Key Problem Areas Research Articles

Overtourism: The Impact of Tourism on Madeira’s Social and Economic Environment

The main goal of the analyses presented in the article is to identify the phenomena and consequences concomitant with the phenomenon of overtourism in the economic (with particular emphasis on energy) and social dimensions, regarding the Portuguese island of Madeira. The starting point for considerations includes a review of the issues that define the theoretical framework of “excessive tourism”, as well as a discussion of the most important determinants of the socio-economic development of Madeira. Then, the results of own research are presented, including the original analysis of existing data on electricity production, population growth and the number of overnight stays, as well as the results of a survey conducted in April 2021[1], among both permanent residents and tourists visiting the island. The obtained results indicate, among others, that for each increase in the number of overnight stays by 1%, the production of electricity increases by 0.597%; and for every 1% increase in the number of inhabitants, there is a 5.617% increase in electricity production. At the same time, the data on the number of inhabitants indicates a population growth rate close to zero, and thus a higher level of consumption will come from the tourist sector. Based on the results of the survey, key problem areas have been identified (including, for example, issues related to the sense of local identity, security or relations between tourists and residents). The volume of tourist traffic has also been assessed, and a number of reflections and recommendations have been formulated to limit the negative effects of “excessive tourism”.
 
 [1] More information about research and obtained results are available in the following publications (Majdak et al. 2021a; Majdak et al. 2021b).

Representations of the Iron Din Movement in Socio-Сommunicative and Historical-Cultural Discourses

In this article, we attempt to identify the topical issues of the religious movement Iron Din in socio-communicative, historical, cultural, and political discourses. The study applies on the interdisciplinary approach based on a systematic review of textual materials, scientific research devoted to Iron Din, and interviewing adherents of this movement. Iron Din has a dual nature, incorporating both the essence of the traditional Ossetian religion and the specifics inherent to new religious movements. In our opinion, this specific dualism and ambivalence are one of the key features of Iron Din. We have identified a number of prerequisites for the spread and popularization of Iron Din as one of the forms of religious self-identification in modern Ossetian culture. These are globalization, digitalization, the prevalence of visual culture over verbal culture (the so-called visual turn), and the mythologization of modern mass culture. The analysis of the data obtained from the source base enables us to identify key problem areas in the development of the Iron Din movement at the present stage. Among the most acute issues affecting the worldview basis of the movement are the following: firstly, the problem of religious self-identification (monotheism, paganism, syncretism), secondly, the problem of respondents' religious choices (family tradition, personal choice) and thirdly, the problem of inter-confessional conflicts (confrontation with Orthodoxy, mainly in digital format, i.e. on the Internet information platforms). All of them have enabled us to draw the following conclusion: at present, Iron Din is a syncretic movement including both loci of traditional Ossetian beliefs and a set of elements typical for new religious movements. Iron Din has absorbed the autochthonous customs, rituals, and norms of behavior of the Ossetian people, which acquired a new interpretation in terms of globalization. According to the respondents, the most important characteristics that an Iron Din believer should possess include courage, modesty, moderation, honesty, respect for seniors, etc. Religious illiteracy and a decline in morality appear among the shortcomings identified by the respondents. According to the survey, inter-confessional disagreements are not widespread and are accumulated exclusively within the digital discourse. The results of the interviews and the systematic review have shown that the cult of nature is not prevailing or autonomous in Iron Din: it is sacred natural loci (places of prayer) and a material expression of culture. It is better to define the Iron Din movement as a part of national identity, largely formed under the influence of religious syncretism and the fledgling movements of the new century.

International expert agenda in education: Key characteristics and problem areas

Introduction. This article presents an analysis of the global expert discourse in education prior to the Covid-2019 pandemic.Aim. The current research aims to analyse expert reports, regarding the theoretical foundations, articulated key trends, stakeholders and skills seen as educational outcomes.Methodology and research methods. The sample consists of 25 reports published in 2012–2020 by leading expert organisations (OECD, World Bank, etc.) devoted to the problems of education (school or higher education) and the relationship between education and the labour market. The main research method is critical discourse analysis.Results. Despite the dominance of the ideas of human capital in these reports, the relationship between “demand”, seen through the prism of global trends, and “supply” in the form of skills that education should provide, turns out to be problematic. Among the main stakeholders in education, managers and administration of educational institutions are emphasised in expert reports. Employers and learners are seen as rather passive players in the educational field. Physical health skills and agency skills are underestimated in global expert discourse despite their increasing relevance demonstrated by COVID-19 pandemic. These findings call for new approaches in global discussion about educational content and results in the context of global pandemic COVID-19.The scientific novelty of the research lies in the empirically grounded analysis of leading international expert discourse, about which there are many stereotypes, often without an evidence base.The practical significance of the study is in the identification of concrete problem areas of international expert discussion in education (at the time before the outbreak of the pandemic) that require strengthening, including on the basis of new research.

