bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign Economic Activity Activation of the Region in the Context of Euroregional Cooperation: Theoretical and Methodical Approaches
Authors: Pavlikha Nataliia , Zelinska Оlena , Aliieva Anastasiia 
Published: January 2021

Summary

Subject and purpose of work: The subject of this paper concerns theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of foreign economic activity of the region in the context of Euroregional cooperation, which is an important factor of socio-economic development of the country. The main purpose is to identify such economic categories as “foreign economic activity activation of the region”, “organizational and economic mechanism activation of foreign economic activity of the region in the context of Euroregional cooperation” as well as to develop a methodological scheme for the diagnostics of foreign economic activity of regions in the context of Euroregional cooperation.

Materials and methods: In order to clarify theoretical concepts and identify similarities and differences in their definitions, the method of morphological analysis was adopted. This made it possible to systematize different options in terms of their characteristics and create new, hypothetically possible objects. Hence the research methods, of comparison, theoretical generalization and data systematization, etc. were applied.

Results: Some interpretations of the key definitions of the categories “foreign economic activity activation of the region”, “organizational and economic mechanism activation of foreign economic activity of the region in context of Euroregional cooperation” were worked out and methodical principles of analysis of foreign economic activity of the region were offered. Also, foreign economic activity diagnostics of regions in the context of Euroregional cooperation was carried out and interregional differences were defined. The results of the study can help derive recommendations for the introduction of foreign economic activity activation of the regions.

Conclusions: On the basis of the evaluation of Ukraine’s foreign economic activity in terms of exports, imports and the trade balance in 2010-2019, three periods were identified: 2010-2012 – before the crisis, 2013-2015 – economic crisis and its consequences, and 2016-2019 – the period after the crisis recovery and of unstable developmental trends. Significant interregional differentiation in the levels of the development of foreign economic activity of the regions of Ukraine was revealed. The leading regions in terms of foreign economic activity have proved to be Kyiv city, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions.
Effectiveness of Selected Investment Strategies in the Opinion of Polish Individual Investors Depending on their Personal Preferences
Authors: Daniluk Katarzyna 
Published: January 2021

Summary

Subject and purpose of work: The work aimed at identifying and characterising the interdependence between Polish investors’ personal preferences in investing and their opinion about the effectiveness of investment strategies. It was examined how the adopted investment horizon, the level of risk aversion and the time spent daily on investing impact the interviewees’ experiences and opinions on the effectiveness of investment strategies.

Materials and methods: As the survey method was employed, a questionnaire was sent to randomly selected Polish individual investors. The research material consisted of 652 questionnaire forms.

Results: The study showed a relevant dependence between Polish investors’ personal preferences and their opinions on the effectiveness of the particular strategies.

Conclusions: The interdependencies revealed in the study may be used by potential investors in the process of matching a strategy to individual needs so as to enhance the effectiveness of the choice. A higher awareness of the problem of matching an investment strategy to personal preferences will lead to improved effectiveness of capital allocation among Polish investors.
Forms of Cooperation of Medium Vocational Schools with the Local Environment, and the Quality of Education Based on the Example of the Ziemia Podlaska School Complex No. 4 in Bielsk Podlaski
Authors: Hryniewicki Bolesław 
Published: January 2021

Summary

Subject and purpose of work: The subject of the study is the cooperation of secondary vocational schools (technical secondary schools) with institutions of the local environment and its impact on the improvement of the quality of education. The aim of the work is to identify the main results of the school’s cooperation with its immediate environment. An important element of the analysis is to find answers to several problematic questions, such as: What institutions and organizations do vocational schools cooperate with? What activities are undertaken in cooperation with institutions and organizations? What educational benefits do school students get from cooperation?

Materials and methods: The article uses a diagnostic survey method, an observation method, an inductive-deductive method, an interview and a literature review. The survey conducted among students and teachers of a selected secondary school made it possible to obtain information on the forms of cooperation with the local community and its impact on the processes taking place at school, in particular on the didactic and educational process.

Results: The school teaching staff members see the need for active cooperation with the local community because entities from the school’s environment can complement the didactic and educational activities. Therefore, numerous and varied forms of cooperation are undertaken, which, in the opinion of students, bring many benefits related to extending knowledge, improving professional skills and social competences.

