An Analysis of Actual and Potential Trade between the EU Countries and the Eastern European Countries

The Eastern Enlargement represents an opportunity for trade growth for all the European Union (EU) countries. In fact, trade between the EU and the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) has increased considerably in the nineties. However, both benefits and losses from trade expansion do not equally affect all countries and regions inside the EU. This paper focus on the analysis of the potential bilateral trade flows between the EU and the CEEC and in special between the CEEC and the Southern European countries. The analysis is based on the gravity model approach using panel data from 1993 to 1999. It is possible to conclude that there is still scope for further expansion of the trade flows between some CEEC and some of the EU countries, in particular of some Southern countries

Corruption and Foreign Direct Investment:What kind of relationship is there?

Globalization and technological innovations create investment opportunities for firms worldwide. In fact, while firms pursue foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities on a global basis, countries compete to attract these flows. Investment decisions by firms depend on complex and distinct factors. In particular, in the case of foreign investment one of these factors relates to the perception that investors have about the level of risk and/or corruption (or transparency) that characterises countries. Recent studies suggest that corruption negatively impacts on FDI and may act as a disincentive to investment. By using information for 97 countries, concerning inward FDI performance and perceived level of corruption, this paper intends to analyse how corruption influences on the FDI. Given that a certain level of perceived corruption can, in fact, be subject to different subjective evaluations by investors, the paper uses a fuzzy logic approach in order to determine conceivable clusters in the FDI-corruption space. The use of fuzzy clustering techniques reveals the existence of two well-defined clusters: one is formed by high-level corruption countries, where, indeed, corruption is negatively correlated, in a significant way, with FDI; the other is formed by low-level corruption countries, where the influence of corruption on FDI is not so evident

In Search for Determinants of Intra-Industry Trade within an Enlarged Europe

Most trade between the European Union (EU) and the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) is inter-industrial in nature, based on comparative advantages. However, recent studies have uncovered structural changes in the nature of trade, the most unexpected being the rapid increase in Intra-industry trade (IIT). In this paper we characterise the dynamics of the CEEC-EU trade using several methodologies that evaluate the type of trade and price-quality ranges. The analysis confirms that there was a significant decline in inter-industrial trade and an increasing specialisation in vertical IIT. Moreover, we found substantial differences in the unit values of exported and imported goods, which suggest that the increasing weight of IIT in the EU-CEEC trade does not result from the factorial contents convergence of the traded goods. Therefore, these trends indicate the emergence of a new division of labour in the enlarged EU. Using a panel data approach we also identify the determinants of vertical and horizontal IIT. The results allow us to conclude that there are some differences in the determinants of these types of trade, although both seem to have a statistically significant relationship with country’s size and Foreign Direct Investment flows

Estilo de liderança e relações interpessoais e intergrupais em contexto escolar: estudo de caso

