bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meaningful everyday life projects and activities in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Magnus Eva , Jakobsen Klara , Reidunsdatter Randi Johansen
Published: January 2021

The time-geographic diary, supplemented by interviews, is presented in this study as a useful method to demonstrate that desirable everyday life projects, with associated activities, may positively influence an individual’s quality of life. Breast cancer survivors can experience challenging everyday life activities due to late effects of treatment. Despite improvements in survivorship follow-up programs, we still lack knowledge about how the women themselves prioritise activities that are positive in everyday life. The aim of the present study was to identify everyday life projects that improve the quality of life in breast cancer survivors. The multi-method design included the time-geographic diary method and in-depth semi-structured interviews, carried out with a sample of fifteen breast cancer survivors. The interviews were performed with stimulus from the diary notes and consecutively analysed by directed content analysis. Meaningful everyday life activities were emphasised, and four projects were generated: 1) To do what is good for my body and soul; 2) To create something that is nice and for joy; 3) To keep my family and social network together; and 4) To keep my mind active. These findings can be directed to the development of more individual and peer-driven health care services.
Preliminary Research of Information Overload from Information Search and Information Follow
Authors: He Tingting
Published: January 2021

The major objective of this research is to test if two types of information overload are different: Information overload from searching for the information someone needs to search, and information overload from following all the information someone needs to follow. These two types of information overload may be labelled information search overload and information follow overload, corresponding to the concepts of information search and information follow. Using the data of a survey from a sample of about 1600 respondents across 50 states in the United States, the research identified 2 items corresponding to information search overload and information follow overload, and ran analyses including correlation and logistic regression with the 2 items separately as the dependent variables, and with some other items about consumers’ activities involving information as independent variables. Results of the various analyses suggest that information search overload and information follow overload are different, especially in terms of how they associate with different variables of consumer activities involving information, therefore indicate as a preliminary research that we may separate the two types of information overload in our future research.
Managing Instruments of the Future
Authors: Yudina Nataliya
Published: January 2021

The studies demonstrated that the sustainable development concept hadn’t hinged the justification on hopes because the previous crisis of the global economy was synchronous in almost all countries in the world. The innovative approach to management of the future and to forming a new concept of the humankind development is very important today. The hypothesis that in the future the culture instrument for management of human activity will have to turn into a third component for a new correction of the humankind ideology in the association of the market and the hierarchy is proposed. The meaning of the humankind history learning is highlighted. But it is also demonstrated the difficulties for the people to learn the Big Data of historical information in details. The new approach to the process of history learning at higher educational establishments is proposed, namely: to learn historical information by the reverse chronological order from the contemporary history step to the old ancient history, from the special to the general: from learning history of the native country to learning history of all countries over the world. It places emphasis that under the conditions of the information chaos anyone might become the author (or several authors) of the global culture of the future as the main threat for the humankind.
Debatable Issues of Personal Values in the Context of Harmonization of Educational Standards of Ukraine and the EU
Authors: Shulhina Liudmyla , Zhaldak Hanna
Published: January 2021

The necessity and urgency of the gap reducing between the pace of technological and humanitarian development of society in order to prevent the risks caused by the insufficient level of training of users of modern technologies is pointed out. The expediency of strengthening of the humanitarian component in the educational process is substantiated. Based on the method of desk content research, some structural and substantive differences between normative documents are illustrated, the positive influence of harmonization of legislation in the field of education is shown, as well as the development of educational standards on the formulation of personality values in these documents. The group of moral and ethical characteristics of students and teachers of Ukraine and Poland was evaluated. A relatively low level of presence of characteristics that make up the values of the representatives of the surveyed groups is established. Positive and negative dynamics of various indicators are revealed. A comparative evaluation of the studied characteristics between the representatives of Ukraine and Poland was carried out. An explanation of the identified differences is given.
The Evolution of the Role of Forms of Marketing Communication in Influencing Consumers’ Shopping Behavior (Based on Surveys in 1995–2018)
Authors: Mazurek-Łopacińska Krystyna
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the article is to present the extent to which consumers use modern and traditional forms of marketing communication about the market offer, depending on the characteristics of these consumers, as well as to recognize the attitudes and market behavior of consumers under the influence these forms of communication, with particular emphasis on online advertising and social media. The basis of the analyzes are the results of the own, nationwide, surveys carried out in 1995, 2001 and 2017/2018. The importance of online information sources in influencing consumer behavior has grown dynamically, but the role of reference groups as a source of information on offers is still relatively large. Despite the increase in critical attitudes towards advertising, it does not significantly reduce its effectiveness in influencing consumers, although the mechanism of this influence is changing, as the strength of the behavioral component of the attitudes studied, is greater compared to the emotional component. Moreover, according to the criterion of age and education, there are significant differences in attitudes and the use of online sources of information between consumer groups, but these differences tend to decrease due to the growing rate of internet penetration. The generation Z’s susceptibility to advertising is relatively the greatest, not only in relation to ads broadcasted on the web, but also offline ads. Consumers from this generation are also more likely to engage in various types of social media activity in shaping the market offer.
Environmental Assessment of Frost-resistant Concrete with Superabsorbent Polymers
Authors: Li Gui , Hasholt Marianne Tange , Jensen Ole Mejlhede
Published: January 2021

