bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular Economy as a Determinant of Environmental Behavior and Engagement of Business Subjects in Slovakia
Authors: Jurkovič Miroslav
Published: October 2023

The paper focuses on the current issue of business and its environmental aspects with regard to the circular economy in the Slovak business environment. As indicators of corporate environmental behavior, companies' approaches to the circular economy, willingness to invest in environmental technologies and implement environmental innovations, and character interactions of companies with the market and competition are defined. One of the approaches that forms the basis of such behavior is the circular economy. The aim of the article is to define the environmental behavior of Slovak companies and their decision-making on the concretization of environmental approaches and strategies in business activity and to identify the areas of concretization of the environmental behavior of Slovak companies operating in various industries and their environmental engagement. It was based on the assumption that Slovak companies show environmental awareness depending on their size, economic strength and the subject of their business. Factor analysis based on the KMO test was used to identify the individual groups of environmental approaches that are applied within the company's business activities, thus verifying the correlation between the variables. The highest intensity of environmental manifestations of business behavior was expected for economically strong companies operating in manufacturing sectors located in the western regions of Slovakia with the highest interaction with customers and partners who take into account the environmental behavior of companies and competitors. An increase in the intensity and a stronger enforcement of environmental behavior in the business activities of Slovak business entities compared to the present will require an increase in the support of the business environment at the macro, meso, and micro levels. Not only high-quality legislation or various support mechanisms in the financial and technological fields, but also continuous information of these business subjects and effective support of science and research are essential.
Artificial Intelligence in Business Centres: A Case Study of 3 Business Centres in Slovakia
Authors: Grachová Dagmar , Ferencikova Sonia
Published: October 2023

Shared service centres and business centers are a technique that multinational organizations may use to boost the effectiveness of their company operations. Even business centers and Shared Service Centers are impacted by global developments and are continuously seeking new methods to develop, offer services more effectively, and maintain their competitiveness. Artificial intelligence is now having a big influence on how business centers operate and is becoming more integrated. This article's objective is to investigate the potential uses and existing status of artificial intelligence in business centres in Slovakia. A case study based on several cases was used as part of a qualitative approach to process the empirical portion of the paper. Based on the research, it can be concluded that in the case of business centers in Slovakia, it is not possible to determine a uniform state and level of implementation of artificial intelligence. The status and possibilities of implementation are largely influenced by the activities that the centers perform - or the service they provide. The centers provide various types of services, while in some services the human factor cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence (human resources, more serious decisions in the field of finances, etc.). The limitation of our research is the examination of selected three business centers operating in the Slovak market. In the future, this research can be expanded to other centers in Slovakia as well as in other countries.
Non-Fungible Tokens and the Threat of Wash Trading
Authors: Tichý Kryštof
Published: October 2023

Non-fungible tokens are a revolutionary concept that combines art, authenticity, proof of ownership and enables large-scale commerce. Their value does not come from their use in financial transactions, but from the fact that they are linked to specific assets, whether digital or real. Non-fungible tokens thus represent a new driving force in the areas of digital ownership. Owners of these tokens can earn huge sums at a time when the art market is on the verge of revolution. The non-fungible token market experienced enormous growth in 2021 with traders investing a huge amounts of billions of dollars worth of cryptocurrencies into digital collectibles. Since 2021 the transaction activity in this area cooled, although the number of active investors continued to grow in 2022. While the popularity of certain non-fungible token collectibles can fluctuate depending on market conditions, some traders may try to manipulate the prices of certain non-fungible tokens to make them appear more valuable. The token will be sold at a higher price to a new wallet, which is also controlled by the original owner. Transactions between wallet addresses are saved on a blockchain and can be accessed publicly, so that anyone can see when the token was traded and for how much it was sold. However, wallet addresses contain no identifying information making it very difficult to discern who is behind a transaction and whether two addresses are owned by the same individual. This process is called wash trading and its analysis is a goal of this contribution.
SPension Fund Investment into Sustainable Assets: A Critical Review of Reporting Frameworks in Lithuania
Authors: Lakstutiene Ausrine , Malakauskas Aidas , Kopa Milos , Sutiene Kristina , Kabasinskas Audrius
Published: October 2023

