bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DYNAMIC CHANGES OF SOME ANTHROPOMETRIC INDICES OF THE NEWBORN CHILDREN IN PLOVDIV FOR A PERIOD OF 70 YEARS (1939 â€“ 2009)
Authors: Taneva Daniela Ivova
Published: October 2017

Introduction: The periodical tracking and comparison of the physical development indices give an idea of the dynamics of the acceleration and the efficiency of the social and medical events for a protection of maternity.Aim: Tracing the accelerative changes of the newborn Bulgarian children for 70 years.Materials and methodology: The study is retrospective longitudinal research and includes the period 1939 â€“ 2009. The initial information of the last survey was obtained at the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at University Hospital St George â€“ Plovdiv for the period 1 Jan 2009 â€“ 31 Dec 2009. For the statistical processing is used variation analysis.Results and discussion: The dynamic changes of two anthropometric indices are traced â€“ height and body mass. There are two periods in the survey. The first, a 46-year period, is characterized by an apparent increase in the values of the two indices until 1975, inclusive, after which the acceleration rate gradually slows down. During the second ten-year period, 1985 â€“ 1995, there is a sharp decrease in the height and the body mass of the newborns, as their values are back to the level of 1946-47. The authors relate this negative tendency with the economic situation in the country, with the progressive impoverishment of the population, with the unemployment and the uncertainty in the future. In the last period, 1995 â€“ 2009, there is a slight increase in the values.Conclusions: This survey is the most extended study of the physical development of the newborn children in Bulgaria. The accelerative changes in the basic indices for physical development start in the antenatal period. The social factors are the basis for acceleration.
AN INVESTIGATION OF BRUCELLOSIS KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG LIVESTOCK OWNERS IN THE WEST BANK
Authors: Awwad Elena , Awwad Osama , Farraj Mohammad , Essawi Tamer , Adwan Kamel , Manasra Assad , Baraitareanu Stelian , Gurau Maria Rodica , Danes Doina
Published: October 2017

: Brucellosis is endemic in Palestine and therefore since 1998 a national program of brucellosis control has been launched. In the traditional breeding area of small ruminants, brucellosis is often reported in humans, mainly as a food borne disease. Any control strategy requires a well-functioning surveillance system, the co-operation with owners and a sustainable financial support. The aim of this study is sizing up of the current situation of knowledge, of the attitude and practice (KAP) regarding brucellosis, among sheep and goat farmers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 118 participants through an anonymous questionnaire to assess to which extent the flock owners are familiar with the knowledge and practices related to brucellosis of small ruminants. The designs of the questionnaire consider the implementation of KAP. Results shown that farmers, independent on their education, heard about brucellosis (100%) and all of them consider the washing of hands as necessary after close contact with animals or their products, and animal vaccination as being necessary to prevent brucellosis. Despite the educational level, almost all owners are aware about the risk of exposure of their family to animals infected with Brucella: they are considering the heating of cheese at boiling point and the use of gloves, as appropriate practices to reduce the exposure to Brucella. Great majorities of the participants (89.8%) have good knowledge about the transmission of Brucella from animals to humans, but only 37.3% correctly answered about the transmission of brucellosis by drinking raw milk, eating unpasteurized cheese, eating raw meat, liver, spleen and kidney or by contact with an aborted foetus and placenta fluid. Referring to the brucellosisâ€™ prevention, 83% answered that boiling of milk and cheese and wearing of gloves when handling an aborted foetus could prevent it: these answers fit with the level of knowledge. From the questioned owners, 28.8% knew that boiling the milk affect his nutritive value; 84.7% think that owners of animals and their families are more exposed to brucellosis and 11.9% of their families have been diseased. Relative good general knowledge of owners about brucellosis was recorded, but high-risk behaviors still exist. Awareness campaigns on the control and prevention of the brucellosis are success stories, and government agencies should continue the public education.
EVALUATION OF A GROUP OF PYRROLE DERIVATIVES AS TUBERCULOSTATIC AGENTS
Authors: Georgieva Maya , Tzankova Diana , Vladimirova Stanislava , Bijev Atanas
Published: October 2017

: This research aims to contribute to the global search for more effective tuberculostatics that has been triggered by recent outbreaks of tuberculosis. A group of pyrrole-containing derivatives are designed and theoretically elucidated. The identification of the pharmacophore group using the PharmaGist webserver is attempted. Also, the corresponding drug-like properties of the tested compounds are evaluated, together with their possible toxicity risks. The pharmacokinetic behavior of the structures is predicted, based on the Lipinskiâ€™s Rule of Five. The effects of some structural parameters are tested. In addition, in vitro evaluations of the anti-tubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv are performed, with compound GA-9 registering the highest activity.
SYNTHESIS OF FUNCTIONALIZED MCM-41 MESOPOROUS SILICA
Authors: Mermer Nevin Karamahmut , Yilmaz Muge Sari
Published: October 2017