Air-entraining agents (AEA) are normally used to improve the frost resistance of concrete. However, it is not possible to accurately control the air void system in concrete with AEA. Thus, a significant loss of concrete strength is caused by over-dosing voids, and this increases the environmental impact from concrete structures. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) can also be used to produce frost-resistant concrete. Compared to AEA, it can be used to precisely engineer the air void structure of concrete, promote cement hydration, and mitigate self-desiccation cracks. In this study, life cycle assessment methodology is applied to evaluate the overall environmental impact of frost-resistant concrete based on AEA and SAP, respectively. The results illustrate that frost-resistant concrete with SAP has a lower environmental impact than frost-resistant concrete with AEA if the strength and durability of concrete are considered in the defined functional unit. In addition, frost-resistant concrete with SAP reduces the environmental burdens of the vertical elements such as columns, but it increases the environmental load of the horizontal elements such as slabs, where the strength increase cannot be utilized. Moreover, the inventory data for AEA and SAP can affect the impact assessment results.
Salt-Frost Scaling of Concrete with Slag and Fly Ash - Influence of Carbonation and Prolonged Conditioning on Test Results
Authors: Helsing Elisabeth , Utgenannt Peter
Published: January 2021

According to Swedish experience the slab method in CEN/TS 12390-9 is successful in predicting the salt-frost resistance of Portland cement concrete. However, doubts have been raised whether the same can be said when used on concrete with supplementary cementitious material, e.g. fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Test results from concrete mixes with up to 35 % fly ash 65 % GGBS, with two different Portland cements and a water-to-binder ratio of 0.45 are presented in this paper. The tests were carried out with the standard method and with five modifications concerning the pre-conditioning of the specimens before freeze-thaw cycling. The age of the specimens at sawing was increased, the time in 65 % RH was prolonged and exposure to 1 % CO2-environment was used. The results show that for air-entrained concrete with fly ash or GGBS both prolonging the exposure to 65 % RH and exposure to CO2 diminishes the salt-frost resistance. The influence increases with increasing amount of fly ash or GGBS. However, the type of cement also has a certain influence. The influence of exposure to CO2 on the salt-frost resistance of concrete without entrained air was totally different from the influence on concrete with entrained air.
Alkali-reduced Bauxite Residue as Novel SCM
Authors: Danner Tobias , Sletnes Malin , Justnes Harald
Published: January 2021

Bauxite residue is a major waste stream available in large volumes globally that can cause risks to the surrounding environment (e.g. ecotoxicity) when disposed and stored by conventional methods. There is yet no large-scale application and the utilization as supplementary cementitious material might be the best way to re-use bauxite residue. The main obstacle for the utilization of bauxite residue in the construction industry is the high alkalinity. This paper presents first results of a study on alkali reduction of bauxite residue by acetic acid treatment and the potential application of this alkali reduced bauxite residue as pozzolan in cementitious binders. A process of alkali reduction is presented that can help solving waste management problems of alumina refineries by transforming bauxite residue to a less hazardous waste, while producing a reactive pozzolan and Na-acetate that can find application in the construction and infrastructure market. 90% alkalinity reduction of bauxite residue could be achieved by simply washing with diluted acetic acid. Alkali-reduced bauxite residue showed good pozzolanic reactivity regarding portlandite consumption, bound water and 28-day compressive strength of mortars with 20% replacement of OPC.
Review of Sprayability of Wet Sprayed Concrete
Authors: Trussell Nicholas , Jacobsen Stefan
Published: January 2021

