Nature and Determinants of Changes in Immigration Flows to Canada, 1992-2012

The purpose of this thesis is to ascertain the nature and determinants of changes of immigration flows to Canada during the past two decades. It tries to determine the volume, source, and classes of immigration flows as well as the factors that have influenced changes in these flows. In examining the factors that have influenced the immigration flows, the principal focus is on how they have been influenced by the roles and the interests of the Canadian federal and provincial governments, and to some extent also by some factors within the international political and economic systems. The analysis of domestic determinants of the flows is approached primarily from the state-centric perspective, which postulates that one of the major determinants of the nature and causes of immigration flows to Canada are the interests, imperatives and preferences of the federal and provincial governments. The major findings of the thesis are that although the federal government performs a key role in determining annual immigration flows, over time the provinces have also been performing an increasingly significant role largely through their respective immigration programs. The most influential province has been Québec. Other provinces have followed Québec’s lead, albeit to a less significant extent. The thesis further reveals that the sizes of immigration flows have been growing significantly during the past few decades. The source countries of immigrants and the number of immigrants arriving through the economic class, rather than the family and refugee classes, have changed substantially. These changes are the result of the political and economic trends that have affected the “push” and “pull” dynamics of immigration flows, and the policy preferences of the federal and provincial governments

Change for sustainable agricultural business. Addressing business model transformation and sustainable value creation

Society is facing global challenges, such as poverty and climate change, that affect entire ecosystems and human communities. Many sustainability challenges arise from existing production and consumption patterns, and thus many believe that business transformation to sustainability is essential to solving global socio-ecological problems. Understanding how sustainable business models are configured, and why companies adopt them, can be a pathway to system transformation. However, because of the complexity of sustainability challenges, they resist simple solutions and require innovative approaches. This thesis explored the potential for transformation to sustainability from the viewpoint of business model transformation in agri-food businesses, to understand why and how transformation happens, and how it can be facilitated at systems level. The focus on businesses in the agri-food sector was chosen to improve understanding of sustainable value creation in the agricultural and food production sector by transformation of business models to include sustainability. Creation of sustainable value through transformation of agricultural business models for sustainability, which act as a unifying structure for policy implementation by integrating the strategic, procedural and operational activities of a business, was analysed. The results revealed managerial, organisational and inter-organisational processes related to this transformation, which were further conceptualised. Examination of the concept of value in the agri-food sector and the business models of agri-food companies revealed a multiplicity of value creation activities, a range of motives for sustainable business model transformation and interconnectivity between companies and their surrounding environment. Overall, the results showed that sustainability can be placed at the core of an organisation. A novel contribution to the conceptual domain was creation of a new framework for sustainable value creation in the agri-food sector. This framework emphasises the need for simultaneous and equal integration of economic, social and environmental principles of sustainable development in value creation logic. It builds on the open character of sustainable business models and recognises theimportance of inter-organisational interactions to navigate transformation to sustainability. In particular, the framework promotes a more contextualised perspective on business model research, paying particular attention to multi-stakeholder interactions, learning, leadership and individual beliefs of key decision-makers

We do it our way - small scale farms in business model transformation for sustainability

Value creation is at the core of business model (BM) research, but the link between BM and value creation remains unclear. In this work, empirical data on BM transformation towards sustainable value creation in the agrifood sector, were obtained through case studies. Factors in BM transformation were identified, transformations in different BM segments were analysed and sustainable value created through these transformations was assessed. Factors such as owner-manager mind-set, experiences of sustainability and market pressures were found to drive transformation. All cases performed generic and case-specific transformation activities, with an animal welfare ethos and sustainable solutions for distribution and transport being central for all firms. Differences in strategies and cooperation derived mainly from the geographical and micro-context. While exhibiting innovativeness, the sustainable value created was predominantly within the current time horizon. Holistic integration of sustainability into core business was challenging for the farms, due to lack of knowledge and systemic approach to sustainability. All farms expressed a desire for learning and exchange of knowledge, a gap not met by other institutions in the sector. Six directions for future research on sustainable value creation through BM transformation are suggested

Ритм революційного руху у романах про революцію (М. Асуела «Ті, хто знизу», І. Бабель «Кінармія», О. Серафимович «Залізний потік»)

