bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farmers' willingness to participate in Forest Management for Carbon Sequestration on the Sloping Land Conservation Program in China
Authors: Yang F. , Jiang Y. , Paudel K.P.
Published: June 2021

Forest Management for Carbon Sequestration (FMCS) on the Sloping Land Conservation Program (SLCP) helps to promote afforestation, improve the economic wellbeing of small farmers, and helps them to cope with climate change. Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this paper examines
farmers' willingness to participate from five dimensions: evaluation of result, result belief, normative belief, motivation to comply, and control belief. Results show that 1) farmers' willingness to participate in FMCS on the SLCP land is not high; 2) evaluation of result, result belief,
normative belief, and motivation to comply all significantly affect farmers' participation willingness; and 3) the participation willingness of farmers varies between different genders and ages. This study provides a decision-making basis for the implementation of FMCS in China. Results also
have implications for the adoption of FMCS programs in other developing countries.
Making operational plans relevant to forest user groups in the Mid-Hills of Nepal
Authors: Puri L. , Nuberg I. , Ostendorf B. , Cedamon E.
Published: June 2021

Operational plans are a key element in community forestry in Nepal. However, the relevance of these plans to forest user groups (FUGs) is under scrutiny. This study investigates the usefulness of operational plans against the backdrop of knowledge, capacity and management practices
of FUGs. Data were collected from 13 operational plans, 16 group discussions involving forestry professionals, and 218 household interviews in two villages of Lamjung district in Nepal. Whereas operational plans should specifically reflect site specific objectives and activities of forest
management, the survey revealed identical objectives across the community forests. Current operational plans are technically complex, poorly linked to the place-based context of livelihood needs and less useful to the FUGs to inform and enhance forest management. This study proposes to differentiate
community forests according to their production potentials, and revise the operational plans by shortening the elements that have little or no relevance to the FUGs.
Erosion in Low to High Plasticity Silts and Clays due to Floodwall Overtopping
Authors: Osouli Abdolreza , Nassiri Sina
Published: June 2021

Floodwall overtopping erodes the levee surface. A better understanding of the erosion rate of levee-floodwall systems is crucial for designing such structures. Scouring induced by overtopping during storm events can cause failure of these geo-structures. In this study, the contributing factors such as floodwall height, soil characteristics, and hydraulic characteristics of overtopped flow are considered to predict erosion rates for such levees built with fine-grained soils. Using over 60 simulated scaled levee-floodwall test results, the effect of the contributing parameters on soil erosion are described and quantified. The tested soils had relatively wide ranges of plasticity index (non-plastic (NP) to 40 %), degree of compaction (70 to 90 %), and degree of saturation (15 to 85 %). Various scales of the floodwalls (1:20 to 1:2) and overtopped flow velocities (FV) (0.2 to 0.6 m/s) were used. The response of soils with high plasticity and low plasticity was different to erosion. Highly plastic soils experienced sloughing and more resistance toward erosion, whereas in low plastic soils scour developed. Also, the erosion rates are more sensitive to plasticity index and floodwall height than degree of compaction or degree of saturation. Using the lab-scaled simulation results, a prediction model was developed to estimate erosion rates. The developed model was used to estimate the erosion rates in three case histories and compared with measured values. The limitations and advantages of the model were analyzed and discussed.
Accelerated Creep Testing of Inconel 718 Using the Stepped Isostress Method (SSM)
Authors: Stewart Calvin M. , Hossain Md Abir , Pellicotte Jacob , Mach Robert , Alexander David , Siddiqui Sanna F.
Published: June 2021

This paper demonstrates the stepped isostress method (SSM), an accelerated creep test (ACT) for the rapid assessment of metallic materials. The SSM test is based on the time-temperature-stress superposition principle in which temperature, stress, or both, are step increased to accelerate the time to rupture. The SSM test has proven successful for the ACT of polymers and polymeric composites but has yet to be proven for metallic materials. In this study, new test matrix design rules for the SSM of metals are established based on deformation mechanism, time-temperature transformation, and time-temperature precipitation maps. A test matrix of SSM and conventional creep tests (CCTs) are executed for alloy Inconel 718 at 750°C (1,382°F) with stress levels ranging from 100 to 350 MPa. Validation CCT data are gathered from the Japan National Institute of Material Science. Material constants for the Sine-hyperbolic (Sinh) constitutive model are calibrated using the SSM data and employed to predict the conventional creep response. When blindly compared with the CCT data, the SSM-calibrated Sinh model can accurately predict the conventional creep response across logarithmic decades and, thus, accelerate the capture of conventional creep data. Fractography indicates ductile fracture by transgranular microvoid coalescence with the same fracture mode observed in both SSM and CCT specimens. Creep cavitation is indicated by the population, smoothness, and size of microvoids.
Utopijny uniwersytet dla realistów
Authors:   Instytut Podstaw Informatyki Polska Akademia Nauk, Blikle Andrzej J.
Published: June 2021

