bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Health Profile of Continuing Care Aides
Authors: Johnson Shanthi , McLeod Katherine , Engel Patricia , Tulloch Lori
Published: September 2015

The aim was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and health profile among urban versus rural continuing care aides (CCAs) in Canada. This cross-sectional study of 42 urban and rural CCAs assessed WMSDs and health profiles using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and a health background questionnaire. CCAs were generally unhealthy, with rural CCAs somewhat healthier. Greatest WMSD complaint was reported at the neck. Urban CCAs were more likely to report foot complaints ( p < .05). No other statistically significant differences were found. Back and shoulder scores were correlated with poorer nutrition status, higher body mass index, and more years worked. Workplace wellness programs should address the health issues faced by CCAs through active surveillance and practical interventions to improve CCAs’ health status, prevent and manage WMSDs, and lost workdays.
Framing legislative bills in parliament
Authors: Field Bonnie N , Hamann Kerstin
Published: September 2015

This article analyzes the strategies parties employ during the inter-electoral phase of party competition. It focuses on Spain’s multi-national democracy and how regional-nationalist parties frame their policy proposals in the statewide parliament (Congress of Deputies) for the period 1979–2011. Using the Catalan Convergence and Union (CiU) and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), it examines how frequently the parties rhetorically connect their bill proposals to the center-periphery dimension of party competition, and their justifications of these proposals in parliamentary debate. Challenging the niche party thesis, our findings indicate that the parties frame a small share of bills in center-periphery terms. They most frequently justify their center-periphery bills with reference to legal-constitutional compliance and administrative efficiency and less frequently with reference to culture, citizen rights, and economic performance. This can in part be explained by the fact that these parties are mainstream parties within their regions and operate in a clearly demarcated two-dimensional space in a multilevel state.
Hindering the deportation machine: An ethnography of power and resistance in immigration detention
Authors: Campesi Giuseppe
Published: September 2015

The article explores the relationship between immigration detention and criminal justice by presenting the results of an ethnographic research that was carried out inside one of the main Italian pre-removal detention facilities. Challenging the idea that immigration detention centres are to be considered as legal black holes where migrants are reduced to ‘bare life’ and subjected to a form of absolute power, this article suggests that detained migrants possess an extraordinary ability to resist and undermine the deportation machine, reproducing a condition that, reversing Nicolas De Genova’s formula, I would define as of their ‘undeportability’. The article explores the microphysics of power relationships shaping detention conditions inside a pre-removal centre showing how in the clash between police attempting to deport migrants and their opposition to deportation, immigration detention turns into a de-facto punishment. While the overlapping of administrative and punitive functions under the framework of immigration law and policies has been extensively analysed, this research illustrates how it is produced in practice suggesting that the evolution of immigration detention into a deterrence tool is to be considered as the outcome of the failure of the Italian deportation machine rather than a conscious policy choice. Finally, this article provides an opportunity to explore further the relationship between migration control and what Michel Agier has defined as humanitarian government, showing the many paradoxes and contradictions incurred by humanitarian agencies when they are called upon to manage custodial facilities such as immigration detention centres.
Crime, punishment and segregation in the United States: The paradox of local democracy
Authors: Lacey Nicola , Soskice David
Published: September 2015

Patterns of crime and punishment in the USA greatly magnify corresponding developments in other liberal market economies – Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK – faced with similar broad macro-technological transformations, namely the collapse of Fordism in the 1970s and 1980s and the development of knowledge economies in the 1990s and 2000s. In this article, we set out the case for seeing these differences as largely the product of dynamics shaped by the institutional structure of the US political system. We focus on the exceptional direct and indirect role of local democracy in key policy areas including law and order and beyond that in residential zoning, in public education and in incorporation of suburbs, which has no parallel in the other Anglo-Saxon polities, and which magnifies through residential and educational segregation and concentrated poverty the social problems caused by socio-economic developments.
Influence of nanoparticle fillers content on the bearing strength behavior of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites pin joints
Authors: Sekhon Manjeet , Saini JS , Singla Gaurav , Bhunia H
Published: September 2015

The objective of the present study is to investigate and compare the strength of single pin joints made with glass fiber-reinforced epoxy laminates containing two different nanoparticles, i.e. nanoclay and nano TiO2, with bare composites. The analysis has been done both experimentally and numerically. Single-hole pin-loaded specimens were tested for their tensile strength and the distance from the free edge of the specimen to the diameter of the first hole (E/D) ratio, width of the specimen to the diameter of the holes (W/D) ratio were evaluated. The influence of these geometry parameters on the strength of the pin-loaded composites was investigated. It was found that the bearing strength of pin joints increased with the addition of nanoclay as compared to that of nano TiO2.
The management of children and family social workers in England: Reflecting upon the meaning and provision of support
Authors: Harlow Elizabeth
Published: September 2015

In England in 2010, the then Children’s Workforce Development Council introduced an initiative which aimed to support front line social work managers in the performance of their role. This article reflects on the way in which support was interpreted and implemented by the Children’s Workforce Development Council and the local authorities that participated in the project, but also the relevance of the project for the social work profession in England at the time.

