bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and Altitudinal Distribution of Understorey Corticolous Lichens in a Tropical Montane Forest in Kenya (East Africa)
Authors: Kirika Paul M. , Ndiritu George G. , Mugambi George K. , Newton Leonard E. , Lumbsch H. Thorsten
Published: January 2018

Lichens constitute an important component of tropical forest biodiversity. This study inventoried corticolous lichens and examined their variation in various forest types with varying climatic conditions in Mt. Kenya, East Africa. Specifically we evaluated variation of lichen assemblages in relation to forest types and tree diversity along an altitudinal gradient (1800-3100m). Ten study sites were established on two contrasting sides of Mt. Kenya in the indigenous forest: six of them at Chogoria which is on the humid southeastern windward side of the mountain and four sites on the Sirimon side located on the drier northwestern leeward side. Overall 242 lichen taxa were documented; with Chogoria and Sirimon forests having 148 and 94 species that translated to an adequate sampling effort of 74 % and 68 %, respectively. The two contrasting forest types (Chogoria and Sirimon) supported slightly different lichens assemblages. Meanwhile lichen assemblages were found to significantly vary with elevation (or forest types) and with tree host. Posterior analyses showed that the differences were significant among sampling sites (or forest types) on the Chogoria side and insignificant on the Sirimon side. Similarly the number of lichens differed significantly among the host tree species. This study stresses the urgent need to upscale the sustainable management of the presently threatened tropical forests in order to preserve their structural heterogeneity.
An Assessment of Lichens Diversity from Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Mishra Gaurav K. , Dubey Nilesh , Bagla Hemlata , Bajpai Rajesh , Nayaka Sanjeeva
Published: January 2018

The present study recorded 58 species of lichens belonging to 27 genera and 17 families from seven localities of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra, in Western Ghats. The study added 24 species new to the lichen biota of Maharashtra. The lichen genera Graphis and Pyrenula with six species each and Hemithecium and Porina with 5 species each exhibit their dominance in the area. Among the different localities the area around Bhimashankar temple showed maximum diversity represented by 37 species followed by route to Manchar and Gupt Bhimashankar Cave area represented 16 species each. The dominance of Graphidioid community in the area indicates the open thinned out forest as well as the presence of smooth bark trees in the sanctuary.
Lichens Diversity of Gawilgarh fort, Amravati district, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Deshmukh Vishal P. , Pawar Rajesh Bajpai , Kaur Dalip K. Upreti , Wagh Vijay V. , Rajurkar Ajay V. , Bondarkar Sachin G.
Published: January 2018

An enumerations of 27 species of lichens belonging to 21 genera and 12 families from Gawilgarh fort situated in Melghat forest, Amravati district, Maharashtra are provided. The rock inhabiting lichens exhibits their maximum diversity in the area represented by the occurrence of 21 species belonging to 16 genera followed by 05 species belonging to 05 genera on bark and Collema pulcellum Ach., is common in both on bark and rock. The local rocks and boulders are used for the constructions of Gawilgarh fort which provide suitable substratum for rock inhibiting lichens in the study area. It is interesting to note that only thirteen species of lichens have effective biodeterioration activity having the presence of secondary metabolites and closely attached to the substratum. This is the first report on lichens diversity of Gawilgarh fort of Melghat forest and will be a base line data for further studies.
The lichen genus Parmotrema A. Massal. (Lecanorales, Ascomycota) from India with addition distributional records
Authors: Mishra Gaurav K. , Upreti Dalip K.
Published: January 2018

A detailed morpho-taxonomic account of 53 species of lichen genus Parmotrma is provided.
Based on the phylogenetic studies carried out elsewhere now Parmelaria subthomsonii D.D.
Awasthi and P. thomsonii (Stirt.) D.D. Awasthi are transferred in the genus Parmotrema. Key to
the species of Parmotrema known from India and their additional distribution are also provided.
Additional distributional records of the lichen genus Cryptothecia in India
Authors: Bajpai Rajesh , Joseph Siljo , Upreti D. K.
Published: January 2018

Additional distribution of 25 species of the genus Cryptothecia from different states of India has
been provided. Earlier these species were known from limited localities, and currently, they are
recorded from the almost all parts of India which is discussed in the present paper. The present
study is based on observation of a large number of specimens annotated as ‘sterile specimen’ and
other voucher specimens preserved at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute herbarium
(LWG).
Revolusi mental dalam cerita Babad Alas Wanamarta
Authors: Wardhani Novia Wahyu , Noorrochmat N
Published: January 2018

The purposes of this study were to describe the stories of Wanamarta Chronicle in Wayang Orang Sekar Budaya at TVRI, describe the mental revolution embedded in Wanamarta Chronicle, and to explain the relevance of the values in the Chronical story in Wanamarta to values that exist now. The method used was qualitative with hermeneutic approach. The result were 1) Wanamarta chronicle tells the Pandawa transform the jungle forest into a state territory, 2) mental revolution embedded on Wanamarta chronicle is reflected with the new soul of Pandawa from five “jin”. Its relevance are optimistic, resilience, and never give up which can be transformed as underlying values of mental revolution policy in Indonesia.
Melihat sejarah nasionalisme Indonesia untuk memupuk sikap kebangsaan generasi muda
Authors: Alfaqi Mifdal Zusron
Published: January 2018