Manual quality control of magnetic resonance images processed with freesurfer 7: key problem areas and importance of corrections

Manual quality control of magnetic resonance images processed with freesurfer 7: key problem areas and importance of corrections

Satisfaction with the Quality of Life as an Indicator of the Efficiency of Marketing Territories (the Example of the Tambov District)

The results of a marketing research among the population of the city of Tambov and nearby territories on the issue of satisfaction with living conditions and the existing urban and social infrastructure are presented. A multi-criteria assessment of the satisfaction of the population with a territorial reference to the areas of residence was carried out. Key problem areas have been identified, the elimination of which will increase the attractiveness of Tambov and the Tambov region as a territory convenient for life and attracting tourist flow.

Passenger transport in Israel - current state and related problems

This article studies economics of contemporary passenger transport market in Israel. Three key problem areas have been identified: private cars demand, supply of transport infrastructure and public transport market. Analysis of private cars market has shown that private cars are perceived as the main mode of transportation by today’s Israelis. Due to acute transport congestion issues Israeli government aims to reduce the demand for cars by introducing extremely high taxes on car purchase and maintenance. International comparative analysis has revealed the issue of transport infrastructure deficit in Israel. Relatively low level of motorization in Israel and a stable trend for increase of number of private cars per kilometer of roads are highlighted. Together with transport infrastructure deficit this implies higher likelihood of deterioration of transport congestion issues in the future which will negatively affect Israeli economy. Analysis of public transport markets has revealed some positive effects following the increase in competition in bus transit markets introduced by Israeli public transport reform in 1990s. These include increase in output, quality, and efficiency of bus companies. The reform has also led to revitalization of railroad passenger transport in Israel, making trains a feasible alternative for buses. On the other hand, some potential issues have been outlined, such as relatively low level of railroad-passenger kilometers per capita and relatively highly centralized system of transport planning in Israel. The study concludes with underlining complementarity and interconnectivity between the three areas of Israeli passenger transport, thus stressing the importance of integrated approach to passenger transport economics analysis.

Bariery w edukacji włączającej

In 2012 Poland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disabilities. In relation to this, the article discusses the barriers faced by students with disabilities within the inclusive education system. The analysis is based on the cases reported in 2012 to me, acting at that time, as the public spokesperson for students with disabilities, within the campaign titled „All clear - the availability and quality of education for students with disabilities”. As a result, the analysis identifies three key problem areas that arises from 1) the definition of disability and the system of law, 2) financial support, and 3) the principles and criteria used in diagnosing disabled students. The conclusions show that in theory the Polish legislation seems to protect students with disabilities and provide it with adequate support in the framework of inclusive education. However, specific legal solutions and the practices of many local governments and schools, along with the ignorance of the education law, indicates that the situation of students with disabilities depends on many extralegal factors, such as the knowledge of education rules acquired by the parents and the carers of the students, the financial capacity of the local government as well as the teachers’ attitudes.

Career Strategies in the Context of Personal and Professional Development of Management Personnel

The article deals with the issues of personal and professional development of the management personnel reserve. The authors focus on the problems of staffing the public administration system, primarily the public civil service, emphasize that one of the key issues that directly affect the quality of public administration and the effectiveness of the public civil service is the personal and professional development of management personnel, effective leadership. Based on the analysis of the results of sociological research and statistical data, key problem areas in staffing and the implementation of personnel policy in the civil service, the possibility of implementing personnel strategies are determined. Noting the role of the managerial personnel reserve, the directions for improving the work with the personnel reserve in the context of a personality-oriented approach are substantiated, trends in changes in career expectations and the possibility of taking them into account in the formation of developmental activities are noted.