Findings

The construction and implementation of the ‘Support to Front Line Managers Project’ was negotiated, iterative and contingent. However, in keeping with the aims of the project, relational and reflective methods of developing supervisory skills were deployed by local authorities.

Applications

In acknowledging the limitations of techno-rational systems of management, this article offers an interpretive case study of a national initiative which encouraged investment in reflective and relational approaches to performance enhancement. It highlights the interest in coaching, mentoring and action learning as developmental techniques, but also the significance of supervision to the identity of social work as a profession.
“A child, a tree”: Challenges in building collaborative relations in a community research project in a Kenyan context
Authors: Ahlberg Beth Maina , Maina Faith , Kubai Anne , Khamasi Wanjiku , Ekman Marianne , Lundqvist-Persson Cristina
Published: September 2015

This paper highlights the potential for basing participatory action research on priorities identified by communities. The case builds on a research project by the Social Science Medicine Africa Network (Soma-net) focusing on AIDS prevention among school youth in Kajiado in Kenya during 2003–2006. It became clear from that study just how complex it is to promote open communication on issues of sexuality considered critical for sexual health promotion. Towards the end of that study a spin-off in the form of a concept “a child, a tree” or tree planting evolved and the research thereafter continued as a partnership between the school community and the researchers. The focus then was on understanding how health promotion could be integrated into other aspects of community life. The concept and tree planting when implemented created a sense of ownership among the pupils largely because they were placed at the centre of the development activities. The story illuminates the nature of change developing in the course of the project, but also the challenges and complexity of creating and maintaining collaborative relations in the face of cultural and gender power dynamics and interventions imposed from outside the community.
A white–cyan-red LED system for low correlated colour temperature lighting
Authors: Chakrabarti M , Thorseth A , Corell DD , Dam-Hansen C
Published: September 2015

A white LED complemented by cyan and red LEDs is a good candidate for achieving high colour rendering at low correlated colour temperatures. This is usually very difficult with commercially available white LEDs. In addition, the system is able to replace incandescent lighting in many applications; for example, the lighting for museum display cases. To investigate and optimize the colour and light distribution properties, both spectral and geometrical modelling are used. Mapping of the possible combinations of LEDs is used to locate the optimal solutions within the colour gamut, with emphasis on chromaticity and colour rendering indices. A geometric optical model is used to design and optimize the homogeneity of the colour and light intensity distribution as a function of angle. The resulting system produces diffused homogeneous white light with a tunable correlated colour temperature from 2000 K to 2400 K. Within this range the white light is characterized by a high general colour rendering index (Ra > 90), special colour rendering indices for saturated red objects (R9 > 85), and low chromaticity distance (Duv) from the Planckian locus (Duv < 2 × 10−3).
Epidural Cortical Stimulation as a Treatment for Poststroke Aphasia
Authors: Balossier Anne , Etard Olivier , Descat Chloé , Vivien Denis , Emery Evelyne
Published: September 2015

Background. Nearly 15 million people suffer from stroke every year worldwide, with about 20% of the survivors retaining chronic aphasic symptoms. Spontaneous recovery is limited to 3 to 6 months. Cortical stimulation techniques have been proposed to enhance the recovery process. Objective. The goal of this study was to evaluate the benefit of epidural cortical stimulation for the treatment of poststroke aphasia, based on a systematic review of the literature. Methods. An extensive PubMed search was performed for English language articles published from 1990 to 2014 with the keywords (cortical OR epidural) AND stimulation AND stroke AND (aphasia OR language OR speech). The criteria analyzed included the type of study, epidemiology of patients, stroke, aphasia, stimulation protocol, concurrent rehabilitation therapies, language evaluations, results observed, and follow-up. Results. Seven cases were reported to date (3 case reports, 1 randomized controlled trial). All patients experienced nonfluent aphasia following an ischemic stroke. All four studies reported encouraging effects of the stimulation with improved lexical access and fluency for all patients. The effects were specific, independent of the motor recovery or of the pain reported by the patients, and they were linked to the stimulation parameters. Conclusions. Due to the small number of existing cases in the literature, the strength of the evidence is still low. Two main hypotheses of neurobiological mechanisms have been explored: either using continuous stimulation to modify cortical perilesional inhibition or using intermittent stimulation during the speech and language therapy sessions to explore synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation or depression. To establish the role of epidural stimulation and the relevant stimulation protocols and parameters, large randomized controlled trials are mandatory. We suggest avenues of investigation.
The Importance of Dog Ownership
Authors: Hancock Jude , Jackson Sue , Johnson Andrew B.
Published: September 2015