Wet sprayed concrete quality is affected by more production factors than cast concrete, particularly due to the propulsion through the nozzle and the flash set caused by the set accelerator. Practitioners often use the term “sprayability” to describe these factors. We propose a definition of “sprayability” that relates the application to the final properties of the hardened sprayed concrete and review factors affecting it: concrete constituents, proportioning, and application mechanics. These factors affect the hardening and the structure of the hardened sprayed concrete – the porosity, permeability and durability. We consider improving sustainability through proportioning with increased share of supplementary cementitious materials, calculate the placed composition and focus on factors that affect water transport, and hence durability. Due to the spray application and flash-set, irregular compaction voids dominate the macro pore structure of sprayed concrete. Studies of permeability of sprayed concrete have shown that it is possible to obtain low permeabilities given adequate composition and curing. Presumably these samples have been well-cured, uncracked and with non-percolating macro voids. Given observations of cracks in sprayed concrete linings and the macro voids, important further studies will be on the effect of accelerator, compaction porosity and cracking on permeability.
Utilization of Bio Ashes in Cement-based Materials: A Case Study in Cooperation with Pulp and Paper and Energy Production Industries in Sweden
Authors: Babaahmadi Arezou , Plusquellec Gilles , L’Hôpital Emilie , Mueller Urs
Published: January 2021

Worldwide increased concern of the CO2 emissions has led to the replacement of coal by biomass in combustion-based power plants. However, this would cause the scarcity of fly ash, one of the most well-known rest products from coal combustion, which is used as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) in construction sector to reduce the large environmental footprint of cement production. Seeking to find alternative SCMs, this article aims to demonstrate the viability of using bio ashes in Sweden as SCM, which, due to lack of studies validating their value, are landfilled today. According to the obtained results, bio ashes produced at pulp and paper industries have a considerably consistent chemical composition and exhibit a satisfactory pozzolanic behaviour. Nevertheless, according to the conclusions of this study, the pozzolanicity of these alternative binders is not reflected equally with respect to the most known reactivity tests for common SCMs. The results imply that although “R3” tests method infers the pozzolanic characteristics of the bio ashes in focus of this study, the “activity index test” as well as “calcium consumption test” indicate otherwise.
Concrete and Sustainability – Some Thoughts from a Swedish Horizon
Authors: Silfwerbrand Johan
Published: January 2021

Concrete production, especially the cement production, stands for 5-8 percent of the global CO2 emissions. Since concrete is the most frequently used man-made construction materials, this fact is not surprising. Concrete is also the only realistic alternative in order to improve the living circumstances in many countries around the world. Due to its size, the concrete sector has a great responsibility for limiting the consequences of the on-going climate change. The Swedish cement producer Cementa has an ambitious zero vision stating zero CO2 emissions in year 2030. The measures include energy efficiency, bio mass instead of fossil fuels, blended cements, CO2 uptake through carbonation and Carbon Capture Storage (CCS). This paper discusses these measures but also others such as optimization of the concrete mix, optimization of the structural geometry and prolongation of the service life. The paper is ended by a section on adaptation since concrete will also have an important role concerning protection of the built environment for climate change. Protection structures against flood, reconstruction of dams, new waste-water systems and bright permeable concrete pavements reflecting sunlight and improving drainage after heavy rain constitute some examples.
Challenges of Banking Profitability in Eurozone Countries: Analysis of Specific and Macroeconomic Factors
Authors: Durguti Esat A.
Published: January 2021

Numerous factors affect the rate of return that a financial institution earns. Some of these factors include external forces that shape earnings performance and internal elements found in each financial institution. Policy implications are determined by the type of explanation and should be taken seriously. This paper classifies determinants of bank profitability as well as reviews existing literature on bank performance. The second section of this study quantifies how external factors and internal determinants have influenced the profitability of EU banks. This paper constructs fixed-effect models and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), which sheds new light on understanding various factors influencing how the EU banking industry performs. The observation period was from 2012 to 2019, and the findings revealed that EU bank profitability is influenced by both external macroeconomic environment and management decisions. The results of this study suggest that equity to assets ratio (EA), Gap ratio, and GDP have a positive impact on bank profitability, while the loan to assets ratio (LA) and the provision for loan losses to total loans ratio (PLL/TL) hurt EU bank profitability. The empirical findings are consistent with the expected results, although, they are different from those of studies that investigated the structure-performance relationship of EU banks because they found that market share and concentration have a positive effect on bank profitability.
Insights into Classic Theatre Market Segments
Authors: Šimić Mirna Leko , Pap Ana
Published: January 2021

Marketing segmentation is one of the key strategic elements in marketing planning that helps identifying key consumer groups and their characteristics and enables the adaptation of marketing strategies to different target consumers. The aim of this paper is paper aims to segment classic theatre audiences based on their attendance frequency and identify major socio-demographic characteristics of each segment. A self-completion questionnaire was developed upon analysis of previous studies and was distributed to the population in an area of about 50 km around Osijek. The research was conducted on a convenient sample, using an in-person method in two different intervals: in the first interval, research was conducted on young respondents (18-34), and in the second interval, research was conducted on adult respondents (age 35+). Altogether 1315 participants took part in the research. Statistical techniques of univariate analysis (frequency distribution and central tendency measures), ANOVA, and two-step cluster analysis were used.

