Tool For Comparative Analysis Research Articles

MolluscDB 2.0: a comprehensive functional and evolutionary genomics database for over 1400 molluscan species.

Mollusca represents the second-largest animal phylum but remains less explored genomically. The increase in high-quality genomes and diverse functional genomic data holds great promise for advancing our understanding of molluscan biology and evolution. To address the opportunities and challenges facing the molluscan research community in managing vast multi-omics resources, we developed MolluscDB 2.0 (http://mgbase.qnlm.ac), which integrates extensive functional genomic data and offers user-friendly tools for multilevel integrative and comparative analyses. MolluscDB 2.0 covers 1450 species across all eight molluscan classes and compiles ∼4200 datasets, making it the most comprehensive multi-omics resource for molluscs to date. MolluscDB 2.0 expands the layers of multi-omics data, including genomes, bulk transcriptomes, single-cell transcriptomes, proteomes, epigenomes and metagenomes. MolluscDB 2.0 also more than doubles the number of functional modules and analytical tools, updating 14 original modules and introducing 20 new, specialized modules. Overall, MolluscDB 2.0 provides highly valuable, open-access multi-omics platform for the molluscan research community, expediting scientific discoveries and deepening our understanding of molluscan biology and evolution.

Beyond ideal and real types – methodological foundations of typologies in welfare state research

AbstractIn welfare state research, typologies are a frequently applied methodological tool for comparative analyses. They are used for a variety of purposes, such as case selection, for providing a birds-eye perspective on welfare states and their differences and to determine welfare state change. The methodological discussion in welfare state research on the use of typologies is, however, limited because it is centred around the question of whether Esping-Andersen’s (1990) work and other related studies present an ideal type or a real type approach. This is misleading, as both concepts are ambiguous, and there are more relevant aspects when it comes to the characterisation of typologies. Instead, this paper suggests to differentiate between typologies along the four dimensions of a typology’s theoretical foundation, the assessment of cases and the use of qualitative and quantitative attributes and methods. In an integrative literature review, a selection of typological studies of welfare state research is analysed against the background of the suggested classification. Among the studies analysed, assigning country cases to groups is most common what serves the heuristic purpose of these typologies. There are typologies with theoretical types and dimensions and with empirical types and theoretical dimensions, both with a variety of qualitative and/or quantitative attributes and methods. This uncovers the complexity of the typological approaches in welfare state research. In doing so, this paper attempts to simulate a thematically broader and methodologically deeper discussion on typologies in welfare state research.

Search and match across spatial omics samples at single-cell resolution.

Spatial omics technologies characterize tissue molecular properties with spatial information, but integrating and comparing spatial data across different technologies and modalities is challenging. A comparative analysis tool that can search, match and visualize both similarities and differences of molecular features in space across multiple samples is lacking. To address this, we introduce CAST (cross-sample alignment of spatial omics), a deep graph neural network-based method enabling spatial-to-spatial searching and matching at the single-cell level. CAST aligns tissues based on intrinsic similarities of spatial molecular features and reconstructs spatially resolved single-cell multi-omic profiles. CAST further allows spatially resolved differential analysis (∆Analysis) to pinpoint and visualize disease-associated molecular pathways and cell-cell interactions and single-cell relative translational efficiency profiling to reveal variations in translational control across cell types and regions. CAST serves as an integrative framework for seamless single-cell spatial data searching and matching across technologies, modalities and sample conditions.

Addressing health workforce shortages as a precursor to attaining universal health coverage: A comparative policy analysis of Nigeria and Ghana

There is a critical shortage of health professionals globally which is affecting the possibility of attaining universal health coverage. Developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa such as Ghana and Nigeria are disproportionately affected and the shortfall in health professionals is envisaged to worsen over the next decade. Countries have responded differently in addressing this shortage. To understand the differing response to the same policy issue in two countries that share similar characteristics in terms of geolocation, socioeconomic indices and disease burden, this paper offers a comparative policy analysis of the two countries using the 3-I framework and punctuated equilibrium theory as comparative policy analysis tools. The analysis identified the ideas, interests, and institutions at play and how they have led to different policy outcomes in both countries. The analysis also shows the interaction between subsystems, policy images and policy venues and how this interaction led to policy change, in the case of Ghana and lag in the case of Nigeria. Our findings show four critical areas in addressing health workforce shortages in both countries – a general approach to addressing the issue, welfare and remuneration, workforce autonomy and career progression, and financing for workforce improvement. For Ghana, there has been significant policy change including implementing strategies for increasing the production of health professionals and addressing remuneration and welfare issues. For Nigeria, there has been seems to be a lag in policy change. While the findings show that Ghana's approach has seemingly put them on a good path toward universal health coverage, applying any lessons should, however, be contextual, considering other country-level and health systems factors that are relevant to addressing health workforce shortages.

Variations in dietary patterns of living sloths revealed by finite element analysis of jaws.

