Decline In Growth Rate Research Articles

Протекционизм США против меркантилизма Китая

“Trade wars” have become a persistent phenomenon in the escalating geo-economic competition between the United States and China. Simulations of several “trade war” scenarios using the GTAP computable general equilibrium model show that increased protectionism will have a negative impact on the economies of not only the United States, but also China, although for both countries the decline in economic growth rates will be limited. The fewer countries are involved in “trade wars” on the side of the United States, the smaller the economic losses for China will be. The unique structural feature of the Chinese economy is the phenomenally high rate of investment and the low ratio of consumer spending to GDP. The growing gap between investment and consumption is covered by a growing positive foreign merchandized trade balance. During the 2000s, Chinese exports largely displaced American manufacturing in labor-intensive, low-tech industries. This process was called the “Chinese shock”. We are currently witnessing a China shock 2.0, as Chinese companies rapidly increase export of not only labor-intensive but also medium and high-tech industrial products. At the same time, China is rapidly expanding exports to new markets. The continuation of the mercantilist course by the economy, whose share in world GDP reached 17% in 2023, is turning into what Joan Robinson in 1936, observing the collapse of the first format of globalization, defined as the “beggar-my-neighbor” policy. China continues to strengthen its position as a global industrial powerhouse. Most countries cannot compete with an increasingly mercantilist China, and their international specialization is obviously limited to raw materials. The problem of foreign trade imbalance, which the US used as a pretext for initiating a policy of protectionism, is not being solved, but is being spread more widely throughout the world economy. China is absorbing effective demand generated in other countries. In 2023, China maintained a trade surplus in goods with 174 countries and territories. 81 countries had a negative trade balance with China exceeding 3% of their GDP. For many developing countries, the growing negative trade balance with China increasingly threatens the maintenance of macroeconomic balance in the national economy.

Spatial Distribution of Population in Nepal: On the Basis of 2078 Census

The indicators of population change, which would affect distribution, include birth rate, death rate, immigration, and emigration. Significant adjustments to any of these indicators can alter how a population is distributed. The general patterns to the distribution of a population are known as spatial distribution patterns. Spatial distribution patterns can be uniform, random, or clumped. Additionally, population distribution is affected by population density, which is the number of individuals within a given area. This paper based on the major aspects of population changes i.e. size, growth and distribution of population in Nepal and based on censuses data over time. Population size and growth rate has been increasing over the time. It has rapidly increased since 1961—2011. In 2021 census, total population are 29.1 million, which is an increase of 10.1 million when compared to 26.4 million population recorded in 2011 census with an average annual growth rate of 0.93 percent (2021) lower than 1.35 percent growth rate reported in 2011 census. Tarai accounts 53.6 percent of the total population with percentage of average annual growth rate 1.56. By province level, Madhesh province holds more than twenty percent of the population of the country (i.e. 20.99 %) and an average annual growth rate 1.20 percent. It may be due to the inclusion Tarai in this region. The highest population growth rate is found in Bhaktapur district (3.32 %) and while the least is in Ramechhap (- 1.65 %). Overall the current dramatic decline in the population growth rate may be attributed to the absence heavy cause behind migration in various reasons.

Modeling the Degradation Rate of the Azo Dye Congo Red by Acinetobacter baumannii

One of the challenges that face the textile industry is the release of effluents that are not wanted, most notably colors that do not degrade. This is one of the issues that plagues the industry. This is a concern since it affects the environment. Bioremediation using dye-degrading bacterium is appealing as bacterial metabolism converts hazardous dye to harmless carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. In this study, various secondary growth models such as Luong, Yano, Teissier-Edward, Aiba, Haldane, Monod, Han, and Levenspiel were employed. Following thorough statistical analyses such as root-mean-square error (RMSE), adjusted coefficient of determination (adjR2), bias factor (BF), and accuracy factor (AF), the Luong model emerged as the most optimal choice. The half-saturation constant for maximal growth, maximal growth rate and maximal concentration of substrate tolerated and curve parameter that defines the steepness of the growth rate decline from the maximum rate symbolized by Ks, qmax and Sm, and n were 76.54 mg/L (95% C.I., 50.51 to 102.57), 0.240 per h (95% C.I., 0.219 to 0.270), 1135.37 mg/L (95% C.I., 1041.04 to 1229.72) and 5.34 (95% C.I., 2.36 to 8.32), respectively. These novel constants discovered during the modeling process could serve as valuable inputs for subsequent modeling pursuits.