It is known that parametric measures such as the Journal Index Factor or Hirsh Index provoke negative consequences in academic communities, significantly lowering job satisfaction and quality. A "game with algorithms" replaces researchers and academic teacher ethos, frequently leading to frustration and scientific misconduct. This situation is analyzed and compared with similar phenomena in business caused by so-called "motivations systems" colloquially called "stick and carrot." Since about 1980, several experts in management like E. Demming, A. Kohn, P. Senge, or M. Kossewski, point out a highly destructive role of these methods. Also, more and more organizations implement new management styles known as well-being, holacracy, participatory management, or teal self-organization. The main message of the paper is that it is worth considering similar approaches in academic communities. The author hopes that his voice will at least provoke a discussion on that matter.
Rosnąca rola informacji patentowej w zarządzaniu
Authors:   Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie, Strojny Mariusz Tomasz
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this article is to show the benefits of the systematic use of patent information in management. The author describes the most important patent information databases - both publicly available and commercial ones. Several guidelines have been presented to facilitate the use of patent information databases by applying different types of patent classification. The article indicates the vital role of the information in patent databases and proves that intellectual property management should be included in every CEO's agenda.
Narzędzia do automatycznego streszczania tekstów w języku polskim. Stan badań naukowych i prac wdrożeniowych
Authors:   Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach, Glenc Piotr
Published: June 2021

The goal of the publication is to present the state of research and works carried out in Poland on the issue of automatic text summarization. The author describes principal theoretical and methodological issues related to automatic summary generation followed by the outline of the selected works on the automatic abstracting of Polish texts. The author also provides three examples of IT tools that generate summaries of texts in Polish (Summarize, Resoomer, and NICOLAS) and their characteristics derived from the conducted experiment, which included quality assessment of generated summaries using ROUGE-N metrics. The results of both actions showed a deficiency of tools allowing to automatically create summaries of Polish texts, especially in the abstractive approach. Most of the proposed solutions are based on the extractive method, which uses parts of the original text to create its abstract. There is also a shortage of tools generating one common summary of many text documents and specialized tools generating summaries of documents related to specific subject areas. Moreover, it is necessary to intensify works on creating the corpora of Polish-language text summaries, which the computer scientists could apply to evaluate their newly developed tools.
Samoświadomość nauczycieli wczesnej edukacji w kontekście diagnozowania dyskalkulii rozwojowej
Authors:   Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny w Krakowie, Szkolak-Stępień Anna
Published: June 2021

The article concerns the self-awareness of diagnostic competence of early childhood education teachers in the field of identifying students' risk of facing specific difficulties in learning mathematics. Modern times impose on the teacher increasingly complex tasks, requiring new professional competence, which includes incorporating new teaching methods, methodological considerations, and new professional performance quality. That, in turn, raises the questions concerning the state of preparation of early childhood education teachers to recognize and meet the developmental and educational needs of the student resulting from specific difficulties in learning mathematics as well as the competencies they need and should develop. The overriding goal of the author's research was to find answers to these questions using the diagnostic survey method with the survey technique conducted among 112 early childhood education teachers. In this article, only one aspect of the research is presented, which refers to teachers' self-awareness of the discussed competences. Based on the conducted study, we can conclude that the examined teachers of early education feel prepared to conduct pedagogical activities aimed at recognizing in their students the risk of developing specific difficulties in learning mathematics.
Effect of Increasing Spindle Speed at a Constant Chip Load on Cutting Force Behaviour of Hastelloy X
Authors: Mohd Nor Nor Aznan , Baharudin BT Hang Tuah , A Ghani Jaharah , Mohd Ariffin Mohd Khairol Anuar , Leman Zulkiflle , Ismail ‪Napsiah , Ginting ‪Armansyah
Published: June 2021