Gastric banding (GB) is considered an option to support weight loss for individuals who are unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Exercise is an important element of maintaining gradual weight loss following GB. Dog walking may be one method to encourage exercise and contribute to continued weight loss. Over a 5-year period, 24 individuals aged between 31 and 58 years (21 female; 12 dog-owners) were weighed at 7 time points. Intention to treat MANOVA analysis showed both groups lost a significant amount of weight, F(6, 17) = 15.7, P = .001, ηp2 = .85, but no difference was observed between dog owners and non–dog owners, F(6, 17) = 0.66, P = .68, ηp2 = .19, although from 24 months postbanding, data indicated dog owners appear to weigh less than non–dog owners. Further longitudinal research is warranted beyond 5 year post-GB; and encouraging exercise through dog walking may be a useful adjunct to increasing activity and promoting weight loss following GB.
Blade profile optimization of pump as turbine
Authors: Miao Sen-chun , Yang Jun-hu , Shi Guang-tai , Wang Ting-ting
Published: September 2015

One major focus on the performance researches of pump as turbine is how to enhance the efficiency of energy recovery. While the key point of increasing the efficiency is to improve the performance of the blade profile which is structural basis of the blade geometry. This article presents an optimization method for the blade profile. It contained the parameterization of blade profile, the Latin Hypercube experimental design, the computational fluid dynamics techniques, the back propagation neural network, and genetic algorithm. Specifically, the nonuniform cubic B-spline curve was used to parameterize the blade profile, the Latin Hypercube experimental design method for the acquirement of the sample points of back propagation neural network. The performance analysis of each sample point was accomplished by the computational fluid dynamics techniques. Then, the learning and training of the back propagation neural network was carried out. Finally, the optimization techniques of combining the back propagation neural network and genetic algorithm were used to solve the optimization problems of the blade profile. Based on the above method, the blade profile of a pump as turbine was optimized and improved. The result shows that the efficiency of the optimized pump as turbine under the optimum operating condition was increased by 2.91%, with the constraint condition to ensure that the difference between the head and the initial head of the pump as turbine is less than the specified value. This proves that using the above method to optimize the blade profile is feasible.
Outcomes After Lumbar Disc Herniation in the National Basketball Association
Authors: Minhas Shobhit V. , Kester Benjamin S. , Hsu Wellington K.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Professional basketball players are at risk for lumbar disc herniation (LDH), yet the evidence guiding treatment after operative or nonoperative management of this condition in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is limited.

Hypothesis:

NBA players with LDH will have different performance outcomes based on treatment type.

Study Design:

Case-control study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

Athletes in the NBA with an LDH were identified through team injury reports, transaction records, and public sports archives. A 1:2 case-control study was performed in which LDH players and players without LDH were matched for player variables. Statistical analysis was employed to compare pre- and postindex season performance (games played and player efficiency rating [PER]) and career longevity between test subjects and controls in the operatively treated (OT) and nonoperatively treated (NOT) cohorts.

Results:

A total of 61 NBA players with LDH were included, of whom 34 underwent discectomy and 27 were managed nonoperatively. Return-to-play (RTP) rates did not differ between NOT and OT players (77.8% vs 79.4%). When compared with controls, OT players played significantly fewer games and had a lower PER than controls during the first postoperative season, but no difference was seen 2 and 3 years after surgery, with no difference in postoperative career length. In contrast, no difference in games played or PER was seen between NOT players and controls, although NOT players played significantly fewer postindex seasons.

Conclusion:

NBA players have a high RTP rate regardless of type of treatment for LDH; however, postindex performance differs between surgically and nonoperatively managed patients when compared with players without an LDH. However, further studies with a larger sample size are required for more definitive recommendations.

Clinical Relevance:

There is a high RTP rate after LDH in the NBA, although postindex performance may differ based on operative versus nonoperative treatment.
The Development of Humeral Retrotorsion and Its Relationship to Throwing Sports
Authors: Greenberg Elliot M. , Fernandez-Fernandez Alicia , Lawrence J. Todd R. , McClure Philip
Published: September 2015

Context:

Several investigations have noted that throwing athletes exhibit a more posteriorly oriented humeral head (humeral retrotorsion) in the dominant arm. This asymmetry is believed to represent an adaptive response to the stress of throwing that occurs during childhood. The significance of this alteration and factors that affect its development are currently not clear.

