THE CHANGES IN THE INNOVATION ACTIVITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN WIELKOPOLSKA REGION IN THE YEARS 1992-2004

The aim of the present work is to find an answer to the ąuestion whether the innovation activity of smali and medium-sized companies of Wielkopolska Region changed in the years 1992—2004, and also what factors were limiting thetransformation in the examined period. Diagnosing the changes has permitted to present conclusions and recommendations for the futurę. For the needs of the present work, results of a ąuestionnaire-based survey conducted in 164smali and medium-sized enterprises based in Wielkopolska Region in 2005 were used. The ąuestionnaire form included ąuestions related to the innovation activity, among others, innovations introduced in the firm in the years 2001—2004. The obtained results of the research were compared to the ones of the own research project concerning innovation activity of SME in Wielkopolska Region in the years 1992-2004 [Mizgajska 1997; 1999; 2002; 2004]. &nbsp

Institutional support for innovation : national versus local level : insights from Poland

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to examine whether and how the development of business environment institutions at national levels reflected supporting innovation in local SMEs.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article presents the results of a survey carried out in 2021 on a sample of 26 small and medium-sized enterprises representing traditional industries located in south-eastern Wielkopolska. The scope of this research concerned various forms of support for small and medium-sized enterprises proposed by business environment institutions and concerned the period 2019-2021.FINDINGS: The results show a decrease in the intensity of cooperation between SMEs and business environment institutions (compared to previous years). Such cooperation usually concerned various forms of business development rather than fostering innovation. However, due to the limited size of the research sample the obtained results should not be fully generalized.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study can be used as a starting point for further discussion on supporting innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises. The obtained results may be useful for business practitioners, managers of innovation and entrepreneurship centres, as well as policy makers responsible for innovation policies.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article sheds some light on the changing role of business environment institutions in Poland and provides new insights into supporting innovation and entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic period.peer-reviewe

The Mitochondrial Genome of Toxocara canis

Toxocara canis (Ascaridida: Nematoda), which parasitizes (at the adult stage) the small intestine of canids, can be transmitted to a range of other mammals, including humans, and can cause the disease toxocariasis. Despite its significance as a pathogen, the genetics, epidemiology and biology of this parasite remain poorly understood. In addition, the zoonotic potential of related species of Toxocara, such as T. cati and T. malaysiensis, is not well known. Mitochondrial DNA is known to provide genetic markers for investigations in these areas, but complete mitochondrial genomic data have been lacking for T. canis and its congeners. In the present study, the mitochondrial genome of T. canis was amplified by long-range polymerase chain reaction (long PCR) and sequenced using a primer-walking strategy. This circular mitochondrial genome was 14162 bp and contained 12 protein-coding, 22 transfer RNA, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes consistent for secernentean nematodes, including Ascaris suum and Anisakis simplex (Ascaridida). The mitochondrial genome of T. canis provides genetic markers for studies into the systematics, population genetics and epidemiology of this zoonotic parasite and its congeners. Such markers can now be used in prospecting for cryptic species and for exploring host specificity and zoonotic potential, thus underpinning the prevention and control of toxocariasis in humans and other hosts

Toxocariasis: a silent threat with a progressive public health impact

Background: Toxocariasis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that afflicts millions of the pediatric and adolescent populations worldwide, especially in impoverished communities. This disease is caused by infection with the larvae of Toxocara canis and T. cati, the most ubiquitous intestinal nematode parasite in dogs and cats, respectively. In this article, recent advances in the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and pharmacotherapies that have been used in the treatment of toxocariasis are reviewed. Main text: Over the past two decades, we have come far in our understanding of the biology and epidemiology of toxocariasis. However, lack of laboratory infrastructure in some countries, lack of uniform case definitions and limited surveillance infrastructure are some of the challenges that hindered the estimation of global disease burden. Toxocariasis encompasses four clinical forms: visceral, ocular, covert and neural. Incorrect or misdiagnosis of any of these disabling conditions can result in severe health consequences and considerable medical care spending. Fortunately, multiple diagnostic modalities are available, which if effectively used together with the administration of appropriate pharmacologic therapies, can minimize any unnecessary patient morbidity. Conclusions: Although progress has been made in the management of toxocariasis patients, there remains much work to be done. Implementation of new technologies and better understanding of the pathogenesis of toxocariasis can identify new diagnostic biomarkers, which may help in increasing diagnostic accuracy. Also, further clinical research breakthroughs are needed to develop better ways to effectively control and prevent this serious disease

THE CHANGES IN THE INNOVATION ACTIVITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN WIELKOPOLSKA REGION IN THE YEARS 1992-2004

The aim of the present work is to find an answer to the ąuestion whether the innovation activity of smali and medium-sized companies of Wielkopolska Region changed in the years 1992—2004, and also what factors were limiting thetransformation in the examined period. Diagnosing the changes has permitted to present conclusions and recommendations for the futurę. For the needs of the present work, results of a ąuestionnaire-based survey conducted in 164smali and medium-sized enterprises based in Wielkopolska Region in 2005 were used. The ąuestionnaire form included ąuestions related to the innovation activity, among others, innovations introduced in the firm in the years 2001—2004. The obtained results of the research were compared to the ones of the own research project concerning innovation activity of SME in Wielkopolska Region in the years 1992-2004 [Mizgajska 1997; 1999; 2002; 2004]. &nbsp