In recent years, pension funds have experienced a noteworthy global shift towards integrating sustainability considerations into their investment strategies. This shift demonstrates the recognition of potential risks and opportunities associated with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. This paper critically reviews pension fund sustainability metrics and reporting systems, focusing on the growing interest among pension funds worldwide in incorporating ESG factors into their investment strategies. It explores the motivations driving pension funds to invest in sustainable assets, the challenges they encounter, and the potential benefits associated with such investments. The findings indicate that pension fund investments in sustainable assets can significantly contribute to promoting sustainable development and responsible investment practices. By incorporating ESG factors into their investment strategies, pension funds can effectively manage risks, enhance long-term returns, and generate positive societal impact. However, to maximize the potential benefits of sustainable investing for pension funds and society at large, challenges related to measurement, limited investment diversity and expertise, as well as the standardization of metrics and reporting systems for sustainable investing, need to be addressed.
Reverse Knowledge Transfer: Examples of Three Business Centers in Slovakia
Authors: Ferencikova Sonia , Grachová Dagmar
Published: October 2023

For international organizations, business centers are a way to simplify particular tasks. While some of the centers work on many projects for the parent corporation, others are highly specialized in only one. A business center's establishment in the host nation signifies an infusion of direct foreign investment for that nation, bringing with it information, expertise, technology and, know-how. The aim of the article is to identify the reverse transfer of knowledge from business centers in the Slovakia to their parent company. In this article, we investigate three chosen business centers located in Slovakia – a country belonging to the region of Central and Eastern Europe. We use the approach of a case study based on various cases. Then, using the method of comparison, we evaluate and compare the similarities and differences of these centers. Our research has led us to the conclusion that a reverse knowledge transfer can be seen in the examples of business centers in Slovakia that we have chosen; however, this knowledge does not flow back to the parent company in two cases but instead is transferred to other centers of the given company in other countries. In one instance, we fail to notice this information transfer. This is due to the chosen center being a special kind of center for a certain multinational corporation. In one instance, we found a definite reverse transfer of knowledge in the areas of sustainability and resilience from the center to the parent firm.
Addressing Income Inequality in Vietnam’s Northern Midlands and Mountains: A Focus on Fiscal Policy Factors
Authors: Ho Lien H. , Benešová Irena
Published: October 2023

The Northern Midlands and Mountains constitute one of Vietnam’s six economic regions, yet it faces the lowest average income among the top 3 regions, with an average of only 1.613.000VND/month in 2014. Moreover, this region experiences the highest level of income inequality, as indicated by a Gini index of 0.42 in 2020. The study highlights that increased income inequality can lead to a decline in the region’s economic growth, significantly impacting the province’s GDP. The research emphasizes income redistribution as one of the essential functions of fiscal policy, alongside its roles in supporting macroeconomic stability and promoting overall growth. This research analyses and identifies the interplay between fiscal policy factors and income disparity to tackle the Northern Midlands and Mountains income inequality. The study utilizes panel data compromising 7,980 observations. Notably, the findings underscore the potential of increased investment and enhanced household education as critical factors for improving income inequality and fostering economic growth in the region. By considering these factors, Vietnamese economic strategists can devise effective measures to mitigate inequality and foster sustainable regional development.
Circular Economy Implementation from the Perspective of Benefits and Barriers
Authors: Zemanová Veronika
Published: October 2023

The circular economy is an economic model focused on reducing waste generation and promoting resource reuse. It has gained popularity as a sustainable solution to the linear economy's negative impact on the planet and socio-economic conditions. Implementing the circular economy involves replacing the concept of "end of life" with reduction, reuse, recycling, and restoring materials at various levels, from micro to macro. To explore the benefits and barriers of implementing the circular economy in the business environment, a literature review was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database. Among the 1,510 initial search results, 17 relevant articles were selected for analysis with application of snowball method. These articles represent contributions from various countries, with a majority from outside Europe. The analysis of the selected articles revealed six basic groups of benefits and barriers associated with the circular economy. Benefits include improved public relations, cost savings, competitive advantage, economic growth, environmental restoration, and job creation. However, barriers such as organizational culture, lack of information, financial constraints, inadequate legislation, low awareness, and limited customer interest pose challenges for implementation. While the circular economy offers numerous benefits, its successful implementation starts at the micro level, requiring businesses to overcome internal barriers. Companies must innovate their business models, consider future directions, and navigate financial challenges. Despite obstacles, the circular economy presents an opportunity for cost savings, improved company image, and positive environmental and societal impact. By embracing this model, businesses can contribute to a sustainable and prosperous future.
Tools to Support Effective Communication, Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution in Family Businesses
Authors: Valentová Eliška , Zbránková Magdalena
Published: October 2023