Cutting force is vital in machining nickel-based superalloys due to their excellent mechanical properties, thus creating difficulty in cutting. In the current scenario of metal machining, milling processes require high spindle speed and low chip load, which result in a low cutting force. However, low chip load not only result in low cutting force but also result in a low material removal rate (MRR). It is contrary to the ultimate high-speed machining (HSM) goal, which is to improve productivity and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, the emergence of an approach for achieving simultaneous low cutting force and high MRR is crucial. This paper presents the effect of increasing spindle speed at a constant chip load on the cutting force of Hastelloy X during half-immersion up-milling and half-immersion down-milling. In both half-immersions, the simulation results and experimental results are in good agreement. The percentage contribution of feed force, normal force and axial force to the resultant force can be arranged descendingly from high to low as axial force > normal force > axial force. Moreover, feed force, normal force, axial force and resultant force have a U-shaped behaviour. The spindle speed of 24,100 rpm and a chip load of 0.019 mm/tooth were found to achieve both low cutting force and high MRR.
Study of Cross-Combination and Square-Combination Configuration Magnetic Field on Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
Authors: Sunar Baskoro Ario , Amat Mohammad Azwar , Arisoni Bethanivitra
Published: June 2021

In this study, cross-combination and square-combination configuration of the permanent external magnet were used in tungsten inert gas welding process. The external magnetic field effect to the arc plasma was observed using two cameras from the front view and side view. The depth of penetration and weld profile was investigated after welding. In this study, two types of magnets were employed; a 3 mm magnet with intensity ranging from 270-280 mT and a 5 mm magnet with 400-415 mT. Each configuration has three sub-configurations: forward, backward, and side, so there were 12 parameters in this study. The result shows that a cross-combination 5 mm magnet can increase weld penetration in any position, forward, backward or side deflection, and improve the depth-to-width ratio, however using 3 mm magnet did not influence the penetration significantly. Cross-combination has more stiffness and stability of the arc than square-combination. Most configurations have the same size weld bead width. Square combinations had fluctuated result, stiffness and stability of the arc was poor. This investigation aims to enlarge our understanding of the magnetic field effect on the arc plasma and the weld profile. In future, the arc blow effect from the external magnetic field can be controlled and regulated to improve TIG welding performance.
Telemedicine assists in the management of proatherogenic dyslipidemia and postprandial glucose variability in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cheng Po-Chung , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: June 2021

Objective. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a prevalent complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The proatherogenic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is an established risk factor of cardiovascular disease, and evidence also suggests that postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) levels closely delineate CHD mortality in diabetes. The investigators hypothesized that the addition of telehealth consultation to standard antidiabetic therapy may help to reduce postprandial glucose variability and plasma LDL cholesterol levels in patients with T2DM.

Methods. This cross-sectional study enrolled patients with newly diagnosed T2DM who received standard antidiabetic therapy with or without additional telehealth consultation. Participants received blood tests for plasma lipid profile and glucose levels at diagnosis of diabetes and after one month of therapeutic intervention. Laboratory results were compared between treatment groups to determine the efficacy of complementary telehealth consultation.

Results. Three hundred and seventy-five participants were enrolled. The standard treatment group had considerably greater levels of plasma LDL cholesterol than recipients of telehealth consultation (110 mg/dL vs. 93.1 mg/dL, P<0.001). Moreover, patients receiving standard treatment had greater levels of fasting plasma glucose (104 mg/dL vs. 98.5 mg/dL, P = 0.027), 2-hour PPG (169 mg/dL vs. 111 mg/dL, P<0.001), and postprandial glucose variability (65.4 mg/dL vs. 12.8 mg/dL, P<0.001) than participants under telehealth consultation.

Conclusions. Telemedicine in addition to standard antidiabetic therapy helped to reduce plasma LDL cholesterol levels and postprandial glucose variability in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. Therefore, telehealth consultation is a suitable complement to pharmacologic therapy for diabetic patients to assist in the management of proatherogenic dyslipidemia and postprandial glucose variability.
Toward a new energy paradigm in geography: revisiting the curriculum and teaching practices
Authors: MAŽEIKIENĖ NATALIJA , Norkutė Odeta
Published: June 2021

Aim. The aim of the article is to investigate how energy topics are presented in the geography curriculum in Lithuania and how school geography becomes an educational response to the current global challenges related to energy production and consumption.

Methods. The article presents research using several methods: review of literature on energy geography and energy literacy, analysis of Lithuanian national curriculum for geography, content analysis of 14 geography textbooks for forms 6–12, expert interview with 9 geography teachers.

Results. The empirical research reveals that the national curriculum and textbooks still represent the old energy paradigm with a profound focus on fossil fuel and nuclear energy resources. Meanwhile, the new energy paradigm is realised in the teaching of experienced and qualified teachers who, in addition to the new green energy economy, emphasise environmental and social issues of energy use.