In the globalized era and the fragile nation, it is necessary for us to look backward (to learn) the history of Indonesian nationalism. It is due to the fact that in this era a lot of young generation tends to forget and choose to become competitive individuals and then ignore their nationality. Many young generations were trapped in temporary hedonism and rejected national spirit in the name of personal objectives. From the formation of Indonesian nationalism perspective, the role of young generation is inseparable such as Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge). Accordingly, by considering the history of Indonesia nationalism, it is necessary for young generation to have an attitude as well as behave in the context of nationality.
Informal Caregivers� Experiences and Perceptions of a Web-Based Peer Support Network: Mixed-Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Vaughan Christine , Trail Thomas E , Mahmud Ammarah , Dellva Stephanie , Tanielian Terri , Friedman Esther
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Web-based peer support interventions have shown promise in reducing social isolation and social support deficits among informal caregivers, but little research has examined how caregivers use and perceive these interventions.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we examined utilization and perceptions of a Web-based social support intervention for informal caregivers of wounded, ill, and injured United States military service members and veterans.

METHODS

This was a mixed-methods study that used quantitative survey data and qualitative data from focus groups and interviews with informal caregivers enrolled in a Web-based peer support intervention to explore their use and perceptions of the intervention. The intervention was delivered via a website that featured interest groups organized around specific topics, webinars, webchats, and messaging functionality and was moderated by professionally trained peers. This study occurred in the context of a quasi-experimental outcome evaluation of the intervention, where intervention participants were compared with a group of military caregivers who were not enrolled in the intervention.

RESULTS

Survey findings indicated that caregivers used the website infrequently, with 60.7% (128/211) visiting the website once a month or less, and passively, with a minority (32/144, 22.2%) of users (ie, those who had visited the website at least once during the past 3 months, N=144) posting comments or links to the network. Nonetheless, most users (121/144, 84.0%) endorsed moderate or greater satisfaction with the website on the survey, and focus group and interview participants reported benefiting sufficiently from passive use of the website (eg, reading posts). Quantitative and qualitative findings suggested that users viewed the website primarily as a source of informational support. Among 63.2% (91/144) of users who completed the survey, the most commonly reported network-related activity was obtaining information from the network’s resource library, and focus group and interview participants viewed the network primarily as an informational resource. Focus group and interview participants expressed an unmet need for emotional support and the desire for a more personal touch in the forms of more active engagement with other caregivers in the network and the creation of local, in-person support groups for caregivers.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that Web-based peer support interventions may lend themselves better to the provision of informational (vs emotional) support and may need to be supplemented by in-person peer support groups to better meet caregivers’ needs for emotional support.
HerzMobil, an Integrated and Collaborative Telemonitoring-Based Disease Management Program for Patients With Heart Failure: A Feasibility Study Paving the Way to Routine Care (Preprint)
Authors: Ammenwerth Elske , Modre-Osprian Robert , Fetz Bettina , Gstrein Susanne , Krestan Susanne , Dörler Jakob , Kastner Peter , Welte Stefan , Rissbacher Clemens , Pölzl Gerhard
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a major health problem associated with frequent hospital admissions. HerzMobil Tirol is a multidisciplinary postdischarge disease management program for heart failure patients to improve quality of life, prevent readmission, and reduce mortality and health care costs. It uses a telemonitoring system that is incorporated into a network of specialized heart failure nurses, physicians, and hospitals. Patients are equipped with a mobile phone, a weighing scale, and a blood pressure and heart rate monitor for daily acquisition and transmission of data on blood pressure, heart rate, weight, well-being, and drug intake. These data are transmitted daily and regularly reviewed by the network team. In addition, patients are scheduled for 3 visits with the network physician and 2 visits with the heart failure nurse within 3 months after hospitalization for acute heart failure.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of HerzMobil Tirol by analyzing changes in health status as well as patients’ self-care behavior and satisfaction and to derive recommendations for implementing a telemonitoring-based interdisciplinary disease management program for heart failure in everyday clinical practice.

METHODS

In this prospective, pilot, single-arm study including 35 elderly patients, the feasibility of HerzMobil Tirol was assessed by analyzing changes in health status (via Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, KCCQ), patients’ self-care behavior (via European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale, revised into a 9-item scale, EHFScB-9), and user satisfaction (via Delone and McLean System Success Model).