: The invention of mesoporous materials is of significant interest to many scientists worldwide. The Mobil Crystalline Materials No 41 (MCM-41) is a well-known mesoporous molecular sieve that was discovered in 1992 by a scientist at the Mobil Oil Corporation. The MCM-41 is widely used in catalysis, ion exchange, drug delivery, optics, gas sensing, and sorption. In this study, the surface of a mesoporous silica MCM-41, synthesized from pure silica, is functionalized with a methyl group by grafting. The synthesized and functionalized samples are characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), and the functionalized sample are also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The textural properties of the samples are determined using N2 adsorption and desorption analysis. Thermal behaviors of the samples are analyzed using thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG). The results of the analyses show that the functionalization of the synthesized material through grafting was accomplished with the surface area of the functionalized sample determined as 600.87 m2 g-1.
GENETIC DYNAMICS OF CONIFEROUS INTRODUCENTS IN THE CONDITIONS OF A FOOTHILL DESERT-STEPPE ZONE IN THE SOUTH OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Sarsekova Dani N.
Published: October 2017

Forest breeding should be produced not only by the representatives of the local flora, which is not very diverse in some areas of the Republic of Kazakhstan, but by species and forms of trees growing in temperate zones of the worldwide. In particular, this refers to arboretums located in the conditions significantly different from the place of natural growth of the introduced species. One of this arboretum is the JSC "Forest nursery" of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan which is located in the South-East of the republic.The aim of this study was to study the ecological and genetic variability of coniferous introducents in the foothill desert-steppe zone and to determine the share of genetic and environmental factors. The variability and the relative stability of the expression of the quantitative trait in ontogenesis, which characterizes the species adaptation to the new conditions in 9 Yellow pine trunks, Crimean pine trunks and Scots pine trees, 7 Blue spruce trees and the same number of trees in European spruce, in which annual increments of the height of one morphological Location.Beginning with the growth of 2014 and then sequentially down the trunk, so long as lateral branches of the first order in whorls were preserved or traces were observed in a good way. Thus, the value of the mean squares differs significantly in the increments of a single morphological location and in the increments of tree groups, in the introductions species and in the periods of their life. Therefore we are allowed to conclude that there are still some parts and interference in the estimation of the ecological, genotypic and phenotypic dispersions that have different values and are manifested to a greater extent, or in the analysis of increments of tree groups, or increments of one morphological location, that is, they change the cause of their display.
ANALYSIS OF REASONS FOR UNPLANNED STOPPAGES OF MACHINES IN THE EXAMPLE OF THE LONGWALL SHEARER
Authors: StecuĹ‚a Kinga , Brodny JarosĹ‚aw , Palka Dorota
Published: October 2017

Production enterprises mainly focus on activities concerning tangible resources. In recent years, however, this focus has shifted increasingly towards intangible resources such as knowledge as a key resource. Knowledge plays a crucial role in building an enterpriseâ€™s competitive advantage, including that of mining entities involved in coal extraction. This article presents results of research into the causes of unplanned stoppages in the operation of longwall shearers. An examination of the parameters of the longwall shearer operation reveals an oversight in recording the causes of many unplanned machinery stoppages. Using informatics tools, the authors determine the reasons for most stoppages. The knowledge gained in this research has practical significance in providing a basis for implementing actions to limit the number of stoppages and improve the effectiveness of the machinery.
RESEARCH OF ACETALDEHYDE QUANTITIES IN COMMERCIAL AND LABORATORY PRODUCED FERMENTED PRODUCTS
Authors: Stojanovska Suzana , Krstanovski Aleksandar , Tomovska Julijana
Published: October 2017

The main purpose of this research study is the determination of volatile flavoring substance acetaldehyde in some fermented, industrially manufactured dairy products, offered on the Bitolaâ€™s market and the comparison with acetaldehyde quantities measured in fermented dairy products produced in laboratory conditions. Six samples of fermented dairy products (yoghurt and sour milk) were purchased from the local supermarkets and four samples were â€śhomemadeâ€ť manufactured in laboratory conditions. Results of the acetaldehyde quantities in different fermented dairy products were obtained through the observation of acetaldehyde values successively in a two week period and, in order to confirm the mutual correlation of variables, i.e. of the absorbance and concentration, calibration curve was created. The highest acetaldehyde quantities in all fermented dairy samples were measured on the first day of this research study, while after the fifteenth day of examination acetaldehyde concentration in each sample was equal to zero. Undoubtedly, certain conditions like pH, temperature, strain ratio, etc. need to be met.
THE EU â€“ CHINA COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND INNOVATION
Authors: Jitaru Loredana , Popescul Lorena Florentina
Published: October 2017