Although extinct sloths exhibited a wide range of dietary habits, modes of locomotion, and occupied various niches across the Americas, modern sloths are considered quite similar in their habits. The dietary habits of living sloths can be directly observed in the wild, and understanding the mechanical behavior of their jaws during chewing through finite element analysis (FEA) provides a valuable validation tool for comparative analysis with their extinct counterparts. In this study, we used FEA to simulate the mechanical behavior of sloth mandibles under lateral mastication loads, using it as a proxy for oral processing. Our research focused on the six extant sloth species to better understand their diets and validate the use of FEA for studying their extinct relatives. We found that all living sloths have the predominancy of low-stress areas in their mandibles but with significant differences. Choloepus didactylus had larger high-stress areas, which could be linked to a reduced need for processing tougher foods as an opportunistic generalist. Bradypus variegatus and Choloepus hoffmanni are shown to be similar, displaying large low-stress areas, indicating greater oral processing capacity in a seasonal and more competitive environment. Bradypus torquatus, Bradypus pygmaeus, and Bradypus tridactylus exhibited intermediary processing patterns, which can be linked to a stable food supply in more stable environments and a reduced requirement for extensive oral processing capacity. This study sheds light on extant sloths' dietary adaptations and has implications for understanding the ecological roles and evolutionary history of their extinct counterparts.

Factors of Sustainable Development in the Formation of the Value of Manufacturing Companies

The relevance of the research is justified by the need to search for new factors of business value formation, which are taken into account by stakeholders when making decisions. The purpose of the article is to analyze the influence of S- and G- factors on the value formation of Russian public companies in the manufacturing sector and to substantiate the importance of disclosing the indicators of sustainable development of companies as a factor of business growth. The study uses methods and tools of correlation, causal and comparative analysis. It was found that the position occupied in the RAEX ranking by S- and G- factors and the amount of capitalization are significantly correlated for companies in the extractive and manufacturing industries. There was found no statistically significant relationship between the considered indicators in relation to the companies of the agro-industrial complex. It is confirmed that the influence of sustainable development components on the formation of the companies’ value is different depending on their industry affiliation. The necessity to take into account ESG factors in the methods of comparative and income approaches is substantiated. The directions of ESG factors accounting in the methods of comparative and income approaches are highlighted. The scientific novelty of the research is determined by the substantiation of the necessity of separate accounting of the sustainable development components in the formation and assessment of business value. The practical significance of the study is that the results obtained by the author can be used by investors, owners and practicing appraisers in making managerial decisions and assessing and determining business value.

Universal, Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values in the Information Security System of the Russian Federation

Introduction. The article presents an analysis of the legal and information policy of the state while preserving and strengthening universal and traditional spiritual and moral values, which is a condition for maintaining statehood and strengthening the country's sovereignty, ensuring their information security. The essence of value lies not only in its social, material, moral or spiritual significance, but also in its priority for a person or society. Values determine the order of functioning of the legal system, and traditional spiritual and moral values are their variety. Universal human values, neither the place nor the time of their origin as a concept are known, are today considered as the moral language of centuries of development of world civilization. What makes them universal are their universality, historical stability, constancy, objectivity, universality, universal recognition on a global scale, and a positive connotation with recognition in the format of the general moral principles of humanity. But, unfortunately, in the conditions of globalization, secular-rational values, consumption, and non-traditional self-expression are increasingly opposed to universal human values. Nevertheless, all universal human values necessary for the peaceful coexistence of people, nations, the formation of statehood, still undergo changes along with man, and they require the necessary protection in these processes. Particular attention is focused on the task of Russian society and the state to preserve and strengthen not just any values, but specifically and only traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. They are of key importance for saving the Russian people, preserving the unity of the country, ensuring national interests, state and public security. Spirituality and morality are described in more detail in the article, which influenced the conclusion about the need to consider traditional Russian spiritual and moral values as a legal category. When considering the information security system, the authors propose a new concept: “destructive information impact” with a description of its significance within the framework of the research topic. The main directions of measures of forms and methods of protecting human and traditional Russian spiritual and moral values in the article are called ensuring confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of information. For this purpose, numerous groups of methods are used in practice: organizational, legal and technological, as well as cryptographic, technical, hardware, and software. Since in state policy the list of threats is expanded and specified as much as possible, the article contains measures to counter them. Conclusions are drawn that in Russia, when creating managerial, information, technological, and other systems for protecting various properties of its national values, it is necessary to be a “country of project assembly,” an innovative country. The key tasks in this case for the state-civilization will be: searching and inventing ideas, turning them into achievements; reforming the semantic world of Russian culture; development of new spiritual and moral guidelines. The final part of the article formulates proposals for improving the regulatory legal framework.Materials and methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study was made up of both general scientific and specific scientific methods of cognition. The work actively used methods of systemic, comparative legal analysis, special philosophical and legal research tools, drawing on the results of Russian and foreign research on issues of values and value orientations, and the formation of information security systems.Results of the study. Based on the results of the analysis, the exceptional importance of universal and domestic traditional Russian spiritual and moral values was revealed, which remain moral guidelines and are passed on from generation to generation, ensuring civil unity. To preserve and strengthen them, to prevent the main threats of destructive ideologies, systematic and at the same time comprehensive work is required, including the active improvement of forms and methods of information management.Discussion and conclusion. The conclusion is substantiated that ensuring the information security of well–known and newly emerging values for Russia is the concern of many subsequent generations. The main value orientations of Russian culture remain a strong sovereign state, the quality of statehood and a united people.