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients joined the HerzMobil Tirol program, and of these, 35 patients completed it. The mean age of participants was 67 years (range: 43-86 years). Health status (KCCQ, range: 0-100) improved from 46.2 to 69.8 after 3 months. Self-care behavior (EHFScB-9, possible range: 9-22) after 3 months was 13.2. Patient satisfaction in all dimensions was 86% or higher. Lessons learned for the rollout of HerzMobil Tirol comprise a definite time schedule for interventions, solid network structures with clear process definition, a network coordinator, and specially trained heart failure nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the positive evaluation results, HerzMobil Tirol has been officially introduced in the province of Tyrol in July 2017. It is, therefore, the first regular financed telehealth care program in Austria.
Evaluación financiera con la metodología de opciones reales de una inversión para producir quitosano con base en desperdicio de camarón.
Authors: Cadeza Espinosa Marisol , Brambila Paz J. de Jesús , Chalita Tovar L. Eduardo , González Estrada Adrián
Published: January 2018

Las empresas de economías modernas enfrentan el reto de ser rentables y reducir su impacto ecológico. Se está haciendo un esfuerzo científico, tecnológico y económico para sustituir los petroproductos por productos obtenidos de materia prima orgánica. La producción de camarón (Peneus vannamei) genera 400 kg de desperdicio por tonelada. Ahora ya es viable técnica y económicamente usar ese desperdicio para producir quitosano que sirve de polímero para producir materiales biodegradables. Invertir en un sistema de producción de camarón y de quitosano con desperdicio de camarón es más rentable que mantenerse solamente en la producción. La evaluación financiera del proyecto de camarón-quitosano con la metodología tradicional de Valor Actual Neto (VAN) se tiene que complementar con la metodología de opciones reales que permite considerar en el análisis la volatilidad de los precios del camarón y del quitosano. El resultado es que un proyecto de camarón-quitosano es más rentable (VANTOTAL=$1 790 000) que si solo se produce camarón (VAN=$182 000). Se concluye que es posible aumentar la rentabilidad de la cadena productiva de camarón mediante el tratamiento de su desperdicio para producir quitosano.
Programas de conservación de la vida silvestre: una revisión y análisis.
Authors: López Lucero Juan Francisco , Tarango Arámbula Luis Antonio , Valdez Zamudio Diego , Martínez Gallardo Roberto , Vargas Yáñez J. Mario , Contreras Gil Joaquín , Romo León Raúl
Published: January 2018

Los recursos naturales son importantes para el desarrollo de las comunidades por la generación de bienes, servicios y empleos. Las estrategias de protección y aprovechamiento de la vida silvestre a nivel internacional se especifican en convenios, acuerdos y firma de tratados. Sin embargo, se requiere una evaluación y análisis de estos para conocer su eficacia. El propósito de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión de literatura sobre las estrategias de conservación durante 1970-2010; para ello se buscó, organizó y analizó información relacionada con artículos científicos, marco normativo y libros electrónicos elaborados por Organizaciones Internacionales. La información se organizó por países desarrollados (n=7) y en vías de desarrollo (n=7). En las 113 evidencias analizadas se encontró que las estrategias concluyen con la firma, ejecución de convenios y acuerdos internacionales; sin embargo, solo 5 % de los documentos se relacionan con la evaluación, análisis de la efectividad y desempeño de esos programas, destacando que en su mayoría se refieren a países en vías de desarrollo. Este documento enfatiza que para que las estrategias de conservación tengan éxito estas deberán elaborarse con base en principios, criterios, indicadores y verificadores de tipo social, económico, político y ecológico.
Situación de la agricultura de mayos y mestizos del norte de Sinaloa, México.
Authors: Lara Ponce Estuardo , Valdés Vega José Luis , Medina Torres Salvador Martín , Martínez Ruiz Rosa
Published: January 2018

En la localidad de Jahuara II se realizó una investigación mixta, con el objetivo de sistematizar y comparar información ambiental, social, cultural y económica de la agricultura de maíz, que tradicionalmente practican agricultores indígenas mayos y mestizos. La metodología incluyó revisión documental, observación participante, entrevistas y encuestas con un muestreo intencional a 53 ejidatarios entre 49 y 80 años. La interpretación de datos ambientales señala que las limitantes para la producción de maíz son la escasa precipitación y las bajas temperaturas. En lo sociocultural, ambos grupos conservan elementos de su identidad asociadas al conocimiento agrícola. Tecnológicamente practican una agricultura comercial y similar en sus componentes; sin embargo, la semilla criolla de maíz es más empleada por los mayos, quienes comparativamente con los mestizos obtuvieron rendimientos ligeramente mayores en riego, como de temporal. En lo económico existe una relación costo/beneficio promedio favorable en ambos grupos de agricultores, aunque los costos de producción por hectárea sembrada son elevados en ambos casos. Los mayos han perdido terrenos de cultivo por razones socioeconómicas, han dejado de sembrar superficies de maíz criollo y han abandonado prácticas tradicionales. La erosión del conocimiento de la agricultura indígena se observa en la posible extinción de la diversidad de los maíces criollos de la región, situación que impacta el patrimonio biocultural de los mayos y mestizos. Es urgente valorar los conocimientos ancestrales del manejo de la agricultura, cuyo potencial gené- tico es reconocido por los centros de investigación agrícola y significan una expectativa favorable de estudio para enfrontar la problemática climática regional.
Intención de compra del consumidor organizacional de chile regional en el Estado de Puebla, México.
Authors: Pérez Vargas Rogelio , Morales Jiménez Juan , López Sánchez Higinio , Ayala Garay Alma Velia
Published: January 2018