The EU and China enjoy one of the most fruitful relationships of cooperation in the world. In time, this cooperation has evolved into a strategic partnership created in 2003. A central part of the development and consolidation of the Strategic Partnership was that of the cooperation between these two actors in the field of research, development, and innovation. This paper intends, on the one hand, to analyze the cooperative relationships between the EU and China in the field of research, development, and innovation, and on the other hand to offer a bigger picture of the present day relationships in the field. This paper uses methods of quality research, more precisely document analysis.
A TURBULENT BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AS A CRITERIA OF OPTIMAL STRATEGY TO ENTER INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Authors: Bahmane Ludmila
Published: October 2017

This work provides an analysis of marketing solutions and developments algorithm for Latvian enterprises entering into foreign markets based on an example of 185 studies made under the supervision of the author. The proposed algorithm is a part of the pedagogical activities in higher education institution of Latvia (RISEBA) over the last 10 years and it suggests the training of new marketing solutions development techniques in conditions of the turbulent business environment. The application of the proposed algorithm assumes the use of modern marketing technologies, including matrix methods, cluster, and screening analysis. The algorithm proposed is being analyzed on the example of Latvian enterprises. This work describes the use of the author’s proposed matrix of “consumer’s demand for creativity (novelty),” that is relevant in the development of creative marketing management solutions of such business spheres, where the novelty of products (services) is an important competitive advantage. The high versatility, simplicity and availability is proven for mastering and using the proposed algorithm.
DANUBE AND THE FACILITATION OF NAVIGATION ON DANUBE
Authors: Benea Ciprian Beniamin , OniĹŁa Adina SecarÄ
Published: October 2017

With 2857 km in length, the quiet Danube quietly tells Europeâ€™s history. We only must be aware of its story. Since ancient times it was connected with empires, expansion, and navigation. The Romans fully understood its role, and proceeded accordingly. They made it their border, but used it for transporting goods and military, too. After the Dark Ages, all European affairs have been in one way or another connected and influenced by the Danube. Romaniaâ€™s modern history was influenced by the evolution of international problems connected to this river. The Moldavia and Wallachia 1859â€™s unification in a single state â€“ Romania â€“ had lot to do with the Danube and it was involved in Londonâ€™s interests in the Oriental Question. The paper presents shortly the way the legal framework regarding the Danube was developed, and what was Romaniaâ€™s role in facilitating navigation on the Danube. The main data which inspired this work â€“ regarding both the political-legal aspects, and the technical solutions used to facilitate navigation on Danube â€“ are based on earlier writings and studies of Romanian thinkers such as Antipa, Baicoianu, Dascovici and Gogeanu. The evolution of these aspects has a direct or an indirect connection with the evolution of political events and the economic development in all European states, but their importance is crucial especially for those countries which are located in the Danubeâ€™s basin. The main text regarding the political aspects related to the Danube is the Belgrade Convention, which has been the general framework under which riparian countries come together to collaborate and to solve the technical impediments for navigation, such as those imposed by the building of the Iron Gate System. At the same time, this paper signals the role of education in understanding the Danubeâ€™s role for riparian countries, and for their possible evolution in connection with this river.
THE GENERAL TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE - A KEY DETERMINANT OF COMPETITIVENESS OF TOURISM IN ROMANIA AND CEE-EU COUNTRIES
Authors: Costea Mihai , Hapenciuc Cristian Valentin , Arionesei Gabriela
Published: October 2017

After the fall of communism, Romanian tourism was considered a sector which, by with relatively modest efforts, could be quickly restarted with the capacity to have a positive influence over the entire economic relaunch process. Although it has been more than 27 years, an economic revival through tourism has not yet occurred. Moreover, in recent decades, Romanian tourism has steadily lost some competitiveness in relation to other tourist destinations in the region. In this context, through this study, we tried to show that a major cause of the low level of competitiveness is represented by the significant deficiencies recorded in terms of the general transport infrastructure. The availability of a secure and fast transport network by road, air and water to the most important tourist centers of a country is vital. Without a general infrastructure no tourist resource, no matter how important, can be put forward in an efficient manner. Thus, we can unequivocally say that the absence or an insufficient development of infrastructure in Romania is the prime factor of the lack of development of tourism activity and of the serious deficiencies recorded when it comes to enhancement of the national tourism offer. This conclusion is supported by the analysis of the data provided by the World Economic Forum (through the Tourism Competitiveness Index) and EUROSTAT. To reflect Romania's position in the general picture of the competitiveness of the transport network, we performed a comparative analysis considering the results achieved by ten other EU countries in Central and Eastern Europe (hereinafter referred to as CEE-EU countries).
MEASURABLE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF BUSINESS PROCESSES AND PERFORMANCE OF SLOVAK AND FOREIGN BUSINESSES
Authors: Gašová Katarína , Kováčiková Martina , Štofková Katarína Repková
Published: October 2017

