Assessment of urban neighbourhoods’ vulnerability through an integrated vulnerability index (IVI): evidence from Barcelona, Spain

Urban inequality, specifically in vulnerable areas, has been a study topic from the earliest days of sociology to the present. This study’s objective is to discuss the scope and limitation of the concept of urban vulnerability, whilst generating an index that detects urban vulnerability in all its dimensions. A factor analysis of the main components was conducted resulting in the formation of four partial indices related to the social class, gentrification, social and employment, and physical & architectural dimensions of urban vulnerability, whilst their sums conform an integrated vulnerability index. This index is applied to the city of Barcelona, allowing its neighbourhoods to be positioned on a vulnerability continuum. Despite being applied in this city, the integrated vulnerability index emerges with the purpose of being replicated to other urban spaces. The mapping of these results using geographic information systems suggests a robust index that allows early identification of problematics, while also providing clues for policy intervention.Peer ReviewedObjectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::11 - Ciutats i Comunitats SosteniblesPostprint (published version

Diversification effects of the corporate loan portfolios of Russian banks in the context of risk-management paradoxes

The article examines the contradictory aspects of the application of industrial diversification of the corporate loan as one of the most commonly used instruments of credit risk reduction in banking. By implementing industrial diversification of the credit policy, commercial banks aim to create a structure of credit investments that would achieve the desired risk and return parameters. The effects of industrial diversification of loans show in different ratios of risk and return that are the most important indicators of the quality of the bank’s corporate loan portfolio. The purpose of this article is to identify contradictory (paradoxical) consequences of the application of industrial diversification of credit investments in the context of different approaches of risk management. The article presents the results of research into the relationship between the industrial structure of credit investments and the indicators of quality of corporate loan portfolios using the case of a group of Russian banks. The authors propose a methodical approach to diversification analysis, which allows for monitoring the industrial structure of loans in order to minimize portfolio risk. The analytical procedures are based on the Herfindahl-Hirschman index, clustering method, comparison method. The study was based on official financial statements of eight Russian banks with different scales of activity. As a result, the study identified features of the industry composition of credit portfolios of different banks in correlation with their risk appetite, which allowed the authors to reveal contradictory effects of the industrial diversification of corporate loans. The results can used when taking tactical and strategic management decisions by credit managers. In conclusion, the authors proved the importance of having a strategically elaborate policy of industrial diversification of the corporate loans portfolio in the common credit policy of the bank.В статье исследуются противоречивые аспекты применения отраслевой диверсификации корпоративных кредитов как одного из наиболее используемых инструментов минимизации кредитного риска в банковской практике. Диверсифицируя свои кредитные портфели по отраслям экономики, коммерческие банки преследуют цель сформировать такой состав кредитных вложений, который позволил бы достичь желаемых показателей риска и доходности. Эффекты отраслевой диверсификации кредитов проявляются в различном соотношении риска и доходности как важнейших показателей качества банковских корпоративных кредитных портфелей. Цель данной статьи заключается в выявлении противоречивых (парадоксальных) последствий применения отраслевой диверсификации кредитных вложений в контексте разных подходов риск-менеджмента. В статье представлен результат исследования взаимосвязи между отраслевым составом кредитных вложений и показателями качества корпоративных кредитных портфелей на примере группы российских банков. Исследование базируется на авторском методическом подходе отраслевого диверсификационного анализа, который позволяет проводить мониторинг отраслевой структуры кредитов с целью минимизации портфельного риска. Аналитические процедуры основаны на применении индекса оценки концентрации Херфиндаля - Хиршмана, метода кластеризации, метода сравнения. Эмпирической базой исследования послужила официальная бухгалтерская отчетность восьми российских банков с разными масштабами деятельности. В результате исследования были выявлены особенности отраслевого состава кредитных портфелей разных банков в корреляции с их риск-аппетитом, что позволило авторам раскрыть противоречивые эффекты отраслевой диверсификации корпоративных кредитов. Полученные результаты могут быть использованы кредитными риск-менеджерами коммерческих банков при принятии управленческих решений тактического и стратегического характера. В качестве вывода авторы обосновывают значимость стратегически продуманной политики отраслевой диверсификации портфеля корпоративных кредитов в рамках общей кредитной политики банка