Facilitating fertility decline through economic development: a principal-agent analysis of local bureaucratic incentives in China’s fertility transition

Despite close associations, political science had weak explanatory power for fertility transition. It often depicts the political processes of fertility transition as direct and coercive policies and mechanical execution without consideration of indirect bureaucratic processes. Drawing on principal-agent and economic-driven theories, this study established a novel model using 1980–2000 Chinese provincial panel data: local officials facilitated fertility decline through economic development for career advancement. System generalized method moments (GMM) and ordered logistic regression (OLM) results showed: (1) gross domestic product (GDP) per capita growth (OR = 0.012) and total fertility rate (TFR) decline (OR = 0.026) increased promotion odds, while excessive TFR decline (over 37% within one term) decreased it; (2) the critical age (59) and tenure year (one year before leaving office) positively associated with GDP per capita, industrialization, and lower TFR; (3) GDP per capita and industrialization negatively associated with TFR. Facilitating fertility decline via economic development was an efficient, low-risk strategy for local officials compared to radical birth control campaigns. It was the first study applying principal-agent theory to explain how bureaucratic processes enabled fertility transitions. It combined political and economic-driven theories on fertility transition, advancing political demography and refining the social science paradigm on fertility transition.

Extracellular DNA secreted in yeast cultures is metabolism-specific and inhibits cell proliferation.

Extracellular DNA (exDNA) can be actively released by living cells and different putative functions have been attributed to it. Further, homologous exDNA has been reported to exert species-specific inhibitory effects on several organisms. Here, we demonstrate by different experimental evidence, including 1H-NMR metabolomic fingerprint, that the growth rate decline in Saccharomyces cerevisiae fed-batch cultures is determined by the accumulation of exDNA in the medium. Sequencing of such secreted exDNA represents a portion of the entire genome, showing a great similarity with extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) already reported inside yeast cells. The recovered DNA molecules were mostly single strands and specifically associated to the yeast metabolism displayed during cell growth. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the observed growth inhibition by exDNA corresponded to an arrest in the S phase of the cell cycle. These unprecedented findings open a new scenario on the functional role of exDNA produced by living cells.

Solidification behavior of Sn crystals − Under different temperature gradients

Lead-free solder alloys typically comprise β-Sn, known for its anisotropy. Our experiments revealed that under standard solidification conditions （Room temperature cooling）, characterized by an angular distribution spanning 20–60°, β-Sn crystals exhibited minimal nucleation and lacked a distinct optimal orientation. However, when a temperature gradient of 295 K/cm was applied during the solidification of β-Sn crystals, a conspicuous selective orientation emerged. This orientation favored the growth along the [110] grain axis. However, with the further increase in temperature gradient, a significant transition occurs in the growth mechanism of Sn crystals: multiple nucleation centers emerge, leading to dendritic crystal growth. With the further increase in temperature gradient, a significant transformation occurs in the growth mechanism of Sn crystals: multiple-nucleation centers emerge, leading to dendritic crystal growth, and subsequently transitioning towards equiaxed growth. Consequently, the expansion of the temperature gradient results in an increase in undercooling, triggering a series of changes in crystal growth patterns: the solidification front transitions from planar to dendritic growth and further to equiaxed growth. This is because, with the increasing prominence of undercooling, the transport of solutes from the tin solution to the tin melt diminishes. The atomic saturation in the tin melt decreases, causing a decline in the grain growth rate and promoting the formation of equiaxed crystals.