La producción de chile en el estado de Puebla enfrenta dificultades para su permanencia depende, entre otras cosas, competir eficazmente en el mercado, donde la información de la cadena de valor es crucial para generar opciones para la comercialización. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la intención y conducta de compra del consumidor organizacional para satisfacer sus necesidades de chile con la producción regional. Se aplicó una encuesta a 36 consumidores industriales para determinar su intención de compra y se plantearon preguntas cerradas para conocer su conducta de compra. Se realizó un análisis de fiabilidad, se hicieron tablas de contingencia y una correlación de Spearman. Los chiles de mayor consumo fueron el jalapeño, el chipotle y el serrano. Las características de mayor importancia para los consumidores fueron la frescura, la ausencia de material extraño y que no tenga daño físico. La central de abasto local es el principal sitio de compra de la micro y pequeña empresa, mientras que la gran empresa se abastece de una red nacional. Se determinó que existe una intención positiva de compra de chile regional, siempre y cuando se cumplan las condiciones de precio competitivo, calidad del fruto y aspectos fiscales.
Dominancia, composición química-nutritiva de especies forrajeras y fitomasa potencial en una selva secundaria
Authors: Gómez Fuentes Galindo Tania , González Rebeles Carlos , López Ortiz Silvia , Ku Vera Juan Carlos , Albor Pinto Cristopher de Jesús , Sangines García José Roberto
Published: January 2018

Se determinó la relación entre abundancia, dominancia y similitud de especies forrajeras con la calidad nutritiva y cantidad de fitomasa potencial para la alimentación de bovinos en sitios con vegetación forestal, arbustiva y herbácea en la época seca y la lluvia. Se encontraron 54 especies forrajeras agrupadas en 21 familias (dominando Fabacea). La abundancia de leñosas forrajeras fue mayor en temporada de lluvias en la comunidad forestal (p<0.0001; 52.8Â±11.4) y en la de secas en la arbustiva (p=0.002; 14.80Â±3.09). La similitud entre comunidades varió de 0.27 a 0.54. Las especies forrajeras dominantes de la comunidad forestal en lluvias presentaron altos valores nutricionales, degradabilidad ruminal (65.9-89.0 %) y energía metabolizable (9.35-11.52 MJ/kg MS). El mayor contenido de taninos fue en Bauhinia divaricata (12.75 %). La fitomasa potencial rindió 3272 y 1454 kg MS/ha en lluvias y secas, respectivamente, y fue mayor en herbáceas (P<0.0001; 3977Â±2299 y 2451Â±3336, respectivamente). Se encontró una gran diversidad de especies forrajeras, diferentes en cada comunidad vegetal, y que difieren en calidad químico-nutritiva. En su conjunto, la fitomasa potencial de todos los estratos y la variedad de nutrientes que las especies contienen se complementan para alimentar bovinos a lo largo del año.
Efectos socioeconómicos y ambientales de la sobreproducción de maguey mezcalero en la región del mezcal de Oaxaca, México
Authors: Antonio Bautista Juan , Antonio José Alejandra Anahit , León Núñez María José
Published: January 2018

El objetivo fue analizar los efectos socioeconómicos y ambientales generados por la sobreproducción de maguey mezcalero (Agave angustifolia Haw) en la Región del Mezcal de Oaxaca por la expansión de su siembra y demanda en la producción, consumo y comercialización mundial del tequila. Con el enfoque de la multifuncionalidad de la agricultura y la transformación de los sistemas agrarios se abordaron como estudios de caso los sistemas agrícolas del maguey en las comunidades de Matatlán y El Camarón durante el periodo 2009 al 2014. Se obtuvo una muestra aleatoria simple de 20o% de los padrones comunitarios de campesinos productores: se aplicaron encuestas y entrevistas semiestructuradas para obtener la información, además de recorridos de campos y la observación directa; el estudio fue descriptivo y analítico. Los resultados indican el descenso y abandono de la siembra de maguey mezcalero por la falta de demanda y el desconocimiento de los campesinos sobre otros usos, productos y subproductos derivados de esta materia prima, el deterioro de los suelos por la ausencia de prácticas agrícolas tradicionales y la disminución de ingresos que agudiza la pobreza de las familias campesinas de la región.
Evaluación del nuevo modelo de atención en salud aplicado a una población de la Policía Nacional
Authors: Achury Sabogal Jaime Mauricio
Published: January 2018

