MNE’s Regional Location Choice - A Comparative Perspective on East Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland

The focus of this article is the empirical identification of factors influencing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in transition economies on a regional level (NUTS 2). The analysis is designed as benchmark between three neighboring post-communist regions, i.e. East Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland. Their different transition paths have not only resulted in economic differences. We can also observe today that the importance of pull factors for FDI varies significantly across the regions. This analysis shows that in comparison with Poland and the Czech Republic, East Germany’s major benefit is its purchasing power, its geographical proximity to West European markets, and its modern infrastructure. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that intra-industry linkages such as specialization and agglomeration economies are relevant factors for the location decision of foreign investors. This result can help to explain the regional divergence of FDI streams in transition economies.multinational enterprises, international business, regional economic activity: growth, development, and changes, discrete choice

The evolution of active galactic nuclei and their spins

Massive black holes (MBHs) in contrast to stellar mass black holes are expected to substantially change their properties over their lifetime. MBH masses increase by several order of magnitude over the Hubble time, as illustrated by Soltan's argument. MBH spins also must evolve through the series of accretion and mergers events that grow the MBH's masses. We present a simple model that traces the joint evolution of MBH masses and spins across cosmic time. Our model includes MBH-MBH mergers, merger-driven gas accretion, stochastic fueling of MBHs through molecular cloud capture, and a basic implementation of accretion of recycled gas. This approach aims at improving the modeling of low-redshift MBHs and AGN, whose properties can be more easily estimated observationally. Despite the simplicity of the model, it captures well the global evolution of the MBH population from z\sim6 to today. Under our assumptions, we find that the typical spin and radiative efficiency of MBHs decrease with cosmic time because of the higher incidence of stochastic processes in gas-rich galaxies and MBH-MBH mergers in gas-poor galaxies. At z=0 the spin distribution in gas-poor galaxies peaks at spins 0.4-0.8, and it is not strongly mass dependent. MBHs in gas-rich galaxies have a more complex evolution, with low-mass MBHs at low redshift having low spins, and spins increasing at larger masses and redshifts. We also find that at z>1 MBH spins are on average highest in high luminosity AGN, while at lower redshifts these differences disappear.Comment: ApJ, in pres

Use of Psychological Examinations of Employees and Job Applicants in Personnel Management

This paper deals with psychological and diagnostic examination of the personality of employees and candidates for work, an unexplored subject in the field of labour law and human resource (HR) management in Slovakia. Based on legal analysis of national and international laws and regulations as well as medical knowledge in clinical and occupational psychology, the authors surveyed employers in various industry sectors to test several hypotheses. The results of this study and other empirical data are the foundation for conclusions and the legal basis for drafting a proposal to amend the current legal framework in Slovakia as well as in‐house company procedures known as ‘best‐practices’

Models of Fractal River Basins

Two distinct models for self-similar and self-affine river basins are numerically investigated. They yield fractal aggregation patterns following non-trivial power laws in experimentally relevant distributions. Previous numerical estimates on the critical exponents, when existing, are confirmed and superseded. A physical motivation for both models in the present framework is also discussed.Comment: 16 pages, latex, 9 figures included using uufiles command (for any problem: [email protected]), to be publishes in J. Stat. Phys. (1998

The Certification of the Mass Fractions of Selected Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Fine Dust (PM10-like Matrix) - Certified Reference Material ERM®-CZ100

This report describes the preparation and certification of the new Reference Material (CRM) ERM-CZ100 PAHs in fine dust (PM10-like). Certification of the CRM included testing of the homogeneity and stability of the material as well as the characterisation using an intercomparison approach. ERM-CZ100 was certified for its content of benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[j]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and sum of benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene and benzo[j]fluoranthene. The main purpose of the material is to assess method performance, i.e. for checking accuracy of analytical results in the field of air quality assurance. As any reference material, it can also be used for control charts or validation studies.JRC.DG.D.2-Reference material

The Certification of the Mass Fractions of Arsenic, Cadmium, Nickel and Lead in Fine Dust (PM10-like matrix) - Certified Reference Material ERM®-CZ120

This report describes the preparation and certification of the new Reference Material (CRM) ERM-CZ120, which is a PM10-like fine dust, certified for the elements arsenic, cadmium, nickel and lead. Certification of the CRM included testing of the homogeneity and stability of the material as well as the characterisation using an intercomparison approach. The main purpose of the material is to assess method performance, i.e. for checking accuracy of analytical results in the field of air quality control/measurement. As any reference material, it can also be used for control charts or validation studies.JRC.DG.D.2-Reference material

Impact of statin use and lipid profile on symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage, outcome and mortality after intravenous thrombolysis in acute stroke

Background: It is unclear if a certain lipid profile and/or statin use contribute to symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH), poor outcome or mortality after intravenous thrombolysis for ischaemic stroke. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of statin use and lipid profile on sICH, outcome and mortality following thrombolysis in acute stroke. Methods: From 2001 to 2010, all patients admitted to our hospital and undergoing intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke were included into an open, prospective database. Initial stroke severity was assessed using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Demographics, vascular risk factors, admission blood pressure, glucose levels, previous medication including statin use, lipid profiles including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels were recorded. Outcome measures included sICH according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study II criteria, modified Rankin scale and mortality at 3 months. Results: 1,066 patients were included in the analysis; 5.3% (57 patients) had sICH. Mortality at 3 months was 17.6% (188 patients). A favourable outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-1) at 3 months was attained by 35.6% (379 patients). Prior statin use was not associated with increased odds for sICH (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.55–2.04, p = 0.864), mortality (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.90–1.93, p = 0.152) or favourable outcome (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.65–1.24, p = 0.507). Similar results were found for the different lipid variables: high LDL (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.36–2.60, p = 0.942), high triglyceride (OR 1.74, 95% CI 0.84–3.56, p = 0.132) and low HDL (OR 1.78, 95% CI 0.68–4.65, p = 0.279) were not associated with increased odds for sICH. Likewise, neither mortality nor functional outcome at 3 months was significantly associated with any of the lipid variables in the univariable analysis following Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons. The same results were found in the multivariable analysis adjusting for imbalances in baseline characteristics. Conclusions: In contrast to previous studies, we found that in stroke patients receiving thrombolysis therapy, neither the lipid profile nor prior statin use were associated with increased odds for sICH, functional outcome or mortality at 3 months

Animating Adulthood: Emotional Resonance, Affective Quality, and the Human Condition in Adult Animated Television An Examination in Theory, Viewership, and Practice

At its core, adult animation is animated content specifically created for an adult audience. Adult animation represents the intersection of childhood with its colorful package, and the often crippling reality of adulthood, with its content. What may initially appear as sweet and benign entertainment is in actuality an environment for self-reflexivity, where individuals are confronted with their own personal issues, and the reality of adulthood through the struggles of the characters and the narratives explored, both good and bad. The programming offers an escape from one’s own problems, while engaging with the characters provides a surrogate experience. This recent shift in adult animated television is emotionally driven, ranging in theme from simply making it through the everyday, to having an existential crisis. Programs discussed include BoJack Horseman, Rick and Morty, F is for Family, and animals.. This paper reflects a multi-perspective approach to research, which is particularly lacking in animation studies, and where there is often a stringent divide between theory and practice. Accordingly the three sections of this paper correspond to three approaches to adult animation: theoretical, content or viewer based, and production or maker based, which includes a discussion of the accompanying creation component