The results of the study have identified six classic theatre segments: young theatre friends, young theatre acquaintances, young theatre strangers, adult theatre friends, adult theatre acquaintances, adult theatre strangers. Each segment is described in detail by their geographic (distance from the venue), demographic (age, income, marital status, education, employment) and psychographic characteristics (social activities, free time spending, and informing gathering about classic theatre offer) characteristics. The research results emphasized the differences in classic theatre audiences, which calls for continuous market segmentation in order to ensure timely recognition of consumer trends and changes in preferences. This would enable theatre management to adapt and implement adequate marketing initiatives and strategies.
Industry 4.0 and Current Competencies
Authors: Beke Eva , Horvath Richard , Takacs-Gyorgy Katalin
Published: January 2021

There is a growing gap between higher education systems and the needs and demands of the labor market. Many of today’s students will work at jobs that just have emerged or do not even exist yet. The “newcomers” will need both digital and social-emotional skills in the coming years. These new competencies will make the new generation of employees’ company goals. This article presents the results of the recent research about modern-day competencies to evaluate what exactly relevant companies’ expectations are, how students see their knowledge and value in future workplaces, and how academia is coping with this new demand. For this analysis, I have conducted deep interviews with applicable entities, namely companies from the car industry and from the field of security industries (cyber security, integrated camera surveillance, financial security) to see how Industry 4.0 shapes the competencies they expect from our students entering to the job market. Engineering students - by questionnaire -were also interviewed at the Óbuda University, to examine their views about the skills gained at the university and how these competencies helping them to apply for the right position in the job market. Although the competence list showed similarities in the expected skill sets, the order of them differs. While most companies are aiming to hire team players with creative problem solving and those are capable and willing to accept changes, the students’ observations showed that technical skills, expertise, and problem solving are the most important competencies for future employment. Based on all participants’ answers and additional research, we aim to involve international companies to take part in our higher education system more thoroughly either by widening the practical in-site education or by inviting them to our university for lecturing future engineers. Furthermore, new courses are introduced at our university, such as information security, humanitarian response management, rehabilitation environmental planning engineering or ergonomics and human factors specialization.
Community Structure of Migratory Waterbirds at Two Important Wintering Sites in a Sub-Himalayan Forest Tract in West Bengal, India
Authors: Chatterjee Asitava , Adhikari Shuvadip , Pal Sudin , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kumar
Published: January 2021

The waterbird community structures of two sub-Himalayan wetlands (Nararthali and Rasomati) situated in forested areas were compared during the wintering period. These wetlands had similar geophysical features but were subject to different conservation efforts. Sixty species of waterbirds, including four globally threatened species, were recorded during the study. Nararthali was found to be more densely inhabited (116.05±22.69 ind./ha) by birds than Rasomati (76.55±26.47 ind./ha). Density increased by 44.6% at Nararthali and by 59% at Rasomati over the years of the study, from 2008 to 2015. Winter visitors increased considerably at Nararthali (66.2%), while a 71.1% decrease at Rasomati clearly indicated degradation of habitat quality at that site during the later years. Luxuriant growth of Eichhornia crassipes, siltation, poor maintenance and unregulated tourist activities were the key factors leading to the rapid degradation of Rasomati. Nararthali, on the other hand, a well-managed wetland habitat, showed an increasing trend in bird densities. Therefore, poor habitat management and rapid habitat alterations were observed to be the main reasons for depletion of bird density in the wetlands of eastern sub-Himalayan forest regions.
An Analysis of Orientation Cage Field Data – A Case Study of Headings of the Blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla, at the Bukowo/Kopań Ringing Site in Poland
Authors: Busse Przemysław
Published: January 2021

One of the most effective methods of studying the migratory patterns of nocturnal passerine migrants is the use of orientation cages as a supplementary procedure at ringing sites. The most comprehensive studies using orientation cages (Busse’s Flat Orientation Cage) were conducted within the SEEN network (SE European Bird Migration Network), with more than 43,000 tests performed at more than 40 ringing sites in autumn. A number of papers were published based on these data, presenting an overall pattern of passerine migration over SE Europe-Middle East-NE Africa. For more detailed analyses, it was first necessary to solve some methodical problems within case studies. The current work presents details for discussion based on data from 1338 tests of Blackcaps performed during the years 1995–2010 at a single ringing station, Bukowo/Kopań, located on the Polish Baltic coast. The birds were tested according to the standard methodology of the SEEN network (Busse 2000). The problems investigated were (1) the repeatability of heading patterns obtained in different years, (2) the linearity of the estimated arrival and departure headings, and (3) quantitative aspects of the results in the description of the heading pattern when migratory groups are found.