La investigación se  fundamenta en la construcción de un nuevo modelo de salud bajo las estrategias de la Atención primaria en salud (APS), el cual  fue aplicado en el año 2004 a una población de 199 enfermos crónicos usuarios del sistema de salud de la Policía Nacional de Colombia, a los  que se les practica  una encuesta y valoración clínica, antes y después de la intervención. Resultado: vincular a la persona en el centro de la atención, la conformación de equipos transdisciplinarios que promueven la asistencia  integral, integrada y continua con un contacto resolutivo, llevan a una mejora sustancial en los resultados que se traduce en mejor calidad de vida. Conclusión: modelo APS mejora condiciones de salud en población objeto de estudio.
Bioética social: una solución al menoscabo de los valores éticos en la sociedad actual
Authors: Díaz Rodríguez María Yackelín
Published: January 2018

La investigación sigue un enfoque cualitativo, documental. Su objetivo fue analizar desde el campo teórico la bioética como la transformación que ha dado paso de la sociedad tradicional a la sociedad moderna. Resultado muestra cómo ha implicado grandes cambios en la forma en que las personas perciben la vida, y en la forma como actúan conforme a sus intereses. Se ha dejado de lado la vida en sociedad, las reglas y principios éticos y morales que rigen la convivencia y que establecen límites para instaurar un orden social. El ser humano moderno es individualista, sus intereses personales son lo único importante, niega su responsabilidad frente a los problemas sociales y se preocupa sólo por él mismo, dejando a un lado lo que sucede en el entorno. Ante este panorama surge la bioética, como una disciplina que representa las relaciones en la vida en sociedad y solidaridad, y que abarca aspectos de la convivencia y supervivencia. Se concluye que su objetivo supera la delimitación de los valores éticos que deben conformar la cultura en la sociedad moderna, y crear un orden social que le permita a cada individuo adaptarse a la globalización.
Lectonautas. Una propuesta de la didáctica de la lectura desde la web
Authors: Calvo Nova Ludy Amparo , Vargas Bautista Virgilio , Camperos Torres María Teresa
Published: January 2018

La investigación tuvo como objetivo crear una estrategia didáctica para potenciar la lectura en los estudiantes de cuarto y quinto grado de educación de Básica primaria utilizando las Tic como herramienta, aplicada a una muestra de 163 niños de instituciones de educación básica de la ciudad de Cúcuta, Colombia.  Resultados: dimensiones asociadas a la lectura fueron aprendizaje de representaciones y proposiciones; estructura cognitiva con categorías de asimilación, otorgamiento de significados, análisis, interpretación, selección, organización; TIC para combinar material, interactúar, reaprender, generar ideas, ser creativo y comunicar sus ideas; creatividad en producción textual y oral. Conclusión: Lectonautas desde la estrategia utilizando web permitió potenciar la interdependencia, las competencias comunicativas y prosociales, los vínculos afectivos con compañeros y con la familia.
conocimiento semántico en la representación de problemas de ecuaciones diferenciales como modelos matemáticos
Authors: Hernández Rosa Virginia , Mariño Luis Fernando , Vergel Ortega Mawency
Published: January 2018

En este artículo se presenta la caracterización del conocimiento semántico evidenciado por un grupo de estudiantes en la representación externa a problemas de ecuaciones diferenciales lineales de segundo orden como modelos matemáticos. El trabajo fue cuantitativo de tipo exploratorio y descriptivo utilizando un cuestionario en la recolección de información. El soporte teórico que dio sentido al estudio fue el modelo de dos etapas propuesto por Mayer R. para la resolución de problemas matemáticos, el ciclo de modelación bajo la perspectiva cognitiva según Borromeo Ferri y la teoría de las representaciones de Goldin y Kaput. La investigación se centró específicamente en la fase de representación del modelo. Entre los principales hallazgos se destaca que cada participante hace su propia representación externa a conceptos como: sistema masa-resorte, peso, masa, punto de equilibrio, constante de elasticidad, punto de equilibrio, ley de Hooke, fuerza amortiguadora, fuerza externa, ley de Newton, entre otros. Se evidencian también dificultades en el tránsito del lenguaje natural al lenguaje matemático y la representación externa de cada una de los signos, símbolos o expresiones matemáticas inmersas en el problema de palabra, debido a que el resolutor tiene que construir un modelo mental de la situación real y plasmarlo en un modelo matemático. Lo anterior pone de manifiesto la importancia que tiene el conocimiento semántico en la etapa de traducción cuando se intentan resolver problemas como situaciones reales a modelar.
PRICE VOLATILITY IN MACROECONOMIC STRUCTURE OF PRODUCTION IN POLAND
Authors: Bródka Dawid , Chciałowski Marcin
Published: January 2018

In this article an empirical analysis of price volatility was conducted, on the basis of Polish macroeconomic data from 2010–2016 and theoretical framework proposed by Austrian School of Economics. The research was carried out using a number of statistical methods used on price indices representing different stages of production. The analysis allowed to establish conclusions about differing degree of price movements throughout Polish economy and its sectors, where prices of goods produced at the beginning of the structure were characterised by higher volatility than those produced in other branches. No statistically significant difference in price volatility was noted between consumer goods and intermediate goods stage.
CHANGES IN AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES IN POLAND AFTER ACCESION TO THE EU
Authors: Kania Józef
Published: January 2018

