bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEA Window Analysis of Insurance Sector Efficiency in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Đurić Zlata , Jakšić Milena , Krstić Ana
Published: April 2021

Insurance market is characterized by growing competition. This has imposed needs relating to the continuous capacity building of insurance companies, the continuous improvement of operating results and the assessment of the effects of insurers’ financial investment. The ultimate goal of these activities is to implement the planned goals and achieve positive business results. It is evident that the financial stability and efficiency of the insurance sector strengthens the confidence of citizens in this type of financial intermediaries. Bearing in mind the importance of the insurance sector for the financial system and economic system growth and development, the research subject is the analysis of the insurance sector efficiency in the Republic of Serbia. The main research objective is to look at the insurance sector efficiency through the performance analysis of nine selected insurance companies in the period 2007-2018, using DEA window analysis. The analysis and systematization of theoretical research findings, along with empirical data interpretation, description and comparison yielded results pointing to very poor performance of the insurance sector as a whole, because in all years of the observed period the relative average efficiency (technical, pure technical and scale efficiency) was below 100%, especially in the period 2015-2018.
Justification of the Usury Contract in the Law of the Republic of Serbia: Advantages and Disadvantages
Authors: Praštalo Tanja
Published: April 2021

A usury contract is a null and void contract whereby someone, using the condition of another’s misfortune or material hardship, lack of experience, recklessness, or dependency, obtains for himself or for a third party a benefit that is clearly disproportionate to what he or she has given or done in return or committed to give or do. The usury contract violates one of the basic principles of the law of obligations, which is the principle of equality of obligations, in other words, the equality of the value of mutual benefits of the contracting parties. Although the legal definition of the usury contracts (Law on Contracts and Torts, Article 141, paragraph 1) is comprehensive enough, it is not easy for the courts to decide whether one contract is usury or not, i.e. null and void. The subject of this paper is the analysis of the usury contracts through the current case law in the context of the justification of the existence of this institute in the legislation of Serbia, having in mind the division of opinions, and because as much as a party using a person’s difficult material situation is presented in a negative context, the contract of this type is nonetheless a product of the willing action of both parties. The topic of this paper is very sensitive and requires a reasoned methodological approach and analysis. The aim of the paper is also to encourage the affected party in the usury contract to enter into litigation to protect their rights.
Assessment of the Accounting Regulations in the Republic of Serbia: Application of Cluster Analysis
Authors: Milutinović Sunčica , Grljević Olivera , Dimitrijević Dragomir
Published: April 2021

The focus of the paper is on identification of hidden patterns in the opinion of accounting professionals, in order to identify the deficiencies in the legal accounting regulations and to examine their perspective on international and legal accounting regulations. The data collected through the questionnaire was divided using clustering data mining technique. We identified different groups of accountants with specific patterns regarding the expressed attitudes towards both regulations, as well as different groups of accountants with specific patterns regarding the way of obtaining information. The findings point to the prevailing negative attitude towards the legal accounting regulations quality, and differences in the habits and attitudes of certified and non-certified accountants, i.e. accountants who (don’t) use International Financial Reporting Standards. Since there are four developed models, we used them as a basis for proposing a model of information seeking that could mitigate negative views on accounting regulations in the national economy. The key points of the proposed model are the introduction of compulsory continuous professional education and certification of all accountants, as well as activities for the popularization and accessibility of the international accounting regulations.
Regulation of Cognition as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Knowledge of Cognition and Perceived Self-Intervention
Authors: Bayrak Fatma , Yurdugül Halil
Published: April 2021