The article deals with the topic of open communication in the family business and focuses on the possibilities of conflict prevention. The article aims to define the factors influencing communication in family businesses and to identify their possible interdependence with selected characteristics of the business. The effect of complicated communication or conflicts could be not only negative, which could even result in the closure of the business, but also positive when constructive conflict can stimulate change and innovation. It is advisable to take measures to prevent conflicts and set up processes to resolve them. It is also advisable to clearly define the company's organisational structure, establish norms for dealing with work and family situations, and introduce governance tools. All of these measures promote open and effective communication and a sense of belonging among family business members. The paper presents the results of a survey of 98 family businesses. The findings suggest that family businesses perceive that effective and open communication is essential to their functioning. In most cases, family businesses attempt to separate business-related conflicts from family conflicts, which are related to personal family relationships and ties. Efforts to separate family and work-related conflicts increase as the number of employees increases.
Preferences of Active Sports students at Charles University within Online Shopping in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Čáslavová Eva , Voráček Josef , Gerža Karel
Published: October 2023

The aim of the research was to identify the current preferences of active sports students at Charles University within online shopping in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The research sample consisted of students from 5 faculties of Charles University. The method of electronic survey was used to obtain data. The results show changes in purchase behaviour and increased digital adoption, impulse buying and use of mobile marketing. Specifically, the results show that there has been an increase in online shopping and an increase in the use of cashless payments. In addition there was a tendency to save more on spending. A reduced frequency of individual purchases and a focus on smaller volume purchases were evident. At the same time, the majority of respondents showed a more sensitive relationship in relation to the price of goods. There was a consensus among respondents in their perception of the benefits of using the online shopping format as a whole, and the key factors that determine the decision to buy from a particular e-shop in price sensitivity and the emphasis placed on reviews by other customers. Preferred categories of purchased goods included clothing and footwear, purchases in the service sector, restaurant meals, cultural events, food delivery and sports equipment. The average purchase amount spent corresponded to 41% of their income. Respondents browsing the range and possibly buying online preferred websites over mobile apps, while the increase in modern forms of payment was confirmed.
Efficient Order Picking in a Warehouse with Double Demand Seasonality
Authors: Andar Jakub , Dyntar Jakub
Published: October 2023

In this paper we highlight the advantages of adopting a broad simulation model of material flows as a useful foundation for developing system support for warehouse procedures that use WMS. The warehouse under consideration has a rectangular shape with parallel lanes and operates in two distinct seasons, necessitating different storage methods. The modified simulation model incorporates several strategies to enhance efficiency. Firstly, the S-shape routing technique is employed to optimize the movement of order pickers within the warehouse, minimizing travel time and increasing productivity. Additionally, a return technique is integrated to minimize empty travel distance, further reducing operational costs. Storage assignment within the warehouse is determined based on the frequency of item occurrence and the required storage technology. To establish an effective layout for each season, the study examines historical demand data and utilizes ABC analysis to classify goods. This dual layout design approach accounts for the unique demand patterns of each season, enabling the warehouse to maximize storage capacity and minimize operational bottlenecks. By considering elements such as seasonal demand, storage technologies, labor routing, and product classification, this research provides valuable insights for improving order picking efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer service in seasonal warehouses. Implementing the proposed simulation-based technique can empower businesses to optimize their operations and thrive amidst changing market conditions, ultimately leading to increased profitability and customer satisfaction.
Impact of Monetary Policy Sustainability Indicators on Economic Growth in Transition to Inflation Targeting
Authors: Eshov Mansur , Benetti Karina
Published: October 2023

Foreign experience in the transition to inflation targeting has been studied empirically. The foreign experience shows that countries with inflation targeting regimes have not abandoned and have not returned to other alternative monetary regimes. This indicates that the inflation targeting regime has been successfully tested in practice. It should be noted that inflation targeting has led to new approaches to monetary policy targets. As a result, international economists and experts have started to research inflation targeting as a new path in the scientific arena. The aim of the study is the study is to investigate the influence of indicators of monetary policy stability of Uzbekistan on economic growth using various economic-mathematical models. In the paper was investigated the impact of Uzbekistan's monetary policy stability indicators on economic growth by using four criteria from the 4×2 matrix model in 2011–2020. Based on obtained results, the Phillips-Perron and extended Dickey-Fuller tests determine whether variables are stationary. The long-term correlation between the variables is checked using the Johansen cointegration test. The results show that increases in bank capital adequacy, loan portfolio, money supply, and lower inflation help maintain macroeconomic stability. However, the rising volume of bank deposits and foreign currency appreciation against Uzbek sum hurts economic growth. In addition, liquidity ratio, state gold and foreign exchange reserves are insignificant and do not affect economic growth.
Relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors and Financial Performance in Central European Countries
Authors: Strýčková Lenka , Brabec Zdeněk , Matoušková Michaela
Published: October 2023