Business activities (managerial, administrative, commercial, manufacturing, etc.), which are focused on production or the services provision should be managed as a whole, containing the activities liable to certain logistic in their arrangement and interconnection. The business activities’ transformation on processes and management (identification, modelling, mapping, analysis, measurement and improvement) through the process management can be understood as a type of methodology suitable for the analysis, evaluation and improvement of key processes in the business.An aim of the application of business process management is to create a process model consisting of managerial, core, transparency supporting, measurable, and possible improvement processes. The principles of business process management application can lead to continuous improvement of business processes and to the position improvement of the business in a constantly evolving competitive environment. During the evaluation process, it is important to focus on one of the most important factors – the measurability of process performance
SURVIVING THE BUSINESS IN THE LONG RUN: A STUDY OF FAMILY ORIENTED SMEs IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES
Authors: Kuruppuge Ravindra Hewa , Gregar Aleš
Published: October 2017

Whilst the majority of family oriented SMEs are suffering from survival problems in the long term, some businesses perform successfully over generations. This article explores the emerging themes which are related to the business longevity of family oriented SMEs in Sri Lanka. Addressing a lack of knowledge in the area, our strategy of enquiry used a qualitative approach coupled with semi-structured interviews; 17 owner-managers of family‑oriented SMEs were interviewed and the results were subsequently transcribed for the analyses. The results indicated that the founders’ tacit knowledge of producing goods or services, consequently transferred to heirs in family oriented SMEs, drive the survival of businesses for longer periods in Sri Lanka.
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES AND THEIR APPLICATION IN MEASURING BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
Authors: Horváthová Jarmila , Mokrišová Martina
Published: October 2017

In the area of business performance evaluation, we should pay attention to innovative approaches to performance measurement. They include the application of a matrix model. This concept was initially used for addressing the efficiency of input and output transformations. However, the terms ‘efficiency’ and ‘performance’ are closely linked. Some authors even assign them the same meaning. Based on the above-mentioned, a linear programming model for addressing the problems of input and output transformations can also be applied for business performance measurement. The benefit of this paper is the measurement of business performance applying a matrix model. One of the significant outcomes of such matrix model is the formation of new indicators, which can be beneficial in business performance measurement. Another positive aspect of this approach is the creation of a network of indicators assessing business efficiency, effectiveness and performance. There are strong links between indicators in a network, which can be mathematically described. Based on the knowledge, the management of a business can focus on those functional areas, which are preconditioned for business performance and efficiency improvement.
CLUSTER INITIATIVE IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Authors: JanasovĂˇ Denisa , StrelcovĂˇ Stanislava
Published: October 2017

This article examines the environmental conditions forming the origin and development of clusters in the Slovak Republic. It focuses on the current information and financial support for clusters, the preferred legal form of these associations in the Slovak Republic, and the possible forms of cross-border cooperation. The aim of this article is to analyze the structure of clusters in the Slovak Republic. The paper features an overview of the possible number and focus of clusters, including the procedure for identifying clusters needed to create this list. Despite its stated limitations, this indicative list provides a basis for further research in this area.
FORMATION OF A PETROCHEMICAL CLUSTER AND THE CREATION OF AN INTEGRATED PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX IN KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Kadyrbergenova Assel , Yegemberdiyeva Saule , Orazbayeva Kulman
Published: October 2017

The problems associated with the development of the petrochemical industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan are investigated by creating a petrochemical cluster in the western oil and gas region of the country. The issues of a forming petrochemical cluster in Kazakhstan and creating an integrated petrochemical complex in Atyrau region are considered. The essence of the cluster approach as the main factor for increasing the regional competitiveness of the Atyrau region is opened, the expediency and efficiency of the creation of the petrochemical cluster and an integrated petrochemical complex is substantiated. The stages of construction of an integrated petrochemical complex are described, depending on the sources of supply of the used raw materials. An integrated scheme of the petrochemical complex was created and investment petrochemical projects in the Atyrau region were considered. The main groups of factors substantiating the opportunities for the formation of a petrochemical cluster and the achievement of an economic effect in western Kazakhstan are defined.
INNOVATION PROJECT MACHINE IN A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
Authors: Lapunka Iwona , Jagoda-Sobalak Dominika , Marek-Kolodziej Katarzyna
Published: October 2017