Evidence Acquisition:

Basic science, research studies, and review articles were searched through PubMed with search terms including humeral torsion, humeral retrotorsion, and with 1 of the following: pediatric, adult, baseball, pitching, shoulder, and range of motion. The references from each article were reviewed for further inclusion. This review included articles through March 2015.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

The throwing motion creates stressors that result in bony adaptations that occur while skeletally immature. These osseous changes likely contribute to the observed shift in the arc of rotational range of motion noted in throwing athletes and may play a protective role against injury. However, too much or too little retrotorsion may predispose the shoulder to injury. The degree of “optimal” humeral retrotorsion and factors that influence its development are not fully understood.

Conclusion:

Evidence supports the assertion that the throwing motion creates stressors that alter bony anatomy while young. It is important to determine what specific factors affect this adaptation and its relationship to injury.
Intraspecific lineage divergence and its association with reproductive trait change during species range expansion in central Eurasian wild wheat Aegilops tauschii Coss. (Poaceae)
Authors: Matsuoka Yoshihiro , Takumi Shigeo , Kawahara Taihachi
Published: September 2015

Background

How species ranges form in landscapes is a matter of long-standing evolutionary interest. However, little is known about how natural phenotypic variations of ecologically important traits contribute to species range expansion. In this study, we examined the phylogeographic patterns of phenotypic changes in life history (seed production) and phenological (flowering time) traits during the range expansion ofAegilops tauschiiCoss. from the Transcaucasus and Middle East to central Asia.

Results

Our comparative analyses of the patterns of natural variations for those traits and their association with the intraspecific lineage structure showed that (1) the eastward expansion to Asia was driven by an intraspecific sublineage (named TauL1b), (2) high seed production ability likely had an important role at the initial dispersal stage of TauL1b’s expansion to Asia, and (3) the phenological change to early flowering phenotypes was one of the key adaptation events for TauL1b to further expand its range in Asia.

Conclusions

This study provides for the first time a broad picture of the process ofAe. tauschii’s eastward range expansion in which life history and phenological traits may have had respective roles in its dispersal and adaptation in Asia. The clear association of seed production and flowering time patterns with the intraspecific lineage divergence found in this study invites further genetic research to bring the mechanistic understanding of the changes in these key functional traits during range expansion within reach.
Trafficking Regulates the Subcellular Distribution of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Primary Sensory Neurons
Authors: Bao Lan
Published: September 2015

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) comprise at least nine pore-forming α subunits. Of these, Nav1.6, Nav1.7, Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 are the most frequently studied in primary sensory neurons located in the dorsal root ganglion and are mainly localized to the cytoplasm. A large pool of intracellular Navs raises the possibility that changes in Nav trafficking could alter channel function. The molecular mediators of Nav trafficking mainly consist of signals within the Navs themselves, interacting proteins and extracellular factors. The surface expression of Navs is achieved by escape from the endoplasmic reticulum and proteasome degradation, forward trafficking and plasma membrane anchoring, and it is also regulated by channel phosphorylation and ubiquitination in primary sensory neurons. Axonal transport and localization of Navs in afferent fibers involves the motor protein KIF5B and scaffold proteins, including contactin and PDZ domain containing 2. Localization of Nav1.6 to the nodes of Ranvier in myelinated fibers of primary sensory neurons requires node formation and the submembrane cytoskeletal protein complex. These findings inform our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Nav trafficking in primary sensory neurons.
Tissue engineering in burn scar reconstruction
Authors: van Zuijlen PPM , Gardien KLM , Jaspers MEH , Bos EJ , Baas DC , van Trier AJM , Middelkoop E
Published: September 2015

Nowadays, most patients with severe burns will survive their injury. This evolution is accompanied by the challenge to cover a large percentage of total body surface area burned. Consequently, more and more patients have to deal with the sequelae of burn scars and require (multiple) reconstructions. This review provides a gross overview of developments in the field of tissue engineering for permanent burn wound coverage and reconstructive burn surgery, focusing on usage and clinical effectiveness. Not only skin substitutes will be discussed but also the replacement of subcutaneous fat tissue and cartilage.
Asset Pricing with Concentrated Ownership of Capital and Distribution Shocks
Authors: Lansing Kevin J.
Published: September 2015

This paper develops a production-based asset pricing model with two types of agents and concentrated ownership of physical capital. A temporary but persistent “distribution shock” causes the income share of capital owners to fluctuate in a procyclical manner, consistent with US data. The concentrated ownership model significantly magnifies the equity risk premium relative to a representative-agent model because the capital owners' consumption is more-strongly linked to volatile dividends from equity. With a steady-state risk aversion coefficient around 4, the model delivers an unlevered equity premium of 3.9 percent relative to short-term bonds and a premium of 1.2 percent relative to long-term bonds. (JEL D31, E13, E25, E32, E44, G12)
Happiness and the Persistence of Income Shocks
Authors: Bayer Christian , Juessen Falko
Published: September 2015