Conclusions. The conclusions include observations on necessary changes in teaching energy geography: on the one hand, by revising the formal curriculum and textbooks and integrating concepts of energy literature and new energy developments; on the other hand, by initiating changes in primary and continuous teacher education. Professional development of teachers could include new energy topics, new teaching and learning sources (political debates in media, TV, strategic energy development documents), new teaching and learning strategies and methods.
Different Approaches to Desing of the Group Traning in Adult Learning
Authors: Grabovska Sofiia , Grebin Nataliia , Karkovska Ruslana
Published: June 2021

Aim. The aim of the study is a description of the types of training designs, based on various classification criteria and illustrated by examples from the authors’ own practice.
Methods. We used theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific information, as well as modelling the training structure.
Results and Conclusions. It was proposed to classify the designs of group training, depending either on the internal logic of the teaching material or on the external organisation of the training. Regarding the logic of presentation certain designs, through the analysis of existing learning approaches, are proposed of training, based on different logic: presentation of information, assimilation of information, B. Bloom's taxonomy, and  competencies formation. Using these designs, it is possible to construct either the whole training or its separate parts (thematic blocks, exercises). The external organisation of the training includes design of the sum of exercises, or of a coherent story.
Modern Migration Crisis in Europe and the Role of Diasporas in Combating the Mutual Hostility between Newcomers and Host Society
Authors: Alaverdov Emilia
Published: June 2021

Aim. The goal of the paper is to analyse the constantly growing scale of migration and its impact on the European political and social sphere; to show the concern of European politicians and society about the newcomers, which leads to social hostility and unpredictable situations. There is a concern that migrants, being representatives of different cultural environments and religions, will bring social disharmony, raise the crime rate and terrorism in Europe and cause a certain threats to European society.
Methods. The basis of the paper are the following research methods – statistical, descriptive and analytical, which represent certain sources: the study courses and books, scientific papers, empirical materials, published on official websites and documents in the field of migration and its policy.
Results and conclusion. Modern migration is complicated by the strong emotional reaction and hostile attitude of European society, which has a direct negative impact on the European political situation and society itself. The situation has become even more complex by the fact that the migrants are mostly from Islamic countries with strong religious ideology and cultural roots that create serious obstacles for their integration. Here it is worthy of highlighting the role of Diasporas and their impact on the integrational processes.
Cognitive value. It appears that the 21st century has become the era of migration. Thus, the representatives of all social sciences are paying attention to the study of this unusually complex phenomenon. Yet, despite the significant interest of researchers, for politicians, and the civic sector the phenomena of migration still is not studied properly.
Selected modifiable lifestyle areas influencing diseases of the digestive
Authors: Ślósarz Dominika , Kempiński Radosław , Jakubowska Luba
Published: June 2021

Thesis. The multifactor aetiology of the diseases of the digestive system is frequently connected with lifestyle, including diet, exposure to stress, and alcohol consumption. These factors are part of the modifiable factors influencing state of health, and the presentation of their influence on the pathogenesis of the diseases of the digestive system may lead to increased social awareness, improved health, and decreased healthcare expenditures.
            Concept. The article is a review, presenting the results of latest research on the influence of selected behavioural factors (health behaviours) in the functioning of the digestive system.
            Results and conclusion. In order to prevent diseases of the digestive system Mediterranean diet, reduction of alcohol consumption, and looking after emotional wellbeing and physical fitness are recommended. The understanding of health as looking after and enrichment of resources, rather than a lack of illness, is connected with patients’ responsibility for their own health. Frequently, it is only with the diagnosis of an illness that patients decide to change their behaviour. Meanwhile, healthy lifestyle ought also to be understood as one of the most significant elements of the prevention of diseases of the digestive system. Such understanding is part of the paradigm of behavioural gastroenterology(Jia, Jiang, & Liu, 2017), whose representatives emphasise that it is important for healthy lifestyle and psychological factors to be taken into account in treatment as well as diagnosis, rehabilitation, and prophylactics of the diseases of the digestive system.
Online studying instructional measures at the International Relations Department of the National University of Ostroh Academy
Authors: Avhustiuk Mariia , Tymeichuk Iryna , Konopka Natalia , Sakhniuk Oksana , Balashov Eduard
Published: June 2021