«Green» Banking as a Format of Social Responsibility in Environmental Economics

The article examines environmentally responsible (“green”) banking as a sustainable development format in the context of the transition of most countries to the “green” economy model. The purpose of the study is to analyze “green” banking in different countries and highlight the appropriateness of the Russian banking sector’s attention to environmentally oriented business principles. During the research, the systematic analytical approach to the study of “green” banking theoretical foundations, generalization techniques, the comparative analysis were used. The empirical base was formed by the data of UNEP and the WWF (World Wildlife Fund), and official reports of Russian banks. Summarizing different researchers’ view points on the concept of “green” banking, the authors concluded that eco-oriented banking contributes to the “triple profit” effect: increasing economic efficiency, reducing the harmful effects on the ecosystem and improving the bank’s social image. As a comparative analysis result of the “green” banking development in several countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China), it was concluded that at present the Russian banking sector is immature in terms of the implementation of environmental principles and initiatives, while the other countries demonstrate major progress in “green” banking practices. It has been established that the Bank of Russia, by contrast to regulators in other countries, is not the engine of environmentally responsible behavior of Russian financial institutions: only a few major banks on a voluntary basis adhere to eco-friendly business principles and implement “green” financial instruments. The recommendations proposed by the authors in “green” banking can be useful for the Bank of Russia for developing a strategy of the financial sector. The results can be used by Russian banking institutions preparing internal documents on corporate social responsibility. In conclusion, the authors emphasize the importance of promoting the adoption of “green” banking solutions in order to reduce the anthropogenic load on the ecosystem.В статье рассматривается эколого ответственная («зеленая») банковская деятельность как формат устойчивого развития в контексте перехода большинства стран мира к модели «зеленой» экономики. Целью исследования является анализ состояния «зеленого» банкинга в разных странах и актуализация обращения российского банковского сектора к эколого ориентированным принципам построения бизнеса. При написании статьи применялся системный аналитический подход к изучению теоретических основ «зеленого» банкинга, использовались приемы обобщения, проводился сравнительный анализ данных международных организаций. Эмпирической базой послужили данные ЮНЕП и Всемирного фонда дикой природы, официальная отчетность российских банков. Обобщая различные точки зрения исследователей на трактовку понятия «зеленый» банкинг, авторы пришли к выводу, что эколого-ориентированная банковская деятельность способствует достижению эффекта «тройного выигрыша»: повышения экономической эффективности, снижения вредного воздействия на экосистему и улучшения социального имиджа банка. В результате сравнительного анализа факторов развития «зеленого» банкинга в группе стран (Бразилия, Россия, Индия, Китай) был сделан вывод о том, что на данном этапе российский банковский сектор является незрелым в процессах внедрения экологических принципов и инициатив, при этом в остальных анализируемых странах отмечается масштабный прогресс «зеленой» банковской практики. Установлено, что Банк России, в отличие от регуляторов других стран, не является «локомотивом» эколого ответственного поведения российских финансовых институтов: только несколько крупнейших банков на добровольной основе придерживаются экологических принципов ведения бизнеса и внедряют «зеленые» финансовые инструменты. Рекомендации, предложенные авторами в сфере стимулирования «зеленой» банковской деятельности, могут быть полезными для Банка России при разработке стратегии развития финансового сектора. Полученные результаты могут быть использованы российскими банковскими структурами при подготовке локальных документов в сфере корпоративной социальной ответственности. В качестве вывода авторы подчеркивают значимость экологизации финансовых решений коммерческих банков в процессах снижения антропогенной нагрузки на экосистему

Factors influencing the implementation, adoption, use, sustainability and scalability of eLearning for family medicine specialty training:A systematic review protocol

Background In 2013, there was a shortage of approximately 7.2 million health workers worldwide, which is larger among family physicians than among specialists. eLearning could provide a potential solution to some of these global workforce challenges. However, there is little evidence on factors facilitating or hindering implementation, adoption, use, scalability and sustainability of eLearning. This review aims to synthesise results from qualitative and mixed methods studies to provide insight on factors influencing implementation of eLearning for family medicine specialty education and training. Additionally, this review aims to identify the actions needed to increase effectiveness of eLearning and identify the strategies required to improve eLearning implementation, adoption, use, sustainability and scalability for family medicine speciality education and training. Methods A systematic search will be conducted across a range of databases for qualitative studies focusing on experiences, barriers, facilitators, and other factors related to the implementation, adoption, use, sustainability and scalability of eLearning for family medicine specialty education and training. Studies will be synthesised by using the framework analysis approach. Discussion This study will contribute to the evaluation of eLearning implementation, adoption, use, sustainability and scalability for family medicine specialty training and education and the development of eLearning guidelines for postgraduate medical education

Integrated optical ring resonator for angular rate sensor. Main characteristics. Numerical modeling

В работе рассматриваются принципы организации датчика угловых скоростей (ДУС) на основе интегрально-оптического кольцевого резонатора, общие подходы к расчету его характеристик и результаты численного моделирования кольцевого резонатора.Main principles of angular rate sensor based on integrated-optical ring resonator is considered. General methods of calculation main characteristics and results of numerical modeling of IO ring resonator are described.Работа выполнена в рамках комплексного проекта «Разработка базовой технологии и создание производства фотонных интегральных схем для приборов, систем и комплексов оптоэлектронного навигационного приборостроения» выполняемой по договору № 02.G25.31.0113 от «14» августа 2014г. с Министерством образования и науки РФ