We reassess the empirical effects of income and employment on self-reported well-being. Our analysis makes use of a two-step estimation procedure that allows us to apply instrumental variable regressions with ordinal observable data. As suggested by the theory of incomplete markets, we differentiate between the effects of persistent and transitory income shocks. In line with this theory, we find that persistent shocks have a significant impact on happiness while transitory shocks do not. This also has consequences for inference about the happiness effect of employment. We find that employment per se is associated with a nonsignificant decline in happiness. (JEL D12, D52, I31, J22)
O câncer na perspectiva de cuidadores familiares e suas representações sociais
 doi: 10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v3i3.159.p159-164.2015
Authors: Da Silva Silvio Eder Dias , Vasconcelos Esleane Vilela , De Santana Mary Elizabeth , Araújo Jeferson Santos
Published: September 2015

Introdução: O câncer presente no indivíduo pode gerar diversas sensações na família, como medo, angústia e dor. O familiar cuidador em geral não está preparado para assumir tal dever, porém exerce um papel essencial na prática de cuidados ao paciente. Objetivo: A pesquisa objetivou identificar as representações sociais de cuidadores familiares de pacientes com câncer fora de possibilidades terapêuticas; e analisar suas implicações para o cuidado à saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa. Foram entrevistados 30 cuidadores familiares que acompanhavam seus parentes internados na clínica de cuidados paliativos no Hospital Ophir Loyola, em Belém do Pará. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada e associação livre de palavras. Na análise do material, aplicou-se a análise temática. A pesquisa foi submetida ao Comitê de Ética da Escola de Enfermagem “Magalhães Barata” da Universidade do Estado do Pará sob protocolo CAAE–0048.0.321.000.11 de acordo com os preceitos da Resolução nº 196/96/CNS/MS. Resultados: Da análise das entrevistas emergiram quatro temas: Câncer uma doença silenciosa; A prevenção do câncer por exames; O câncer no cotidiano do cuidador; A experiência do familiar com câncer influenciando a maneira do cuidador ver a doença: o cuidado com a saúde. Conclusão: O cuidado ao indivíduo em estado terminal foi apresentado como uma tarefa árdua e exaustiva pelos cuidadores. Logo, a Enfermagem tem papel relevante nessa relação com esses cuidadores, seja na realização de orientações, seja proporcionando-lhes um cuidado mais adequado.
Hot topics in biodiversity and climate change research
Authors: Brook Barry W. , Fordham Damien A.
Published: September 2015

With scientific and societal interest in biodiversity impacts of climate change growing enormously over the last decade, we analysed directions and biases in the recent most highly cited data papers in this field of research (from 2012 to 2014). The majority of this work relied on leveraging large databases of already collected historical information (but not paleo- or genetic data), and coupled these to new methodologies for making forward projections of shifts in species’ geographical ranges, with a focus on temperate and montane plants. A consistent finding was that the pace of climate-driven habitat change, along with increased frequency of extreme events, is outpacing the capacity of species or ecological communities to respond and adapt.
Circulating nucleic acids: a new class of physiological mobile genetic elements
Authors: Mittra Indraneel
Published: September 2015

Mobile genetic elements play a major role in shaping biotic genomes and bringing about evolutionary transformations. Herein, a new class of mobile genetic elements is proposed in the form of circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) derived from the billions of cells that die in the body every day due to normal physiology and that act intra-corporeally. A recent study shows that CNAs can freely enter into healthy cells, integrate into their genomes by a unique mechanism and cause damage to their DNA. Being ubiquitous and continuously arising, CNA-induced DNA damage may be the underlying cause of ageing, ageing-related disabilities and the ultimate demise of the organism. Thus, DNA seems to act in the paradoxical roles of both preserver and destroyer of life. This new class of mobile genetic element may be relevant not only to multi-cellular organisms with established circulatory systems, but also to other multi-cellular organisms in which intra-corporeal mobility of nucleic acids may be mediated via the medium of extra-cellular fluid.
The comparative analisys of Polish monetary policy with the monetary rule for the years 1995-2007
Authors: Ryczkowski Maciej
Published: September 2015

Poland’s monetary policy and the monetary rule are very similar according to the research and econometrical model. Both strategies result in the same outcomes in many fields. Both  aim to guarantee low inflation and  long-term economic growth. The difference is that in Poland, the control of supply of money is carried out by controlling inflation instead of direct control of monetary aggregates as in monetary rule. Summarazing,  there is no need to separate control of money’s supply in the targeting inflation system, as it is done as a “side effect”.
The directions of capital flows with special consideration of net foreign direct investment in the world in the years 2004 – 2006
Authors: Rogalska Elżbieta
Published: September 2015