: In recent years, the project approach has become an increasingly popular tool for achieving operational and strategic goals and to generally advance the business activity of organizations in fields such as innovation management. We demonstrate the need of including the project approach in the processes of creating innovative solutions. We posit that these two work methods can be combined into a coherent approach known as the innovation project machine. As part of this approach, innovations are implemented and developed more effectively, while agile project management and consolidated research for project managers, amongst others, are the source of inspiration. A systems approach to this concept could constitute a coherent synthesis of solutions available for engineering management. A proposition to integrate the project approach with innovative processes will enable expedient execution of business strategies in contemporary companies.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION IN KOSOVO ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Sadrija ThĂ«llĂ«za Latifi
Published: October 2017

The performance means the behavior and the resultant measured based on certain activities and duties. Enterprises performance could be measured thanks to indicators that express the quality of its activities. While, for individuals and groups, it is hard to identify the link between their performance and that of the company. Performance evaluation is an instrument through which the employees within the organization can reflect, discuss and change their work method that influences the organizational effectiveness. The focus of this paper is to argue that effective performance, feedback, and employee training are necessary for the success of an organization, and at the same time the development plan to support the employees in achieving the best possible results is necessary too. The employeesâ€™ training in Kosovoâ€™s enterprises is closely related to the organization, and the planning of employees in a way to so they are prepared at a national level and the attempt to exchange employees and train them in international level. This would affect the effective performance and cultures exchanged.
DEOFFSHORIZATION POLICY: CASE OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES
Authors: Loukianova Anna , Nikulin Egor , Kanivetc Alexander
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the impact of deoffshorization on the market value of Russian companies. The methodology of event study was used. Three events were analyzed, including the announcement of intentions to leave offshores from several major companies and the introduction of anti-offshore legislation (December 2013 - March 2014). We have not revealed any mutually significant market response to the selected events, since some of the firms faced positive cumulative abnormal returns, while the others encountered negative ones. At the same time, an empirical study showed evidence of significant negative effect on the market value for several companies. It can be argued that the deoffshorization impact on companies depends to a large extent on the offshore structure they use. Companies that are significantly exposed to deoffshorization need to adjust their strategy in order to counter potential negative consequences of this process
PRICING POLICIES FOR HIGH DEMAND DATA COMMUNICATIONS, THE CASE OF ALBANIA
Authors: Malolli Irena
Published: October 2017

Mobile data traffic has dramatically increased during the recent years. The high demand for data communication increased the challenges for network operators. Communication Network operators are investing to provide more capacities and they are looking for innovative ways to cope with increased market demand for broadband data communication.The liberalization of the telecommunication market and the competition put the operators under pressure to keep high quality services with low cost. New pricing policies are introduced in order to maintain market share and keep their users in a competitive market. The battle with OTT makes the situation more critical.This article will analyze the situation in the field of data communication, compare different instruments which are used or are under development in different countries and in Albania. The article will analyze the pricing policies used for data communication as a solution to cope with the high demand of data traffic. The article will identify some critical issues on these practices, draw conclusions and give some recommendations on the proper ways to keep the right balance between technical and commercial solutions and user experience/satisfaction.
FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY PENSION SYSTEMS IN THE FACE OF DEMOGRAPHIC RISKS
Authors: Nepp Alexander , Okrah James
Published: October 2017

The ongoing distribution of the pension system is on the threshold of losing its sustainability, financially, which has produced a deficit in the budget of the Pension Fund of the Russian Federation and the deflection of pension funds to the distribution system in 2014. This situation was to some extent caused by demographic risks. Funded systems could become the main instrument for mitigating the demographic problem of the distribution pension system. But the problem is, these systems are unprotected to demographic risks as well.The paper examines the effect of demographic uncertainty on funded pension systems. It describes the process necessary for the financial sustainability of a funded pension system under the force of demographic and macroeconomic factors. It explores the conformity of Russian funded pension systems and that of OECD countries with the status of financial sustainability in the time from 1958 to 2012, making a prognosis for the financial viability prospects.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE ACTIVITY OF ENTREPRENEURS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
Authors: Oparin Sergey , Chepachenko Nikolay , YudenkĐľ Marina
Published: October 2017

This paper reports on a study of the methodological principles and roles of social institutions in controlling business activities. The level of their administrative interference in business activities is analyzed, particularly regarding administrative barriers restricting business in the construction sector. The study concludes that social institutions, on the one hand, reduce economic risks of entrepreneurship and encourage the fulfilling of formal norms. However, on the other hand, they perform a restrictive function, increasing entrepreneursâ€™ transactional costs. The paper provides examples of informal norms that restrict entrepreneurial activity in the construction field, with a conclusion about non-systemic business support measures.
MODEL FOR ASSESSMENT OF HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONSâ€™ COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: Pashkus Vadim , Pashkus Natalie , Chemlyakova Asya
Published: October 2017