Self-assessment is an important tool enabling learners at the level of higher education to control and construct their learning processes. To allow for further study, we modified a web-based self-assessment system to provide individuals with the opportunity to test and retest their own learning and receive feedback. This study included 59 students. Following completion of the test, feedback was structured based on a comparison of the student’s performance to the standard performance, their position in the group and their previous performances. Each test deadline had to be waited for determining the positions in the group of students and the delayed feedback were sent to the learners by e-mail. Through this external feedback, learners were able to intervene in their own learning process, thus achieving better future learning prospects and to observe the effectiveness of these intervention though feedback from the next assessment. We defined this process as the self-intervention perception process due to the active participation of the learner. The determination of the structures that affect the meaning and using of the feedback received by the learners were at the forefront. This study aimed to examine the relation between learners’ metacognitive awareness and their self-intervention perceptions and create a learner profile based on this information. Participants also completed Perceived Self-Intervention Scale and the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory. Learners with high levels of metacognitive skills awareness were found to have high levels of perceived self-intervention. Furthermore, knowledge of cognition had indirect effects on the perception of self-intervention, and that the regulation of cognition was the mediator variable.
Gender and affiliation differences in topic selection in U.S. congressional speeches
Authors: Lenard Dragana Božić , Omazić Marija
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper was to study gender differences in topic choice selection using the corpus of speeches given in the 113th United States Congress. We also looked at whether there are topic choice selection differences with respect to party affiliation and chamber, and finally, whether conversational topics chosen by male and female politicians correlate with any other category we measured in our corpus. The corpus was composed of 672 speeches by the female and 2,983 speeches by the male politicians. The speech transcripts were downloaded from the official repository Thomas and analyzed using the text analysis software Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) to identify the use of vocabulary related to seven conversational topics recorded by LIWC. The data was analyzed both quantitatively, using statistical analysis, and qualitatively, to determine if there are significant gender differences in speech topic selection. The analyses showed that there are overall gender and affiliation differences in topic selection by the male and female politicians in the 113th Congress, some confirming the trend of long-standing prevalence of home-related references in women’s speeches, and death and religion references in men’s speeches, others marking a social shift for some of the categories compared to previous studies on the topic, such as the increasing share of references to work, money achievement in women’s speeches, as well as women’s preference for security, and men’s preference for competitiveness, as signaled by their lexical choices. Further correlation test results recorded subtler differences which pointed to linguistic changes in stereotypization, such as women signaling less emotion and choosing more formal ways of expression.
Classification of District Employment Agencies in Terms of Employment and Cost-Effectiveness Using Regression Trees
Authors: Bąk Iwona , Wawrzyniak Katarzyna , Sobolewski Antoni
Published: April 2021

Research background: The efficiency of the functioning of District Employment Agencies is often assessed on the basis of the level of employment and cost-effectiveness indices. The values of these indices are influenced by various socio-economic factors, which were grouped into five areas in the paper: unemployment, demography, environment, entities and the human potential of District Employment Agencies (PUPs). The research was conducted in 340 District Employment Agencies in 2017.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to separate groups of District Employment Agencies with similar values of employment and cost-effectiveness indices, with the simultaneous identification of the level of factors that characterize the socio-economic situation and staff potential in each of the separated groups.

Research methodology: One of the methods of a multidimensional statistical analysis – the regression trees method was used in the work.

Results: The use of regression trees allowed the separation of groups of District Employment Agencies, which differed in terms of the level of employment and cost-effectiveness indices, and characterized these groups due to socio-economic factors and staffing potential.

Novelty: The survey covers all District Employment Agencies in Poland and the obtained research results can be useful for labor market institutions to assess the efficiency of PUPs.
The Functioning of Urban Hotels in the Natural Environment
Authors: Puciato Daniel
Published: April 2021

Research background: There are numerous interactions between the natural environment and a hotel company. On the one hand, the natural environment affects the hotel; on the other hand, the hotel has a significant impact on the environment. Dynamic changes in the natural environment and their effects on the functioning of hotels make it important to assess the strength and directions and to identify the conditions and consequences of these mutual interactions.

Purpose: The paper aims to assess interactions taking place between the natural environment and hotels located in Wroclaw, Poland.

Research methodology: The main research method was a diagnostic questionnaire survey. The study was carried out 2017 among the owners or managers of 24 hotels from Wrocław. Chi-squared tests were conducted and Cramer’s V measures of association were calculated. The level of statistical significance was set at ex ante α = 0.05.

Results: In the opinion of the highest percentage of respondents, interactions between the natural environment and Wroclaw hotels are of low strength and are neutral. The hotel type was associated with the strength of the environmental impact on the hotel. In the Wrocław hotels that were researched there were significant correlations between the strength of the hotel’s impact on the natural environment, hotel specific location, and quality standard (hotel rating).

Novelty: Potential correlations between the strength and directions of interactions between hotels, as well as between the natural environment and organizational and functional characteristics of urban hotels have not been researched before.
Cultural Determinants of Social Media Use in World Markets
Authors: Wąsowicz-Zaborek Elżbieta
Published: April 2021

Research background: Ongoing globalization has led companies to operate on foreign markets and in consequence to recognize very different conditions especially in terms of sociocultural factors. The literature review identifies the behavioral patterns in social media (SM) usage determined by national cultures.

Purpose: The article presents the relationship between six dimensions of national culture defined by Hofstede and the use of SM in world markets.

Research mmethodology: To determine how national culture influences the frequency of use of SM, a study of secondary data was carried out. The percentage of SM users from the Global Digital Yearbook 2019 was used as a dependent variable. The statistical analysis links cultural dimensions with SM use in 44 countries.

Results: The study employed polynomial regression, which revealed a significant correlation between long-term orientation, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and the percentage of SM users. However, the research discovered no influence of masculinity, leniency, and power distance. The estimated models also show the income’s strong moderating effect on the analyzed relationship.