Conclusions: The cooperation of the school with the local community leads to the improvement of the quality of education, both in the area of didactics and education, as well as modernization of the didactic base and promotion of the school. It is advisable to consciously shape the cooperation by the school management.
Agriculture Loans in Cooperative Banks of the Podlaskie Voivodeship
Authors: Łukaszuk Krzysztof 
Published: January 2021

SummarySubject and purpose of work:Running an agricultural activity requires acquiring funds necessary for its functioning and proper development. The most classic examples of financing agricultural activity include all kinds of bank loans used by farmers for the purchase of agricultural land, construction and modernization of buildings, the purchase of machinery and equipment, as well as the establishment of perennial plantations or the purchase of a herd. The aim of the study is to present the possibilities of financing agricultural activity by cooperative banks in the Podlaskie Voivodeship.Materials and methods:The study used the method of observation and analysis of banking materials. The source of information was the data of cooperative banks, the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture and the Central Statistical Office.Results:Over the centuries, cooperative banks have developed techniques, methods and practices in the field of agricultural lending. They have somehow specialized in this area and offer farmers a full range of commercial loans. They have also actively participated in the redistribution of funds under the implementation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. for many years. Currently operating farms have access to many forms of financing (the most developed and available in banks, however, are loans) depending on their financial needs or planned investments.Conclusions:Among many forms of foreign capital in agriculture, it is preferential loans that play a significant role as a stimulus to improve farm activities. Granting loans by cooperative banks is one of the basic tasks in their operations. Bank loans play an important role in changes taking place in agriculture. They generally do not violate the principles of market economy and financing rules, provided that the financial and credit policy takes into account the needs and limitations resulting from the current and forecast economic situation of farms.
Specialized Adhesive Pad of a Climbing Pteridosperm from Permian Peat-Forming Forest (Wuda, Inner Mongolia)
Authors: Wang Zhukun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Certain pteridosperm tendril adhesive pads are depicted from the Cathaysian flora of the Early Permian Taiyuan Formation of Wuda Coal-field in Inner Mongolia China. Specimens contain elliptical or rounded pads situating at the swollen tip of pinnule lobe tendrils which are highly comparable to those of the extant Parthenocissus tricuspidata in the way that both of them are similar in form and function. Specifically, information we have gained suggested that pteridosperms from the Permian might have performed a similar type of physiological process by producing some chemical substances which assisted them in climbing. The Wuda pteridosperm likely to climbed on Cordaites or Sigillaria trees. Moreover, physical principles such as the pressure difference between inside and outside of the pads also seems to play an important role in assisting climbing. The new finding indicates that some pteridosperms in the Permian Cathaysian flora possessed climbing growth habit as well as those in the Late Carboniferous Euramerica Flora, where climbing/scrambling growth habit is well known in the coal swamp forests. This finding shows one of the several earliest climbing habits in Cathaysia Flora and thus remarkably promotes our understanding of the growth habit of pteridosperm and the change in plant community structure in that area.
Serum Bilirubin Level Predicts Frontal QRS-T Angle Change in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Erdoğan Güney , Yenercağ Mustafa , Durmus Gündüz , Koprulu Diyar , Arslan Uğur 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction: The predictive role of serum bilirubin levels on the alteration of total ischemic burden expressed via frontal QRS-T angle change has never been studied in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and frontal QRS-T angle change after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ACS patients.

Methods: Frontal QRS-T angle change was accepted as positive or negative according to whether the value of the baseline frontal QRS-T angle minus the post PCI frontal QRS-T angle is positive or negative. A total of 314 consecutive patients with ACS who underwent PCI were divided into two groups based on their negative frontal QRS-T angle change (n = 152 patients) and positive frontal QRS-T angle change (n = 162 patients).

Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) (Odds ratio [OR]: 0.519, 95% CI: 0.373–0.724, p <0.001), total bilirubin (OR: 3.687, 95% CI: 1.151–8.095, p = 0.03), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (OR: 0.985, 95% CI: 0.970–1.000, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of positive QRS-T angle change. In receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, a cut-off value of 0.59 total bilirubin had a 69% sensitivity and a 65% specificity (area under curve: 0.739, p <0.001) for the prediction of positive QRS-T angle change.

