Profitability Determinants of Transport Service and Warehouse Enterprises: A Case Study from Poland

The main purpose of the research is to identify differences in the factors determining changes in the return on capital (ROE) of transport and warehouse enterprises in individual voivodeships in Poland. The research used the ROE decomposition method which was justified by mathematical aspects. It paid attention on the decomposition of relative differences shaping the changes in this specific indicator. The substantive basis is the modified 5-factor Du Pont model. This method allowed for analysing relative changes in three decision areas. These areas encompass operational, financial, and tax management. The findings confirmed that the differences in individual voivodeships compared to the entire section H in Poland result mainly from financial management. However, the examined differentiation was not dependent on tax management. The presented research results can represent the basis for the strategy of corporate management in section H in positioning against competitive enterprises in Poland. The research also allows for a macroeconomic analysis of the phenomena occurring in the transport as well as warehousing sector, especially in terms of changes in their profitability

The significance of the family hypertensive history on the development of visceral obesity and cardiovascular risk — a 10 year follow-up of a young healthy male population

Wstęp W patogenezie nadciśnienia tętniczego istotną rolę odgrywa interakcja czynników genetycznych i środowiskowych. Celem niniejszego badania była ocena związku rodzinnego obciążenia nadciśnieniem tętniczym z rozwojem otyłości brzusznej i wczesnych powikłań sercowo-naczyniowych na podstawie 10-letniej prospektywnej obserwacji grupy młodych zdrowych mężczyzn. Materiał i metody Obserwacją objęto 68 studentów medycyny w wieku 23 &#177; 3,5 roku z prawidłowym ciśnieniem tętniczym. Trzydzieści trzy osoby spośród badanych charakteryzowały się obciążającym wywiadem w kierunku nadciśnienia tętniczego, przynajmniej u jednego z rodziców. U wszystkich mężczyzn wykonano pomiar wskaźników antropometrycznych, podstawowe badania biochemiczne, gabinetowy pomiar ciśnienia tętniczego, całodobową automatyczną rejestrację ciśnienia tętniczego (ABPM) oraz badanie echokardiograficzne. Wyniki Na początku obserwacji obwód talii był w badanych grupach porównywalny. Po 10 latach obserwacji obwód talii mężczyzn obarczonych rodzinnym występowaniem nadciśnienia tętniczego był znamiennie większy w porównaniu z resztą populacji (95 &#177; 10 v. 88 &#177; 9 cm, p = 0,02). U chorych z obciążającym wywiadem rodzinnym w trakcie 10- letniej obserwacji odnotowano znamiennie większy przyrost: grubości ściany tylnej (0,13 &#177; 0,11 v. 0,05 &#177; 0,11 cm, p = 0,03), wskaźnika względnej grubości ścian (RWT) (0,08 &#177; 0,04 v. 0,05 &#177; 0,05; p = 0,04), wskaźnika masy lewej komory (LVM/ /H2,7) [38,4 &#177; 6,8 v. 34,7 &#177; 5,8 (g/m2,7), p < 0,05]. U mężczyzn z obciążającym wywiadem stwierdzono wyższe ciśnienie rozkurczowe w pomiarach gabinetowych (81 &#177; 10 v. 75 &#177; 8 mm Hg, p = 0,02) oraz skurczowe w okresie czuwania (134 &#177; 9 v. 127 &#177; 9 mm Hg, p = 0,01). Wnioski Mężczyźni z wywiadem rodzinnym obciążającym w kierunku nadciśnienia tętniczego są predysponowani do rozwoju otyłości brzusznej, wyższego ciśnienia tętniczego skurczowego w ciągu dnia oraz wczesnych zmian echokardiograficznych. Uzyskane wyniki dostarczają kolejnych dowodów wskazujących na znaczenie czynników genetycznych w rozwoju nadciśnienia tętniczego i jego powikłań sercowo-naczyniowych. Nadciśnienie Tętnicze 2011, tom 15, nr 1, strony 29&#8211;36Background Genetic and environmental factors play a major role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of family hypertensive history on the development of abdominal obesity and cardiovascular risk during a 10-year follow-up of a young healthy male population. Material and methods The study was carried out on a group of 68 normotensive subjects, aged 23 &#177; 3.5 years, mean &#177; SD. Thirty three of them had positive hypertensive family history in at least one of the parents (FH+). The subjects underwent the following procedures: anthropometric measurements, basic biochemical tests, office blood pressure measurements, ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM), echocardiography. Results Waist circumference in both groups were similar at the beginning of observation. After a 10 year follow-up the offspring of hypertensive parents had an increased waist circumference in relation to the rest of population (95 &#177; 10 v. 88 &#177; 9 cm, p = 0.02). The structural changes of the heart differed significantly in the FH+ group from the rest of the population with increases in: posterior wall thickness (0.13 &#177; 0.11 v. 0.05 &#177; 0.11 cm, p = 0.03), relative wall thickness (RWT) (0.08 &#177; 0.04 v. 0.05 &#177; 0.05; p = 0.04) and left ventricular mass (LVM/H2.7) [38.4 &#177; 6.8 v. 34.7 &#177; 5.8 (g/m2.7), p < 0.05]. FH+ subjects were prone to an elevated diastolic office blood pressure (81 &#177; 10 v. 75 &#177; 8 mm Hg, p = 0.02) and systolic blood pressure during the day (134 &#177;9 v. 127 &#177; 9 mm Hg, p = 0.01). Conclusions Offspring of hypertensive parents had a higher probability for the development of abdominal obesity, elevated daytime systolic blood pressure and early echocardiographic changes. This study explores the hereditary nature in overall hypertension and cardiovascular adverse events. Arterial Hypertension 2011, vol. 15, no 1, pages 29&#8211;3