Aim. The paper’s aim is to present some current specific online studying instructional measures at the International Relations Department of the National University of Ostroh Academy in Ukraine.Methods. The study is devoted to the observation of some theoretical and methodological aspects of the peculiarities of online studying measures at the International Relations Department. The theoretical and comparative methods of analysing the peculiarities of online studying have been taken into account. In order to summarise the currentonline studying experiences at the International Relations Department, some specific instructional measures for both students and teachers are presented, for example: how to handle the lack of interaction, master self-learning, promote self-regulation strategies and become more strategic thinkers.. The necessity of studying the above-mentionedaspects has been caused by their impact on students’ learning activity, especially in the times of COVID-19 pandemic.Results and conclusions. The focal point of this research is to provide an insight into the background of online studying peculiarities through the prism of Ukrainian teachers and students. The analysis is focused on online studying of foreign languages, as well as the possible online teaching methods of professional disciplines (History of International Relations; Foreign Policy of the Countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America; International Conflicts; Current Problems of International Relations in the Middle East) at the International Relations Department. What is more, the authors outline how to help students deal with the lack of interaction, master self-learning, promote self-regulation strategies and become more strategic thinkers. The authors also highlight possible challenges for the faculty and suggest ways to overcome those difficulties. Moreover, some major prerequisites of students’ self-regulatory online learning are described.
Contribution. The results of the study are instrumental in mastering the peculiarities of online studying through the prism of learning at the International Relations Department of the National University of Ostroh Academy (Ukraine). The findings of this study may be considered important and contribute to future research.
Mocking and Making: Subjugation and Suppression of Marginalized and the Politics of Identity
Authors: Alam Sohaib , Khalid Sadaf , Ahmad Farhan , Keezhatta Muhammed Salim
Published: June 2021

Aim. The present study aims at foregrounding the importance of language and discourses advanced to suppress the voices of dissent and minorities. The subtle art of stimulating a psychologically suppressed identity or subjective violence is either through making or mocking historical facts, cultures, and human activities manifesting the concept of authoritarian democracy. Further, the aim of the study is to grasp the sense of constraints between universality and particularity that denounces the ‘reassertion of identity,’ among Indian Muslims. Moreover, the study judiciously examines disguised ‘mechanisms’ employed under authoritarian politics, tech-populism and journalism intending to promote businesses, dissemination of misinformation and contributes to creating an apocryphal human history, social alienation, and to discrediting an individual’s spontaneity.Concept. The innate unity in a democratic society can be actualised either by envisaging or by translating the texts, thoughts, language and actions, which are altogether conceiving distinctive meanings to morality, ethnicity and culture having its relevance in the contemporary context. The paper features multiple trends/cases of how a single-party monologue has weakened pluralism along with the domination of othering the ‘Others’ under racial, cultural, and national particularism. The paper qualitatively investigates different incidents of transcreation of discourse in establishing or reclaiming the identity contextualised in Frantz Fanon’s declaration of ‘reclaiming the past.’Results and conclusion. An ingenious discussion on dynamic languages, cultures and action enriches with time and individual incidents are discussed in the study. It re-evaluates the significance of revisiting the history to reclaim, reform, and reconstruct malleable identity and ideologies that take years to build, improvise and restore diversityabove majoritarian dogmatism in India. 
Originality. An inquiry into how thoughts, languages, and human action intertwined are to build a complaisant or contemptuous human identity is the idea behind the article. Indeed, the study’s originality depends on sorting and revisiting numerous dimensions of translation and transcreation of languages, linguistic structure, ideology,and political intent in recent times, either subjugating or falsifying facts against the marginalized in India. The attempt is based on analyzing how the shift in knowledge, culture and social identity construction supersede the less powerful. It is practiced through utilizing tech support, popular mass culture and evolves a discourse to manipulate andmobilize human consciousness for commercial and political gains.
The Internet - a risk-taking space for university students
Authors: Wylęgły Kamila
Published: June 2021

Aim. The purpose of this article is to analyse risky behaviours undertaken by university students on the Internet.
Theory. The concepts of “risk” and “risky behaviour” are known and often discussed in science. Krzysztof Ostaszewski (2005) defines risky behaviours as actions that contradict social norms and legal order, which at the same time pose a threat to a person's health and development. The catalogue of risky behaviours is very diverse and—more importantly—open. With the development of civilisation, new forms appear. Examples include risky behaviours on the Internet.
Methodology and research results. The study population sample consisted of 241 university students. The research was conducted using an online survey questionnaire. The respondents admitted to taking risks in the virtual world. A large percentage of respondents admit to sharing private information on social networks (almost 70%). Nearly 75% of respondents ignore communications about potential threats to websites, putting themselves at risk of losing sensitive data. Moreover, 65.1% of students admit to downloading content from illegal sources. Other risky behaviours undertaken by students on the Internet include Internet addiction and online activities, aggression on the Internet, sexual and/or erotic behaviour in cyberspace. The paper also presents the answers to open-ended questions, which refer to threats on the Internet as perceived by the students. The answers given most often referred to: addiction to new technologies, loss/theft of private data, vulnerability to false/unverified information available on the Internet.
Cognitive value. Online risk-taking is a global problem. The phenomenon should be further theoretically considered and analysed in a pedagogical practice.
Cooperative learning issues in elementary education: a Lithuanian case study
Authors: Jakavonytė-Staškuvienė Daiva , Žemgulienė Aušra , Sakadolskis Emilija
Published: June 2021