Conclusion: In ACS patients, serum total bilirubin has been found to be a useful decision-making tool to predict positive frontal QRS-T angle change as a sign of reduced total ischemic burden, to assess early invasive strategy independently from other study parameters.
Critical Neonatal Congenital Heart Disease – a Rare Complication after Successful Surgical Correction
Authors: Şuteu Carmen Corina , Muntean Iolanda , Blesneac Cristina , Pop Marian , Togănel Rodica 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but severe complication that should be investigated in patients diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries who have undergone neonatal arterial switch operation. Early diagnosis and aggressive combination therapy for PAH could help to improve survival in these patients. We report a favorable clinical response 6 months after the initiation of vasodilator therapy in a pediatric case with transposition of the great arteries, successfully repaired in the neonatal period, who developed pulmonary arterial hypertension at the age of 5 years.
Illicit Trade and Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Authors: DiRienzo Cassandra E. , Das Jayoti 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Research purpose. Growth of illicit trade has markedly increased and caused damage to a multitude of economic, socio-economic and environmental outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of Hofstede’s country cultural dimensions on the attitudes towards illicit trade and the political will to counter the crime across countries.

Design/Methodology/Approach. The 2018 Global Illicit Trade index published by the Economics Intelligence Unit for 62 countries is empirically analysed. Six hypotheses are built and tested across Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions.

Findings. The results indicate that countries that are culturally more individualistic, have greater uncertainty avoidance and have a stronger long-term orientation have a stronger structural capacity to protect against illicit trade on average.

Originality/Value/Practical implications. In reference to originality, the paper adds to the scarce research on the fight against global illicit trade and empirically explores the role that culture plays in driving the attitudes towards illicit trade and the political will to fight the crime. In reference to practical implications, anti-illicit policy initiatives are likely to be more challenging in collectivist countries with lower uncertainty avoidance and a short-term orientation. Policymakers need to tailor their anti-illicit trade efforts in these countries as these societies will not likely place the same value on countering illicit trade as the countries that are culturally more individualistic, have greater uncertainty avoidance and have a strong long-term orientation.
Access to Finance, Indigenous Technology and Food Security in Nigeria: Case Study of Ondo Central Senatorial District
Authors: Sharimakin Akinwumi , Dada James Temitope 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Research purpose: Food security remains a major component of economic development. Many developing nations are facing challenges of food insecurity, which had contributed to starvation and other societal problems. With adequate food intake, human healthy living is assured. This study investigates the impact of access to formal finance and indigenous technology and knowledge on food security in Ondo central senatorial district in Ondo state, Nigeria.

Methodology: In total, 216 farmers were sampled, and data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire and focus interviews. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and logit estimation technique.

Findings: Descriptive statistics show that there are more male farmers (61.1%) than female counterparts (38.9%), with most of the farmers (42.7%) in their ages 56 years and above and with 51.9% having primary education. Majority of the farmers (65.7%) engage in arable crop farming, while 15.2 and 19.1% engage in cash crop and livestock farming, respectively. The econometric model reveals that age, income, gender, education, marital status, religion, family size, assets owned and distance are major determinants of a farmer’s decision on account ownership, savings and borrowing. Indigenous knowledge of soil fertility, disease-resistant and quickly-growing crops, food storage, local weather, water management, pest and diseases control are significant determinants of food security in Ondo central senatorial district. Likewise, account ownership, savings and borrowing from formal financial institutions are significant determinants of food security.