This article discusses competitiveness of public health institutions, which relates to their market position as ranked by various entities (including government). For this purpose, a model of competitive positioning is designed for assessing healthcare organizations. This model allows one to assess the level of competitiveness of a medical organization, evaluate its market positioning, and develop a strategy for furthering its development using features of their position provided by the model
THE ROLE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIESâ€™ CLUSTERS IN GROSS VALUE ADDED GENERATION IN THE BALTIC STATES
Authors: RubÄŤinskaitÄ— Rima , KasnauskienÄ— GindrutÄ—
Published: October 2017

: Economic globalization affects regional development through different economic value creation chains. The structure of regional economic activitiesâ€™ groups and size of clusters could also influence the structure and size of gross value added in a particular region. This paper examines the impact of the main labor force indicators on the generated gross value added in diverse economic activities in the Baltic States and the neighbor regions of Finland and Poland in the period of 2000-2013 according to Eurostat data. The research has shown that the structure of economic activities clusters in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) significantly differs from the neighboring regions of Poland and Finland. We also found that the labour force input has a significant impact on the following economic activitiesâ€™ clusters in the Baltic States: â€śIndustry (except construction)â€ť, â€śWholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food service activitiesâ€ť, â€śConstructionâ€ť, â€śProfessional, scientific and technical activities; administrative and support service activitiesâ€ť, â€śFinancial and insurance activitiesâ€ť, â€śArts, entertainment and recreation; other service activities; activities of household and extra-territorial organisations and bodiesâ€ť. The impact of the labor force on generated gross value added differs in diverse economic activities. The authors believe that the results of this study could be useful for policy makers in building more progressive national and regional economic development strategies.
SELECTED ASPECTS OF SUBSISTENCE MINIMUM IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: SuhĂˇnyiovĂˇ AlĹľbeta , SuhĂˇnyi Ladislav
Published: October 2017

The subsistence minimum is a socially recognized minimum level of income for a person; any person whose income is below this level is considered to be in material need. It is one of the key elements of socio-political interventions; in that it binds with important functions in different areas. The level of minimum wage in Slovakia has not changed for the last four years, and now, this issue is a subject of extensive discussions in professional and scientific circles. The paper describes the subsistence minimum and presents the significant legislative changes that affect the functions of the subsistence minimum. The paper analyses, examines, and evaluates the development of the subsistence minimum of: an adult natural person, of another jointly assessed adult person, of non-dependent underage children, and of dependent children â€“ in the period from 1998 to 2016 (the present). The paper also reflects on the current situation in dealing with the issue of the subsistence minimum and its impact on selected social benefits and personal income taxes in Slovakia. The results of the research helped us to propose recommendations on the issue of setting the subsistence minimum and the whole issue as such.
THE PROGRAM â€śFAMILY 500 PLUSâ€ť â€“ IMPLICATIONS FOR HOUSEHOLD FINANCE IN POLAND
Authors: WiĹ›niewska Agnieszka , MusiaĹ‚ Marta , Ĺšwiecka Beata
Published: October 2017

Household finance is heavily dependent on the phase of a familyâ€™s development. As the family grows, the household's financial needs change. Young Poles choose not to create families, mostly because of their financial situations. In order to increase the number of births, the "Family 500+" program was introduced in Poland, where parents can receive a benefit of 500,00 PLN (about 120 euros) per month for a second and every further child. It is indicated that the effects of the 500+ program are both positive and negative. Some effects of the program are already visible, although many forecasts have not yet been confirmed in the statistics due to the short duration of the program. The purpose of the article is to identify the impact of the government's family policy program: "Family 500+," introduced in April 2016. This article describes the assumptions and instruments of family policy in Poland, a description of the assumptions of the "Family 500+" program and the implications for household finances in Poland in terms of consumption, income, debt, the labor market or poverty.
MANAGEMENT OF STAFF FLUCTUATION IN TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES
Authors: Tsonkova Asya Grigorova
Published: October 2017

The dynamic transport business and the ever-growing competition on the market for transport services increase the significance not just of staff management but of effective staff management as well. The staff is an inseparable part of both resources and enterprise structure however, it should be underlined that it is the most complex and most difficult one to manage, plan, organize and control. The main key factor for the success of a transport enterprise is its employees and workers. Given the ever-growing supply of transport services, customer criteria regarding their quality grow as well. European transport firms constantly strive to implement special approaches, principles and methods in the management of human resources with the purpose of improving the quality of the services they offer. However, one of the primary and an especially serious issue related to staff management in transport firms remains staff fluctuation. It is an essential part of financial relations and an indispensable component of the complex PR system. The present report studies the issues related to staff management and fluctuation within transport firms.
BĂNFFY CASTLE, SĂ‚NCRAI (ROMANIA) - PROPOSAL FOR LANDSCAPE REHABILITATION
Authors: Borca Ioana
Published: October 2017