Aim. Cooperative learning (CL) is a widely recognised pedagogical practice which involves students working together to achieve common goals that they could not complete individually. Johnson and Johnson are among the main theorists behind the movement. In 1994 they announced five elements essential for the successful incorporation of CL in the classroom: (a) positive interdependence; (b) face-to-face promotive interaction; (c) individual and group accountability; (d) interpersonal and small group social skills; (e) group processing. In this study we seek to understand how primary school teachers implement cooperative learning and include the above-mentioned aspects in their classes.
Methods. The qualitative case study was conducted at a primary school in Vilnius, Lithuania. Two lessons were recorded, transcribed, and analysed to gather evidence concerning variables that mediate cooperative learning. The teachers planned the lessons together, using the principles that are outlined in a professional development method called Japanese lesson study. The study involved two teachers and 40 (20+20 pupils in two classes) fourth graders. Also, interviews were conducted with the teachers and three pupils from each class.
Results and conclusion. The forms of cooperative learning observed in the classrooms were markedly different, even though the lesson plans were almost identical. In Lesson 1 the teacher paid more attention to interdependence, interaction, and reflection. Consequently, students mentioned cooperation, assistance, and specifics of group workmore frequently. In Lesson 2, there was more traditional group work than CL schemes, and less interdependence, interaction, and reflection. The five essential elements were unequally represented in the lessons, highlighting the varied understanding of CL. ‘In situ’ research revealed which elements of cooperative learning need to be stressed inteacher pre-service and in-service settings. The study also deepened the understanding of which aspects are more difficult to implement, or which have made significant inroads into classroom practice.
Originality. Situational research involving both CL and Japanese Lesson Study techniques provide valuable insights into the professional development of teachers who aim to improve their classroom practice.
Post-pandemic challenges for learning communities
Authors: Kobylarek Aleksander
Published: June 2021

This article presents the fundamental challenges facing education after the COVID-19 pandemic — technological, social, political and ecological. The author suggests that post-pandemic the most important problems will not be related to its effects, but to building civic and environmental awareness. Technological challenges, in the form of the necessity of expanding the repertoire of the technical means of education, and social challenges in the form of the need to rebuild relationships, were important in the pandemic phase, and their strongest impact was delineated at the very beginning. After a return to the new normality (however it may be defined), challenges of this type will not disappear completely, but their strength will become weaker when compared to the problems humanity has faced practically from the beginning of the 21st century.
Educational interest in relation to academic achievement of the secondary school students in Meghalaya, India
Authors: Lyngdoh Tron Caroline , Kharbirymbai Brinda Bazeley
Published: June 2021

Aim. The aim of this study is to present the relationship between educational interest and academic achievement of the secondary school students in East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, India. The standardised tool used for the study is the Educational Interest Record by Kulshrestha (2016). In order to assess the academic achievement, the final year examination results of students were collected.
Methods. The sample of the study comprised of 300 secondary school students drawn from fifteen secondary schools under Meghalaya Board of School Education. Stratified random sampling was used with equal representation to gender and locale. Analysis was done by using Pearson ‘r’ (Product Moment Correlation) and t-test.
Results. The findings of the study revealed a negative relationship between educational and academic achievement. There is a significant difference in the educational interest in terms of gender, but no significant difference was found between locales of the secondary school students.
Conclusions. The assessment of the educational interest may be considered one of the crucial methods used in the education system, as teaching of subjects alone cannot help the students in the educational development. On the other hand, academic achievement is one of the areas in which relatively accurate information can be obtained with relation to individual’s ability or capacity. The study has provided information which indicate that students do not have a clear understanding about their own interests and abilities. Hence, guidance and counselling need to be integrated into the secondary school curriculum in the state in order to help the students better understand their interests and abilities. Educational guidance and counselling will also enable the students to plan both their higher education and career in thefuture.
Electoral Cleavages and Fragmentation of Regions in the Slovak Republic: A Case Study of the Parliamentary Elections Held in 1990–2020
Authors: Haydanka Yevheniy I.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Electoral processes in the post-socialist countries have determined their political and party fragmentation, dividing regions into more conservative or liberal ones, those supporting or opposing the “firm leadership” of the country, Eurosceptic or Eurooptimistic. The main objective of the article is to present a comparative analysis of the outcomes of parliamentary elections in the regions, given the existing socio-political splits and the peculiarities of formation of the electoral cleavages.