The article concentrates on the problem of capital flows in the world with special consideration of foreign direct investment. It touches their influence on sustainable growth of some regions of world economy and some chosen countries. The aim of the paper is to show the main direction of capital flows and to point their main determinants. The article presents some theoretical arguments concerning capital flows that are based on neoclassical growth model of Robert Solow. Another problem that is taken into considerations is an ability of modern economic theory to explain some anomalies that can be seen in the data on net foreign direct investment in the world.
Conformable econometric model for the exchange rate EUR/PLN in 2000-2006
Authors: Madrak-Grochowska Małgorzata
Published: September 2015

The main target of this paper was to identify crucial factors of average exchange rate EUR/PLN and analyze their impact on fluctuation of this exchange rate in particular quarters in 2000-2006. That study was based on both conformable econometric model’s conception and open economy’s theory. Conducted research has led to the conclusion that the most important bearing on average exchange rate EUR/PLN in 2000-2006 had polish reference rate, financial account of polish balance of payments and previous average exchange rate EUR/PLN. Moreover, estimated conformable econometric model was used to forecast average exchange rate EUR/PLN for particular quarters in 2007 and gave satisfactory results.
Selected alternative methods of measuring economic development
Authors: Cieślik Ewa
Published: September 2015

The traditional economic growth measures based on SNA are not precisely as welfare indicators. The economists have tried to construct indicator that include both quality and quantity aspects of economic development. Achieving a balance between three board objectives of sustainable development – maintenance of economic growth, social progress, and protection of environment - the new challenge for statisticians is to develop a package of indicators that can monitor and report progress towards the concept of sustainable development. The aim of this article is to present some different and less popular approaches to alternative measurement of welfare are discussed. The paper does not decide which indicator describes the level of sustainable development most precisely, but tries to present advantages and defects of each method. Concluding, the sustainable indicators are more precise than traditional ones in estimating welfare. The main difficult in calculating these measures is the requirement of data which can not be gathering easily.
The consequences of subprime crisis for the Polish economy
Authors: Gierczyńska Kornelia , Wojciechowski Andrzej
Published: September 2015

In march 2008 the situation on the mortgage market was called a crisis. Many companies collapsed, including New Century Financial Corporation – the biggest credit company in the United States. After few months this virus infected other countries including Poland. The purpose of this article is to show the background of the subprime mortgage crisis and the possible outcomes for the Polish economy. The first part is trying to find out what are the causes and course of this financial breakdown. That part is mainly focused on subprime loans and its significance to this crisis. After that  paper contain information about the main channel of infestation, the securitization of the debt by the banks and selling the securities to the investors all over the world. The next chapter contains the data about the impact that crisis have on polish economy, including GDP growth rate and what would likely happen on housing market and stock exchange. Polish banking and credit system is sounder then American one and there is no risk of insolvency but still we are feeling the consequences of the financial crash. In the end author concludes that in the globalized world financial markets are linked and it is impossible to maintain unaffected by crisis that happened on the other side of the globe.
From illiquid financial instrument to market distress – selected institutional circumstances of the credit crisis
Authors: Krześniak Anna
Published: September 2015

The recently observed credit crunch is yet another market disruption confirming the critical role of liquidity in the financial system. It is however the first time that illiquidity of a single financial instrument has led to illiquidity of a significant part of the financial system. Although the credit crisis had limited effect on the Polish economy, thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms is necessary to properly monitor the financial stability in the future, as the Polish financial system gets more integrated into the global one. The article discusses selected mechanisms of the crisis and concentrates on the characteristics of the financial markets that led to the sudden spill-over of the turbulence in the global financial markets. The paper highlights the two types of risk, which were underestimated in the past, but played a major role in instigating and magnifying the recent crisis. The first one is the liquidity risk, which may undermine the reliability of the mark-to-market valuation and produce extreme price volatility once the confidence in such valuations is eroded. The second one is the counterparty risk which results from concentration of market turnover in the period of rapidly growing volumes of derivatives traded in the market. The article leads to the conclusion that the lack of transparency and liquidity on the credit risk markets triggered the severe financial crisis in the global financial market. The analysis of the liquidity risk and the counterparty risk illustrates that some institutions became crucial for the functioning not only domestic but also global markets.
An application of multivariate GARCH models in research for the interaction of world financial markets
Authors: Chruściński Tomasz
Published: September 2015

