criminal policy as an integral part of the general policy of a state and its main component - the prevention of the crime phenomenon. Although the notion of criminal policy is used in the legal language, and not only, for more than two centuries, during which various definitions of this concept have been issued, there are enough indications that it is not correctly understood at this time. For this reason, we attempted to present a possible definition of what was considered to be the position of any government over criminality and a few landmarks of this particularly important activity. At the same time, given the unanimously accepted opinion that the prevention of criminality must precede the fight, I tried to present some opinions regarding this prophylactic enterprise, starting from its delimitation in relation to other notions and activities and continuing with the responsibilities that can be distributed in a rational and timely manner to state authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief analysis of the legal framework regarding the procedural and substantial dispositions governing the claim for the annulment of the resolutions of the general meeting of shareholders. The main objective is to render a practical tool both to stakeholders and third parties who are interested in the legal means available for blocking the implementation of any measures which are contrary to the company's interest. Further to the amendments brought through the New Civil Procedural Code, the claim for annulment of the resolutions of the general assembly must be analyzed from a procedural point of view, as well as from a substantial standpoint. The shareholders must be aware of the grounds for challenging a general assembly's resolution to properly safeguard their rights. One common issue which is invoked as grounds for annulment is the abuse of majority of the majority shareholder. However, the difficulty of alleging such a reason is left to practitioners. Therefore, its application, although not wide, is highly imaginative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study will contain an analysys on the international and regional standards in the field of freedom of expression, as stipulated in the United Nations conventions and in the European Convention of Human Rights. Further we will establish a link between the breach of the freedom of expression when cases of violence against journalists arise, especially tackling the impunity problem. The paper will focus on the study of the ECtHR judgements regarding freedom of expression and cases of violence against journalists. Also, we will address the recent recommendations at the Council of Europe level. Concluding, the study will attempt to express some reccommendations in solving the problem of violence against journalists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the former communist countries in general, and in Kosovo in particular, public administration had its problems, and remains part of the past failed system. Responsible and transparent public administration, is not only a prerequisite for proper functioning of the country, but is fundamental whereby the government implements its plans and strategies! Because of this importance, public administration reform and its part that are considered problematic is essential for a functional and efficient relation between the state administration, civil society and the private sector. A well-functioning of these reports has a positive effect for poverty reduction, peace and stability. In development countries and transition economies, the importance of public administration performance is key in strengthening administrative public sector and management capacity building. In this research we are going to use qualitative methods. Analysis of data collection will be done based on scientific publications, research in this field, various international and local reports, field strategies, laws. Conclusion of this paper is that, modern, professional and functional public administration is important for clarity and development of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inside the vast array characterizing the phenomenon of migration, in this paper we chose to focus our analysis on a unique and extremely delicate category: the minor immigrants. The main objective is to highlight the heterogeneity of juvenile migratory phenomenon, achieving a prospective of analyses which focuses not only on international law aimed at protecting minors but also on the flaws of European systems which ignore too often the importance of the superior interests of the child. Mainly the Convention on the Rights of the Child, signed in New York in 1959, provides a generalized protection of minor figure and it represents the legal basis for all rules directed towards children and thus to minor immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we have approached a very important subject, namely, the public health regulation at European Union level. WE considered useful to analyze this subject starting with health as it is a fundamental resource for both the individual, the community and society as a whole. Starting from the idea that health is the responsibility of both the state and the citizen's right, during the study, we revealed the fundamental role that it plays in the institutional organization of modern public health. I also realized the main documents outlining the evolution of the EU legal framework on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spain is one of the world's countries with a large number of reservoirs per inhabitant. This intense regulation of the fluvial network during the 20th century has resulted in a decrease in flood events, a higher availability of water resources, and a high development of the irrigated crop area, even in the drier regions. For decades, flood perception was reduced since the development of reservoirs protected the floodplains of river; this resulted in later occupation of soil by urban, agricultural and industrial uses. In recent years, an increasing perception of flood events is observed, associated to the higher damage associated to extreme events in the now occupied areas, especially in coastal watersheds. This work shows the change on flood risk in the coastal areas of three hydrographic basins in Andalusia (South Spain) during the reservoir expansion period: the Guadalete, Guadalquivir and Guadalhorce river basins. The results differentiate the impact of the regulation level on both the cumulative distribution functions of the fluvial discharge near the river mouth, for different time scales, and the associated damage related to the enhanced soil occupation during this period. The different impact on the final medium and long term flood risk is also assessed in terms of the storage capacity per unit area throughout the basins, the effective annual runoff/precipitation index, the frequency of sea storms, and the human factor (change in social perception of floods), for different intervals in the flood extreme regime. The implications for adaptation actions is also assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]