Novelty: In this study a deeper analysis of the relationship between the dimensions of national cultures and the use of SM was made than in previous studies. It was also shown that it is necessary to introduce moderating factors, which may significantly affect the relationship between the use of SM and some dimensions of culture.
Dose Response of the E1’ Centre in Quartz
Authors: Toyoda Shin , Amimoto Mana
Published: April 2021

The E1’ centre is one of the most common paramagnetic defects observed by electron spin resonance (ESR) in natural quartz, the formation of which is, however, quite complicated. The dose response to gamma ray irradiation of the E1’ centre in natural quartz was systematically investigated in the present study to find that its dose response depends on the heating conditions of the sample before irradiation. The signal intensity decreases on irradiation when quartz has been heated up to 300°C, while it increases when heated above 400°C. The phenomena can be explained by the electronic processes that heating supplies electronic holes to the oxygen vacancies while gamma ray irradiation supplies electrons.
Riccia atromarginata (Ricciaceae, Marchantiophyta) new to the Western Balkans, with notes on its morphology
Authors: Dragićević Snežana , Pöltl Martina , Stabentheiner Edith , Berg Christian
Published: April 2021

This is the first record of the liverwort Riccia atromarginata for the Western Balkans. It was found on conglomerate terraces in the city of Podgorica, Montenegro, at the confluence of the rivers Ribnica and Morača. The material from Montenegro as well as living samples from Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Cyprus served as a basis for a detailed description of the main characteristics of the species, on the basis of which Riccia atromarginata can be reliably identified. However, for some characteristics there is a clear variability.
Assessment of the conservation value of dry grassland habitats in the Inhulets River basin (Central Ukraine) based on vegetation and spider research
Authors: Polchaninova Nina , Krasova Olga , Lysohor Liudmyla , Atemasova Tatiana
Published: April 2021

Dry grassland ecosystems are highly fragmented in Ukraine and increasingly threatened from intensification of farming practices. Evaluation of the habitat conservation importance based on multitaxon studies allows for optimizing selection of priority sites. Botanical research of xerothermic habitats in the Kryvorizkyi Iron Ore Basin has been conducted since 2012, while spiders were investigated for the first time in 2017. In the four study sites, we recorded 265 vascular plant species (23 under protection) and 95 spider species (19 are rare). Both vegetation and spider communities of the site Zelena Gully are well preserved and rich in rare and threatened species (18 plant and 11 spider species), which confirms its value as a priority site of the Emerald Network. Chervona Gully and the Slate Rocks should be included in the network. Frequent fires and intensive grazing in Khrystoforova Gully affect the spider diversity, decreasing the number of specialist and rare species, while early flowering plants benefit from this disturbance. Nevertheless, its vegetation is poorer than in Zelena and Chervona gullies. Inclusion in the Emerald Network is critically important to the investigated sites, since expansion of mining activities is constantly threatening natural habitats in industrial regions.
The genus Sesuvium (Aizoaceae, Sesuvioideae) in the Southern Cone
Authors: Minué Carlos R. , Jocou Adriel I.
Published: April 2021

Sesuvium is a genus of 14 to 17 species of succulent plants, both annual and perennial, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The genus Sesuvium has not yet been studied in detail in the Southern Cone (Argentina, Southern Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay), which has led to a misidentification of numerous specimens as S. portulacastrum. As part of the ongoing floristic, taxonomic and ecologic studies in Argentina, we revise the genus Sesuvium for the Southern Cone. This study is based on field investigation, examination of herbarium specimens, and revision of literature. The taxonomic treatments, maps of distribution, detailed descriptions, photographs, an illustration, a dichotomous key and a comparative table to differentiate the species of the genus Sesuvium occurring in the Southern Cone are presented. Finally, ecological, morphological, and taxonomic aspects of the species are discussed. The new combination of S. americanum (≡ Trianthema americanum Gillies ex Arn.; = S. verrucosum Raf.) is proposed. Lectotypes for three names are here designated (S. revolutifolium Vahl ex Willd.; S. revolutifolium Lam., and S. parviflorum DC.). Four species should be accepted for the Southern Cone: S. americanum, S. humifusum, S. mezianum and S. sessile. Furthermore, S. portulacastrum is excluded from the flora of the Southern Cone.
Plant communities with Carex frigida in the Julian Alps (northwestern Slovenia)
Authors: Dakskobler Igor , Martinčič Andrej
Published: April 2021