The main objective of this article is to analyze and evaluate the state and development of agricultural advisory services in Poland after accession to the European Union. The most important change, based on the Act from 22 October 2004, was to obtain legal personality by the Agricultural Advisory Center in Brwinów (CDR) and 16 provincial agricultural advisory centers (ODRs), and the possibility of charging fees for selected services. This Act was changed three times during the research period. The changes concerned mainly the subordination of ODRs; from the Governors to the provincial self-governments (2009), then to the Boards of provinces (2012), and most recently to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2016), and how they are financed. At present, two main public organizational units exist within the agricultural advisory structure; there are the CDR responsible for training of advisers and the 16 ODRs responsible for farm advisory services and rural development.
THE IMPACT OF OFFSHORING ON THE EUROPEAN LABOUR MARKET
Authors: Kraciuk Jakub
Published: January 2018

This study shows the differences in wages of workers from the EU countries according to various levels of education. It also shows the level of offshoring in the analysed countries and its impact on the salaries. It was found that the largest wage gap between the high-skilled and the low-skilled workers exists both in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and in the countries such as Germany and Portugal. Results of the analysis show that offshoring contributes to a decrease in wages of workers in the countries of the European Union. Nonetheless, the highest decrease in wages is visible among workers with the lowest skills, and the lowest decrease can be seen among workers with the highest skills.
APPLICATION OF THE MALMQUIST PRODUCTIVITY INDEX TO EXAMINE CHANGES IN THE EFFICIENCY OF HUMANITIES FACULTIES
Authors: Pietrzak Piotr , Baran Joanna
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to determine changes in efficiency of humanities faculties using the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI). The analysis included 14 university organisational units supervised by the Minister of Science and Higher Education, for which relevant data were available. In the period from 2008/2009 to 2014/2015, the average Malmquist index value was 28%, indicative of increased faculty productivity. Changes in technology growth did not affect the index figure, as their average in the analysed period was around 1. Changes in technical efficiency, which amounted to 34% per year on average, were the main factor driving increased productivity of faculties.
FARM OWNERS’ INTERVENTIONS DURING ECONOMIC CRISIS
Authors: Płonka Aleksandra
Published: January 2018

This paper covers the issue of the effect of the economic crisis on farms organization. Research was conducted in the south of Poland, of which a certain portion has been presented to demonstrate the interventions undertaken by farm owners in light of the deteriorating economic situation. The research indicates that the choice of strategy for surviving the crisis, which shows in deteriorating management conditions, was determined by the farm type. Nevertheless, the most common decisions were about lowering consumption of current production assets and reducing capital-intensive investments. The spectrum of intervention measures undertaken by respondents in periods of economic crisis was therefore based mainly on temporary yet significant reduction of production costs in order to improve (or safeguard) short-term financial performance of a farm.
RISK OF OVERINVESTMENT IN MUNICIPALITIES
Authors: Satoła Łukasz
Published: January 2018

This article describes investment activities of self-government territorial units. Its aim is to present the importance of investments for the provision of public services by municipalities. The opinions of the respondents about the causes of excessive or misguided investments and the ways of reducing their scale were presented. Surveys were conducted in 2015 and the temporal scope of the analysis is 2009–2014. The importance of investments for the provision of public services, shaping the living conditions of inhabitants, and conducting business activity were described. Based on that, overinvestment was identified as a negative trend in public resources management. The most frequent causes of excessive investment are megalomania of the municipality authorities and their desire to gain the support of the inhabitants (voters). Another important aspect is the lack of sufficient social control in the decision-making process regarding investment tasks execution. It was also demonstrated that overinvestment is due to the purpose of spending financial resources, not to the relative amount of investment expenses. Among the actions preventing excessive or misguided investments, the cost and benefit analysis was indicated the most often. Using strategic planning tools is also beneficial for the effectiveness of investing in self-government.
DETERMINANTS OF PROFITABILITY OF ENTERPRISES OF MEAT INDUSTRY IN POLAND
Authors: Szymańska Elżbieta
Published: January 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the strength and direction of influence of individual factors on the return on equity of the enterprises of the meat industry in Poland in 2008–2012. A detailed analysis covered 86 enterprises engaged in slaughtering and processing of pork and published financial reports in the analysed period. The profitability rate of the studied enterprises are identified based on the return on equity ratio. Du Pont analysis was used in order to determine the reasons for the change in structural system use. The research showed that the meat sector is characterized by relatively low profitability. This is primarily due to high production costs and low selling prices. The economic situation of the enterprises is affected by the high fragmentation of the industry and limited specialization. An additional difficulty are the emerging market affairs that reduce consumer confidence in meat products. Effective management of the enterprise of meat industry requires, therefore, successful analysis of indicators of profitability.
PREVALENCE AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF FUEL POVERTY IN HOUSEHOLDS IN POLAND
Authors: Wysokiński Marcin , Gromada Arkadiusz , Trębska Paulina
Published: January 2018