Mortality Attributed to Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: A Five-years Comprehensive Review from Turkey

Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of deaths related to central and peripheral nervous system (CNS and PNS, respectively) disorders in Turkey over a 5-year period. The objective is to identify patterns in mortality rates, investigate regional prevalence, and analyze demographic factors contributing to fatal outcomes. Additionally, we aim to critique existing data collection methodologies. Materials and Methods: Utilizing cross-sectional analysis, data were obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). Mortality rates were calculated using population estimates from the TUIK, with age- and sex-specific rates, and age-standardized rates (ASRs) derived from the world standard population. Causes of death were classified according to the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Results: The data revealed distinct patterns in mortality rates for CNS and PNS disorders from 2018 to 2022, with significant variations between male and female populations. A prominent upward trend in deaths attributed to CNS and PNS diseases was observed after 2018, despite a decline in the population growth rate. The highest mortality rates were particularly notable in 2020 and 2021. Conclusion: This study identified a significant increase in deaths related to CNS and PNS disorders amid the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. A potential correlation between COVID-19 and the prevalence of neurological disorders has been suggested. With potential underdiagnosis due to the absence of routine post-mortem diagnostic autopsies, this study underscores the need for improved diagnostic capabilities and medical practices.

The comprehensive effect of natural food quality and quantity on growth rate of herbivore consumers

The performance of herbivore consumers in freshwater ecosystems is influenced by food quality and quantity, which are crucial factors in understanding energy flow. However, the comprehensive effects of these factors on consumer growth based on natural food research remain unclear. To address this gap, we conducted a growth experiment culturing the Cladocera Daphnia similis in natural lake water collected from 30 subtropical lakes. Our results showed that the seston concentration (SC), seston phosphorus (seston P), and seston carbon: phosphorus ratio (seston C:P, in moles) were the most important factors in influencing the growth rate of D. similis according to the Random Forest model. Specifically, the growth rate of D. similis was significantly positive correlated with SC and seston P, and significantly negative correlated with seston C:P. D. similis exhibited the optimal growth performance within the seston C:P range of 32.8 to 69.8, with a sharp decline in growth rate observed at a break point of seston C:P of 70. The combined effect of food quality and quantity on growth rate was that higher SC (≥0.26 mg C/L), lower seston C:P (≤69.80), and higher P (≥0.11 mmol/g) were associated with significantly higher growth rates. Additionally, the growth rate increased significantly with the biomass of cryptophyte, indicating the importance of food composition. Our study shows that the growth rate of D. similis is co-affected by the quality and quantity of natural food. SC, seston C:P, seston P and algae composition are reliable indicators for assessing the growth rate of consumer in freshwater ecosystems. The inhibitory effect of low C:P on consumer growth should be applied with caution when assessing the development of herbivore consumers in natural lakes.

THU157 Epigenetic Regulation Of Genes Involved In The Signaling Cascade Of The GH Axis - IGF1 And Insulin. Implication In Children Postnatal Growth