In already known localities in the Julian Alps (Mangart, Malo Polje, Zeleno Jezero, Blehe under Šoštar) and in several new ones (Loška Koritnica, Bavh, Spodnji Lepoč, Mlinarica, Konjska planina, Mali Babanski Skedenj) we inventoried the stands along the subalpine-alpine springs and spring areas where Carex frigida frequently occurs as the predominant vascular plant. We classified them into the following associations: Saxifrago aizoidis-Caricetum ferrugineae, Caricetum davallianae s. lat., Ranunculo traunfellneri-Paederotetum luteae, Carici frigidae-Petasitetum albi (alliance Adenostylion alliariae) and Palustriello decipientis-Caricetum frigidae (alliance Cratoneurion). The latter two were described as new. Based on comparisons with similar communities along mountain springs we discussed the most appropriate classification of the latter into higher syntaxonomic units.
Relationships between Isometric Strength and the 74.84-kg (165-lb) Body Drag Test in Law Enforcement Recruits
Authors: Lockie Robert G. , Moreno Matthew R. , McGuire Megan B. , Ruvalcaba Tomas J. , Bloodgood Ashley M. , Dulla Joseph M. , Orr Robin M. , Jay Dawes J.
Published: April 2021

This study investigated whether: law enforcement recruits could complete a 74.84-kg (165-lb) body drag without specific training; relationships between the body drag and absolute and relative isometric grip and leg/back strength could be established to assist with training recommendations; a strength baseline needed to complete the 74.84-kg body drag could be established. Retrospective analysis on a recruit class (72 males, 21 females) from one agency was conducted. Recruits completed the body drag, and had strength assessed by hand grip and leg/back dynamometers in the week before academy. The body drag required the recruit to lift the dummy to standing and drag it 9.75 m as quickly as possible. Independent samples t-tests calculated between-sex differences in the drag and strength measures. Recruits were ranked according to drag time to describe the strength of recruits that could not perform the task. Pearson’s correlations and a stepwise linear regression calculated relationships between the body drag and isometric strength. Male recruits completed the drag faster and were stronger than females (p < 0.001). Only two females could not complete the drag, and they had leg/back strength below 100 kg. Greater absolute (r = -0.599 and -0.677) and relative (r = -0.261 and -0.322) grip (combined score) and leg/back strength, respectively, related to a faster drag. Absolute leg/back strength predicted the body drag (r2 = 0.444). Improving absolute isometric grip and leg/back strength could enhance dragging ability. A minimum isometric leg/back strength score of 100 kg may be needed to perform a 74.84-kg body drag.
Caffeine Ingestion Enhances Repetition Velocity in Resistance Exercise: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind Study Involving Control and Placebo Conditions
Authors: Grgic Jozo , Venier Sandro , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Mikulic Pavle
Published: April 2021

We aimed to examine the effects of placebo and caffeine compared to a control condition on mean velocity in the bench press exercise. Twenty-five resistance-trained men participated in this randomized, crossover, double-blind study. The participants performed the bench press with loads of 50%, 75%, and 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), after no supplementation (i.e., control), and after ingesting caffeine (6 mg/kg), and placebo (6 mg/kg of dextrose). At 50% 1RM, there was a significant effect of caffeine on mean velocity compared to control (effect size [ES] = 0.29; p = 0.003), but not when compared to placebo (ES = 0.09; p = 0.478). At 75% 1RM, there was a significant effect of caffeine on mean velocity compared to placebo (ES = 0.34; p = 0.001), and compared to control (ES = 0.32; p < 0.001). At 90% 1RM, there was a significant effect of caffeine on mean velocity compared to placebo (ES = 0.36; p < 0.001), and compared to control (ES = 0.46; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between placebo and control in any of the analyzed outcomes. When evaluated pre-exercise and post-exercise, 20% to 44% and 28% to 52% of all participants identified caffeine and placebo trials beyond random chance, respectively. Given that the blinding of the participants was generally effective, and that there were no significant ergogenic effects of placebo ingestion, the improvements in performance following caffeine ingestion can be mainly attributed to caffeine’s physiological mechanisms of action.
A Systematic Review of the Batting Backlift Technique in Cricket
Authors: Noorbhai Habib
Published: April 2021