У статті порівняно твори М. Асуели «Ті, хто знизу», І. Бабеля «Кінармія» та О. Серафимовича  «Залізний потік», об’єднаних концептуальною близькістю у відтворенні революційного руху. Досліджено соціально-психологічні механізми створення стихійного масового потоку під час революції. Увагу приділено «циркулярній реакції», що призводить до ситуаційного стирання індивідуальних відмінностей і перетворення особистостей у масу.  Модель поведінки людини в революційному русі можна тлумачити як раціональну реакцію на ірраціональні соціальні обставини: негативні структурні зміни у суспільстві створюють основу для революційних настроїв, які сприймаються як відповідь на соціальні негаразди. Приктичним виявом такого стану є стихійна масова поведінка. Стихія заразлива, тому вплив масової свідомості уможливлює безкарну демонстрацію особливого емоційного підйому. Напруга, що зростає у  процесі «емоційного кружляння», призводить до насильницьких дій. Такий рух зазвичай відображено ритмом маршу, неспинним масовим потоком, відгомонами пострілів, криків і кривавими сутичками. Письменники підкреслюють грандіозні масштаби цього явища, його нездоланну силу. Сюжет кожного з названих творів заснований на зображенні одного або декількох епізодів революції й породженого нею руху, що тлумачиться амбівалентно: як піднесений порив, так і руйнівний бунт. У романах про революцію активно використано фактографічний та нарисово-художній матеріал; автори надають перевагу фрагментації, яка не передбачає цілісного за сюжетними, стильовими та іншими параметрами тексту. Таку мозаїчність доцільно пояснити зображенням революції у русі, який невпинно дрібниться. Зображення дійсності у вище названих художніх творах доводить: потрапивши під вплив революційних ідей, що репрезентують швидше «розумовий настрій», ніж ясну і логічну теорію, маси надихаються на повстання і протести в формі стихійного та руйнівного пориву

Sustainable value creation: a farm case on business model innovation

The agricultural sector in Sweden, as elsewhere, is affected by increased intensification and specialisation, leading to fewer and larger farms. The majority of agricultural firms acquire profits by pushing an economies of scale strategy, which is not always possible for small farms. However, there are alternative strategies. This teaching case focuses on a small farm in Sweden and offers students an opportunity to study the management of business model innovation in this context. The case explores the value creation strategy of a cattle farm and applies activities such as mapping a business model, developing suggestions for business model innovation, analysing existing and lacking managerial competences and pinpointing implications for agricultural policy. As a result, profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of the study farm should be achieved, together with acquisition of knowledge and skills by its owner. This educational case is suitable for agricultural students of different levels requiring knowledge of business and management

Reflejo De La Psicología Revolucionaria En El Comportamiento Del Individuo En Las Obras Literarias De Mariano Azuela E Isaac Bábel

This paper focuses on the analysis of the psychology and the model of human behavior reflected in the works of M. Azuela and I. Babel. The novels "The ones of down" (M. Azuela) and "Red Cavalry" (I. Babel), dedicated to the revolution and the civil war, are explored within the framework of the social psychology. Theories of human behavior in the revolution, the aspect of motivation, and the socio-psychological mechanisms of its massive impact on the individual are considered. Similarly, the state of emotional stress that forces the masses to move was investigated. In the process of the "emotional whirlpool" and the "circular reaction" in progress, the voltage increases, which inevitably result to an explosion at the end (most of the time - of a violent nature). The parallel analysis of the researched works reveals that human behavior is determined by belonging to the consciousness of the masses or to the individual conscience. Individual consciousness and mass exist in a certain unity, but mass psychology, conquers the individual. In this case, a person becomes the "bearer of the mask" of the revolution