Employee involvement in Ukrainian companies

This paper examines the hypothesis that the introduction of Western quality standards has brought some development of employee involvement in Ukrainian manufacturing and service companies and analyses the consequences for managements' use of the institutions of employee representation. The subject is pursued through eight case studies, four in a test and four in a control group. Quality developments were driven by top managers and not by human resource (HR) practitioners. In the test companies, managerial hierarchies were flattened and process orientations adopted; training was increased; communication was improved and in some cases teamwork was established. These developments were largely absent in the four control cases. The consequences for employee representative institutions are examined. In three cases, management revived the previously anachronistic 'Assembly of the Working Collective' as an employee involvement tool, thereby demonstrating a preference for picking workplace institutions 'off the path' for adaptation rather than either using unions or limiting involvement to non-institutional modes

Can information affect sensory perceptions? Evidence from a survey on Italian organic food consumers

This paper aims to investigate the influence of information on consumers’ preferences and sensory perceptions of organic food using a sample of 301 Italian organic food consumers. Consumers stated their preferences for “core organic” attributes, labels and information on food products and performed blind and informed tests on strawberry yoghurts and cookies. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results revealed that consumers appreciate “core organic” attributes, like artisanal production and variability of sensory attributes. Comparing blind and informed tests, results showed that information affects the overall liking of products and consumers’ perception of product-specific sensory attributes. However, the influence of information on sensory perceptions depends on the product category, sensory attributes and the type of information provided

Production of Resorbable Microparticles Loaded with a Cytostatic Drug Using the Spray-Drying Method and Investigation of Their Properties

С применением метода распылительного высушивания получены микрочастицы из резорбируемого поли-3-гидроксибутирата П(3ГБ), содержащие противоопухолевый препарат 5‑фторурацил. Показано, что увеличение содержания лекарственного препарата от 1 до 10 % от массы полимерного матрикса не оказывало существенного влияния на средний диаметр микрочастиц (2,4 – 2,6 мкм), однако привело к незначительному увеличению ξ-потенциала (от -106 до -86 мВ). Эффективность инкапсулирования 5‑фторурацила возрастала с увеличением содержания препарата в матриксе микрочастиц. Выход 5‑фторурацила в фосфатный буфер возрастал с увеличением содержания препарата в матриксе микрочастиц и составил 55, 63 и 75 % при исходном содержании препарата, равном 1, 5 и 10 % соответственно. Антипролиферативное действие депонированного 5‑фторурацила доказано в культуре опухолевых клеток HeLaMicroparticles of resorbable poly-3-hydroxybutyrate loaded with a cytostatic drug (5-fluorouracil) were prepared by using the spray-drying method. The increase in the level of drug loading from 1 to 10 % of the polymer mass did not significantly effect the average diameter of microparticles (2.4 – 2.6 μm) but increased their ξ-potential (from 106 to 86 mV). Encapsulation efficiency of 5-fluorouracil increased with the increase in the level of drug loading. Investigation of the in vitro drug release behavior showed that the total drug release from the microparticles into the medium increased with the growth of mass concentration of the drug (55, 63 and 75 % of the initial drug content and 1, 5 and 10 % of the polymer mass, respectively). The cytotoxic effect of encapsulated 5-fluorouracil was proved in the HeLa tumor cell cultur

Higher education in Russia and Germany: bologna reforms go on

A comparative analysis of the Bologna reforms dynamics in Russia and Germany is carried out in the paper. It is shown that extending the field of training Bachelors and developing newmaster programs in a flexibly way, considering the needs of innovation economy, filling education with the competence content, developing the strong constituents within Bologna process make it possible for Russian higher school to strengthen significantly its position in European educational space

Development and characterization of ceftriaxone-loaded P3HB-based microparticles for drug delivery

In this study polymer-based microparticles are used to improve the therapeutic properties of ceftriaxone (CEF) and render them safer. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB) and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate/polyethylene glycol (P3HB-PEG)-based microparticles were prepared by two methods: a double emulsification technique and spray-drying. The microparticles were characterized in terms of size and zeta potential, morphology, total drug loading and drug release. The microparticles had spherical shapes with diameters of a size range from 0.74 to 1.55 μm (emulsification technique) and from 3.84 to 6.51 μm (spray-drying); CEF encapsulation efficiency was around 63 % and 49 % for these methods respectively. The CEF release from microparticles obtained by spray-drying reached 100% after 150 hours, while for microparticles obtained by emulsification technique the total release of CEF did not exceed 34% after 312 hours. The release profiles could be best explained by Zero order kinetics model, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models, as the plots showed high linearity. Antibacterial activity of the microparticles was evaluated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. In general, CEF encapsulation in polymeric microparticles preserves the therapeutic efficacy of the CEF and provides its prolonged effect