bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Econometric Analysis of the Impact of Propensities on Economic Occurrences: A Macroeconomic Perspective
Authors: Doszyń Mariusz 
Published: June 2012

Econometric Analysis of the Impact of Propensities on Economic Occurrences: A Macroeconomic PerspectiveThe main aim of this article was the specification of problems connected with analysis of impact of human propensities on economic occurrences and also a proposition of econometric tools enabling the identification of this impact. According to the meaning of propensities in economics the current state of knowledge is mostly an effect of considerations presented by J.M. Keynes in his famous book "The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money" where J.M. Keynes proposed such economic categories as the average and marginal propensities. One of the goals of the presented deliberations was to specify problems related with economic theory of propensities. Such propensities as a propensity to consume, to save, to invest and thesaurisation were particularly carefully analysed. The impact of these propensities on basic macroeconomic variables was considered with respect to the classical model, the neoclassical Solow-Swan model and theIS-LMscheme. In case of spatial data the effects of the impact of propensities could be analysed by means of models with dummy variables showing presence of given propensities. A procedure enabling the construction of such variables was proposed. In case of time series, conceptions delivered by the integration and cointegration theory could be applied. Especially such models as VAR and VECM could be useful. Models for panel data enable direct (models with fixed effects) or indirect (models with random effects) consideration of the impact of propensities on the analysed processes.
Arch Effects in Multifactor Market-Timing Models of Polish Mutual Funds
Authors: Olbryś Joanna 
Published: June 2012

Arch Effects in Multifactor Market-Timing Models of Polish Mutual FundsPerformance measurement of investment managers is a topic of interest to practitioners and academics alike. The traditional performance evaluation literature has attempted to distinguish stock-picking ability (selectivity) from the ability to predict overall market returns (market-timing). However, the literature finds that it is not easy to separate ability into two such dichotomous categories. To overcome these problems multifactor alternative market-timing models have been proposed. The author's recent research provides evidence of strong ARCH effects in the market-timing models of Polish equity open-end mutual funds. For this reason, the main goal of this paper is to present the regression results of the new GARCH(p, q) versions of market-timing models of these funds. We estimate multifactor extensions of classical market-timing models with Fama & French's spread variables SMB and HML, and Carhart's momentum factor WML. We also include lagged values of the market factor as an additional independent variable in the regressions of the models because of the pronounced "Fisher effect" in the case of the main Warsaw Stock Exchange indexes. The market-timing and selectivity abilities of fund managers are evaluated for the period January 2003-December 2010. Our findings suggest that the GARCH(p, q) model is suitable for such applications.
On Certain Analogies Between the Laws of Quantum Mechanics and Rules of an English Auction
Authors: Drabik Ewa 
Published: June 2012

On Certain Analogies Between the Laws of Quantum Mechanics and Rules of an English Auction
It is a self-evident truth that nowadays a growing number of economic phenomena is described by means of physics methods. The most frequent theories derived from physics and applied to economy are: (1) the universal gravitation law and (2) the first as well as the second law of thermodynamics. The methods of static physics are applicable also to the theory of financial markets. In this case it is assumed that the financial market is composed of single participants interacting as a system of particles. Such approach is associated with a model of financial market otherwise known as a minority game. It is postulated that the process of securities and money allocation is performed on the basis of prices fluctuation, where - if a vast majority of investors tend to purchase goods or services - the sale constitutes a more profitable option, and vice versa. The players who end up on minority side win. At the end of the XX century the economy commenced to apply the laws of quantum mechanics. These laws proved to be useful, in particular when attempting to generalize game theory, which resulted in quantum games. The aim of the paper is to compare the rules and auction mechanisms with selected laws of quantum mechanics. This paper aims also to introduce the basic concepts of quantum mechanics to the process of economic phenomena modeling. Quantum mechanics is a theory describing a behaviour of microscopic objects and is grounded on the principle of wave-particle duality. It is assumed that quantum-scale objects at the same time exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. The key role in quantum mechanics is played by: (1) the Schrödinger equation describing the probability amplitude for the particle to be found at a given position and at a given time, as well as (2) the Heisenberg uncertainty principle stating that a certain pair of physical properties may not be simultaneously measured to arbitrarily high precision.
Changes in body build of awf students 1967–2008. Can a secular trend be observed?
Authors: Stachoń Aleksandra , Burdukiewicz Anna , Pietraszewska Jadwiga , Andrzejewska Justyna 
Published: June 2012