It was determined that (1) yearly heading patterns were generally coherent and could be analysed as uniform case data; (2-1) the hypothesis that the arrival/departure heading axes are generally linear is accurate to within about one 10° sector, at least in the case of the Blackcap. This is coherent with impressions from other known data sets, but does not mean that the rule always applies to all species at every location on the migration route. In the future, this problem should be studied on a more detailed scale. It was further established that (2-2) estimating arrival and departure headings makes it possible to define migratory groups (populations) passing the study site. The direct heading estimation procedure seems to be more sensitive in identifying migratory groups than the calculation procedure. Moreover, (3-1) the calculation procedure makes it possible to estimate some quantitative properties of headings of migratory groups and define some interesting, though preliminary, number patterns of local migratory patterns; (3-2) the number relations between birds demonstrating the arrival and departure headings of the migratory group seem to be an interesting parameter for study on the distance of migration of groups within a species and, possibly, between species. This is another interesting problem that cage tests could be used to solve in the future. Finally, (3-3) knowledge about trends of individual populations passing the defined site becomes accessible only using analysis of data from orientation cages. The estimated quantitative indices discussed above could be helpful in presenting the general migratory pattern of the species on a geographical scale.
Ruptures of mesentery- a silent posttraumatic injury (Case Report)
Authors: Eremia Irina-Anca , Grecescu Leonard , Albu Siegfried , Iancu Adela , Nica Remus , Nica Silvia
Published: January 2021

The mechanism of mesenteric injury in blunt abdominal trauma involves compression and deceleration forces which result in a spectrum of injuries that range from contusions to tearing of the bowel wall, tearing of the mesentery, and loss of vascular supply. Hemoperitoneum is a major sign of severity in abdominal trauma, which, in most cases, requires emergency surgery.

Our patient showed that the diagnosis of mesenteric injury should be considered even in patients who sustain only minor abdominal trauma. In this case the patient’s symptoms were suggestive only for the orthopedic lesion and not for the hemoperitoneum.

Trans-scapho-lunate dislocation fracture is a rare lesion that may go unnoticed at initial assessment in a polytraumatized patient. A delay in the diagnosis and treatment of a scaphoid fracture may alter the prognosis after consolidation.
A case report of blunt liver trauma in times of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Braga Vlad , Slavu Iulian , Tulin Adrian , Socea Bogdan , Alecu Lucian
Published: January 2021

The liver is one of the most affected organs in abdominal trauma mostly because of its considerable dimensions, the fragility of the liver parenchyma.

We present the case of a 29-year-old patient who sustained an abdominal trauma after an accidental fall from a 3 m height. The patient tested positive at RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 at admission, without any symptoms of viral infection. The emergency CT scan revealed a blunt liver trauma with an expanding hematoma (grade III). The patient was initially hemodynamically stable but shortly after admission became unstable and required surgical treatment that initially consisted of damage control and liver packing. Reintervention was decided 36 hours later, after reevaluation unpacking and hepatorrhaphy were done. The postoperative evolution was uneventful. The case indicated the importance of continuous monitoring of the traumatic patient. In liver trauma, hemodynamic instability guarantees an emergency laparotomy. The time of operations in trauma patients with SARS-CoV-2 must be reduced to the maximum both as an objective of damage control and also to minimize the risk of contagion.
Orthopedic surgery related infections; study of the importance of associated comorbidities in relationship with septic evolution
Authors: Popa Mihnea , Şerban Bogdan , Iordache Sergiu , Lupu Alexandru , Iacobescu Georgian , Cursaru Adrian
Published: January 2021

The current socio-economic development has improved the standard of living of the general population. Technological evolution has led to the use of an increasing number of motor vehicles. Associated with the growing violence observed globally, orthopedic surgery involves frequent use of osteosynthesis materials and prostheses. Therefore, an increasing number of patients live with these implants, having a higher risk, compared to the general population, to develop complications. Although technological developments have increased the quality of life, it must not be forgotten that these foreign materials come with certain risks, the most feared being the associated infections.

We conducted an epidemiological study on infections identified in patients treated in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of Bucharest Emergency University Hospital, from 01.01.2016 to 01.06.2019. We were able to extract data about patients without neglecting their confidentiality.