Measuring financial business performance is a key assumption for the responsible management of a company. Traditionally, financial measures were mainly used, but in recent years the importance of non-financial measures has increased pronouncedly. Currently, companies are encouraged to reflect on their business’s sustainability aspect. One way of measuring sustainability performance can be a company’s ESG score. This article aims to analyse the relationship between a traditional financial performance measure (return on sales) and a modern measure (ESG score) in Central European countries. The research sample consists of two groups. The first contains 74 companies from the Visegrad Group countries (V4), and the second consists of 214 companies from Germany and Austria. The relationship between those two measures was studied using the Spearman rank order correlation coefficient. Subsequently, the amount of the ESG score was analysed in both of the groups. The research findings indicate no or weak relationship between the ROS and ESG score. However, based on the Levene’s F-test, a statistically significant difference was also identified between the two country groups considering the amount of the ESG score.
Analysis of Key Macroeconomic Indicators and Their Relationship to Unemployment in the Czech Republic
Authors: Hedvičáková Martina , Pozdílková Alena
Published: October 2023

The Czech Republic boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union, indicating a demand-supply imbalance in the labour market. This situation has implications for other labour market-related variables, such as nominal wages and labour productivity. In 2021, there was a significant increase in the inflation rate, reaching 15.1%. This development also impacted the trajectory of real wages. This article uses statistical analysis to predict the future economic trends of essential macroeconomic indicators related to the labour market. The dependence of individual variables on the unemployment rate will be determined through correlation analysis. Additionally, the study aims to assess the degree of independence between the unemployment rate and selected economic indicators, including nominal wages, labour productivity, real wages, and inflation. Future developments will be forecasted based on linear time series regression models for each examined variable. The statistical results will be economically interpreted in light of the current economic situation. Overall, the results of the correlation analysis indicate a significant statistical relationship between unemployment and nominal wages, suggesting a strong negative correlation between these variables. This finding aligns with macroeconomic expectations that an increase in unemployment leads to a decrease in the rate of nominal wage growth. The correlation analysis between unemployment and inflation reveals a moderate indication of a negative relationship between the two variables. However, the correlation analysis between unemployment and labour productivity and between unemployment and real wages indicates weak and insufficient evidence of any significant relationship between these variables. Therefore, further analyses and consideration of additional factors are necessary to obtain a more comprehensive and reliable understanding of these relationships.
The Impact of Educational Attainment on Gross Wages: A Comparative Analysis of the Public and Private Sectors in Czechia
Authors: Špeciánová Jitka
Published: October 2023

This research paper examines the impact of educational attainment on gross wages in the public and private sectors in Czechia, focusing on potential disparities in wage outcomes. Using a comprehensive dataset from the Average Earnings Information System (ISPV) for 2022, we employ regression analysis, while controlling for factors such as age and gender. Our empirical analysis uncovers a positive relationship between educational attainment and wages in both the public and private sectors. However, it is noteworthy that the private sector demonstrates a slightly lower return to education compared to the public sector, as indicated by one specific regression technique employed in our study. However, the second estimation technique does not confirm this result. Additionally, we estimate a stronger negative impact of gender (female) on wage levels in the private sector than in the public sector. Analyzing wage differentials among young workers (aged 24-30) compared to the overall workforce, we observe that the disparities in average earnings are mostly less pronounced at the early stages of their careers. This research deepens our understanding of the relationship between educational attainment, wages, and sectoral differences, providing a foundation for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation in the context of the Czech labor market.
Sharing Economy in the Accommodation Services – Example of Prague During the Years 2017–2022
Authors: Petříček Martin , Chalupa Štěpán
Published: October 2023

The submitted contribution focuses on the issue of the shared economy in Prague in the period from 2017 to 2022. The main goal is to estimate the daily values of realized offers within the framework of the shared economy and to make a comparison with the traditional accommodation market. The presented analysis of the sharing economy market works with data that are modified by the authors of the contribution so that the desired comparison can be made. These data are based on the number of written user reviews (using Airdna, Airbnb, Insiderairbnb and other sources). Output from this analysis is then converted using an algorithm into the number of realized offers on a daily basis. For the market working with traditional accommodation, data from STR Global was used, which represents the market for accommodation services in Prague based on daily data. The work with daily data is one of the key uniqueness of this contribution, as common studies work only with average data, usually over a longer period of time (a month or a quarter). However, such data are inappropriate for the market of accommodation services. Based on the estimates and analyses, it appears that during the period of the covid-19 pandemic, shared accommodation has become more used than traditional accommodation. This conclusion can be attributed to the situation where many tourists preferred private accommodation over regular accommodation facilities.
Financial Health of Cluster Organisations: A Case Study from the Czech and Slovak ICT Industry
Authors: Pelloneová Natalie , Hovorková Valentová Vladimíra
Published: October 2023