Wpływ polimorfizmów genów ACE i angiotensynogenu na rozwój otyłości brzusznej oraz strukturę i funkcję mięśnia lewej komory &#8212; wyniki 10-letniej prospektywnej obserwacji młodych zdrowych mężczyzn

Background Genetic and environmental factors play a major role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and angiotensinogen (AGT) gene increase the susceptibility to abdominal obesity and affect left ventricular function and structure in a 10-year follow-up of a young healthy male population Material and methods The study was carried out in a group of 68 normotensive subjects, aged 23 &#177; 3.5 years, mean &#177; SD. The subjects underwent the following procedures: anthropometric measurements, basic biochemical tests, office blood pressure measurements, ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM), echocardiography. The I/D polymorphism within intron 16 of the ACE gene and AGT gene polymorphism (the allele M235T and T174M) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. Results No relationship between waist circumference and ACE, AGT polymorphisms was observed. The structural changes of the heart differed significantly in T174M AGT TT genotype with increased septum/ /posterior wall ratio compared to TM and MM: (1.20 &#177; 0.12 v. 1.1 &#177; 0.11 cm; p < 0.05). The II genotype of ACE gene was associated with an elevated A wave peak velocity in transmitral flow (0.56 &#177; 0.17 v. 0.48 &#177; 0.08 m/s; p < 0.05). Blood pressure was not related to the ACE and AGT polymorphisms. Conclusions In a healthy population, the ACE and AGT polymorphisms might contribute to the structural and functional changes of the heart, but not to development of abdominal obesity or hypertension. Arterial Hypertension 2011, vol. 15, no 4, pages 242&#8211;250.Wstęp W patogenezie nadciśnienia tętniczego istotną rolę odgrywa interakcja czynników genetycznych i środowiskowych. Celem niniejszego badania była ocena wpływu polimorfizmów genu enzymu konwertującego angiotensynę I (ACE) i angiotensynogenu (AGT) na rozwój otyłości brzusznej oraz strukturę i funkcję mięśnia lewej komory na podstawie 10-letniej prospektywnej obserwacji grupy młodych zdrowych mężczyzn. Materiał i metody Obserwacją objęto 68 studentów medycyny w wieku 23 &#177; 3,5 roku z prawidłowym ciśnieniem tętniczym. U wszystkich mężczyzn wykonano pomiar wskaźników antropometrycznych, podstawowe badania biochemiczne, pomiar ciśnienia tętniczego gabinetowy, całodobową automatyczną rejestrację ciśnienia tętniczego (ABPM) oraz badanie echokardiograficzne. Badanie polimorfizmu insercyjno-delecyjnego (I/D) w 16. intronie genu ACE oraz genu angiotensynogenu (polimorfizm T174M i M235T) przeprowadzono metodą łańcuchowej reakcji polimerazy (PCR). Wyniki W 10-letniej obserwacji zmiana obwodu talii nie miała związku z polimorfizmami genów ACE i AGT. W obrębie polimorfizmu T174M AGT, stosunek końcowo-rozkurczowego wymiaru grubości przegrody międzykomorowej do ściany tylnej był wyższy u homozygot TT w porównaniu z genotypem TM i MM (1,2 &#177; 0,12 v. 1,1 &#177; 0,11 cm; p < 0,05). Maksymalna prędkość czynnej fazy napełniania lewej komory serca (fala A) była istotnie wyższa w genotypie II ACE w porównaniu z resztą populacji (0,56 &#177; 0,17 v. 0,48 &#177; 0,08 m/s; p < 0,05). Nie znaleziono związku pomiędzy wysokością ciśnienia tętniczego a polimorfizmem T174M genu AGT i I/D genu ACE. Wnioski Polimorfizmy I/D genu ACE i T174M genu AGT determinują zmiany morfologii i funkcji mięśnia sercowego w populacji młodych zdrowych mężczyzn, ale nie mają związku z rozwojem otyłości brzusznej i nadciśnienia tętniczego w tej grupie osób. Nadciśnienie Tętnicze 2011, tom 15, nr 4, strony 242&#8211;250