PurposePrevious research on intergenerational changes in body build has focused on body height and mass. The aim of this study was to determine both the direction and sexual dimorphism of secular changes in body build by using a sample population of students attending the University School of Physical Education (AWF) in Wrocław, Poland.MethodsThe anthropometric data used in this study were collected every year from 1967 to 2008 and included a sample size of 4688 males and 3922 females. The subjects were analyzed for changes in somatotype by use of Sheldon’s method, as modified by Heath and Carter. Basic statistical analysis for significance and post-hoc tests were used to analyze the data with Statistica 9.0 software. The data were then converted in Excel 2003 into chart form to analyze the direction of changes.ResultsAnalysis of the successive classes of male and female subjects during the 40-year period under study revealed a number of different directional changes in the mean values of body height, mass and the level of body build components. Trend lines, calculated by the mean values of five-year intervals, indicated an increasing tendency in both body height and mass in the two genders. Mesomorphy was found to be the largest factor of body build composition of females and males. Throughout the entire analyzed period, the endomorphy of males was significantly lower in comparison to females. In women, the level of fatness was similar to their level of musculature, but during the last several years the observed level of muscle in the students exceeded their fatness level. Ectomorphy happened to be the most stable component of both sexes.ConclusionsAnalysis on the male and female sample population revealed a constant increase in body mass and height in successive generations. In female subjects, intergenerational changes were found to be characterized by a decrease in endomorphy and an increase in ectomorphy, while the level of mesomorphy remained at a similar level. In men, a secular trend was visible with an increase in mesomorphy, while the levels of endomorphy and ectomorphy stayed constant.
Health-related physical fitness and associated sociodemographic factors in adolescents from a brazilian state capital
Authors: Petroski Edio Luiz , Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Silva João Marcos Ferreira de Lima E , Pelegrini Andreia 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the associations between health-related physical fitness and sociodemographic factors in students from a capital city of a Brazilian state.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 605 students aged 15 to 19 years. Sociodemographic data were collected, including gender, age, education level and family income, and correlated to physical fitness levels.ResultsThe percentages of students with unhealthy body composition, unhealthy skeletal muscle fitness and aerobic fitness levels were 23.8%, 34.4% and 30.5%, respectively. There was a trend for fewer male adolescents (OR: 0.65; IC95%: 0.42–0.98) to have unhealthy body composition. Students from lower socioeconomic families were less likely to have musculoskeletal unfitness (OR = 0.60; IC95%: 0.41–0.89). In relation to aerobic fitness, male students (OR = 3.86; IC95%: 2.67–5.58) and those aged 17–19 years (RO = 1.49; IC95%: 1.02–2.177) were more likely to be unfit.ConclusionsIt is important to encourage young people to take part in sports and physical activities at moderate to vigorous intensities in order to improve their body composition, aerobic capacity and physical fitness.
Selected psychological determinants of sports results in senior fencers
Authors: Tomczak Maciej , Walczak Małgorzata , Bręczewski Grzegorz 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to determine the correlations between the strength of the stimulation process, mobility of nervous processes, achievement motivation and sports results of fencers in the senior age category.MethodsThe sample was comprised of 38 senior fencers (19 men and 19 women) aged 21–32 years. The strength of the stimulation process and mobility of nervous processes were assessed with the Strelau and Zawadzki PTS inventory. The subjects’ achievement motivation was measured with the achievement motivation questionnaire by Widerszal-B azyl.ResultsThe study revealed that senior fencers (women, in particular) featured higher mean levels of the examined psychological determinants, i.e., strength of the stimulation process, mobility of nervous processes and achievement motivation than the general population in the same age range. Strong and statistically significant correlations were found between all the studied psychological determinants and sports results among the male fencers in the sample. In the group of female fencers none of the correlations were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe results might provoke reflection on the role of coaches and, consequently, may have implications for the cooperation between coaches and athletes, indicating that the individual psychological differences of fencers should be considered during training. The coach may also decide on the necessity for considering on the reported diversification within the gender or age domain, and the need to consider such psychological properties as temperamental characteristics or the level of achievement motivation.
Mood changes in individuals who regularly participate in various forms of physical activity
Authors: Myrna-Bekas Renata , Kałwa Małgorzata , Stefaniak Tadeusz , Kulmatycki Lesław 
Published: June 2012