Dissertação de Mestrado em Administração e Gestão Educacional apresentada à Universidade AbertaResumo - Este estudo enquadrou-se no paradigma qualitativo, tendo sido utilizado o estudo de caso como estratégia metodológica. Partiu-se para este estudo motivados pela curiosidade em saber algo mais sobre o problema associado às interacções que se desenvolvem entre os professores. A partir da pergunta “Qual a relação entre o estilo de liderança e os padrões de interacção social, no quadro da organização escolar?”, pretendeu-se atingir os seguintes objectivos: identificar o estilo de liderança predominante, as interacções sociais e levantar hipóteses sobre a relação entre o estilo de liderança e o sistema das interacções. O quadro teórico de referência aborda a comunicação organizacional, o processo de tomada de decisão, a liderança e as relações de natureza interpessoal e intergrupal. O quadro metodológico envolve o contexto da acção e os procedimentos metodológicos. Foi utilizada a técnica de amostragem de conveniência não probabilística e a técnica de amostragem de casos típicos (amostra intencional). Para a recolha e análise de elementos, foram utilizadas as técnicas de observação-participante, entrevista semi-estruturada e análise de conteúdo. Foi construído um modelo de investigação, que envolveu as componentes teóricas do quadro de referência, permitindo-nos, assim, identificar o estilo de liderança predominante e as interacções sociais associadas. Concluiu-se que o estilo de liderança que os vários líderes ao longo dos anos foram adoptando resultou de uma influência biunívoca entre o líder e as relações interpessoais e intergrupais dos professores. O estilo de liderança predominante na escola investigada é o autocrático com algumas variantes, porque facilitou interacções que permitiram a formação de grupos de interesse, que sempre dominaram o poderRésumé - Cette étude a été encadrée en plein dans le paradigme qualitatif, se préconisant l’étude pratique du cas utilisée comme une stratégie méthodologique. On est partis dans cette étude motivés par la volonté d’en savoir un peu plus sur le problème lié aux interactions qui se développent entre les professeurs. A partir de la question «quel est le rapport entre le style de leadership et les paradigmes d’interaction sociale, dans le cadre de l’organisation scolaire?», on a prétendu atteindre les objectifs suivants: identifier le style de leadership prédominant et les interactions sociales et soulever des hypothèses sur la relation entre le style de leadership et le system des interactions. Le cadre théorique de référence aborde la communication organisationnelle, le processus de prise de décision, le leadership et les relations de nature interpersonnelle et intergroupale. Le cadre méthodologique implique le contexte de l’action et les procédés méthodologiques. On a utilisé la technique d’échantillonnage de convenance non probabiliste et la technique d’échantillonnage de cas typiques (échantillon intentionnel). Pour le prélèvement et l’analyse d’éléments, on a utilisé les techniques d’observation participante, entrevue demi-structurée et l’analyse de contenu. Un modèle d’investigation a été construit, qui a engagé les composantes théoriques du cadre de référence, ce qui nous permet, ainsi, d’identifier le style de leadership prédominant et les interactions sociales associées. On a conclu que le style de leadership adopté au long des années par plusieurs leaders est le fruit d’une influence biunivoque entre le leader et les relations interpersonnelles et les rapports interpersonnels des professeurs. Le style de leadership prédominant dans cette école, c’est l’autocratique avec quelques variantes, parce qu’il a facilité des interactions qui ont permi la formation de groupes d’intérêt ayant toujours dominé le pouvoirAbstract - This study fitted in the qualitative paradigm and a case study was used as a methodological strategy. This study was motivated by the curiosity to know more about the problem connected with the interactions developing among teachers. Starting from the question ‘Which is the connection between the style of leadership and the patterns of social interaction in the context of scholastic organization? ‘we intended to achieve the following aims: to identify the dominant style of leadership and the social interactions and to put forward the hypothesis concerning the relation between the style of leadership and the interaction system. The theoretical frame of reference deals with the organizational communication, the process of taking decisions, the leadership and the interpersonal relations. The methodological frame involves the context of the action and the methodological procedures. The sampling technique of non probabilistic convenience was used as well as the sampling technique of typical cases (intentional sample). Participant techniques, semi structured interview and content analysis were utilized to gather and analyse elements. An investigation model was built, involving the theoretical components of the reference frame, which allowed us to identify the dominant style of leadership and the associated social interactions. In conclusion we should say that the style of leadership adopted by the several leaders year after year was the result of a biunivocal influence between the leader and the teachers’ interpersonal relations. The autocratic style of leadership with some variants is dominant in this school, because it eased the interactions which allowed the formation of groups of interest that always dominated the powe

