bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DEA Window Analysis of Insurance Sector Efficiency in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Đurić Zlata , Jakšić Milena , Krstić Ana 
Published: April 2021

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

Novelty: In this study a deeper analysis of the relationship between the dimensions of national cultures and the use of SM was made than in previous studies. It was also shown that it is necessary to introduce moderating factors, which may significantly affect the relationship between the use of SM and some dimensions of culture.
Riccia atromarginata (Ricciaceae, Marchantiophyta) new to the Western Balkans, with notes on its morphology
Authors: Dragićević Snežana , Pöltl Martina , Stabentheiner Edith , Berg Christian 
Published: April 2021

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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