Особенности терминологических подклассов

У статті досліджуються особливості підкласів термінів, а також розглянуті та проаналізовані основні вимоги до термінів. На основі опрацьованих робіт сучасних вітчизняних та зарубіжних вчених, порівнюються підкласи термінів з усталеними термінологічними лексемами та аргументуються відмінні характеристики даних лексичних прошарків. Кожна термінологічна підгрупа ґрунтовно проаналізована, виокремлені специфічні ознаки притаманні конкретним лексичним підгрупам, а також виведено узагальнені дефініції кожної термінологічної категорії. Здійснено детальний етимологічний аналіз формування представлених лексичних підгруп та відповідно до цього виділено чітке розмежування за виникненням конкретного слова у певний період часу. Також були встановлені ключові відмінності між термінологічними підгрупами та власне термінами, а саме: прототерміни, що репрезентують певну концепцію, використовуються паралельно із новоствореними термінами, однак, варто зазначити, що частина слів-прототермінів закріпилась в термінологічному прошарку сучасної мови і набула основних термінологічних якостей. Претерміни, натомість, згодом повністю заміщують новоствореними лексемами, оскільки перші характеризуються довільністю форми, відсутністю стислості та нейтральності, рисами, не притаманними термінам. Крім цього, в статті ілюстративно продемонстровані ключові властивості термінологічних лексем, а також представлені приклади до кожної підгрупи.The article examines the features of term subclasses as well as reviews and analyzes the basic term requirements. The research serves to clarify the matter of distinctive features of terminological subgroups on the basis of works of modern scholars. We conducted a thorough analysis of each terminological subgroup, singled out specific inherent features of particular lexemes and derived the generalized definitions of subgroups. The detailed etymological analysis of the formation of lexical subgroups was performed and, in accordance with this, clear distinction by the appearance of a particular word in a certain period of time was highlighted. A number of the key differences between terminological subgroups and terms themselves were established: prototerms representing a concept are used in parallel with the newly created terms, however, it should be noted that some prototerms entrenched in modern terminology layer of the language and acquired basic terminological features. Eventually, preterms were completely replaced with newly created lexemes as main characteristics of preterms are: form volatility, non-compliance with brevity and often lack of neutrality, in other words, features which do not meet basic term requirements. In addition, key peculiarities of terminological words as well as examples to every subgroup are graphically illustrated.В статье исследуются особенности подклассов терминов, а также рассмотрены и проанализированы основные требования к терминам. На основе обработанных работ современных отечественных и зарубежных ученых, сравниваются подклассы терминов с устоявшимися терминологическими лексемами и аргументируются отличительные характеристики данных лексических слоев. Каждая терминологическая подгруппа основательно проанализирована, выделены специфические признаки присущи конкретным лексемах, а также выведены обобщенные дефиниции всех подгрупп. Также были установлены ключевые различия между терминологическими подгруппами и собственно терминами, а именно: прототермины, представляющие определенную концепцию, используются параллельно с новосозданными терминами, однако, стоит отметить, что часть слов-прототерминов закрепилась в терминологическом пласте современного языка и приобрела основные терминологические качества. Претермины, в свою очередь, полностью замещаются новыми лексемами, поскольку первые характеризуются произвольностью формы, отсутствием краткости и нейтральности, чертами, не присущие терминам. Кроме того, в статье иллюстративно продемонстрированы ключевые свойства терминологических лексем, а также представлены примеры к каждой подгруппы

Liver morphological changes and proinflammatory cytokines in experimental animals in case of cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is one of the acute problems of modern hepatology that develops in case of long-term chronic hepatitis. It is known that cytokines play an important role in controlling an adaptive response to chronic toxic damage.After the morphological examination of the hepatic tissue and of the proinflammatory cytokine system in case of experimental cirrhosis it was established the prominent immune response to acute inflammation at early stage as well as pro-inflammatory interleukins level significant increase. The further pathomorphological examination showed a minor involution of the pathological process, the immune response was also slightly inhibited in comparison to the previous period.