Abstract Disclosure: L. Zoff: None. F. Garcia: None. G. Aschettino: None. G. Veneruzzo: None. M.C. Mattone: None. N. Perez Garrido: None. M. Juanes: None. N.I. Saraco: None. C. Alonso: None. G. Guercio: None. A. Belgorosky: None. M.S. Baquedano: None. Growth is influenced by genetic, nutritional, environmental, and hormonal factors, but it proceeds in a predictable pattern characterized by a constant growth deceleration between childhood and adolescence. This growth deceleration is coordinated in tissues and organs in order to maintain body proportions. Growth hormone (GH)/ insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF1) axis and insulin are crucial stimulators of growth, cell proliferation and metabolism. However, their levels do not change with age in a pattern that would explain the prepubertal decline in growth rate. DNA methylation represents a fundamental epigenetic mark that is associated with transcriptional repression during development. We hypothesize that the postnatal growth pattern could be orchestrated by epigenetic mechanisms. In order to analyze age related physiological changes, we evaluated promoter methylation in the GHR, IGF1R and INSR genes in peripheral blood from 40 healthy children of both sexes (females (F) n=21 and males (M) n=19), between 3 and 15 years old by using targeted deep-amplicon bisulfite sequencing on a MiSeq system. Sequencing libraries of 4 promoter CpG rich regions for GHR, 3 for IGF1R and 5 for INSR (104, 103 and 141 CpG sites, respectively) were analyzed for mean methylation values of all CpG sites using amplikyzer2 software. The results would suggest a sexual dimorphism in the epigenetic regulation of GH, IGF1 and insulin receptors gene expression. A significant negative correlation between GHR methylation and age was observed in both sexes (Multiple Spearman correlation, p<0.05), but in different GHR promoter regions. Specifically, a decrease in themethylation levels with age were detected in CpG-8, CpG+183 and CpG+243 in F; and in CpG+343, CpG+346, CpG+385, CpG+391, CpG+407 and CpG+487 in M. In contrast, in the IGF1R promoter region, a positive correlation was observed exclusively in F, between mean methylation levels and age in CpG-51, CpG-43, CpG-41, CpG-23, CpG-17, CpG-15, CpG-13, CpG-11, and CpG-9, p<0.05. Male-specific positive correlation between INSR promotermethylation values and age were found in CpG-768, CpG+10, CpG+31, CpG+87, CpG+95, CpG+163, CpG+199, CpG+206, CpG+238, CpG+700, CpG+815 and CpG+900, p<0.05.Taking together, our findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that age-associated DNA promoter methylation changes could be involved in the physiological growth pattern. Finally, the observed sexual dimorphism suggests age- and sex-dependent regulatory mechanisms for normal growth. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Analysis of trends and development factors of carbon capture and storage technologies in Russia and abroad

Subject. The article deals with hydrogen and carbon capture, use and storage technologies (CCUS). Without them it is impossible to achieve the goals of decarbonization of the world economy in 2050. However, currently, the speed of CCUS technologies development is significantly lower than previously expected. Objectives. The study aims to review the dynamics and factors of CCUS technologies development and analyze the most commercially promising areas of their industrial application in Russia. Methods. The study draws on methods of literature review, content analysis of regulatory documentation, descriptive statistics, and case study. The analytical reviews of the International Energy Agency and the CCUS project database of the Global CCS Institute served as the information base of the paper. Results. Currently, the U.S. remains the leader in the practical use of CCUS technologies due to extensive network of pipelines, through which CO2 can be transported, high demand for carbon dioxide generated by numerous oil producing companies for use in enhanced oil recovery technologies, and government financing programs, including those introduced after the global financial crisis of 2008–2009. The most promising areas of CCUS technologies implementation are energy, heavy industry, long-distance transportation, and low-carbon hydrogen production. Conclusions. In the world, the main barriers to CCUS technologies development are the instability of national policies of the leading countries in the field of restrictions on CO2 emission. In Russia, these barriers are sanction restrictions on the country's energy sector, declining growth rates of hydrogen energy due to reduced access to foreign innovative developments, and increased barriers to entry into international markets of innovative energy products of the Russian Federation.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON BATAM CITY GOVERNMENT REGIONAL REVENUE OF 2020