There has been an extensive amount of research into the batting elements of cricket. However, there is limited research specifically on the batting backlift technique (BBT). Therefore, this review aims to provide an understanding and consensus of the BBT in cricket at varied skilled levels. A PRISMA flow chart revealed 38 studies that were reviewed (both coaching and scientific literature), which reported on the backlift in cricket. The databases searched were PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library and Sabinet. This review shows that the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) is a likely contributing factor to successful batsmanship at all levels of cricket ability (junior, adolescent, semi-professional, professional, international and former elite/successful cricketers). It was also found that coaching a LBBT to young batsmen may be challenging to teach, and therefore, further coaching models should be developed to assist cricket coaches. As much as a LBBT may be a contributing factor for success, there is still a need to answer a number of questions through further in-depth biomechanical investigations and through interventions that are more meticulous. A way forward for further research in this area of cricket batting is documented at the end of the review.
Differences in External Load Variables Between Playing Positions in Elite Basketball Match-Play
Authors: Salazar Hugo , Castellano Julen , Svilar Luka
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to describe the specific demands and structure of interrelationships of external load variables in order to generate a position-related time motion profile in elite basketball. Seventeen professional players from three different playing positions (6 guards, 4 forwards, and 7 centers) were analyzed in five friendly games. Player load per minute (PLmin) was used as an indicator of intensity to compare positions. Furthermore, high and total external variables of jumping (hJUMP and tJUMP), acceleration (hACC and tACC), deceleration (hDEC and tDEC) and change of direction (hCOD and tCOD), respectively, were used for the principal component analysis (PCA). The Kaiser criterion (eigenvalue > 1) was applied, and the Varimax rotation mode was used to extract multiple principal components. PCA showed that all positions had three or four principal components, but the configuration of each factor was different: tCOD, hCOD, hDEC and hJUMP for guards, hCOD, tCOD, tACC and hDEC for forwards, and tJUMP, hJUMP, hDEC and tACC for centers were specifically demanded in match-play. For guards and forwards, a significant correlation was found between COD variables, while for centers tCOD and PLmin had the strongest correlation. When monitoring the external load via tri-axial accelerometers in basketball match-play, each playing position showed specific physical demands. Therefore, these variables must be prioritized in load monitoring programs.
Computer supported research of Hungarian dialects in Slovakia
Authors: Presinszky Károly
Published: April 2021

Computer supported research of Hungarian dialects in Slovakia began in 2010 at the Institute of Hungarian Linguistics and Literary Science, Faculty of Central European Studies, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra. The research is carried out using dialectological software developed by two researchers (Domokos Vékás and Fruzsina Sára Vargha) from Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, creating regional dialect databases, first for the Žitný ostrov/Csallóköz region and then for the whole Slovakia Hungarian dialect region. Before a detailed presentation of research results and possibilities in the field of digitized dialectological data, the study briefly describes the methods and Hungarian results of digital dialectology. Based on Hungarian research in Slovakia, it shows how it is possible to generate maps showing the geographical and social distribution of linguistic phenomena and acoustic phonetic analyses of data aligned with sound files. Important results of digital dialectology in Nitra are recently published audiobooks of Hungarian dialects in Slovakia, which can be used in addition to the needs of the researchers as a collection of multimedia dialect texts in school education and in the promotion of dialects.
Analysis of cognitive operation in understanding text of the fourth-grade pupils
Authors: Vančo Ildikó , Gergelyová Viktória
Published: April 2021

This study aims to analyse the informative-type text, questions, and answers of the fourth-grade reading comprehension test according to cognitive processes. A total of 353 respondents participated in the survey. The examined target group was the fourth-grade pupils of Hungarian-language primary schools in bilingual regions in Eastern, Central, and Western Slovakia. The results obtained show that most of the pupils had sufficient background knowledge to interpret the short and simple text, and the new information was well integrated into their existing schema structure. In terms of processes of comprehension, most pupils had no problem with recognizing and retrieving explicitly stated information in the text, neither with making straightforward inferences. However, there were problems in interpreting and integrating information and summarizing them. The results show that half of the pupils had problems with multi-level interpretation of the information obtained and about one-fifth of the pupils gave incorrect answers even to the questions that required the use of the simplest cognitive processes.
Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of achalasia of the cardia: A review
Authors: Zhang Baozhen , Wang Yidan , Liao Ye , Zhang Jingjing , Wu Yufan , Xiao Tingyue , Zhang Yue , Bao Yiwen , Qiu Hongyu , Sun Siyu , Guo Jintao
Published: April 2021

Idiopathic achalasia is an esophageal motor disorder characterized by the loss of the lower esophageal sphincter ganglion, resulting in impaired lower esophageal relaxation and absence of esophageal peristalsis. Patients commonly present with progressive dysphagia accompanied by reflux, heartburn, retrosternal pain, and severe weight loss. Diagnosis is primarily based on the patient’s chief complaints, barium esophagography, and the most recent high-resolution manometry. Endoscopic assessment and endoscopic ultrasonography also have significant value with regard to the exclusion of esophageal anatomical lesions, neoplastic diseases, and pseudoachalasia. However, as most patients with achalasia demonstrate a gradual onset, early diagnosis is difficult. Currently, treatment of idiopathic achalasia, including pneumatic dilation, stent placement, and surgical myotomy, is aimed at reducing lower esophageal sphincter pressure and relieving the symptoms of dysphagia. Peroral endoscopic myotomy has gradually become the mainstream treatment because it causes less trauma and has a rapid recovery rate. This article reviews the main methods of diagnosis and treatment of achalasia, with an emphasis on the potential of peroral endoscopic myotomy and the advancements of immunotherapy for achalasia.
The human imprint on the unique geological landscape of the Western Caucasus
Authors: Mikhailenko Anna V. , Ruban Dmitry A. , Zorina Svetlana O. , Nikashin Konstantin I. , Yashalova Natalia N.
Published: April 2021