This paper analyses the financial health of firms that are members of selected cluster organizations operating in the Czech and Slovak Republics. The research includes two research samples, which are member firms of cluster organizations IT Cluster and Košice IT Valley. Both of the above-mentioned cluster organizations were established as a result of a cluster initiative and associated entities from the ITC sector. The firms that form the cores of the above-mentioned cluster organizations are mostly active in the sectors with the following statistical classification: NACE 620100, 620200, and 620900. The main objective of the present research is to analyze selected financial health indicators of member firms of both cluster organizations and to determine whether or not there are significant differences in the development of selected financial indicators between individual firms. To achieve the objective, the profitability ratios and Altman's Z´´score model were used. The research results are discussed in the conclusion of the paper.
Effective Creativity Against Banner Blindness
Authors: Postránecká Kateřina , Dvořáček Filip
Published: October 2023

This research study titled "Effective Creativity against Banner Blindness" aims to investigate the factors that significantly influence the attention of Internet users toward banner ads. By observing Internet users during their natural online browsing behavior, we discovered that factors such as colors, text, and element layout have a negligible influence. However, a crucial finding of this study is that the user's current needs or interests play a significant role in capturing their attention. Consequently, recognizing that Internet users are primarily influenced by whether an advertisement aligns with their everyday needs or goods is the primary outcome of this study. Furthermore, this research provides insights into strategies to combat banner blindness by presenting relevant ads to the right user at the right time and place.
Non Provision of Training and Sustainability: Small-Sized Companies in the EU Context
Authors: Trávníčková Hana , Maršíková Kateřina
Published: October 2023

Investing in human capital is one of the critical decisions of a company. The company's competitiveness and organisational, social and environmental sustainability is influenced by corporate training. This paper explores the relationship between sustainability and the non-provision of employee training in enterprises. The introduced topic is based on a systematic literature review and a secondary data analysis of Continuing Vocational Training Survey (CVTS), which provides comparable data from 29 European countries in reference years 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020 with a net sample of 113,000 enterprises. The paper focuses on small enterprises with 10 to 49 employees, representing over 20 million people in more than 1.3 million European business units. Recently aggregated data illustrate the European companies' attitude to corporate training and its barriers. Once the main obstacles to employee training are identified and removed, an organisation can increase the training and development of its employees. The more training and development activities is provided, the more it impacts its competitiveness and the company's sustainability. This paper examines the EUs small enterprises, emphasising specific situations in the last decade in the Czech Republic. It brings a new attitude to the connection between corporate training in small companies in the EU and sustainability.
“Saved from Oblivion”? The Uncertain Futures of Holocaust Heritage
Authors: Cooke Steven , Carr Gilly
Published: October 2023

The twenty-first century is a time of increased uncertainty over the future of sites associated with the Holocaust. As “sites of memory” and “sites of conscience,” they are part of an ongoing debate as to their contentious place within international heritage conventions (UNESCO 2023). Further, while much attention has been paid to the specific challenges of managing Holocaust heritage in the context of the imminent passing of the last of the Holocaust survivors (Pearce 2020; Gilmore and Magee 2018), and the rise in Holocaust denial and distortion (Bauer 2020), the challenges posed by anthropogenic climate change raise yet more uncertainties. Holocaust heritage—along with other heritage places—faces accelerated decay and destruction brought on by the climate emergency, including extreme weather events. Across Europe, examples include the former camp of Fossoli (Italy), already fragile following an earthquake; the collapse of a wall at the former camp of Sachsenhausen (Germany); and the ongoing ruin of the Dresden Barracks in the former ghetto of Terezin (Czech Republic), after a series of storms. Other sites are threatened by rising sea levels—for example, the mass graves and former cemetery in Alderney in the Channel Islands.

However, the usual options in the face of destruction of the historical record, which include either expensive preservation and restoration programs or a form of “curated decay” (DeSilvey 2017), are particularly problematic given the complexities of Holocaust sites because of the specific histories and stakeholders. While preservation and restoration are often beyond the financial reach of most Holocaust sites, “curated decay” raises questions about the retention of historic fabric which, as well as being protected under various forms of heritage legislation, is understood as part of the evidence of genocide. Therefore, the concurrent anxieties over the passing of the survivor generation, the rise of Holocaust denial and distortion, and the challenges of climate change create uncertainties for heritage professionals and site managers as to how to best manage the safeguarding of these unique sites.