PurposeA number of mental and physical benefits arise from leading an active lifestyle. Many forms of therapies make use of physical activity to reinforce rehabilitation as well as improve the condition of the body and mind. It is in this way that an individual can improve their well-being through cleansing the body of negative emotions and seek inner harmony, which is one of the most important features of mental health. However, the question arises whether all forms of physical activity improve the emotional state of an individual in the same way. A qualitative change in mood may be in fact related to the methodical factors present in physical activity (the type of exercise, the training method or its intensity and frequency) but also an instructor’s personality, the age and gender of the participant as well as their physical fitness and motor skills, the subject’s current social and mental state, environmental factors or other factors related to everyday life such as work, family, etc. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in mood of physically active and highly fit people, aged 22–25 years, after various forms of physical activity and with different training methodologies.MethodsThe Mood Adjective Check List (UMACL) was administered to 84 students before and after completing a course in a number of physical activities. Statistical methods were then applied to the results to measure the size of the differences and for any statistical significance.ResultsThe results found that regardless of the form of physical activity or class duration, there was a positive change in the mood of participants. Differences in size of the changes, when compared to the forms of physical activity and gender, were not found.ConclusionsThe improvement in mood of fit and regularly physically active adults is observed regardless what form of physical activity is practiced.
An assessment of athletic identity in blind and able-bodied tandem cyclists
Authors: Tasiemski Tomasz , Wilski Maciej , Mędak Kamila 
Published: June 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the athletic identity (AI) of blind and able-bodied tandem cyclists and explore its relationship to selected variables. An additional objective of this study was to analyze the reliability of the seven-item Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) for tandem cyclists.MethodsThe participants (<i>N</i> = 50) completed measures of AI, variables characterizing their loss of vision (degree and time of loss) and variables characterizing their sports level (the number of hours of training per week and sports experience).ResultsThe AI level of able-bodied tandem captains is significantly higher than the level in visually impaired athletes. Blind tandem cyclists were found to be a fairly homogeneous group according to AI. There were no differences in AI and the degree and time of vision loss, the number of hours of training per week and when a cycling license was received. Psychometric analysis showed that AIMS is a reliable and consistent research tool in the evaluation of AI of tandem cyclists.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that there is a need to increase the involvement of blind cyclists in the sport as well as their responsibility for sports results.
Hydrometeorological parameters and aquatic chemistry of Lake Engure: Trends of changes due to human impact and natural variability
Authors: Kļaviņš Māris , Kokorīte Ilga , Rodinovs Valērijs , Avotniece Zanita , Spriņge Gunta , Briede Agrita 
Published: June 2012

Hydrometeorological parameters and aquatic chemistry of Lake Engure: Trends of changes due to human impact and natural variability
Lake Engure, located in Latvia, is the largest shallow coastal lake that developed after retreat of the Littorina Sea. It supports high biodiversity and has national and international importance. Engure is a hardwater lake with abundant macrophyte and charophyte vegetation. The present study determined the impact of the main meteorological indicators related to global warming, and also indicators of climate extremes. The lake water level is regulated by hydrotechnical constructions. In the the warm period (April-October) of the year the lake level tends to increase. However, from a perspective of long-term changes, there was a good relationship between the Western type of Atmospheric Circulation Index and water level in general, and also between NAO index in March and lake water level in April. Regarding water chemical composition, there has been a decrease of phosphorus concentration while ammonium and nitrate concentrations have not changed. Ionic composition of Lake Engure is characterised by dominance of hydrocarbonates, calcium and magnesium ions.
Alien flora in the Lake Engure Nature Park
Authors: Gavrilova Gertrūde , Laiviņš Māris , Priede Agnese , Medene Anda 
Published: June 2012

Alien flora in the Lake Engure Nature Park
This paper describes the alien vascular plant flora in the Lake Engure Nature Park, one of the most species-richest and diverse areas in Latvia. The review was based on the floristic inventories conducted in 1983-1989 and a field survey carried out in 2010. In total, 68 alien species (7.6% of the vascular plant flora in the nature park) were recorded, of which four had established in the period between both surveys. 22 species were recognised as adventive species and 46 as escaped species. Most of the alien species area concentrated in coastal villages, around human settlements, roadsides, coastal dunes and along streams discharging in the Lake Engure, thus mostly in transformed habitats. They are absent in most of the natural and semi-natural habitats. In comparison to the overall situation in Latvia, the Lake Engure Nature Park area is relatively little affected by plant invasions, most probably because large areas of natural and semi-natural habitats remain, since high naturalness of vegetation plays a significant role as a natural barrier hindering alien invasions.
Effect of water level and climatic factors on the radial growth of black alder
Authors: Elferts Didzis , Dauškane Iluta , Ūsele Guna , Treimane Agita 
Published: June 2012

Effect of water level and climatic factors on the radial growth of black alder
Black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) is a widespread tree species in Europe and the western part of the temperate climate zone. The area of forest in Latvia dominated by this tree species has substantially decreased due to wide-spread forest drainage. To predict future changes due to environmental change, it is extremely important to understand the function of ecosystems with black alder and their dynamics. Tree rings can be used as a proxy of past environmental factors. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of meteorological and hydrological factors on radial growth of black alder at two study sites (Dursupe and Raķupe) in Latvia. The response of black alder trees to the influence of climatic and hydrological factors was found to depend on site conditions, i.e. a climatic effect was observed in conditions when the water level was low. Spatial variation in the strength of the relationship of black alder growth to temperature, precipitation, and river level suggests that alder growth is more susceptible to drought stress on higher river banks, where the water table is deeper. Black alder trees growing on low river banks can potentially be used to reconstruct past water-levels.
Dynamics of emergent macrophytes for 50 years in the coastal Lake Engure, Latvia
Authors: Brižs Jānis 
Published: June 2012