Human intervention in the geological environment is commonly thought to pose a threat to geoheritage. However, new information from the Western Caucasus where unique geological features are concentrated in Mountainous Adygeya, implies that man-made features in fact add value to geoheritage. Such features include a lengthy artificial niche in the Guama Gorge, accumulations of large artificial clasts along the road leading to the Lagonaki Highland and the Khadzhokh Quarry with the artificial Red Lake. These contribute to the regional uniqueness of geosites and can be classified as geomorphological, sedimentary, economical and hydro(geo)logical geoheritage types. Interestingly, these artificial features have natural analogues in the study area. Such integrity of local geological landscapes urgently require special interpretations for guided excursions and explanatory panels for correct comprehension of the origin of these unique features on the part of unprepared tourists. Generally, the human imprint on geological landscapes of Mountainous Adygeya is significant and occasionally positive, which makes the entire geodiversity hotspot of special, international interest and an object for further investigations.
Does Economic Growth and Inflation Impact Consumer Confidence during a Pandemic? An Empirical Analysis in EU Countries
Authors: Bătrâncea Larissa
Published: April 2021

The study investigates the capacity of European Union member states to face the effects of the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Namely, by means of a panel data analysis, the study reports on the impact of economic growth (proxied by gross domestic product) and inflation rates (proxied by harmonized indices of consumer prices) on the overall confidence indicator corresponding to 27 EU countries for the period fourth quarter 2019–third quarter 2020. Results showed that inflation had a negative influence on the confidence indicator during the pandemic crisis, while economic growth had no impact. The negative effect triggered by inflation uncovered the impact of monetary policies and fiscal policies on the staggering level of public debt. The study emphasizes that inflation plays a significant role in the market economy, reason for which governments should monitor this factor when trying to stimulate the economy and set appropriate policies for eliminating negative consequences of potential future recession periods.
Culture, Privacy, and Trust in E-commerce
Authors: Broeder Peter
Published: April 2021

The aim of the study is to investigate trust and privacy in a web store. Two hundred and thirty-seven persons (from the Netherlands and from Romania) participated in an experimental survey. They were presented with two variations of a wardrobe offer in a fictional web store. In one web store condition, the privacy notice was absent. In the other web store condition, the privacy notice was present. The findings show that including a privacy policy notice did not directly influence consumers’ purchase intention. Meanwhile, there was an indirect effect of the privacy policy notice, via trust, on purchase intention. In addition, there was supporting evidence that privacy concerns remain dormant until triggered by the privacy notice. Differences between men and women, as well as between different uncertainty avoidant cultures, were not found. In contrast, regarding age, young consumers (in particular, the Romanian ones) were less affected by the privacy notice than older consumers (for trust and purchase intentions). This study provides an original contribution to global e-commerce. Cultural groups are categorised through self-identification. In combination with differences in uncertainty avoidance, this categorisation provides better insight into the consumer dynamics in societies. The findings emphasise the need for fine-tuning web store atmospherics. An optimal and effective shopping environment can be trusted and guarantees privacy. This outcome implies that a privacy policy notice in a web store is perceived as a privacy guarantee, not as a privacy warning.
The Market Functioning of Polish Higher Education Institutions in the Context of the Implementation of the Concept of Social Responsibility
Authors: Pabian Angelika M.
Published: April 2021

The evolution in the sector set new tasks for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)*, where — in addition to educational activity — their cooperation with other entities is assumed, which will make it possible to take up contemporary challenges. One of these is University Social Responsibility (USR)*, the popularity of which is growing; however, this area is not sufficiently recognized in the relevant literature. This fact was an important premise for undertaking research to assess the current state of the higher education sector in the context of the implementation of the concept of social responsibility. The purpose of the paper is to show students’ opinions on the implementation of USR by HEIs and their knowledge of SR. The author’s intention is to present the results of her own research. The material obtained in the course of the survey showed that the symptoms of the adaptation of the concept of Social Responsibility (SR)* to HEI management were identified, but the degree of their involvement in this area is insufficient, as is the level of students’ knowledge in the field of SR. The exploratory research referred to in this article is an introduction to a broader scope of research.
Limit cycles of discontinuous piecewise linear differential systems formed by centers or Hamiltonian without equilibria separated by irreducible cubics
Authors: Damene Loubna , Benterki Rebiha
Published: April 2021