This research is motivated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in a decline in both national and regional economic growth rates. It is suspected that this has had repercussions on the revenue of the City Government of Batam. The primary objectives of this study are to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the city's revenue and to assess the policies implemented by the City Government of Batam to enhance revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research employs a qualitative methodology, involving data collection through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings indicate a significant reduction in Batam City's Local Own Source Revenue (PAD) due to the adverse effects of COVID-19, particularly within the tourism sector, which serves as a primary source of regional income. In contrast, the intergovernmental transfer sector remained unaffected and even experienced an increase in revenue. Additionally, other revenue sources witnessed growth due to the stability of the trade and industry sectors during the pandemic. Overall, the impact of COVID-19 on Batam City's revenue in 2020 was not excessively detrimental, as the Regional Budget (APBD) continued to increase from 2019. The City Government of Batam implemented various policy measures, such as aligning development programs with the central government, promoting the region's potential to both the central government and investors, and enhancing the quality of public services. These actions facilitated the allocation of additional funds from the central government. Research recommendations encompass a focus on the development of innovative development programs, the recovery of the tourism sector, the diversification of income sources, and the enhancement of inter-governmental collaboration.

ASSESSING THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF GST ON CHOSEN SECTORS IN THE INDIAN ECONOMY

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a transformative tax reform in India, ushering in a unified and integrated tax structure for goods and services across the nation. This paper delves into the profound and diverse impacts of GST on key sectors, including Automobile, Agriculture, Financial, Infrastructure, and Hospitality. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of literature and quantitative data analysis, the study unveils nuanced sector-specific dynamics. The agriculture sector, following GST implementation, experienced mixed growth rates but showcased remarkable increases in GDP contribution, suggesting significant growth potential. The automobile sector maintained consistent GDP contributions, while the financial sector exhibited steady growth, Although with fluctuations in growth rates. The infrastructure sector faced declining growth rates, reflecting complex interactions with GST and broader economic reforms. The hospitality sector displayed consistent growth rates and an expanding role in the economy. The studys findings underscore the importance of sector-specific responses to GST, highlighting the need for tailored adaptation strategies. Recommendations include enhanced GST awareness and training programs, specialized impact assessment tools, and simplified compliance platforms. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how GST has shaped various sectors, ultimately contributing to Indias economic evolution. KEYWORDS: Goods and Services Tax (GST), Tax Reform, Indian Economy, Sector-Specific Impact, Agriculture Sector, Automobile Sector, Financial Sector, Infrastructure Sector, Hospitality Sector, GDP Contribution, Growth Rates, Capital Investment, Sectoral Resilience, Compliance, Economic Evolution.

Large-scale production: A possible way to the balance between feed grain security and meat security in China

Food security as a national strategy, closely links to China's economic progress, people's livelihoods and social harmony. The balance between feed grain security and meat security remains a key unresolved issue that significantly impacts China's integral food security goal. In this study, we first apply food security index to demonstrate the efficacy of the self-sufficiency rate as an indicator for evaluating the food security situation, and then evaluate meat security and feed grain security with self-sufficiency rate, as well as explore their production challenges and successful long-term development experiences based on related agricultural data. We find that the burgeoning meat consumption has made feed grains a “rigid demand”, among which pork and soybean are critical parts. Pork consumption accounts for over 65% of total meat consumption in 2020, but its self-sufficient rate is waning. Moreover, the self-sufficiency rate of soybean is as low as 0.15, and a great unit yield gap between China and the United States. However, the current production patterns have already reached their attainable potential in production efficiency due to the declining growth rate of unit yield, which also pose challenges for improving production efficiency and domestic supply of soybean. According to the projection by FAO-OECD, the growth rate of unit yield of soybean will remain stagnant from 2020 to 2030. Furthermore, the percentage of medium-scale and large-scale pig farms is remarkably low, accounting for only 0.578% and 0.013%, respectively. Further analysis indicates that large-scale production in soybean and pig industry offers notable advantages in improving production efficiency and reducing feed consumption. Finally, based on factors such as soybean sowing area, regions with high pig slaughter and scale farms, farm size and the pig regional development planning, we propose the integration of soybean-pig in large-scale production in selected possible provinces, which has the potential to improve the production efficiency of soybean and pig, to strike a balance between feed grain security and meat security. This study has practical significance in optimizing the production space of feed grains and livestock products, to improve production capability and ensure China's food security.