Perception of car sharing service in the opinion of its users

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of behaviour of drivers with regard to the possession and use of cars and their approach to the alternative which allows to rent cars in the market today – the so-called car sharing service, which is becoming increasingly popular and consists in using a vehicle without having to own it. Design/methodology/approach: For the purposes of this article a survey was conducted among current and potential users of the car sharing service. The purpose of this publication was also to gain knowledge on the market's needs in terms of mobility and consumer perception of the services of car rental companies. Findings: According to the respondents' opinion, factors affecting the decision to use the car sharing service were verified in the surveys. Attention was paid to such issues as the availability of parking spaces for cars in the car sharing service, the price of this service and a modern fleet of vehicles made available in the service. Research limitations/implications: It is advisable to carry out further scientific research in the field of the use of car sharing services due to the fact that it is an increasingly popular way of communication, mainly among the inhabitants of urban agglomerations. Practical and social implications: The approach to car ownership is changing. Young people are increasingly giving up car ownership and prefer its use. They do not have to pay for the purchase of the car, its operating costs, insurance or garage. The car sharing service is a convenient form of using a car without unnecessary expenses. Originality/value: The transport services market is constantly expanding, both in the field of the carriage of goods and passengers. The number of cars per capita increases year after year, which directly translates into increased number of cars on the roads in Poland and in the world. The problem is most evident in large city centres where car parks are overcrowded and urban infrastructure is unable to cope with the growing number of cars. This was the reason for addressing the issue of changing the current model of passenger movement that could solve the problem of crowded cities

Vehicle Market Analysis of Drivers&rsquo; Preferences in Terms of the Propulsion Systems: The Czech Case Study

The automotive sector has been experiencing a rapid development in recent times. Modern trends aim at the progress of so-called sustainable, eco-friendly vehicles, in many cases associated with advanced technologies and assistance systems. It is increasingly common to see cars with electric, hybrid, gas or hydrogen propulsion systems. Such approaches can create a transformation of manufacturing processes towards the growth of new types and fields of technologies and systems in the automotive industry. The manuscript discusses the subject of vehicles with various types of power supply, i.e., propulsion system. The investigation was executed with different respondent groups whereby the analysis was performed predominantly by using two merging criteria such as place of residence and gender of respondents. Following the research conducted, we state that given a variety of variables, the majority of the respondents are convinced that, prospectively, electric and hybrid vehicles in all probability will be the prevailing types of vehicles occurring on the roads of the Czech Republic. However, it is also important to analyze the situation of the current access to energy resources for manufacturing of both kinds of vehicles and, above all, their utilization. Thus, the preferences of drivers are key issues, but it is also necessary to take into consideration the production capacity and investment profitability regarding the purchase of vehicles with modern types of propulsion system