The main goal of this paper is to provide the maximum number of crossing limit cycles of two different families of discontinuous piecewise linear differential systems. More precisely we prove that the systems formed by two regions, where, in one region we define a linear center and in the second region we define a Hamiltonian system without equilibria can exhibit three crossing limit cycles having two or four intersection points with the cubic of separation. After we prove that the systems formed by three regions, where, in two noadjacent regions we define a Hamiltonian system without equilibria, and in the third region we define a center, can exhibit six crossing limit cycles having four and two simultaneously intersection points with the cubic of separation.
Some fixed point theorems of rational type contraction in b-metric spaces
Authors: Seddik Merdaci , Taieb Hamaizia
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we prove some common fixed point theorems satisfying contractive type mapping in the setting of b-metric spaces. The presented theorem is an extension the results of M. Sarwar and M. U. Rahman [23] as well as a generalization of many well-known results in the literature through the context of b-metric spaces. Also, we present a few examples to illustrate the validity of the results obtained in the paper. Finally, results are applied to find the solution for an integral equation.
Structural-phase transformations in 0.34C–1CRr–1Ni–1Mo–Fe steel during plasma electrolytic hardening
Authors: Rakhadilov B.K. , Kozhanova R.S. , Popova N.A. , Nugumanova A.B. , Kassymov A.B.
Published: April 2021

Structural-phase transformations in 0.34C–1Cr–1Ni–1Mo–Fe steel during plasma electrolytic hardening were investigated. Electrolytic-plasma hardening of steel samples was carried out by surface quenching with rapid concentrated heating of the surface by plasma action and subsequent rapid cooling by heat removal from the depth of the sample by electrolyte jet. Plasma electrolytic hardening was carried out in the cathode mode in an electrolyte made from an aqueous solution containing 20 % sodium carbonate and 10 % carbamide. To study the structural-phase states of the modified layer, we used the method of transmission diffraction electron microscopy on thin foils. The study of steel samples was carried out before and after the plasma electrolytic hardening. Initially, the steel was a mixture of pearlite and ferrite grains. Surface hardening of 0.34C–1Cr– 1Ni–1Mo–Fe ferrite-pearlite steel led to a change in the structural-phase state and the formation of a packet-lamellar martensite structure. It was found that PEH leads to distortion of the crystal lattice and the formation of long-range internal stresses, as well as to the release of small particles of cementite and carbide of M23C6 type, uniformly distributed throughout the volume of the material. Surface hardening led to the increase in all quantitative parameters of the fine structure (ρ, ρ±, χ, σL, σd).
Thermo-magnetic stability of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for hyperthermia
Authors: Pan Y.M. , Zhang W. , Hu Z.F. , Feng Z.Y. , Zhang X.P.
Published: April 2021

Monodispersed Fe3O4 magnetic particles adsorbed by amylase (such as citric acid (CA), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) and β-cyclodextrin (CD)) were prepared by means of co-precipitation method. The absorption character of the samples was investigated by FT-IR, TG and VSM. It was found that the carboxyl (COOH groups) of amylase reacted with the hydroxyl (OH groups) on the surface of Fe3O4 particles, resulting in the formation of iron carboxylate that was adsorbed onto Fe3O4. The induction heating properties of the magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles in an alternating current magnetic field were also investigated and the thermo-magnetic stability in induction heating was discussed.
Indirect Measurement of Shielding Effectiveness of an Enclosure for a Security Camera
Authors: Skočík Petr , Pospíšilík Martin , Křesálek Vojtěch , Adámek Milan
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the results of our experiment, which consisted in measurement of the shielding effectiveness of a camera enclosure that was designed and constructed in order to increase the susceptibility of a camera against external electromagnetic fields. All activities, from defining of requirements to final design and measurements, were performed in the Laboratory of Electromagnetic Compatibility at the Faculty of Applied Informatics of Tomas Bata University in Zlín. The hereby described approach allowed to utilize standardized laboratory equipment that is normally used for device susceptibility test to radiated electric field. The measurement was made inside a semi-anechoic room additionally damped by absorbers placed on its floor. When configuring the experiment, relevant EMC standards EN 55016 and EN 61000-4-3 were considered. Although the uncertainty tolerances, allowed by the relevant standards, were quite high for measurements in such rooms, the results obtained by the experiment matched the theoretical expectations quite satisfactorily.
Bodily Archiving in 69 Positions
Authors: Löfblad Josefine
Published: April 2021

Recently, an interest in archives and archiving has been noticeable amongst artists as well as scholars. This paper analyses Mette Ingvartsen’s 69 Positions (2014), a dance work in which the audience participates in a guided tour through Ingvartsen’s own “archive”. The aim is to look at how archival traces and archival practices “perform” in the work, with a specific focus on bodily archiving. As a theoretical framework, I draw mainly on André Lepecki’s (2016) conceptualization of “the body as archive”, whereby reenacting becomes a mode of inventive archiving that actualizes not-yet utilized potential in a work. In this analysis, I propose that Ingvartsen’s body and the bodies of the audience create a collective body-archive, which collectively actualizes (previously virtual) intimacy. In addition, I argue that blurring the distinctions between body and archive and between reenactment and archiving are ways of insisting that dance does not disappear but remains, counter to “archival logic” (Schneider 2011, 99), by being stored in bodies and transmitted between bodies and by repeatedly reappearing–always more or less altered–in or as performance.
Methane – Fuel Gas. Opportunities and Threats
Authors: Łukaszczyk Zygmunt
Published: April 2021