Fuel poverty is a phenomenon of experiencing difficulties in satisfying basic energy needs at the place of residence at a reasonable cost, which consists of maintaining an adequate heat standard and supplying other energy types to meet the basic biological and social needs of household members. The aim of the article is to characterise the prevalence and spatial distribution of fuel poverty in Polish households. The article presents the main causes and effects associated with this problem. Data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) and the Institute for Structural Research (IBS) was used for analysis.
SMART SHOPPING IN CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR OF POLISH SENIORS (REPORT FROM OWN RESEARCH)
Authors: Zalega Tomasz
Published: January 2018

The observed demographic changes involving mainly progressive ageing of the Polish population are leading to increased market importance of the senior consumer segment. More and more seniors are following new consumer trends, including smart shopping. The article aims to provide some insight into smart shopping, as well as to outline the factors influencing the dissemination of such shopping behaviours, with a broader reference to consumer behaviours of Polish seniors. The first part very synthetically explains the concept and key determinants of the smart shopping consumer trend. The next section focuses on the research conceptualisation and a description of the sample and its characteristics. Based on the conducted research, the last part sheds light on seniors’ consumer behaviour and attempts to define the extent to which seniors do smart shopping when making consumer decisions.
Type 1 Diabetes in Parents and Risk of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring: A Population-Based Study in Sweden
Authors: Ji Jianguang , Chen Tianhui , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether a family history of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with an increased incidence of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Individuals with T1D were identified from the nationwide Swedish National Hospital Discharge Register and Swedish Outpatient Register in Sweden and were linked to the Swedish Multi-Generation Register to identify their offspring. Cox regression was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) of ADHD in offspring of patients with T1D compared with the general population.

RESULTS

A total of 15,615 individuals were born after their parents were diagnosed with T1D. After a set of confounding factors was controlled for, offspring of T1D patients had a significantly increased risk of ADHD with an HR of 1.29 (95% CI 1.15–1.42). Maternal T1D was associated with an enhanced risk of ADHD (HR 1.35 [95% CI 1.18–1.55]) compared with paternal T1D (HR 1.20 [95% CI 1.03–1.41]), but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective cohort study, we found that a parental history of T1D was associated with a 29% increased risk of being diagnosed with ADHD. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be explored in future studies.
Multidimensional comparative analysis of the competitive capacity of the European Union countries and geographical regions
Authors: Cheba Katarzyna , Szopik-Depczyńska Katarzyna
Published: January 2018

Research background: The basic question we ask is whether is it possible to talk in today?s globalizing world about the uniform of the competitiveness of the economies? Posing such questions is particularly important in the case of political and economic structures such as the European Union. The competitiveness of the economies is now one of the most frequently discussed topics. In this work, due to the context of the conducted research (international comparisons of the EU countries? economies) the competitiveness of international economies will be considered in terms of international competitive capacity. In addition to the problems associated with defining this concept, there are also important dilemmas concerned with the measurement of the competitiveness. In the performed comparative analyses of European economies the research results presented within reports of ?Global Competitiveness Index? will be used.

Purpose of the article: The main purpose of the paper is to conduct a multidimensional comparative analysis of the competitive capacity of the European Union countries and geo-graphical regions of Europe.

Methods: In the paper, to study the spatial differentiation of the EU countries and geograph-ical regions of Europe in the context of their competitive capacity, the taxonomic measure of development based on median vector Weber was used.

Findings & Value added: As a result, the classification and the typological groups of EU countries and geographical regions of Europe calculated on the basis of the features describing their competitive capacity arises. The value added of these research is the analysis of competitive capacity conducted not only for EU countries, but also for geographical regions of Europe. In the paper, the verification of criteria using by World Economic Forum to assess the competitive capacity of EU economies was also conducted. In this area of the research, because of high level of correlation, many features from initial database were deleted.
Does system of local government subsidisation fulfil revenue equalisation function? Evidence from Poland
Authors: Sekuła Alicja
Published: January 2018

Research background: General grants in the system of local government finance should pursue five different functions. One of them is revenue equalization. This function is achieved if the revenue gap is reduced after the application of the subsidising mechanism. In addition, to be completed, the size of the support should be inversely proportional to own revenues.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to analyse the fulfilment of the revenue equalization function by general grants. Therefore, beside the theoretical analysis, which presents the general grants structure and the functions assigned to them, the article discusses the results of studies showing changes in the revenue gap after the application of the grant mechanism and the correlation between per capita own revenue and the amount of funds from selected parts (equalisation, balancing-regional, reserve, compensating) of the general grant. The following tentative research hypothesis was adopted: general grants fail to fulfil the revenue equalisation function.

Methods: Two research methods were applied to achieve the aim of the article and verify the research hypothesis: descriptive statistics and correlation ? calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient.