The 200 year old BĂˇnffy Castle exists as architectural evidence of the Hungarian nobility with significant importance in the garden history of Romania. The Renaissance style, late Baroque influence, and Neoclassic accents characterize the landmark, which has surpassed, through restoration, the test of time, and has since revitalized the social life in the nearby village. A cultural and physical message has already been highlighted by reconverting the ruin into a functional space, but a current approach to support the landscape as a local patrimony is lacking. This article discusses a reconstruction study of a green area within the historic garden, by analyzing another example of a BĂˇnffy domain in Transylvania. The need for patrimonial protection of architecture, and landscape has great value in sustaining a local memory. This paper concludes with a discussion on the impact of garden rehabilitation in Modern Age.
DIDACTIC PARAMETER OF LANGUAGE LITERACY IN THE BULGARIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL
Authors: Borisova Tanya
Published: October 2017

This article summarizes the main conclusions about the state of reading literacy of students in the same class in a Bulgarian school and the correspondence between the international criteria for establishing reading literacy of the students. A study, based on the longitudinal method, outlining the didactic parameters of reading literacy in the Bulgarian school was conducted. Emphasis is placed on the needed changes regarding overcoming the problems in the education in reading literacy of Bulgarian students, its limits and variety in its improvement; the correlations which exist between the results of the national external assessment (NEA) of the students in the subject of Bulgarian language and literature of the fourth, seventh and twelfth grade.
THE POWER OF PROJECT BASED LEARNING: EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION TO DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Dimmitt Nicholas
Published: October 2017

Can a project based learning (PBL) pedagogy improve critical thinking skills in first-year university students? This was the research question that drove this action research investigation. The purpose of this study was to find the best practice pedagogy to improve critical thinking skills for college students. A literature review examined the themes of PBL best practices, millennial student learning styles, and critical thinking pedagogy. Methodology included a student survey to better understand the needs for university level, critical thinking skills. The potential effectiveness of a PBL approach to improve the critical thinking needs and challenges of these students was analyzed. The results indicate that a PBL method can provide students with effective techniques for improving self-reliant, critical thinking skills. The paper concludes with recommendations for best PBL practices and strategies for developing independent, critical thinking abilities which are essential for students to be successful in their academic endeavors.
A SURVEY INTO THE SATISFACTION OF NURSING STUDENTS WITH THEIR PRACTICAL TRAINING
Authors: Dragusheva Snezhana , Tornyova Biyanka , Semerdjieva Maria , Novakova Silviya
Published: October 2017

The training nursing students in the Republic of Bulgaria confirms with the contemporary European requirements. The training is theoretical and practical, with the practical training accounting for at least 50% of the total number of hours in the specialty. The practical training includes clinical practice and pre-graduation traineeship, which complies with the Ordinance on the Unified state requirements regarding the training of nurses. The clinical practice and the pre-graduation traineeship involve a total duration of 2740 hours for students majoring in Nursing (Ordinance on the Unified state requirements). The level of satisfaction of these nursing students is an important indicator of the quality of the practical training. The study involved a sociological method of direct group survey involving an original set of questions with one developed specifically for this survey and others adapted from the questionnaire on job satisfaction of the Institute of Psychology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. This questionnaire on satisfaction comprises 36 statements with three subscales: 1) work organization or organization of the practical training; 2) social-psychological conditions; and 3) material. The approach uses a Likert-type scale from 1 to 4 (1 = â€śnoâ€ť, 2 = â€śto a certain extentâ€ť, 3= â€śvery muchâ€ť, and 4 = â€śextremelyâ€ť) to score responses. The opinion of 280 fourth-year nursing students from three universities: the Medical University of Plovdiv, Trakia University of Stara Zagora, and â€Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarovâ€™ University of Burgas, is surveyed. The analysis of the results from the conducted empirical survey shows that in their professional activity the surveyed students are primarily motivated by love and care for people (78.8%) followed by the desire to perform an activity that is beneficial to society (63.3%). Then follows the respect on behalf of patients, the team, and society as a whole (52.5%) and subsequently, the emotional attractiveness of the work reflected in the desire to do work that brings pleasure and joy (job satisfaction; 42.4%). The level of student satisfaction with their practical training depends on the organizational-educational, social-psychological, and material and technical conditions of the hospital environment. The analysis of the survey data confirms the significant role of practical training for the professional qualification of these nursing students. However, certain negative trends are also identified. These trends are connected with the satisfaction of the students concerning the procedures they have the opportunity to perform, their relationships with their mentors and medical teams, and that at times they are required to perform inappropriate activities. This calls for increased control on behalf of the tutors.
THE CHALLENGES AND TRENDS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: GrenÄŤĂ­kovĂˇ Adriana , Ĺ pankovĂˇ Jana , PetruĹˇovĂˇ Dagmar
Published: October 2017