Since the beginning of the 1990s, there has been an intensive restructuring of hard coal sector in Poland. In this process, successive mines are being decommissioned, most of which are characterized by considerable methane content. The vast majority of hard coal mines in Poland, including all the mines belonging to Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa S.A. are highly methane mines. This means that the air flowing out of the mine shafts contains a certain concentration of methane, the size of which depends on the amount of air and the amount of methane-filled air, which is emitted into the mine excavations. In 2019 alone, nearly 807 million m3 of methane was released from the rock mass affected by mining, out of which only 195.6 million m3 were used economically. This publication presents and characterizes projects involving the extraction and economic use of methane from both active and decommissioned mines. The paper also points out the legal and administrative conditions in which projects related to methane extraction and utilization can be implemented. The paper presents measurable benefits from demethylation not only in terms of improving the safety of coal extraction, but mainly economic and ecological aspects. Above all, attention was paid to the fact that the vast majority of methane was irreversibly emitted to the atmosphere to the detriment of the natural environment.
The perception of pain associated with thyroid fine needle aspiration before and after the procedure
Authors: Tibor Mezei , Tímea Vargyasi , Melinda Kolcsár
Published: April 2021

The idea of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), which is considered the gold standard in the evaluation of thyroid nodules, occasionally elicits fear on the part of patients that often results in delays to the procedure. Our aim was to analyze the difference between the intensity of pain imagined or expected, before and the real pain experienced during the procedure, and also some of the factors influencing it.

Materials and methods. Questionnaires were used, answered by 103 patients. Sampling was performed without local anesthesia using 25G diameter needles. The first page of the questionnaire was completed before and the second page after the intervention. A numerical pain scale was used to indicate the expected (pre-procedure) and perceived (post-procedure) intensity of pain.

Results. The mean age of the patients was 54 years, and 76% had not yet undergone such procedure. In all patients, the intensity of pain experienced during the intervention itself was less than what patients expected (p <0.0001). First-time goers expected greater pain compared to those who had already underwent such a procedure (p = 0.0163). For those who had already underwent such a procedure, there was no difference between the intensity of expected pain and the intensity of experienced pain (p = 0.6307). The pain perception decreased with age, both before (r2 = 0.01925) and during the procedure (r2 = 0.03045). Patients who graduated only primary school were more afraid of the pain (58%) as opposed to graduates of secondary and higher education (23–24%), members of the latter group were rather preoccupied with the outcome of the cytological report.

Discussions, conclusions. We studied the intensity of expected and experienced pain associated with thyroid aspiration cytology, and some of the factors that may influence this. The level of expected pain appears to be influenced by patient awareness, as those who underwent for the first time a thyroid aspiration, expected significantly more pain than they actually experienced. In conclusion, the general characteristics of patients who experienced greater pain after the procedure were those with low levels of awareness or complete absence thereof, younger age and lower levels of education. We believe that proper patient education significantly reduces the procrastination of the procedure of thyroid FNAC and alleviates patients ’anxiety, thereby aiding them to receive prompt and appropriate care.
Investigation of the phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of Primula veris L. extracts
Authors: Erzsébet Varga , Dorottya Lieb , Anna Maráz
Published: April 2021

Methanol, ethanol (50%) and aqueous extracts were prepared from the roots, leaves and flowers of Primula veris collected and dried under natural conditions in meadows near Marosludas in April 2018. The polyphenol contents of the plant parts, as well as the antioxidant capacity were measured by ABTS spectrophotometric methods. For the microbiology section, aqueous and ethanolic extracts (100 mg/ml) were prepared from the roots, leaves and flowers of Primula veris followed by testing of their antimicrobial activity against human pathogenic yeasts (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata) and bacteria (Gram negatives:, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae; Gram-positive: Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus) by agar well diffusion method.

Ethanol proved to be the most effective solvent for all three drugs to determine the polyphenol content. The flower drug contains the highest amounts of polyphenols. With the ABTS method of antioxidant measurement, ethanolic extracts are more effective than aqueous extracts.

Agar well diffusion studies showed that all extracts caused complete inhibition within the inhibition zone in the yeasts tested. The inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts was stronger than that of ethanolic extracts in the case of all three plant parts. The greatest inhibition was caused by extracts of the roots with ethanol. The three yeasts tested showed similarly high sensitivity to roots extracts, while the inhibitory effect was weaker for leaf extracts. Candida parapsilosis was resistant to leaf and flower extracts. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus, like fungi, showed good sensitivity to extracts, while other bacteria showed little or no inhibitory effect.