Materials and Methods. The study was based on the results of the ten parliamentary elections held in the Slovak Republic in 1990–2020. The empirical material covers the macro (national) and micro (regional) levels. The comprehensive comparative method made it possible to single out the main socio-political splits that either confirm or refute electoral cleavages in the regions of the country.

Results. The main socio-political splits in the Slovak Republic have been identified. Given the results of the parliamentary elections in the regions of Slovakia, six electoral cleavages have been recorded (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2016, and 2020). Two socio-political splits of “Meciarism – anti-Meciarism” (1998) and “Fico – anti-Fico” (2020) proved to be of particular significance for the country. The fragmentation of the Slovak political and party space is represented by two groups of regions: West and East (liberals and social populists), as well as the Center (conservatives).

Discussion and Conclusion. The results of the study can be used when devising an efficient regional development strategy based on minimizing the risks of radicalization of the political space and reducing the overall level of populism in the country.
The Role of Strategies in Diversification of Regional Economies: Planned Development versus Unplanned Results
Authors: Eferin Yaroslav Yu.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. The issues of long-term strategic planning are crucial for the successful socio-economic development of Russia’s regions. At the same time, the validity of the choice of industry priorities is often not supported by a comprehensive analysis of the unique competitive advantages of the region, which makes it difficult to achieve the established goals. The purpose of the study is to identify the links between the stated priorities and structural changes in Russia’s regions, particularly, the emergence of new industries of specialization in the regions.

Materials and Methods. The study was based on the strategies for socio-economic development of Russia’s regions adopted in 2005–2010. The method of content analysis of documents was employed when forming a list of the priority industries declared in the strategies of 66 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The adapted methodology of the European Cluster Observatory for identifying industry specializations was used to determine the diversification of regional industry portfolios.

Results. The conducted analysis of the strategic documents has shown that the industry priorities of Russia’s regions do not reveal their unique specializations, but are focused on the sectors which are most common for the Russian economy. In half of the strategies the food industry and heavy engineering are named as priorities for long-term development. Diversification of regional industry portfolios has been recorded in 46 regions. A total of 76 cases of industries emerging in regional portfolios from 2005 to 2015 have been identified. In 11 regions, the declared industry priorities have not been associated to the real processes of diversification.

Discussion and Conclusion. The study has revealed that the diversification of the economy in many Russia’s regions is unplanned. This is not so much the result of a strategic decision of regional authorities, but rather the impact of factors that are not taken into account when choosing industry priorities, which have a significant impact on industry development. The provisions and regional classifications developed in the article may contribute to the development of the theory of public and municipal administration in terms of assessing the impact of managerial decisions on the socio-economic development of territories.
Nikitina Strategic Management of Sustainable Development of Small Business Enterprises
Authors: Guskova Nadezhda D. , Erastova Alexandra V. , Nikitina Daria V.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. The globalization of the economy and the introduction of the concept of sustainable development largely determine the development strategy of both large and small businesses. Adherence to the principles of sustainable development is becoming a prerequisite for organizations to develop, increase competitiveness and attractiveness for stakeholders. The purpose of the study is to elaborate the stages of formation of strategic management of sustainable development of small business enterprises.

Materials and Methods. An analysis of the financial, economic, environmental and social components of sustainability of JSC Leader-Compound was performed as a case study. The company's financial statements for 2012–2019 as well as the results of the survey conducted among the management staff were used as the materials for the study. The expert method was employed to determine the final assessment of compliance of JSC Leader-Compound with the features of strategic management of sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The employed method of strategic analysis (SWOT analysis) made it possible to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the company, as well as threats and opportunities.

Results. The results of a comprehensive analysis of the components of sustainable development of JSC Leader-Compound made it possible to conduct a final assessment of the compliance of this enterprise with the features of strategic management of small and medium-sized businesses. A sufficiently high level of development of the strategic management of JSC Leader-Compound has been noted, and reserves for its improvement have been determined. An algorithm for the process of development and implementation of a strategy for sustainable development of the company has been proposed. Methodological recommendations have been substantiated for each stage of the process. To calculate the generalized integral indicator of the level of sustainable development, a mathematical model has been proposed that takes into account the components of sustainable development of the company.