Challenges for the work of a professional driver in road transport of goods

Z całą pewnością można stwierdzić, że transport jest jednym z najbardziej znaczących działów gospodarki dzisiejszych czasów. Bez niego większość przedsiębiorstw nie mogłaby funkcjonować, co doprowadziłoby do zachwiania działalności całego rynku. Zadania należące do kierowcy w transporcie samochodowym nie kończą się jedynie na prowadzeniu samochodu ciężarowego. Artykuł ma na celu przedstawienie zadań, barier oraz problemów, z jakimi na co dzień muszą się zmagać zawodowi kierowcy oraz możliwe kierunki rozwoju tej branży. W pracy oparto się na raportach instytucji działających na rynku polskim, ale także europejskim oraz artykułach z portali branżowych. Całość zwieńczono podsumowaniem.It can certainly be said that transport is one of the most significant sectors of the economy today. Without it, most enterprises would not be able to function. This would lead to the disruption of the entire market. The tasks of a driver in road transport do not end only with driving a truck. This article aims to present the tasks, barriers and problems that professional drivers have to deal with on a daily basis and the possible directions for the development of this industry. The article is based on reports of institutions operating on the Polish market, but also on the European market and articles on industry portals. The article concludes with a summary

Eastern Poland Consumer Awareness of Innovative Active and Intelligent Packaging in the Food Industry: Exploratory Studies

For some time, traditional food packaging has not been able to meet the current market demand in some segments. This is mainly due to the advancing market globalization, increasing product complexity, the changing and increasingly high expectations and needs of customers, increasing requirements for monitoring packaging materials and, consequently, food safety, as well as the revival of national and international initiatives to support the circular economy and minimize the carbon footprint of manufactured products. Therefore, smart packaging with increased functionality has become indispensable. On the one hand, this solution allows for the offering or adaptation of products that meet the stricter national and international regulatory requirements (in particular for food safety) and allows a tracking from the cradle to the grave; on the other hand, it can serve as a way to expand markets in the context of globalization. Moreover attention should be paid to the development of knowledge on environmental protection and the increasing environmental awareness of consumers. In connection with the above, in recent years there has been an increase in interest in the design and production of new packaging for food products based on the latest technical and technological solutions. It is primarily intelligent and active packaging that should be mentioned here. Hence, the aim of the article, as well as that of our own conducted research, was to analyze consumer attitudes and behaviors in the field of modern food packaging, as well as to check the level of awareness of consumers from Eastern Poland in relation to innovative active and intelligent packaging in the food industry. In addition, the intermediate aim was also to identify other factors influencing the attractiveness of food packaging and, consequently, increasing the willingness to buy them. To achieve these aims, a literature study was carried out, as well as empirical research using the diagnostic survey method, conducted among the inhabitants of South-Eastern Poland. Based on our own research, it can be concluded that the level of knowledge of the essence of intelligent and active packaging in Eastern Poland is still at a low level. Among the other factors increasing the attractiveness of packaging for food products, contemporary consumers from the analyzed region of Poland indicated primarily their environmental friendliness, the possibility of recycling, as well as the readability and transparency of the information contained on the packaging

Simulation decision games and effectiveness of their use for higher education among working and non-working students – practical view

Purpose: The aim of the article is to assess the role of business simulations in shaping entrepreneurial skills at a university, where simulation games are used as a tool to support the teaching process. Therefore, the article presents the effectiveness of their use in academic conditions in a practical context, based on scientific research. Design/methodology/approach: For the purposes of this article a survey was conducted among students who participated in classes using simulation games. Findings: The introduction of innovative teaching methods at universities seems necessary due to the changing economic needs, and thus the need to acquire new competences in the labour market by employees (university graduates or students working during the course of study). One of the most difficult problems results from the discrepancy between the goals of the educational system and the insufficient preparation of lecturers to work in the present conditions, and the low level of development of their skills. Research limitations/implications: It is advisable to carry out further scientific research in the field of using of simulation games due to the fact that they are increasingly used as a tool to support the process of practical learning. Practical implications: Not without significance for the learning process is also the emotional involvement of participants who acquire knowledge more easily if they are interested in the given issue and understand the benefits resulting from it. Social implications: Nowadays, it is impossible to imagine didactic activities carried out only in a conventional way. Currently implemented didactic processes at universities are often supported by active and modern teaching methods which include, among other things, simulation games. Their main advantage is that they facilitate the transfer of knowledge in an interesting way, teach creative problem solving, arouse interest and allow to gain new experiences, including interpersonal ones. Originality/value: Active learning tools such as collaborative learning and problem-based learning can partly replace the traditional lecture-based method that continues to dominate in higher education. Advocates of active learning show that these innovative teaching strategies are more effective in increasing student motivation, knowledge acquisition, and general academic achievement