This article presents information about taxonometric methods in classification stock-markets and selected Multivariate GARCH models. The main emphasis is placed on which market (country) influences others. Research has been geared towards three kinds of measurement: diagonal VECH models, diagonal BEKK models and Constant Conditional Correlation. The results obtained for the DBEKK model is optimal for most data-sets.
Employee survey as a form of personal marketing (on example of own desk researches in Torun)
Authors: Szostek Dawid
Published: September 2015

The author made an attempt of answering the question concerning the meaning of personal marketing and employee survey for enterprises. The advantages of properly prepared and conducted researches are invaluable and give a possibility to get very important information about the company and its environment. Although the range of the phenomenon does not seem to be wide, it is still surprising that the most valuable data a company may nowadays reach of the employee survey, can be ignored. The author’s conclusions were supported by the previous results obtained from the research that had been conducted in 2008 by telephone interview and Internet among the enterprises in Torun.
Elements of partnership marketing in tourist services in modern management of tourist company
Authors: Kowalski Sławomir , Sowier-Kasprzyk Izabella
Published: September 2015

The following paper presents the model of the partnership marketing in tourist services. In the first part the theoretical basis knowledge (the elements and results) about partnership marketing have been presented. Apart from that the theory of strategic learning of that form of marketing and the essence of the loyalty programmes have been showed. The second part has been devoted to the tourist services and their specialty. In the third part the model of the partnership marketing in tourism itself is presented. The model consists of the interactions between the tourism company and the closer and further environment. The main elements of the interaction system within the partnership marketing are the integrated elements of marketing which are communicated with the use of media to the receivers (customers). In the partnership marketing, in the contrary to the traditional marketing, there is the use of the database which is the basis for the building of the loyalty programmes. The paper is concluded in refer to the tourist companies as far as the use of marketing instruments connected with implementing partnership marketing in the tourist company is concerned.
Market basket analysis in marketing research
Authors: Śniegocka - Łusiewicz Małgorzata
Published: September 2015

Market basket analysis is, to put it simply, analysis of the content of customer’s trolley. Market Basket Analysis is based on recognition of rules that customers apply while filling their trolleys, their habits, proper use of services and on research in what products are purchased together or in a defined order. Identification of the aforementioned rules may have a great influence on increasing customer’s value. Basket analysis may be applied for planning promotional campaigns, verifying their effectiveness, effective offering additional services and optimising service packages, tariffs and fees (e.g. banks, insurance companies, telephone operators); accurate recommendation on what other products to buy (e.g. online shops), increasing sales (e.g. supermarkets, special offers) and preventing companies providing services from losing their customers.
A Comparison of Resources and Their Utilization by big Medium and Small Companies in Dairy Industry in the Years 1998–2005
Authors: Baran Joanna , Kołyska Justyna
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the issue of the potential relation between the scale of dairy companies and their productivity. The analysis showed that bigger scale leads to the higher productivity of labor. However, the research does not confirm that bigger scale leads to the higher productivity of assets.
Construction and functioning for the data warehouse in the enterprise in the context of the effective decision making
Authors: Kukliński Michał
Published: September 2015

In the twenty-four hours of computerised enterprises, recruiting huge amounts of data, processing them in the traditional way would be highly ineffective and it will not deliver to us so much interesting information, forecasts and the relation, as Business Intelligence systems, of which Data Warehouses are a basis. The publication is answering questions: what the data warehouse is what is serving for and what are examples of applying. Stages of the build of the Data Warehouse and factors assuring achieving success in taking economic decisions will be introduced.
The role of excise duty on energy carriers in Polish environmental policy
Authors: Ptak Michał
Published: September 2015

The paper presents the role of excise duty on energy carriers in air pollution and climate change policy. The author shows that excise duty rates and tax exemptions provide incentives for switching to cleaner fuels and promote renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the article explores possible directions of changes in energy taxes in Poland. These changes can be based on experience gained by other European countries. The author shows that energy taxes can be introduced as a part of environmental tax reform.
Consequences of Employing Different Exchange Rate Regimes in the Situation of Financial Crisis on the Example of Central-Eastern European Countries
Authors: Zbierzchowska Dorota
Published: September 2015

It is characteristic for the countries of Central-Eastern Europe to employ a great variety of exchange rate regimes: by resigning from their own currency and participating in monetary unions through the systems of currency board arrangement; by employing the systems of conventional fixed pegged arrangements; and by the floating systems. In the situation of global financial crisis and liberalization of capital flow in the Central-Eastern Europe countries profits and dangers of using certain solutions in the scope of exchange rate are clearly visible. The aim of this paper is to present theoretical profits and costs of utilizing various kinds of exchange rate regimes and their consequences for the autonomy of monetary policy. The paper also compares contemporary economical situation of the Central-Eastern European countries, what allows the author to indicate those countries, where the limitations stemming from the accepted system of exchange rate had negative consequences for the condition of their economy in general.
State policy towards food industry in time of integration and globalisation
Authors: Chechelski Piotr
Published: September 2015