Using the former camp at Fossoli in Italy and the former ghetto of Terezin as case studies, this paper critically examines ideas of loss and uncertainty within heritage practice to explore the lessons for safeguarding Holocaust heritage in the Anthropocene.
Black Musicality and the Invention of Talent: The Case of Thomas Wiggins
Authors: Wright Lindsay J.
Published: October 2023

Thomas Wiggins, a blind and cognitively disabled Black pianist and composer, was born into slavery in 1849 and died in circumstances akin to slavery in 1908. Known as “Blind Tom,” Wiggins began performing from a young age and became one of the most popular American pianists of the nineteenth century—as well as one of the most fiercely debated. He was dubbed idiotic, gifted, monstrous, mechanistic, genius, possessed, sophisticated, primitive, marvelous, magical, uncanny. This incongruous reception provides a window into shifting understandings of the relationship between Blackness and innate musicality. The discourse about Wiggins outlines a crucial phase in the conceptual history of musical talent, which solidified as a privileged social and scientific category by the early twentieth century. Onlookers’ descriptions invoke a set of recurring conceptual metaphors, characterizing talent as a discovery, as a gift, as an embodied trait, and as magic. The illogics within each of these constructions reveal how Wiggins’s performances threatened discourses of talent and their racial underpinnings, exposing chinks in the ideological apparatus that formed during the late nineteenth century and fortified the color line. Wiggins’s case demonstrates that musical ability, like music itself, is not an object or possession but a vast constellation of learned practices that shift over time and circumstance, reflecting the social conditions that cultivate them.
The Need for Advance Care Planning as a Pivotal Means for Respecting the Patient’s Will in Poland: Learning Points from Swiss and Australian Models
Authors: Dzierżanowski Tomasz , Crawford Gregory B. , Larkin Philip , Kubiak Rafał , Krones Tanja
Published: October 2023

Self-determination is pivotal for a patient’s autonomy. Decisions at the end of life should reflect the human right to decide on the last days of life according to personal beliefs, philosophy, preferences, and values. Advance Care Planning (ACP) aims to ensure that patients receive medical care consistent with their values, goals, and priorities during progressive life-threatening chronic illness. We present decades-long experience of the implementation of ACP in different legal systems, in Switzerland and Australia, and the current legal situation of pro futuro statements in Polish law. Irrespective of jurisdiction and despite the apparent benefits of ACP, its implementation may face numerous impediments, i.e. poor public health messaging, a lack of skilled, trained personnel to deliver and sustain ACP initiatives, misunderstanding of the practical application of an advance care directive in real terms, and misperception of ACP as a form of crypto-euthanasia. Addressing these impediments would be a prerequisite for its successful national implementation. Furthermore, successful implementation needs public dialogue, collaboration between legislators and healthcare professionals, and engagement with the public, patients, and caregivers to foster a greater understanding of the true meaning of self-determination.
The Issue of the Axiological Consistency of the Criminal Provisions Regulating the Causing of Human Death
Authors: Sitarz Olga
Published: October 2023

This article aims to assess whether the criminal law regulations on causing human death are consistent with each other, but primarily whether they are coherent with the axiology of the entire legal system in that area. First, the author presents the significance of axiological consistency and – based on the Constitutional provisions, rulings of the Constitutional Tribunal and arguments of representatives of the doctrine – decodes the basic assumptions relating to the protection of human life. Further, by means of an examination of the provisions of the Criminal Code and the law on infertility treatment, the author diagnoses a state of complete axiological inconsistency in the area of a criminal law response to causing death, pointing to the causes of that state of affairs. The significance of axiological consistency indicated at the outset (on numerous levels) does not let one ignore that conclusion.
The Death of an Insolvent Entrepreneur in the Light of Bankruptcy Law Regulations
Authors: Cybulska-Bienioszek Agnieszka , Witosz Aleksander J.
Published: October 2023

This study aims to identify and analyse the specific regulations of the Bankruptcy Law to the extent that they relate to the death of an insolvent debtor. The authors attempt to determine the correct interpretation de lege lata, and where it is justified, draw conclusions de lege ferenda. Due to the fact that regulations must be interpreted together with the provisions of inheritance law and other regulations, their correct interpretation may be difficult. This study contains an analysis of three possible cases: when death occurred after the filing of a bankruptcy petition, during the course of bankruptcy proceedings, but also on the brink of bankruptcy before the petition was filed by an authorized person. In the event of death after filing for bankruptcy or after its declaration, the problem is essentially of a procedural nature and is generally resolved by identifying the persons participating in the proceedings (usually a trustee). On the other hand, in the event of the death of an insolvent entrepreneur before they file for bankruptcy, the Bankruptcy Law provides for a separate procedure. At the same time, it seems that due to the distinctness of this situation, the introduction of a different, specific definition of insolvency is justified, which the authors present in this study.
Late-Onset Sepsis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Klinger Gil , Bromiker Ruben , Zaslavsky-Paltiel Inna , Klinger Sharon , Sokolover Nir , Lerner-Geva Liat , Reichman Brian ,   ISRAEL NEONATAL NETWORK
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Late–onset sepsis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Our objective was to determine risk factors associated with late-onset sepsis and to present temporal trends in overall and pathogen-specific rates.