Corporate sustainability standards : a comparison of two sustainability indices

Increased stakeholder pressure on companies to aim for more than profit maximization has resulted in adoption of corporate sustainability practices by companies. In response to the accountability pressures, companies have increased their reporting efforts to communicate financial and non-financial information. Efforts to communicate corporate positions on sustainable development are made in annual reports as well as by external organizations, in ranking systems. While sustainability indices and ratings are gaining increased recognition, neither the scientific community nor the business community have agreed on standards for corporate sustainability or assessment of sustainable development. However, under these conditions of uncertainty and undefined concepts, sustainability indices prosper. They create own methodologies to assess companies performance, present reports emphasizing on accuracy of measurements, earn trust of investors and exercise influence on companies’ behavior. At this point when sustainability indices play such an important role in corporate sustainability assessment, the call for an explanation how corporate sustainability standards are affected by sustainability indices arises. This study addresses this gap by the analysis of two sustainability indices, DJSI and FTSE4Good, and comparison of their methodology on a list of criteria. The criteria that were used for the comparison are values of corporate sustainability indices hold, influence they cause on different groups of stakeholders, and indicators they imply to assess companies. On the next stage comparison was done according to such categories as objectives indices have, techniques they apply, sources of information they use, and requirements for inclusion they state. The analysis and comparison of two sustainability indices in accordance to the chosen criteria reveal that there are more commonalities than differences in indices’ corporate sustainability assessment and several additional commonalities arose in the course of the analysis. Both, DJSI and FTSE4Good demonstrate their adherence to similar values of sustainable development on a corporate level, have influence on the same stakeholders and state almost identical requirements for the companies to be considered for the inclusion. The similarity between indices is the adoption of industry-specific weighting when a company is compared to its peers within the same industry. Discussing the question of methodologies both DJSI and FTSE4Good put effort on regular reviews and improvement of it. Finally, DJSI and FTSE4Good emphasize on the voluntary adoption of their corporate sustainability standards. In the questions of indicators and objectives the indices do not match completely but only at certain points. Differences were found in only two categories such as techniques and sources of information indices use in the assessment process. To sum up, two analysed indices have more similar points in assessment of corporate sustainability, than contradictions. This conclusion suggests that analysed indices have a tendency to establish standardization of the certain aspects of corporate sustainability assessment. Potential future analysis of the other influential sustainability indices with the application of the same conceptual framework will help to reveal a broader picture of the situation around corporate sustainability standards.En höjd medvetenhet om hållbar utveckling leder till förhöjda förväntningar på företags arbete med hållbarhetsfrågor. Det innebär att traditionella finansiella rapporter med vinstmaximering som mål inte längre räcker till. Företag förväntas göra en icke-finansiell redovisning av ansvarstagande i bred bemärkelse. Dessa rapporter utgör tillsammans med externt genomförda värderingar, indexeringar och rankingar kanaler för att kommunicera strategiskt hållbarhetsarbete och göra jämförelser. En mängd olika hållbarhetsvärderingar och index som har utvecklats; var och en representerar de organisationer som tillhandahåller resultaten av sådana mätningar och jämförelser för allmänheten. Medan hållbarhetsindex och värderingar växer i popularitet, har varken forskarsamhället eller affärsvärlden kommit enats om standarder för hållbar utveckling och dess bedömning. Det finns ingen enhetlig definition eller standard för kriterier för bedömning hållbarhet. Under dessa förhållanden blomstrar utvecklingen av hållbarhetsindex. En mångfald av index skapas, där varje index bygger på egna metoder för att bedöma företags prestanda, presentera rapporter, få ett förtroende hos investerare och påverkar företagens beteende. Givet den viktiga roll som hållbarhetsindex spelar för ett stort antal intressenter som gör både strategiska och operativa beslut är det kritiskt att granska hur de samspelta de index som finns i dag är. Detta projekt är fokuserat på två av de stora erkända hållbarhetsindex som idag vägleder många företag och investerare, DJSI och FTSE4Good. De jämförs med avseende på metod och val av kriterier för hållbar utveckling. Kriterierna är värdena av hållbara index, påverkan de har på olika grupper av intressenter och indikatorer de innebär för att bedöma företag. Jämförelsen inkluderar även kategorier som mål index har, tekniker de tillämpar, informationskällor de använder och en inkludering krav jämfördes. En analys och jämförelse av två hållbara index i överensstämmelse med de valda kriterierna pekar på att det finns fler likheter än skillnader i index hållbarhetsbedömning. Både DJSI och FTSE4Good visa deras tolkning av värden för en hållbar utveckling på företagsnivå är relativt samstämmig, har påverkan på samma intressenter och har nästan identiska krav för företagens inkludering i index. Likheten mellan indexen är i en applikation av branschspecifika viktning när ett företag jämfört med sina gelikar inom samma bransch. I en fråga om metoder både DJSI och FTSE4Good göra stora ansträngningar för regelbundna revisioner och förbättringar av det. Slutligen, både DJSI och FTSE4Good betonar vikten av frivillig antagande av deras företags hållbarhetsnormer. Delvis matchning mellan indexen är i frågan om indikatorer och mål. Skillnader hittades i endast två kategorier såsom tekniker och informationskällor indexen använder i bedömningsprocessen. Sammanfattningsvis, de två analyserade indexen, DJSI och FTSE4Good har mer liknande punkter i bedömningen av företagens hållbarhets än olikheter. Denna slutsats pekar på en standardiseringsprocess i vilken de analyserade indexen går mot likformighet av vissa aspekter av hållbarhetsbedömningar. Potentiella framtida analyser av de andra inflytelserika index och longitudinella data med tillämpning av samma begreppsmässiga struktur kan utröna en bredare bild av utvecklingen av hållbarhetsstandarder