Findings & Value added: Based on the analyses, it was concluded that, once the corrective and equalising mechanism was applied, the range between the extreme per capita revenue values was reduced by 40?50% on average, at all local government levels, i.e. at commune (including cities with county right), county and province levels, in each year from the period analysed, i.e. 2012?2016. The correlation between the sizes of revenue before and after budget subsidising is always negative, whereas the strength of the relationship ranged between low and significant, depending on the local government level. It was found that general grants do fulfil the revenue equalisation function, which contradicts the initially formulated research hypothesis.
Analysis of Bratislava and Žilina as urban areas in Western Slovakia in the context of associations among employment and industries
Authors: Koľveková Gabriela , Palaščáková Daniela
Published: January 2018

Research background: This paper observes especially the position of cities, urban areas in the context of global value chains ? GVCs. Global value chains reflect specialization and labour division of companies, mostly multinational enterprises ? MNEs. MNEs can be considered flagships of some industries. Such flagships influence suppliers and purchasers. MNEs are a part of networks or have got access to such networks that combine dispersion of the value chain, the boundaries of the firm and across national borders.

Purpose of the article: The impetus for this work was to look at the position of Slovak cities (Bratislava, Žilina) in order to look for sectors that can help to develop the city and its adjacent regions, particularly cross-border regions. The paper discussed how the attribute of the cross-border regions gives the cities more advantageous position in GVCs.

Methodology: Applying the method of location quotient allowed to shed a light on the GVCs, which cities participate in. Some cities were in a position to take advantage of participation in GVCs.

Findings & Value added: Examined cities are located in the western part of the Slovak Republic. Discussion about the attribute of the cross-border regions can stimulate new ideas for finding causalities in city sprawl or in specialization patterns in the industrial structure of the city. Discussion further fosters the comparison of two cities strengths and weaknesses of each of them that were summarized in terms of employment and industrial exploitation of GVCs. This is the first finding and value added of the paper. The second one is that the method of location quotient is simple but provides clear evidence of the regional development or decline in particular industries and at the time of observation.
Young people on the labour market in Poland ? the point of view of the employer
Authors: Kobylińska Urszula , Rollnik-Sadowska Ewa , Samul Joanna
Published: January 2018

Research background: The article presents the problem of youth unemployment from the perspective of employers in Poland exemplified by the research results conducted in Podlaskie province. The unemployment rate of young people in Poland in the age range 15-29, reached 14.2% in 2015. For comparison, at that time the average for the EU was higher by almost two percentage points, and the decline compared to the year 2013 was lower than in Poland. It turns out that higher education in Poland has lost its importance in the process of hiring staff. Employers are increasingly less likely to look at the educational background of candidates,  as they focus more on their experience and specific skills.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is to present the results of re-search regarding the diagnosis of the situation of young people on the labour market in Poland from the perspective of employers. In particular, there were competency gaps and other reasons for not recruiting young people which have been identified.

Methods: Two types of research were carried out with employers from Podlaskie province: quantitative, using CATI/CAWI and qualitative, using the technique of IDI. Quantitative research was carried out on a sample of 346 respondents. A qualitative study was carried out among 16 companies registered in Podlaskie province.

Findings & Value added: Among the reasons for not employing young people which were most often mentioned by the entrepreneurs in quantitative research there were financial reasons. During the interviews, employers  indicated the reasons for not employing young people such as "lack of appropriate qualifications," "specific skills" or simply "practical preparation for work." Employers were asked about the competence gaps of young people, and they pointed out that they lack experience, initiative and entrepreneurship, as well as learning skills.
Expectations of generation Y connected with shaping the work-life balance. The case of Poland
Authors: Robak Elżbieta
Published: January 2018

Research background: Entering of generation Y into the job market causes many interesting insights for both researchers, who analyze the specifics of this generation, as well as practitioners of modern organizations' management. Despite some differences in the charac-teristics of generation Y, the authors involved in this issue agree that generation Y is focused on education and development with simultaneous desire to maintain a balance between work and personal life. More often than older generations, they are willing to use the various programs, offered by their company, supporting reconciliation of professional and personal life.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to present issues concerning the functioning of the representatives of generation Y in the labor market with particular emphasis on the issue of balancing professional work and personal life.

Methods: The conducted research aimed to analyze the opinion of representatives of gener-ation Y about the expectations associated with their professional work with special emphasis on creating a balance between work and personal life. In order to obtain answers to the research questions, the methods of diagnostic survey and questionnaire technique were used. To complement the obtained data, the additional qualitative research unstructured interviews were conducted. The researches were conducted in Poland, at one of the technical universities in the Silesian voivodeship.

Findings & Value added: Respondents have confirmed the hypothesis that for their genera-tion balance between work and personal life is very important. The collected respondents' opinions showed the image of flexible employment as a good way to reconcile work and other obligations, which gives the ability to have multiple sources of income. It is a good solution especially for young people and people entering the labor market. The results of the conducted interviews pointed to a number of factors which in the opinion of young workers are important values in life and are related to the maintaining work-life balance.