Work with aphorisms at school (a system of analytic, creative and project tasks)

The paper describes the best practices for multi-aspect work with aphoristic statements in Russian lessons. Studying aphorisms at school stems on the one hand from the need to enhance learners’ abilities to understand and decode writing of a variety of genres. On the other hand, it is determined by the immaturity of secondary school students’ skills required to create original statements of ethical, civic, or philosophical nature. Such a lack of essential skills becomes a key problem area during end-of-course assessment. The eight stages of instruction proposed in this paper are based on the axiological and system-activity approaches. They include a logical sequence of exercises teaching learners to manipulate aphoristic statements and boost different types of their verbal and cogitative activity. In the process of fathoming the paradoxical nature of aphorisms special attention is paid to those methods which develop flexible thinking and cognitive activity. This is only possible with dependence on learners’ emotional intellect (surprise, doubt, guesswork). Employing these practices not only improves the subject proficiency quality, but also facilitates the achievement of meta-subject and personal results. Cognitive competences are formed while interpreting and classifying aphorisms. Universal regulatory acts are honed in the process of judging aphorism ‘competitions’, self-testing, and mutual testing. Communicative acts are assessed during group project work. Personal learning outcomes are the strengthening of learners’ axiological attitudes and the development of their aesthetic consciousness.

Empowering human resource functions with data-driven decision-making in start-ups: a narrative inquiry approach

PurposeAcross industries, firms want to adopt data-driven decision-making (DDDM) in various organizational functions. Although DDDM is not a new paradigm, little is known about how to effectively implement DDDM and which problem areas to focus on in these functions. This study aims to enable start-ups to use DDDM in human resources (HR) by studying five HR domains using a narrative inquiry technique and aims to guide managers and HR practitioners in start-ups to enable data-driven decisions in HR.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts the narrative inquiry technique by conducting semi-structured interviews with HR practitioners and senior members handling HR functions in start-ups. Interview memos are thematically analyzed to identify repeated ideas, concepts or elements that become apparent.FindingsThe study findings indicate that start-ups need to have canned operational reports with right attributes in each of these HR domains, which members should use when performing HR tasks. Few metrics, like cost-to-hire in recruitment, distinctly surfaced relatively higher in importance that each start-up, should compute and use in decision-making.Practical implicationsManagers, HR practitioners and information technology implementation teams will be able to consume the findings to effectively design or evaluate HR processes or systems that empower decision-making in a start-up.Originality/valueStart-ups have a fast-paced culture where creativity, relationships and nimbleness are valued. Prevalent decision models of larger organizations are not suitable in start-ups’ environments. This study, being cognizant of these nuances, takes a fresh approach to guide start-ups adopt DDDM in HR and identify key problem areas where decision-making should be enabled through data.

Cultural Development of Small and Medium-Sized Cities of Russia as a Factor of Preserving National Identity

The article considers the most significant issues of cultural development of Russian small and medium-sizes cities, in the era of globalization, in the context of such major social threats as the erosion of national and cultural identity, the loss of traditional cultural landscape and the reduction of cultural capital.Analyzing the legislative and financial bases of cultural policy in small and medium-sized cities of Russia, the author identifies the key problem areas of the state cultural policy.The empirical base of the study was obtained during the implementation of two research projects conducted in 2015 and 2019, the main methods of which had been document analysis, expert interviewing and case studies of the most successful projects in the field of culture. The data of specific sociological studies allowed us to consider the state of the cultural sphere in small and medium-sized cities and to identify the role of cultural activity of urban communities in the cultural process. The results of the case method indicate the most successful and effective projects in the cultural sphere, implemented on the basis of public-private partnership with the involvement of civil society.The article draws conclusions about potential directions of cultural policy in small and medium-sized cities of Russia, including investments, creation of urban development strategies and interaction with local communities.

Towards a BIM-based approach for improving maintenance performance in IBS building projects

PurposeThe contemporary practice of conventional maintenance for industrialised building system (IBS) constructions suffers from poor service delivery and defect repetition. A key problem impeding the widespread adoption of emerging technologies is the lack of competent contractors to support the effectiveness of the technology implemented in conventional methods and to ensure returns on investment. The shortcomings of conventional methods are assessed from the perspective of IBS buildings. This paper aims to identify the different system approach using Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology that is equipped with decision making processes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the establishment of key problem areas, the elements involved in implementing good practice and the requirements for integrating maintenance management processes and information databases in the maintenance management system.FindingsConventional methods have little emphasis on defect diagnosis tools. They also enhance inadequate strategic decision-making in the analysis of information when attempting to improve the maintenance project outcomes for IBS construction. The characteristics identified in a case study of IBS buildings are presented and analysed.Originality/valueThe conclusions and recommendations drawn from the analysis of the IBS case study are discussed, synthesised and deliberated upon. The approach presented in this paper integrates various aspects of building information modelling technology to facilitate improved execution of IBS maintenance activities.