METHODS

Population-based study by the Israel Neonatal Network on VLBW infants (≤1500 g) born between 1995 and 2019. Late-onset sepsis required clinical symptoms and microbiologic confirmation. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors. The study period was divided into 4 epochs. Overall and pathogen-specific late-onset sepsis rates for each epoch were compared.

RESULTS

The study population comprised 31 612 VLBW infants, of whom 7423 (23.5%) had late-onset sepsis. An increased adjusted risk of late-onset sepsis was associated with gestational age <27 w (odds ratio [OR] 8.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.85–10.09) and delivery room resuscitation (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.34–1.52) and a decreased adjusted risk among infants born between 2013 and 2019 (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.29–0.35). Late-onset sepsis rates declined from 29.5% in 1995 to 2000 to 13.0% in 2013 to 2019. Gram-negative and fungal rates decreased in all epochs, whereas gram-positive rates decreased only in the last epoch. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) decreased in the 2013 to 2019 versus 1995 to 2000 epochs and were: all late-onset sepsis, 0.40 (0.37–0.43); gram-positive, 0.47 (0.37–0.59); gram- negative, 0.54 (0.48–0.61); fungal, 0.17 (0.12–0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

The strongest risk factor for late-onset sepsis was gestational age <27 w. Over a 25-year period, the pathogen-specific rates of late-onset sepsis among VLBW infants decreased approximately twofold for gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections and sixfold for fungal infections.
Plagiarism in Secondary School: Minor Inaction with Major Consequences
Authors: Chekhovich Yury V. , Belenkaya Olga S.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. The ease of searching and copying someone elseʼs text on almost any topic is one of the most important reasons for the prevalence of plagiarism in academic papers. While plagiarism detectors have become a common tool for universities, such systems are practically not used in secondary schools. It is considered to be a serious problem, that high school graduates are unprepared for the academic papers’ originality requirements. Universities are making efforts to overcome this lack of readiness. The authors study the attitude of teachers and learners of the Russian secondary schools toward the problem of plagiarism.
Materials and Methods. An anonymous online survey of teachers (n = 2,286) and learners (m = 4,555) of secondary schools in the Vologda, Kaliningrad and Lipetsk regions of the Russian Federation was conducted. The survey was carried out through the Google Forms service. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the obtained data was carried out.
Results. Learners acquire the habit of plagiarism already in secondary school. Secondary school learners are loyal to copying someone elseʼs text without reference to the source; although they partially admit that by doing so they do wrong. Teachers are less tolerant to this and ready to respond to plagiarism in learners’ papers by lowering marks/grades or by requiring learners to redo the work. Teachers do not always clearly understand which borrowings can be considered legitimate and correct, and which ones are not, they cannot explain this to their learners, cannot instill in them the necessary academic integrity, and cannot establish clear criteria for works evaluation.The use of plagiarism detection systems in schools is unsystematic and it is often the result of the initiative of individual teachers. There is also no methodology for using plagiarism detection systems in secondary schools.
Discussion and Conclusion. The conducted studies for the first time provided actual confirmation of the hypotheses. It means that it is necessary to include plagiarism detection systems in the toolkit used in secondary school. We have obtained evidence, that it is necessary to implement such tools in the secondary education system step by step, as well as to create conditions, so that school teachers can acquire relevant skills. The materials of the article will be useful to scientists who study the problems of secondary and high education, managers of the secondary education system at all levels, teachers, lecturers and learners of pedagogical universities.
The North Caucasus: Factor Analysis and Forecasts of the Regional Situation Dynamics
Authors: Avksent’ev Viktor A. , Gritsenko Galina D.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. By the beginning of the third decade of the 21st century approaches to assessments and forecasts of the situation in the North Caucasus have changed in the doctrinal documents of the Russian Federation, the region is no longer interpreted as requiring priority attention of the state. The article sets out the task of analyzing the controversial results of the development of the North Caucasian Federal District and on the basis of this analysis to make a forecast for the development of the ethnopolitical situation in the North Caucasus until the middle of the current decade.

Materials and Methods. The section identifies the sources of the empirical base, the main of which are the official data of Rosstat. The combination of quantitative (analysis of official documents) and qualitative (discourse analysis) research methods has expanded the possibilities of analyzing the obtained data and ensures the reliability of the results.