The aim of this paper is to study the developments and trends in higher education. The mission of universities is to develop harmonious personality, knowledge, wisdom, goodness, and creativity in a person and to contribute to the development of education, science, culture and health for the welfare of the whole society. It is necessary to pay attention to changing trends in the labor market in connection with the introduction of new technologies and the creation of new jobs as well as the changing requirements of employers in order to fulfill this mission. Despite falling unemployment, it is still necessary to pay significant attention to the preparation of the new workforce which enters the labor market and mainly to the education of a highly qualified workforce that is required by the labor market. The authors are dedicated to education itself as well as educational trends, they sought to underpin the theoretical background of education through statistical indicators. The authors used a time series analysis for the identification of trends and changes of the monitored parameters. They used a regression analysis for the prognosis of trends and have been using the index of correlation and determination for the choice of the most probable future development.It is essential that the training of the workforce for the labor market and the education sector respond to the changes in a flexible manner. The conventional way of education will become substandard over several years, not only the content but also a technological transformation will be required.
A QUARTER CENTURY OF NATO-RUSSIA RELATIONS
Authors: Iulian Raluca Iulia
Published: October 2017

: After the end of the Cold War, in the new international context, two important actors emerged on the international scene, namely NATO and the Russian Federation. The cooperation between them was a necessity to ensure and strengthen a climate of security and peace in Europe and all over the world. In the new challenges of the security environment, NATO was turned from a purely defensive military alliance for Europe into a political and military alliance that can act wherever needed around the globe. The Russian Federation, the successor of the former USSR and inheritor of its military arsenal, has initiated a transition process towards democracy and market economy. Russia has acted permanently to establish a special relationship with the Alliance, different from that with the other Central and Eastern European countries. The relations NATO-Russia followed a continuous development from 1991 to 2008, with periods of crisis, but hopes of establishing a productive partnership. Then, they went into decline, and in April 2014 they were suspended. The Alliance and Russia have different views on European and global security issues. After 25 years of NATO-Russia relations, this paper aims to point out the main aspects of the stages from 1991 until now and analyze the reasons why the collaboration is not yet productive and cooperative, as shown by recent events.
Hydronephrotic kidney with multiple extra-renal calyces
Authors: Rajendran S , Cho A , Mishra P , Cherian A
Published: October 2017

Extra-renal calyces are a rare anomaly of the renal collecting system, characterised by the presence of calyces and pelvis outside the renal parenchyma. It may also be associated with other anomalies, such as renal ectopia, fusion and malrotation. We describe an unusual case of extra-renal calyces with six long calyces arising from a suspected multicystic dysplastic kidney that was successfully managed laparoscopically.
Surgical placement of rectus sheath catheters in a cadaveric cystectomy model
Authors: Chedgy ECP , Lowe G , Tang R , Krebs C , Sawka A , Vaghadia H , Gleave ME , SO AI
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Surgically inserted rectus sheath catheters (RSCs) are used increasingly for analgesia after cystectomy and other abdominal surgery. Currently, there is little information on the optimal positioning of RSCs to allow maximal spread of local anaesthetic. This study sought to assess the spread of dye injected via RSCs and to highlight the extent of its coverage in a fresh unembalmed cadaveric cystectomy model in order to confirm the nerve endings that are likely to be anaesthetised with RSCs.

Methods

Four cadavers underwent lower midline incision with limited bladder mobilisation. A RSC was inserted into the eight hemiabdomens. The RSCs were positioned either anterior (n=5) or posterior to the rectus muscle (n=3). Dye was injected down the RSCs to evaluate spread. The eight hemiabdomens were dissected anatomically to determine the surface area of dye spread and nerve root involvement.

Results

The mean surface area of dye spread with anteriorly placed RSCs was 30.6cm2 anterior and 25.9cm2 posterior to the rectus muscle. The mean surface area of dye spread with posteriorly placed RSCs was 11.3cm2 anterior and 37.3cm2 posterior to the rectus muscle. The mean number of nerve roots stained with anteriorly and posteriorly placed RSCs was 3.8 and 2.7 respectively. Subcutaneous spread of dye was seen with one anterior RSC insertion. Peritoneal spread was seen with one anteriorly positioned RSC.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated efficient nerve root infiltration with anteriorly and posteriorly positioned RSCs. It appears that dye spreads between the fibres of the rectus muscle rather than out laterally to the nerve roots when spreading from its initial compartment.