Design modification of iron ore bearing transfer chute using discrete element method

Purpose The dryer feed chute of the pellet plant plays an important role in the pelletizing process. The chute discharges sticky and moist iron ore fines (<1 mm) to the inline rotary dryer for further processing. Since the inception of the installation of the dryer feed chute, the poor flowability of the feed materials has caused severe problems such as blockages and excessive wear of chute liners. This leads to high maintenance costs and reduced lifetime of the liner materials. Constant housekeeping is needed for maintaining the chute and reliable operation. The purpose of this study is to redesign the dryer feed chute to overcome the above challenges. Design/methodology/approach The discrete element method (DEM) has been used to model the flow of cohesive materials through the transfer chute. Physical experiments have been performed to understand the most severe flow conditions. A DEM material model is also developed for replicating the worst-case material condition. After identifying the key problem areas, concept designs were proposed and simulated to assess the design improvements to increase the reliability of chute operation. Findings Flow simulations correlated well with the existing flow behavior of the iron ore fines inside the chute. The location of the problematic areas has been validated with that of the previously installed chute. Subsequently, design modifications have been proposed. This includes modification of deflector plate and change in slope and cross-section of the chute. DEM simulations and analysis were conducted after incorporating these design changes. A comparison in the average velocity of particle and force on chute wall shows a significant improvement using the proposed design. Originality/value Method to calibrate DEM material model was found to provide accurate prediction and modeling of the flow behavior of bulk material through the real transfer chute. DEM provided greater insight into the performance of the chute especially modeling cohesive materials. DEM is a valuable design tool to assist chute designers troubleshoot and verify chute designs. DEM provides a greater ability to model and assess chute wear. This technique can help in achieving a scientific understanding of the flow properties of bulk solids through transfer chute, hence eliminate challenges, ensuring reliable, uninterrupted and profitable plant operation. This paper strongly advocates the use of calibrated DEM methodology in designing bulk material handling equipment.

A review of soft computing based cluster-heads selection algorithms in wireless sensor network

In the recent past wireless sensor network (WSN) has gained the immense popularity in various fields. The selection of appropriate and optimal cluster-heads (CHs), the energy consumption, bandwidth, selection of optimal route are some of the key problem areas in WSN. In order to improve the network life span of WSN and to provide the solution to the above mentioned issues various soft computing algorithms have been successfully applied and literature review revels that these soft computing approaches contribute best towards in finding out the optimal and appropriate CHs in various routing algorithms in WSN. Fuzzy logic (FL), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Firefly algorithms, and Neural network are various soft computing approaches which have been proven best and appropriate for the selection of CHs in WSNs. In this article various soft computing based CH selection approaches for WSN have been discussed. The algorithms have also been compared on the basis of various parameters which will help the researcher to find out the best and appropriate soft computing based CH selction algorithm as per their needs and application for further research in this dynamically growing field. After review of various soft computing algorithms it is found that the application of these soft computing based algorithms have made these routing algorithms more adaptive, highly energy efficient with improvement in stability period and data transmission.

Calming Troubled Waters: A Narrative Review of Challenges and Potential Solutions in the Residency Interview Offer Process.

The rising numbers of residency applications along with fears of a constrained graduate medical education environment have created pressures on residency applicants. Anecdotal evidence suggests substantial challenges with the process of offering residency interviews. This narrative review is designed to identify and propose solutions for the current problems in the process of offering residency interviews. We used PubMed and web browser searches to identify relevant studies and reports. Materials were assessed for relevance to the current process of distributing residency interviews. There is limited relevant literature and the quality is poor overall. We were able to identify several key problem areas including uncertain timing of interview offers; disruption caused by the timing of interview offers; imbalance of interview offers and available positions; and a lack of clarity around waitlist and rejection status. In addition, the couples match and need for coordination of interviews creates a special case. Many of the problems related to residency interview offers are amenable to program-level interventions, which may serve as best practices for residency programs, focusing on clear communication of processes as well as attention to factors such as offer-timing and numbers. We provide potential strategies for programs as well as a call for additional research to better understand the problem and solutions.

A barrier-free urban space as an indicator of exercising the right to the city by individuals with disabilities

This article looks at urban space through the lens of reimagining the status of individuals with disabilities as people with health issues. Today, they are viewed as a social group who claims their right to the city and to barrier-free urban space, and who is characterized by social interaction. The paper argues for an urgent need of creating universal inclusive spaces and specific areas on the city map which would address special needs of individuals with different forms of disability. The results of a survey of individuals with disabilities, residing in the City of Yekaterinburg and Sverdlovsk Region, as well as expert interviews with representatives of local and regional authorities, indicate that the public bodies are aware of the needs of individuals with disabilities and making attempts to address the requests of this group. The respondents identified the following key problem areas: difficulties of moving around the city, a lack of barrier-free access into buildings, and a lack of sanitary facilities in the visited organizations.