The information sought, primarily involved the pathogen causing the infection, but at the same time we tried to build a more accurate history of each patient in order to determine the cause of infection and the risks posed by various associated pathologies. During these 4 years we were able to identify 139 patients who suffered an infection in the musculoskeletal system. In most cases we identified mono-microbial infections, but there were 7 cases in which two pathogens were identified.
Economic Policy from the Perspective of Contemporary Challenges in Economic History – Hopes, Concerns and Dilemmas
Authors: Słodowa-Hełpa Małgorzata
Published: January 2021

The article, written on the basis of a critical review of the latest Polish and foreign-language literature, materials from websites and the author’s experience gained from previous research, is treated as a voice in the discussion on new challenges and the need for historical research on economic policy in its various dimensions and contexts, and on the possibilities in this field. The premises which determined the title, nature and scope of the study were highlighted in the introduction. The following three parts attempt to answer the following questions in sub-headings: why is the turn to the problems of economic policy particularly desirable now? What premises justify and enable intensification of historical research on economic policy problems? How to study the past of economic policy to participate in managing the present and creating the future?
Economic Content in the Narratives of Władysław I the Elbow-High’s Diplomas – Clichéd Form Records or a Symptom of Awareness of the Medieval Ruler?
Authors: Obara-Pawłowska Anna
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the economic content that appeared in the narratives of Władysław I the Elbow-high’s documents. References to the economic sphere occurring there were divided into two types. The first one contained information on the economic condition of an area, first and foremost about the destruction or war devastation that hit a given region or town. The second type justified ruler’s decisions, a desire to reform or to increase the benefits of the monarchy and his subjects. On the basis of the data obtained, an attempt was made to comment on the economic awareness of the ruler.
Between Progress and Backwardness. A Look at the Housing Policy of the Period of the People’s Republic of Poland from the Social and Economic Perspective After 1989
Authors: Kujawa Jakub
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the issue of the place, role and significance of the achievements of the housing policy of the Polish People’s Republic (PRL) and in the economy before and after 1989, observed from the contemporary social and economic point of view. In the period of systemic transformation, expert and opinion-makers were, in majority, critical of the achievements of the housing policy of the prior period. This led to the creation and subsequent consolidation in public discourse of the negative image of the housing construction of the PRL period. 30 years after the collapse of communism, during which time the free market economy developed and Poland became a member of EU, this topic requires a more objective look and a more focused approach to the range of socio-demographic and economic changes that took place during that period. The current perception of the problem is also influenced by the lack of solutions to the housing issue by successive governments of the Third Republic of Poland.
What was the Direction of the Reform of the PRL (Polish People’s Republic) Economy in the Eighties?
Authors: Kaliński Janusz
Published: January 2021

In the 1980s, the communist authorities of Poland, forced by the dire economic and social situation, undertook a number of attempts to reform the centrally managed economy. By deciding on limited liberalization, they simultaneously secured the economic foundations of the government, which was dominated by the public sector. The Polish version of perestroika was, thus, implemented in order to balance the economy. However, like the Soviet model, it was a tactical move, essentially to consolidate the centrally managed economy. The economic hybrid that emerged from the partial reforms, contrary to the intentions of its creators, did not weaken, but rather strengthened deep crisis phenomena. Their inhibition became the main goal of the democratic government formed in 1989 and the radical economic reforms associated with the name of Leszek Balcerowicz. The departure from the reforms of the centrally managed economy and the undertaking of consistent market transformation resulted in measurable economic successes. They were particularly visible against the background of the economy of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, whose authorities had abandoned comprehensive and consistent market reforms.
British Land Policies in the Gold Coast and Her Relations with Asante
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi Samuel , Bempong Emmanuel , Yartey Henry Tettey , Darkwa Benjamin Dompreh
Published: January 2021