With the expansion of globalisation, the significance of the state declines. However, the state, by cooperating with various international organizations, still plays an important part in inspiring and coordinating actions. Based on the available literature, the article presents various scientists’ ideas on the role of the state in globalisation processes. The attitude of the Polish state towards globalisation and integration processes occurring in the food industry in years 1990-2008 was assessed. The possibilities of state influence now and in the future in the industry were also considered.
Ethics in the economics and the global economic crisis
Authors: Kamińska Katarzyna
Published: September 2015

The present global economic crisis leads us to the question about future of economics. Many scientists focus on general lack of ethical ground in business - ethical values and standards as a proper reasons of this crisis. This paper will offer a look at what happened to economics, show relations between economics and ethics and finally answer how to make these sciences more useful in preventing such situation like the present economic crisis.
Labour market in Germany in the years 2000-2009 - new forms of employment
Authors: Jodkowska Lilianna
Published: September 2015

The aim of the paper is to present the situation on the German labor market after the year 2000 using data analysis and their graphic presentation as well as description of new forms of employment. The paper consists of 2 parts, introduction and conclusion. In part one the situation on the labor market was presented with regard to the employment rate and unemployment rate in the years 2000-2009 taking into account the reforms of unemployment benefits (2005). In part two of the paper these new forms of employment were described (Minijob, low-paid jobs, temporary workplaces) that in recent years have been competing with and displacing permanent employment, providing employers with the necessary flexibility, especially important during crisis. Description of these forms of employment was extended by the analysis of poverty risk among groups of workers with low-paid jobs and temporary workplaces. In the conclusion, there is a summary of the trends that are apparent on the labor market and of the changes caused by them in the financial situation of the workers.
Using structural equation modeling to analyze unemployment in districts
Authors: Żurek Mirosława
Published: September 2015

The aim of this article is to analyze and discover reasons for district’s unemployment rate variety in Poland. According to theory and published findings the study concentrates on relationships between unemployment rate in region and economic although infrastructure and social factors. The study was performed using structural equation modelling (SEM) in which relationships between dependent and independent although latent and measurable variables can be include. As a latent variable in this research transport infrastructure was adopted. It was defined using urbanization rate, road and communication way length. The research demonstrated the existence of non-positive relationships between unemployment rate in district and urbanization rate. Low educational level and high percentage of people employed in agriculture increase unemployment level in districts. Good transport infrastructure has positive influence on number of vacancy and unemployment rate. Results of the research allow to analyze in detail the reasons for unemployment rate variety in various districts.
Regionalism and multilateralism in trade policy of the European Union
Authors: Nacewska-Twardowska Aleksandra
Published: September 2015

Foreign trade is one of the main expressions of international cooperation in the world, which indicates the specific location of trade policy in the policy of the countries or organizations. The history of trade shows the existence of two opposite trade coordinating practices: regional and multilateral. In the post-war history, there can be seen the coexistence of both trends. An excellent example of this is the European Union, where both practice of coordination the trade policy unite. On the one hand, the Community is in itself an exception to the principle of trade liberalization on a multilateral basis, on the other hand for many years it has actively participated in the creation of a common commercial policy for all at the forum of GATT and the WTO. Common commercial policy of the Union is one of the pillars of its existence, affecting significantly the region's economic development. Therefore, in a time of crisis it is important to question how the common commercial policy is being shaped today and whether changes in the global economy affect the change in its formation? Last years point out the increasing trend of regionalism in Community. The difficulties increasing in the formation the trade policy in the WTO effects in many changes. Even enthusiastic proponents of the idea of multilateralism in trade seek for new solutions. In this situation the European Union looks of possibilities to form of the widest possible bilateral relations with other countries or organizations.
Hotels’ lodging services market analysis in Poland in 2003 - 2008
Authors: Sarnecki Cezary
Published: September 2015

The main purpose of this article is the answer a question how polish hotels’ base looks like, both comparing structure of the categorized hotels, their geographical dispersion, comparison to other EU countries and dynamics and direction of development? Does hotels’ rooms supply follow the demand for lodging services and if the structure of supply is adequate to the structure of demand (as a distinguishing feature is used hotel’s category)? In the purpose of answering the above questions indexes of dynamics and analysis of structure were used. Primary thesis was stated that there is underdevelopment of hotels’ base in Poland and in the past years 2003-2008 despite of growing investments this underdevelopment did not diminish.