Practical implications: It is, therefore, important that efforts to ease access to formal financial services and improve indigenous technology to serve as complement to modern farming techniques to achieve food security be made a priority by government and private institutions.
Shevirat Ha-Kelim: Jewish Mysticism and the Catalan Matrix for Dialogue and Conflict
Authors: Macías Mario , Casanovas Pompeu , Zeleznikow John 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLate Medieval anti-Jewish violence is a well-known phenomenon, but its origins and institutionalization are still blurred and enigmatic. In thirteenth and fourteenth century Catalonia, the denouement of the increasing popular hostility against the Jewry was particularly dramatic. The seeds of violence were the result of a long and complex process of social, theological and political interactions. In this contribution, we will discuss the intellectual matrix of medieval anti-Semitism in Catalonia and its relationship with the rising of scholastics and with the theoretical foundations of Catalan politics. We will also approach its counterpart: the Jewish response to collective suffering.
Alexandre Galí and the History of Institutions and the Cultural Movement in Catalonia
Authors: Monserrat Josep 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In the historiography of Catalan culture, both the external continuity of the historiographical reflection and the internal discontinuity of such “reflections” are surprising. The History of institutions and the cultural movement in Catalonia (1900-1936) by Alexandre Galí is perhaps a good example of this.
Ex vitro Rooting, Acclimatization and Genetic Stability of Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica
Authors: Wojtania Agnieszka , Markiewicz Monika , Góraj-Koniarska Justyna 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Ex vitro rooting and acclimatization of two cultivars ‘Wojtek’ and ‘Zojka’ of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.) were studied. To the ex vitro conditions were transferred rooted and unrooted shoots. The post-effect of auxin type and concentration as well as microcutting and soil substrate types were tested. The genetic stability of the plantlets in relation to the mother plants by using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers has been also determined. It has been found that in vitro rooted cuttings of both cultivars showed a higher survival rate (max. 88%) and better growth and development when they were rooted on a medium containing a low auxin level (1.0 mg·dm−3). The results of the second experiment showed successful ex vitro rooting of blue honeysuckle shoots without auxin treatment. Higher ex vitro rooting and survival rate in the greenhouse have been observed for ‘Wojtek’ (max. 96%) than ‘Zojka’ (max. 88%). Better growth and development of shoots and roots were observed on peat alone or a mixture of peat and perlite as compared to a mixture of peat and sand. The micropropagated plantlets appeared similar to mother plants. Molecular analysis confirmed a high level of genetic stability of blue honeysuckle after 2 years of in vitro propagation. However, among the cultivars studied, ‘Wojtek’ showed slightly higher genetic stability than ‘Zojka’ (99.5% and 97.7%, respectively). For ‘Zojka’ plants, the degree of variation was comparable for AFLP and ISSR markers. For ‘Wojtek’, no polymorphism was detected using the ISSR analysis in contrast to the AFLP analysis.
Assessing MSMEs Growth Through Rosca Involvement Using Paired t-Test and One Sample Proportion Test
Authors: David Ikwuoche , Adubisi Obinna , Farouk Bilkisu , Adehi Mary 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this research work, rotating savings and credit association (ROSCA) effect on the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and identification of a factor supporting the continuity of ROSCAs is studied. A well-designed questionnaire with a reliability value of 0.957 was distributed to 400 entrepreneurs in Wukari through snowball sampling technique. After validity check, 368 valid questionnaires were used for the research. Firstly, a paired t-test was applied to know if entrepreneurs achieve significant positive growth in their business before and after 5 years of joining ROSCAs. At 5% level of significance, entrepreneurs achieved significant positive growth in their businesses 5 years and above of joining ROSCAs. Secondly, a one sample proportion Z-score test was used to identify the major factor responsible for ROSCAs continuity. At 5% significance level, flexibility was identified as the major factor responsible for ROSCAs. It was concluded based on the results obtained that ROSCAs has a significant positive effect on the growth of MSMEs and ROSCAs continuity towards MSMEs growth is due to its flexibility factor in terms of operations, disbursement, seeking loans and interest rate.
Cleavages and Government in Slovenia and Montenegro
Authors: Krašovec Alenka , Batrićević Nemanja 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this article we identify the factors that contribute to the formation and especially the durability/stability of governments in both Slovenia and Montenegro after they formally introduced multiparty systems and following their democratic transition, with a focus on the effect of cleavages and party system characteristics generally. Although these two polities share several important similarities (small size, common institutional setting during Yugoslav era, aspirations for membership in international organisations etc.), the nature of governments’ durability/stability in the democratic era entails distinct differences. While Montenegro stands out in post-socialist Europe as the only case where the ruling party has not been overthrown, Slovenia has been led by many governments composed of different political parties. While it seems that in neither country are the ideological characteristics of the governments able to explain their duration/stability to any important extent, it is obvious that the cleavage structure in the two countries has varied, as has the importance of particular cleavages.
Development Processes for Changing the Party System in Slovenia and Montenegro
Authors: Nacevska Elena , Stankov Nemanja 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This paper explores differences in the party system development of two former Yugoslav republics: Slovenia and Montenegro. Despite sharing a communist institutional system, after that disintegrated Slovenia had a much faster pace of democratic consolidation and economic development than Montenegro. Similarly, the nature of the party competition and party system structure are also quite different. Using a quantitative and descriptive approach applied to the period between 1990 and 2018, we outline patterns of party competition and party system development and explore how they complement the stages of democratisation. We investigate how the comparatively faster democratisation in Slovenia is reflected in the competitive party system with a focus on the ideological divide as the chief source of electoral competition. In contrast, we look at how the prolonged transition in Montenegro is reflected in the closed party system with party competition occurring mainly along ethnic lines.