Colonization successfully advanced various reforms in Africa that affected several practices on the continent. The various customs that have been affected include the land tenure system of British colonies in particular. An abundance of laws and policies were adopted with the sole aim of conserving the environment. These policies often clashed with indigenous interests and witnessed counter attacks as a result. Despite this, there is little information in the literature concerning how British land policies shaped their relations with the indigenous people, particularly the Asante. Based on a qualitative research approach, the current study uses Asante as a focal point of discourse in order to historically trace British land policies and how they, the British engaged with the people of Asante. From the discourse, it should be established that the colonial administration passed ordinances to mobilize revenue and not necessarily for the protection of the environment. In addition, the findings indicated that the boom in cash crops, such as cocoa and rubber, prompted Britain to reform the land tenure system. With the land policies, individuals and private organizations could acquire lands from local authorities for the cultivation of cash crops. We conclude that the quest to control land distribution caused the British to further annex Asante.
Congresses of Mining Industrialists of the South of Russia and the Kingdom of Poland as a form of Representing Entrepreneur’s Interests (End of the 19th – Beginning of the 20th Century)
Authors: Shandra Iryna , Kravchenko Olena
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the process of creating and functioning of two representative organizations of entrepreneurs – the Congress of Mining Industrialists of the South of Russia (1874, Kharkiv) and the Congress of Mining Industrialists of the Kingdom of Poland (1882, Warsaw). Both institutions were a form of activity of the regional economic elites and represented their socio-economic interests. After a comparative analysis of associations of mining industrialists in Ukrainian and Polish territories, the article highlights common features, their structure, forms of activity and representative powers. Based on the research, it was found that, despite strict government control, they played an important role in defending local interests and developing the industry they represent, and the fruitful cooperation of the Miners’ Congresses of the South of Russia and the Kingdom of Poland allowed for the implementation of the agreed and, above all, effective pressure on the state authorities of the Russian Empire.
Women’s Employment Support Activities By Labor Offices Under the “AZ” Program in Years 1947-1950
Authors: Słabińska Elżbieta
Published: January 2021

The paper deals with mechanisms used for reducing unemployment among women in Poland after the World War II, the so-called “women productivisation.” I discussed women’s attitude to employment and the state’s standpoint as far as the problem of women’s unemployment is concerned, and analyzed women’s unemployment figures in the introductory part. Employment policy in the early days of the Polish People’s Republic was a combination of many factors, among which the most important were ideology, pre-war tradition, and war-related experiences. Women found employment in the industry since the beginning of industrialization of the Polish lands in 19th century. In the interwar period and the early days of the Polish People’s Republic, employment increased mainly out of economic reasons (necessity to support family and oneself). It was in keeping with the Marxist ideology in place after the World War II. The “new woman” was to be free from capitalist exploitation and on par with a man in terms of professional career. The role model of the woman was in particular a female-worker employed in industry. After the war, in 1940s, the number of women registered at labor offices was rising. According to labor offices’ figures, the number of job offers for women was insufficient or these were unattractive. Hence, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy (Ministerstwo Pracy i Opieki Społecznej) conceived the idea of developing short-term training for women and employing them in the cottage industry - action “AZ”. It lasted from 1947 to 1950; it was evolved due to changing regulations. Undoubtedly, the action “AZ” contributed to the development of “female” cooperatives, but with time it was considered as ineffective and its scope was limited. My fundamental goal was to discuss the ‘AZ’ program, including its course, scope, and scale, as well as its evaluation. The subject matter in question has not been discussed in detail to date but only briefly addressed in the literature listed below.
Migration Policy in the Area of Border Control and Migration of the Population in OECD Countries –Theoretical and Practical Aspects
Authors: Woźniak Katarzyna
Published: January 2021

The aim of the study is to present the phenomenon of population migration and migration policy as part of the state’s economic policy based on the example of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, with particular emphasis on the area of migration policy, which is border control and related illegal migration. The temporal scope of the empirical analysis covers the period 1990-2016. The article consists of four main parts. The discussion began with a presentation of the balance of migration, the scale and dynamics of population immigration in OECD countries. Furthermore, the significance, areas and process of shaping migration policy as a part of the economic policy of the country are presented. Then, it focused on the migration policy in the area of border control in OECD countries. The discussion was crowned with the conclusions that followed.
Reuse of Municipal Solid Waste from Incinerated Ash in the Stabilization of Clayey Soils
Authors: Varaprasad B. J. S. , Joga Jayaprakash Reddy , Joga Suryaprakash Reddy
Published: January 2021

A useful method for the disposal of waste from an incineration plant is to reuse it for geotechnical and civil engineering applications. The primary objective of this study concerns the reuse of local incinerated ash from municipal solid wastes in soil stabilization. Municipal Solid Waste Incinerated Ash (MSWIA) is blended with soil in various combinations and tested for its Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Free Swell Index (FSI). A 1-D Consolidation Test was conducted, and changes in the soil during the test were examined by a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. The test results showed that there are increments in the UCS and CBR values with the reductions in the FSI, swell pressure, and swell potential of the treated soils.
Effectiveness of Hybrid and Partially Confined Concrete Subjected to Axial Compressive Loading Using CFRP and GFRP Composite Materials
Authors: Ghernouti Youcef , Rabehi Bahia
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the results of an experimental study that investigates the compression behavior of concrete and evaluates the effect of hybrid reinforcement by multiple geometries, and total and partial confinement, using CFRP and GFRP composite materials.

