Specialization integrated strategy of innovations : effective model for emerging regional economy development?

Purpose: The purpose of our work is to propose a strategic model of smart specialization identification around the concept of regional knowledge and cognitive transfer (Double Helix Matrix, DHM). Design/Methodology/Approach: While operationalization of smart specialization-oriented policy is still rather limited because of the lack of agreed development policy tools, we proposed the DHM model developed in order to provide the implementation of regional smart specialization oriented strategy. The model has been statistically verified by multidimensional comparative analysis on the example of a chosen weak innovative emerging region in Poland (Opolskie). Findings: The proposed methodology let us to find the need of redefining the smart specialization concept as a part of regional innovation strategy. Practical Implications: The new approach to the regional innovation policy has been proposed.. The findings have been used to construct the regional policy directives for potential smart specializations development within 2027 perspective. Originality/Value: The new model to conduct regional innovation strategy for smart specialization has been proposed and verified on the example of the weak innovation region.peer-reviewe

Economic consequences of student’s views on cultural heritage goods

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to anticipate the choices declared by current students in order-to evaluate the significance of these choices in formulating regional de-velopment policies and programs. Design/Methodology/Approach: The cultural heritage value was analyzed from the re-spondents' awareness of their individual needs. The question then arises as if and to what extent students of non-humanistic faculties are aware of the personal benefits gained from utilizing cultural heritage components and how they define the needs satisfied by these manifestations. The survey aimed to examine to what extent the issues of cultural heritage goods utilization were considered in terms of the interests of the modern generation of technical university students. Findings: It was determined to what extent the perception of cultural heritage goods among graduates-to-be of non-human studies is driven by economic thinking. Practical Implications: To be used by government officials to promote cultural heritage. Originality/Value: Since current students' social and economic choices will affect the fu-ture economy, their views should be taken into-account when designing and implementing regional development policies and programs that involve cultural heritage sustainability.peer-reviewe

Reliability and Utility of Various Methods for Evaluation of Bone Union after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Most surgical procedures performed on account of degenerative disease of the cervical spine involve a discectomy and interbody fixation. Bone fusion at the implant placement site is evaluated post-operatively. It is agreed that computed tomography is the best modality for assessing bone union. We evaluated the results obtained with various methods based solely on conventional radiographs in the same group of patients and compared them with results obtained using a method that is a combination of CT and conventional radiography, which we considered the most precise and a reference method. We operated on a total of 170 disc spaces in a group of 104 patients. Fusion was evaluated at 12 months after surgery with five different and popular classifications based on conventional radiographs and then compared with the reference method. Statistical analyses of test accuracy produced the following classification of fusion assessment methods with regard to the degree of consistency with the reference method, in descending order: (1) bone bridging is visible on the anterior and/or posterior edge of the operated disc space on a lateral radiograph; (2) change in the value of Cobb’s angle for a motion segment on flexion vs. extension radiographs (threshold for fusion vs. pseudoarthrosis is 2°); (3) change in the interspinous distance between process tips on flexion vs. extension radiographs (threshold of 2 mm); (4) change in the value of Cobb’s angle of a motion segment (threshold of 4°); (5) change in the interspinous distance between process bases on flexion vs. extension radiographs (threshold of 2 mm). When bone union is evaluated on the basis on radiographs, without CT evidence, we suggest using the “bone bridging” criterion as the most reliable commonly used approach to assessing bone union