Stochastic modeling of urban growth using the CA-Markov chain and multi-scenario prospects in the tropical humid region of Ethiopia: Mettu

Urban expansion possesses significant negative impacts on the environment, particularly in forest areas worldwide. This study aimed to analyze urban expansion by using stochastic modeling with the CA-Markov chain and multi-scenario prospects in Mettu area, Ethiopia. The Landsat images of 1986, 2000, and 2021 were used. The results reveal built-up areas gained 27.2%, of which cropland and forest accounted for 11.4 and 6.4%, respectively, within the 1986–2021 period. Despite the potential decline in urban growth rates, the model revealed that the spatial extent will likely expand twofold before the 2040s. In the rapid development (RD) scenario, urban development due to population increase will occur, which is also prevalent in the proposed suitable urban expansion (PSUE) scenario, but the ecological and economic protection (EEP) scenario reveals very limited. The findings of this study will have far-reaching impacts on ecological and economic livelihoods unless green economy principles are effectively implemented.

VALUE BASED DECISION ON TECHNOLOGY CRITERIA THAT ARE RESILENT AGAINST GLOBAL ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY

Infrastructure development is important in today's society. This has become an obstacle with the increasing number of residents in DKI Jakarta, because land is limited and has not been proportional to population growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has gradually paralyzed the world economic system. Currently, Indonesia is on the brink of recession. The IMF estimates that the global economy will experience a decline in growth rates of up to -3%. To determine the impact of global economic uncertainty on construction projects, the most appropriate alternative standards and strategies are needed from the criteria for technologies that are resilient to global economic uncertainty. In this research, there are 5 criteria and 3 alternatives that underlie the goal of the best strategy in the aspect of technology for Value Based Decision Making against global economic uncertainty. AHP is used to examine the importance level data by asking for opinions from 10 experts for criteria and alternatives. Based on the results of distributing questionnaires to experts, it is known that Office Building Construction is an alternative and Building Materials criteria are the most suitable criteria against economic uncertainty.

The Impact of Monetary Policy on Economic Stability in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Oil-Producing Countries: the Case Of Iraq

Purpose: The rapid spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic had significant effects on the global and local economy alike, represented in the decline in economic growth rates and the decline in international oil prices as a result of the decrease in global consumption of it, and then its greatest impact on the local economy was the rule of economic instability. Theoretical framework: This is as a result of the decline in oil revenues and the increase in the size of the financial deficit in the general budget, which led to the financing of that deficit by decreasing the exchange value of the dinar, and then the rise in inflation rates in the country. Design/Methodology/Approach: the decline in dollar revenues in light of this crisis and the prevailing impact of the struggle stock exchange on the exchange rate contributed to the widening of the gap between the two prices in the economy. Findings: the fluctuation of the parallel exchange rate and its reaching 1240 dinars per dollar. Research, practical & social implications: work should be done to establish sovereign funds in which to be saved in times of high oil prices, to be resorted to in times of crisis. Originality/ Value: this experience is applicable in many oil countries as the Public Revenue Control Fund In Algeria and the Kuwaiti Fund for Future Generations.