Results. It is asserted that most of the factors of aggravation of the regional situation at the turn of the first and second decades of the 21st century continue to produce risks in the third decade. Palliative improvements in the economy and other areas of the North Caucasian community are shown. However, the main targets set out at the moment of the creation of the North Caucasian Federal District in 2010 have not been achieved. At the same time, economic problems do not have a significant destabilizing effect on ethnopolitical processes, the greatest risks are concentrated in the institutional sphere.

Discussion and Conclusion. The conclusion is made about the possibility of maintaining a moderate conflictological scenario for the development of the regional situation until the middle of the third decade of the 21st century. Further clarification of conflictological scenarios should be carried out taking into account the unfolding “hybrid war”, in the context of which the problems of ethnic relations should once again become the object of special attention of the state; it is important to restore at the doctrinal level the status of the North Caucasus as a region of priority importance for the security of the state. The conclusions made in the article may be of interest to practical politicians, including the development and adjustment of regional strategies and concepts of national policy.
Colaboração entre crianças com uso de tecnologias digitais
Authors: Vieira Vanessa Dantas , Mello Diene Eire de , Moraes Dirce Aparecida Foletto de
Published: October 2023

Este estudo tem o propósito de refletir acerca dos processos de colaboração com utilização de tecnologias digitais como mediadoras das cognições e da aprendizagem de crianças. Utilizamos como fundamentação teórica a Cognição Distribuída, a qual articula-se sob as bases de uma construção histórica e cultural devido a importância do ambiente social para a atividade cognitiva. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida mediante uma proposta de abordagem qualitativa, de natureza exploratório-explicativa, com a metodologia de pesquisa-ação. Os dados foram coletados por meio de observação participante, entrevistas e narrativas produzidas em diário de pesquisa. O trabalho desenvolvido consistiu na elaboração de história em quadrinhos com o uso do software HagáQuê. O processo se deu em uma escola pública com crianças do 2º ano dos Anos Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental. Os resultados revelam que durante o uso do computador, no desenvolvimento da história em quadrinhos, as cognições foram distribuídas mediante interação, conflito cognitivo, negociação, parceria e contribuição entre as crianças, promovendo novos saberes.
RELIABILITY OF THE TESTS USED FOR PREDICTING THE PRESENCE OF PALMARIS LONGUS MUSCLE
Authors: C. Bozer C. , Çıkmaz S. , Süt N. , Yılmaz A. , Uluçam E.
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of nine tests used for predicting the presence of palmaris longus muscle. Methods: Three observers tested the presence of palmaris longus muscle three different times on each of the 52 subjects’ right and left wrists. The interobserver agreement was evaluated using Cohen’s Kappa statistics. And the intraobserver agreement was evaluated using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Results: Inter-observer agreements, deﬁned by kappa, varied from 0.293 (slight) to 0.687 (substantial) (p<0.001 for all), while intra-observer agreements varied from 0.691(substantial) to 0.885 (almost perfect) (p<0.001 for all). Conclusions: Many of the current tests used for determining the presence of palmaris longus tendon have substantial interobserver reliability. As the testing experience of the observers improves, the agreement rates increase too.
A NUMERICAL APPROACH OF FORCED CONVECTIVE MHD CASSON HYBRID NANOFLUID FLOWS EXPOSED TO JOULE HEATING AND VISCOUS DISSIPATION OVER DIVERGING CHANNEL
Authors: Gnanaprasanna K. , Singh Abhishek Kumar
Published: October 2023

The present study deals with boundary layer flows of buoyancy-driven magnetohydrodynamic, chemical-radiative, and temperature-sensitive Casson hybrid nanofluid over diverging channel. Copper (Cu) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles are suspended upon ethylene glycol-based non-Newtonian Casson fluid. The proposed model is applicable in power transmission systems the design of nuclear reactors where a moving plate is used as a control rod, and the design of compression molding processes. The boundary layer governing equations undergo nonsimilar transformations followed by a quasilinearization technique and an implicit finite difference scheme. Varga's algorithm is applied on the obtained block tri-diagonal system of equations. The study pertinent to dimensionless parameters like Reynolds number, Eckert number, Casson parameter, and Richardson's number on velocity, temperature, drag coefficient, and heat transfer profiles. Also surface plots are plotted for varied values of Casson parameter and magnetic parameter on skin friction and heat transfer coefficients. It is to be noted that for enhanced values of Casson parameter β, the velocity profile is augmented, and the temperature profile is declined. It is observed that the temperature profile is enhanced at the center of the channel for enhanced values of viscous dissipation parameter Ec.