Policies for preservation of indigenous languages: auctors and responsibilities

This paper summarizes the results and conclusions of eight major international conferences on the preservation of linguistic diversity, held in recent decades within the framework of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Information for All Programme, designating the preservation of languages and development of multilingualism in cyberspace as one of its top priorities. The paper also defines key problem areas of the linguistic world view and presents valuable experience of the implementation of linguistic and ethnocultural policies in Russia, one of the most multi-ethnic and multilingual countries of the world. The data analysed show that in order to ensure access to information and knowledge for all, preserve cultural diversity and build inclusive knowledge societies, comprehensive science-based efforts should be taken both at the political and practical levels to preserve not only small indigenous languages, but all languages, including the largest ones. Recommendations are provided on the elaboration and implementation of a multilevel and multifold national policy aimed at preserving indigenous languages; key actors to be involved in such a policy are defined, as well as their areas of responsibility and measures to be taken in the fields of education, science, culture, politics and the media.

Космическая радиолокационная съемка рельефа и совместный полет пары космических аппаратов

The paper considers the concept of space radar monitoring complex performing Earth observation by two spacecrafts according to the technology of synthesized aperture in an interferometry scheme that allows obtaining a global high-precision digital model of the Earth’s relief. The first key problem when creating the complex is the development of an algorithm for determining the heights of the resulting image relative to the relativity surface. Unlike the traditional interferometer scheme using angular coordinates, radar gives the current coordinates of all points involved in the measurement scheme. This allows new algorithm using the difference between two space phase measurements of the downrange to the same surface element to be proposed. Both measurements are performed from two points of common position, spaced apart and representing the interferometry base. As a result, a simple estimate of the potential accuracy of altitude measurement and conditions of its implementation required for the structural scheme of space interferometry are obtained. The second key problem is the arranging coordinated kinematics of the flight of two spacecrafts, forming the base of the space interferometer with the orientation and dimensions that provide the necessary accuracy of altitude measurement. It is shown that both problems are systemically interrelated and the selection of principal solutions to optimize the complex as a whole requires simultaneous consideration and interdisciplinary coordination of the requirements determined by the specifics of each of the two problems. The technique for preliminary project evaluation of results obtained from the orbital group, visually representing all the relationships between individual characteristics of key problem areas of the complex and output target indicators of its work is proposed. The characteristics of the passive flight of spacecraft pair and the conditions for the obtaining high-quality interferometer measurement are considered. It is shown that these conditions are ensured only for a certain part of the orbit, resulting in decreasing efficiency of using the orbital group flight time, and the global survey of the planet relief takes about a year. In this context the possibility of using a small radial thrust applied for a long enough time exceeding a day is shown. As a result, the measurement conditions are stabilized, and the duration of the global survey of the planet relief is reduced to a few months. In addition, the efficiency of using the flight time of the orbital group increases, which allows performing Earth sounding using other possible programs.

Assessing the effect of innovation determinants on macroeconomic development within the EU (28) countries

Innovations play an inevitable role in achieving macroeconomic growth of countries, and innovative activity is perceived as a source of sustainable development. This paper’s main objective is to explore the impact of innovation determinants on the macroeconomic development of the EU (28) member countries and identify key problem areas distorting sustainable development and growth of these countries. The research analysis is performed using panel data regression models estimated from 2010 to 2018. Innovation potential was quantified using selected indicators, such as patent granted, high-tech exports, gross domestic expenditures on R&D, government expenditure on education, direct investment, gross fixed capital, and tertiary educational attainment. Such indicators as real GDP per capita and GNI per capita were applied to measure economic growth. The results provide evidence of a statistically significant relationship between innovation and economic growth (p < 0.01). Therefore, both research hypotheses were accepted. Based on innovation potential assessment, the statistically significant impact of five indicators were confirmed (high-tech exports, gross domestic expenditure on R&D, government expenditure on education, direct investment, and tertiary educational attainment). In this backdrop, the most significant effect was revealed for variable gross domestic expenditure on R&D (0.5343). The findings lead to the conclusion that the EU’s and national innovation policies and initiatives should aim to create framework conditions that favor the innovation environment and increase R&D expenditure to endorse real economic growth. AcknowledgmentThis article has been prepared within the research project VEGA No. 1/0279/19 “Model approaches to increase performance and competitiveness in the European area in the context of sustainable development”.

Mock drill activity: Are we really prepared to tackle COVID-19 pandemic?

Mock drill activity: Are we really prepared to tackle COVID-19 pandemic?