Dynamics of emergent macrophytes for 50 years in the coastal Lake Engure, Latvia
Coastal Lake Engure is a Ramsar site — a wetland of great importance due to its biological diversity and unique properties, especially its coverage of macrophytes, shallowness and size. This study assesses the dynamics of emergent macrophytes in the lake based on analysis of historical aerial photographs and digital orthophoto maps. The area of emergent macrophytes was shown to have increased by 781 ha (15 ha/year) in the period 1956 to 2007. The expansion rate differed during this period. Expansion was much faster (31 ha/year) from 1956 to 1972, but declined to 6 ha/year from 1972 to 1994 and increased again to 11 ha/year from 1994 to 2007. The greatest rates of expansion of emergent macrophytes from 1956 to 1972 can be partly explained by ceased grazing and hay harvesting activities. As the area covered by emergent macrophytes changes seasonally, only remote sensing materials acquired during the same season should be compared. The open water territory in 2007 was only 22.9 km2, compared to 30.7 km2 in 1956. Emergent vegetation has been mostly limited to areas where the depth does not exceed 0.5 m. Expansion of emergent vegetation was found to differ in various parts of the lake. The main factors affecting the rates of its development were wave disturbances, hydrological regime and ceased agricultural activities in the lake.
Environmental quality assessment of the drainage basin of Lake Engure using Scots pine as a bioindicator
Authors: Melece Ināra , Karpa Aina , Laiviņš Māris , Melecis Viesturs 
Published: June 2012

Environmental quality assessment of the drainage basin of Lake Engure using Scots pine as a bioindicatorEnvironmental quality assessment of the Lake Engure drainage area, which is the LT(S)ER region of the Latvian National Long-term Ecological Research network (Latvia LTER), was conducted using three bioindication methods based on Scots pinePinus sylvestrisL.: unspecific bioindication by pine needle tip necrosis, ground level ozone assessment by pine needle chlorotic mottling, and chemical analysis of pine bark. Samples were collected from 40 sites of the region in November 2010. Extent of needle tip necroses did not exceed class 4 (maximum possible value 6). The highest value of index of needle damage by ozone was Idam= 1.62 (maximum possible value 6). Multiple regression analysis of variables describing bark chemistry and needle damage in relation to distance from the sea, nearest roads and villages was performed. Pine bark acidity pH(KCl) and concentration of Mg and Fe decreased significantly (βpH(KCl)= -0.672,P< 0.001; βMg= -0.676, P< 0.001;βFe= -0.514, P< 0.001) with distance of sample site from gravel roads. Electric conductivity (EC) of pine bark and the extent of ozone damage of the first year needles Idamsignificantly decreased with distance from the sea(βozone= -0.507, P< 0.01;βEC= -0.453, P< 0.01). PCA of the pine bark chemistry data showed dust pollution from gravel roads to be the main factor responsible for the 33% variation of data. No statistically significant correlations were found between different bioindicator characteristics, except between first and second year ozone damage (ρ = 0.589, P = 0.01).
Tourism policy and management for conservation of biodiversity in the Lake Engure catchment area
Authors: Leitis Ēriks 
Published: June 2012

Tourism policy and management for conservation of biodiversity in the Lake Engure catchment area
Tourism services are beginning to offer an increasing array of new niche product including ecotourism in protected nature reserves that contain many rare and protected animal and plant species. Consequently, even ecotourism, which is generally considered as being environmentally friendly, may threaten the maintenance of natural biodiversity. In order to avoid possible risks it is necessary to examine the existing and prospective environmental impact caused by tourism and to analyse relevant policy, with the goal to develop an effective tourism model in which protection of the environment has priority over economic interests. It is important to integrate such a policy into this model, which will serve to reduce social and economic pressures on biodiversity and will promote responsible actions in support of environmentally friendly technologies and approaches. The selected area for this study was the Lake Engure catchment area, which includes a diverse range of ecosystems and developed tourism facilities. The results of this investigation revealed comparatively little tourism activity, which is mostly seasonal and with low environmental impact. The area is attractive for its biodiversity and culture heritage. Further improvement of the tourism infrastructure and information flow will most certainly increase the number of visitors, thus making it necessary to develop sustainable management of tourism resources.