Os fluxos de investimento directo estrangeiro nos países ibéricos

Em 1986 Espanha e Portugal aderiram à CEE e criaram condições político-institucionais para reforçar o relacionamento económico bilateral. Até esta data as relações económicas mantidas entre os países ibéricos tinham uma reduzida expressão, devido ao facto de jamais estes países terem pertencido a uma mesma aliança político-económica que tivesse motivado a convergência das suas políticas económicas externas. Durante a última década concretizou-se o progressivo desmantelamento dos regimes proteccionistas nacionais, o que motivou uma rápida intensificação dos fluxos de comércio e de capitais entre os dois países. Actualmente podemos considerar que, de forma natural, a Espanha tomou-se no principal parceiro económico de Portugal. Este texto tem como objectivo apresentar as características mais marcantes registadas pelos fluxos de IDE nos países ibéricos, procurando realçar a dinâmica das relações bilaterais no seio das tendências globais de cada país. O recurso a elementos desagregados sobre as modalidades e formas de realização do IDE permitiu um melhor conhecimento sobre as motivações económicas dos agentes envolvidos no processo.ln 1986 Portugal and Spain became membership of the EEC and then political and institucional conditions were created to enforce their reciprocal economic relationship. Until this moment the economic relations between the lberian countries had an insignificant expression, since these countries never shared the sarne political and economic alliance that could motivate the convergence of their extemal economic policies. During the last decade, was promoted the progressive abolition of the protectionists national systems, which gave a contribution for a quickly increasement of trade and investment flows between these countries. At the moment we can consider that, naturally, Spain became the main economic partner of Portugal. The goal of this paper is to present the most important characteristics of the FDI flows in the lberian countries. We try to emphasise the dynamic of the bilateral relations in the global trends of these countries. The utilisation of disagregated elements conceming the modalities and payrnent forros of FDI allowed a best knowledge about the economic motivations of the enterprises involved in this process.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL : A data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in P ortugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with 26% of all species being includedin the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associatedwith habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mam-mals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion formarine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems func-tionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is cru-cial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS INPORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublishedgeoreferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mam-mals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira thatincludes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occur-ring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live obser-vations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%),bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent lessthan 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrowsjsoil moundsjtunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animaljhairjskullsjjaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8),observation in shelters, (9) photo trappingjvideo, (10) predators dietjpelletsjpine cones/nuts, (11) scatjtrackjditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalizationjecholocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and100 m (76%). Rodentia (n=31,573) has the highest number of records followedby Chiroptera (n=18,857), Carnivora (n=18,594), Lagomorpha (n=17,496),Cetartiodactyla (n=11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n=7008). The data setincludes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened(e.g.,Oryctolagus cuniculus[n=12,159],Monachus monachus[n=1,512],andLynx pardinus[n=197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate thepublication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contrib-ute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting onthe development of more accurate and tailored conservation managementstrategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite thisdata paper when the data are used in publications.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BACKGROUND: Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS: 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. FINDINGS: Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. INTERPRETATION: Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Mammals in Portugal: a data set of terrestrial, volant, and marine mammal occurrences in Portugal

Mammals are threatened worldwide, with ~26% of all species being included in the IUCN threatened categories. This overall pattern is primarily associated with habitat loss or degradation, and human persecution for terrestrial mammals, and pollution, open net fishing, climate change, and prey depletion for marine mammals. Mammals play a key role in maintaining ecosystems functionality and resilience, and therefore information on their distribution is crucial to delineate and support conservation actions. MAMMALS IN PORTUGAL is a publicly available data set compiling unpublished georeferenced occurrence records of 92 terrestrial, volant, and marine mammals in mainland Portugal and archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira that includes 105,026 data entries between 1873 and 2021 (72% of the data occurring in 2000 and 2021). The methods used to collect the data were: live observations/captures (43%), sign surveys (35%), camera trapping (16%), bioacoustics surveys (4%) and radiotracking, and inquiries that represent less than 1% of the records. The data set includes 13 types of records: (1) burrows | soil mounds | tunnel, (2) capture, (3) colony, (4) dead animal | hair | skulls | jaws, (5) genetic confirmation, (6) inquiries, (7) observation of live animal (8), observation in shelters, (9) photo trapping | video, (10) predators diet | pellets | pine cones/nuts, (11) scat | track | ditch, (12) telemetry and (13) vocalization | echolocation. The spatial uncertainty of most records ranges between 0 and 100 m (76%). Rodentia (n =31,573) has the highest number of records followed by Chiroptera (n = 18,857), Carnivora (n = 18,594), Lagomorpha (n = 17,496), Cetartiodactyla (n = 11,568) and Eulipotyphla (n = 7008). The data set includes records of species classified by the IUCN as threatened (e.g., Oryctolagus cuniculus [n = 12,159], Monachus monachus [n = 1,512], and Lynx pardinus [n = 197]). We believe that this data set may stimulate the publication of other European countries data sets that would certainly contribute to ecology and conservation-related research, and therefore assisting on the development of more accurate and tailored conservation management strategies for each species. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications

A multi-country test of brief reappraisal interventions on emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased negative emotions and decreased positive emotions globally. Left unchecked, these emotional changes might have a wide array of adverse impacts. To reduce negative emotions and increase positive emotions, we tested the effectiveness of reappraisal, an emotion-regulation strategy that modifies how one thinks about a situation. Participants from 87 countries and regions (n = 21,644) were randomly assigned to one of two brief reappraisal interventions (reconstrual or repurposing) or one of two control conditions (active or passive). Results revealed that both reappraisal interventions (vesus both control conditions) consistently reduced negative emotions and increased positive emotions across different measures. Reconstrual and repurposing interventions had similar effects. Importantly, planned exploratory analyses indicated that reappraisal interventions did not reduce intentions to practice preventive health behaviours. The findings demonstrate the viability of creating scalable, low-cost interventions for use around the world