Discussion and Conclusion. The proposed process of development and implementation of a strategy for sustainable development of a small business will make it possible not only to form a strategy based on the components of sustainable development, but also to ensure the possibility of its successful implementation. The research results may contribute to both practical activities of other small businesses, and further scientific research of the features of managing the sustainable development of small enterprises in other lines of business.
Long-Term Trends in Regional Labor Markets in Russia
Authors: Kurilo Anna E.
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Unemployment is one of the fundamental issues of macroeconomics and has a significant impact on the socio-economic development of regions and the country as a whole. Based on the results of the conducted study, the article identifies the correlation between unemployment and volumes of output in the regions of the Russian Federation.

Materials and Methods. The paper used open statistical data for 79 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The methods of comparative, economic, and statistical analysis were used to identify the trends in the development of regional labor markets. The trends of the labor market, including the correlation between the gross regional product and the unemployment rate, were studied based on the economic and statistical models and the statistical data for Russian regions for 1997–2017.

Results. The study has revealed the increasing discrepancy between the aggregates of the labor market – the registered unemployment rate and the unemployment rate according to the conducted sample surveys of the population. The inertia of the indicator of “the registered unemployment rate”, associated with the institutional constraints of the labor market, has been shown. The slow response of the gross regional product to the change in the aggregates of unemployment has been revealed. No clear correlation has been observed between volumes of output and changes in the unemployment rate according to the methodology of the International Labour Organization based on the data from the sample labor force surveys.

Discussion and Conclusion. The increasing divergence of aggregates of unemployment reveals a distortion of the formal institutional environment of the labor market and is due to the financial constraints of public authorities. Further research will focus on the assessment of the impact of the sectoral structure of the economy on the closeness of the correlation between changes in the gross regional product and the aggregates of the labor market. Understanding the trends in the development of the labor market is necessary for conducting a balanced policy of managing its transformation and the socio-economic development of the regions and the country as a whole.
Nutritional versus behavioural intervention in children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, Bąbik Katarzyna ,   Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland, Ostaszewski Paweł ,   Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland, Horvath Andrea ,   Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
Published: June 2021

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of nutritional intervention compared to behavioural intervention to increase food acceptance and improve the nutritional status among children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Method: Six participants (3–4 years old) diagnosed with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to one of the two interventions, either a nutritional or behavioural approach. Results: The percentage of food acceptance increased for patients in the behavioural intervention group, but not for the nutritional intervention group (until later implementation of behavioural intervention). Moreover, the z-score for body mass index increased only after implementing behavioural intervention. The total score on the Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale decreased only after implementation of intervention based on behavioural approach. Inappropriate mealtime behaviour decreased across all participants after implementation of behavioural intervention. Discussion: Behavioural intervention seems to be promising for children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder to increase the oral intake of solid food and improve their growth.
Borderline personality disorder – current psychotherapy guidelines
Authors:   Centrum Badań Klinicznych i Doskonalenia Psychoterapii, SWPS Uniwersytet Humanistycznospołeczny, Warszawa, Polska, Popiel Agnieszka ,   Klinika Terapii Poznawczo-Behawioralnej, SWPS Uniwersytet Humanistycznospołeczny, Warszawa, Polska
Published: June 2021

Borderline personality disorder affects about 1–1.5% of the population. It is characterised by chronicity (from adolescence to adulthood) and a significant suicide rate (about 10%). Spontaneous improvement can be observed in some patients; however, it is estimated that specialised therapy accelerates this process several times. Psychotherapy is the recommended treatment for those with borderline personality disorder; however, it is necessary to specify the methods and principles of its application. Data from research on effectiveness (ranging from strong support to modest/controversial results requiring replication) focus on a few psychotherapy methods: dialectical behavioural therapy, schema therapy (belonging to the cognitive-behavioural approach), as well as mentalisation-based therapy and transference-oriented therapy (belonging to the psychodynamic/psychoanalytical approach). The aim of the article is to present the recommended psychotherapy methods for patients with borderline personality disorder included in the guidelines developed by institutions referring to the principles of evidence-based practice – a tripartite approach where the basis of practice is recognising methods whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in empirical studies (evidence-based treatments). We also referred to the recommendations of the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. In the summary, the principles for psychotherapy in borderline personality disorders, common to many recommendations, including the diagnosis, risk management, therapy time planning, structure, discontinuation of psychotherapy and supervision, are also discussed. According to the guidelines (American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence), pharmacotherapy plays a supportive role in the treatment of borderline personality disorder, but it should be considered in the coherent treatment plan and case management – therefore the main recommendations for pharmacological treatment are also discussed.