Spatio-temporal performance of major edible oilseeds in Andhra Pradesh

The current analysis examines the spatio-temporal performance of major edible oilseed crops viz., groundnut, sesame and sunflower in Andhra Pradesh using time series data from 1970-71 to 2018-19. The total period wasdivided into three sub-periods viz., Period I (1970-71 to 1985-86), Period II (1986-87 to 1999-2000) and Period III (2000-01 to 2018-19). Agro-climatic zones, in which these crops were consistently grown, were selected and theirperformance was evaluated using compound annual growth rates and decomposition analysis. Growth of area and production of groundnut and sunflower exhibited frequent declined growth rates, particularlyin Period III, signifying the underperformance of these crops. The performance of sesame was better vis-a-vis groundnut and sunflower. There was no significant decline in growth rates of yields, which could be partly attributed to efforts from the research community and government to increase the yield through various oilseeds development programmes. Although efforts were made towards increasing area, production and yield, the positive growth momentum of area and production could not be sustained. Shift of major oilseeds' cultivation towards competing crops, low profitability, unremunerative market prices, low farm level technical efficiency, increased costs of inputs, higher biotic and abiotic stresses etc., could be some of the reasons for this scenario. Location specific research with focus on hybrids and HYVs with high oil content, addressing the constraints to technology adoption, favourable price policies, enhancing capacityutilization of processing units, creatingmore efficient supply and value chains mayhelpin meeting the oil and oilseed requirements in the country.

Educational Innovation Boosting Students’ Entrepreneurial Intentions

The interest in entrepreneurship is growing, due to its relationship with competitiveness, growth, employment, and innovation. In fact, there are numerous studies trying to identify factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions among university students, especially among young people, and in those countries with declining growth rates. Using the Entrepreneurial Event Model, we try to understand the role played by the perceived opportunity in explanatory models of EI development. To this end, we analyze the moderating effect of educational active learning methods on the link between perceived opportunity and entrepreneurial intentions. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling was used, with a sample of 333 first-year Spanish higher education students. Findings suggest that visual thinking, flipped classroom, visitor’s and teacher’s role model, brainstorming, cooperative case studies, learning by problems, debate, and improving communication skills moderate the relationship between the perceived opportunity, and thus on the entrepreneurial intentions. The results contribute to universities and practitioners as well as to the growth of entrepreneurship.

The Role of Osmolytes and Membrane Lipids in the Adaptation of Acidophilic Fungi.

Acidophiles maintain near-neutral intracellular pH using proton pumps. We have suggested the protective role of osmolytes and membrane lipids in the adaptation to an acidic environment. Previously we have observed, for the first time, high levels of trehalose in acidophilic basidiomycete Sistotrema brinkmannii. Here, we have studied the composition of both osmolytes and membrane lipids of two more acidophilic fungi. Trehalose and polyols were among the main osmolytes during growth under optimal conditions (pH 4.0) in basidiomycete Phlebiopsis gigantea and ascomycete Mollisia sp. Phosphatidic acids, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylcholines, and sterols, were predominant membrane lipids in both fungi. P. gigantea had a narrow optimum of growth at pH 4.0, resulting in a sharp decline of growth rate at pH 2.6 and 5.0, accompanied by a decrease in the number of osmolytes and significant changes in the composition of membrane lipids. In contrast, Mollisia sp. had a broad optimal growth range (pH 3.0-5.0), and the number of osmolytes either stayed the same (at pH 6.0) or increased (at pH 2.6), while membrane lipids composition remained unchanged. Thus, the data obtained indicate the participation of osmolytes and membrane lipids in the adaptation of acidophilic fungi.

Polish and European Union economy in 2011–2019 and under the Covid pandemic: Application of macroeconomic condition index

AbstractA set of simple and complex indicators is used to measure the economic condition of economies, and the analysis can be conducted in a static or dynamic approach. This article proposes the author's macroeconomic condition index (MCI), which is based on the popular misery index, supplementing the unemployment and inflation rates with two variables: GDP growth rate and budget deficit. The aim of the study is to assess the macroeconomic situation of Poland against the average for the EU, using the above-mentioned measure. The time scope of the study covers the years 2011–2020, with particular emphasis on the effects of the first year of the Covid crisis. The results indicate that throughout the period the economic situation in Poland in terms of the four variables combined was relatively favourable, although less stable. A sharp downturn occurred in 2020, both domestically and on average in the EU. The main determinants of the worse condition were a decline in the GDP growth rate and an increase in the budget deficit, with relatively steady unemployment and inflation.