A total of nine (09) variants of concrete cylindrical specimens, including one (01) variant of unconfined concrete and eight (08) variants of confined concrete with different geometries were subjected to axial load compression.

The objectives of this study were to verify the applicability and effectiveness of partial and total confinement to improve the behavior of concrete, evaluate the effect of the hybrid confinement used, and obtain a typical reinforced model.

The results obtained clearly show the effectiveness of the hybrid confinement and partially confined concrete in improving the compressive strength and deformation of the concrete, so it is possible to replace CFRP total confinement by partially confined concrete with two CFRP layers or by a hybrid confinement with a CFRP layer in the central zone and GFRP layers on the top and bottom of the specimen.
Geothermal Energy Use for the Additional Heat Supply of a Residential Building
Authors: Kuzmenko Oleksandra , Dikarev Kostiantyn , Rodionov Daniil , Martysh Oleksandra , Iskenderov Anar , Babenko Maryna
Published: January 2021

To ensure low-energy consumption in new generation energy-efficient houses, the technology of a ground heat exchanger with a heat recovery system is used almost everywhere. However, this technology has not been widely disseminated in Ukraine. The work is aimed at presenting insights from research on the combination of ground heat exchangers with a heat recovery system for building ventilation by analyzing the operational and techno-economic indicators obtained. Current studies permit revealing the optimal configuration of a ground heat exchanger with a heat recovery system for ventilation in a residential building in order to analyze the efficiency of ground heat exchangers with a heat recovery system for ventilation of a residential building in comparison with several conventional ventilation options to assess the main price/ performance ration of the process of constructing a ground heat exchanger with a heat recovery system and to determine the duration of the technological process, the labor-intensive characteristics, and the estimated cost of the technology.
An Evaluation of the Structure of Energy Consumption in Educational Buildings in Poland After Thermal Retrofitting
Authors: Życzyńska Anna , Suchorab Zbigniew , Dyś Grzegorz , Čurpek Jakub , Čekon Miroslav
Published: January 2021

The paper presents the structure and indices of the annual energy consumption in educational buildings subject to comprehensive thermal retrofitting. Seven buildings were analyzed; the energy consumption for heating and ventilation, hot water preparation, and built-in lighting was analyzed in each of them and, in the case of one structure, also cooling. The indices of the usable, final, and primary energy consumption were analyzed. The values calculated were compared to the requirements of the energy standards in force in Poland. The percentage shares of the above-mentioned energy demands of each of the buildings investigated are given in the total energy performance. Within the investigation, we evaluated the shares of the particular building services in the total energy consumption and determined that even after the thermal retrofitting, the energy demands for heating together with lighting are still the most significant compared to the other demands.
Specification of the Properties and Effects of Additives and Admixtures on a Mixture Suitable for 3D Printing of Buildings
Authors: Fiľarská Diana , Unčík Stanislav , Cabanová Terézia
Published: January 2021

This article focuses on 3D printing of buildings using cement mortar-based material. Specific requirements are necessary for such a material; it therefore must have different properties compared to conventional cement mortar. These properties of a fresh mixture and the possibilities for their testing are described in more detail in the first part of the article. Specifically, these are pumpability, printability, buildability, and workability. In order to achieve these properties, it is necessary to add various additives and admixtures to the mixtures, in addition to the basic components such as water, sand, and cement. Scientists around the world are working to create an optimal mix. The second part of this article presents an overview of the most commonly used ingredients and their effect on the properties of the mixture.
Stimulation Surfaces in Urban Places
Authors: Majorošová Martina , Mazancová Eva
Published: January 2021

The aim of this article is to point out the potential of urban spaces that have not been primarily meant to be barefoot parks. The stimulation of bare feet is used as a part of therapy or for the prevention of plantar problems. The high number of research papers or blogs available about bare feet shows the interest in this topic among scientists, doctors and the broader population. People are usually shod in a city environment. An analysis of some existing barefoot/sensomotoric spaces compares 3 different projects located in Italy, Germany, and Colombia. The paper shows the common and different approaches in information systems and the amount, variability, and spatial arrangement of stimulation surfaces of these projects. The same method of categorization is used in the analysis of a newly reconstructed park in Slovakia, which was built without a request for a barefoot space. A comparison of these analyses shows the high potential for a regular park having a barefoot area. This research proves that barefoot places in urban areas could be instituted without any significant financial or construction interventions.