Panel Comparative Analysis Tool: An Open-Source Comparative Analysis Tool for Next-Generation Sequencing Panel Target Regions

Multi-gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels have become a routine diagnostic method in the contemporary practice of personalized medicine. To avoid inadequate test choice or interpretation, a detailed understanding of the precise panel target regions is required. However, the necessary bioinformatic expertise is not always available, and publicly accessible and easily interpretable analyses of target regions are scarce. To address this critical knowledge gap, we present the Panel Comparative Analysis Tool (PanelCAT) an open-source application to analyze, visualize and compare NGS panel DNA target regions. PanelCAT uses RefSeq, ClinVar and COSMIC cancer mutation census databases to quantify the exon and mutation coverage of target regions and provides interactive graphical representations and search functions to inspect the results. We demonstrate the utility of PanelCAT by analyzing two large NGS panels (Illumina TruSight Oncology 500, and Qiagen Human Pan Cancer Panel) to validate the advertised target genes, quantify targeted exons and mutations, and identify differences between panels. PanelCAT will enable institutions and researchers to catalogue and visualize NGS panel target regions independent of the manufacturer, promote transparency of panel limitations, and share this information with employees and requisitioners.

ChatGPT or Bard: Who is a better Certified Ethical Hacker?

In this study, we compare two leading Generative AI (GAI) tools, ChatGPT and Bard, specifically in Cybersecurity, using a robust set of standardized questions from a validated Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH) dataset. In the rapidly evolving domain of Generative AI (GAI) and large language models (LLM), a comparative analysis of tools becomes essential to measure their performance. We determine the Comprehensiveness, Clarity, and Conciseness of the AI-generated responses through a detailed questioning-based framework. The study revealed an overall accuracy rate of 80.8 % for ChatGPT and 82.6 % for Bard, indicating comparable capabilities and specific differences. Bard slightly outperformed ChatGPT in accuracy, while ChatGPT exhibited superiority in Comprehensiveness, Clarity, and Conciseness of responses. Introducing a confirmation query like “Are you sure?” increased accuracy for both generative AI tools, illustrating the potential of iterative query processing in enhancing GAI tools' effectiveness. The readability evaluation placed both tools at a college reading level, with Bard marginally more accessible. While evaluating certain questions, a distinct pattern emerged where Bard provided generic denials of assistance while ChatGPT referenced “ethics.” This discrepancy illustrates the contrasting philosophies of the developers of these tools, with Bard possibly following stricter guidelines, especially in sensitive topics like Cybersecurity. We explore the implications and identify key areas for future research that become increasingly relevant as GAI tools see broader adoption.

Development of a greenhouse gas - air pollution interactions and synergies model for Korea (GAINS-Korea)

This study aimed to create Greenhouse Gas - Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS)-Korea, an integrated model for evaluating climate and air quality policies in Korea, modeled after the international GAINS model. GAINS-Korea incorporates specific Korean data and enhances granularity for enabling local government-level analysis. The model includes source-receptor matrices used to simulate pollutant dispersion in Korea, generated through CAMx air quality modeling. GAINS-Korea's performance was evaluated by examining different scenarios for South Korea. The business as usual scenario projected emissions from 2010 to 2030, while the air quality scenario included policies to reduce air pollutants in line with air quality and greenhouse gas control plans. The maximum feasible reduction scenario incorporated more aggressive reduction technologies along with air quality measures. The developed model enabled the assessment of emission reduction effects by both greenhouse gas and air pollutant emission reduction policies across 17 local governments in Korea, including changes in PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 μm) concentration and associated benefits, such as reduced premature deaths. The model also provides a range of visualization tools for comparative analysis among different scenarios, making it a valuable resource for policy planning and evaluation, and supporting decision-making processes.

Single molecule real-time sequencing data sets of Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets and cell suspension cultures

Hypericum is a large genus that includes more than 500 species of pharmacological, ecological and conservation value. Although latest advances in sequencing technologies were extremely exploited for generating and assembling genomes of many living organisms, annotated whole genome sequence data is not publicly available for any of the Hypericum species so far. Bioavailability of secondary metabolites varies for different tissues and the data derived from different cultures will be a valuable tool for comparative studies. Here, we report the single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT) data sets of Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets and cell suspension cultures for the first time. Sequencing data from cell suspension cultures yielded more than 33,000 high-quality transcripts from 20 Gb of raw data, while more than 55,000 high-quality transcripts were obtained from 35 Gb of raw data from plantlets. This dataset is a valuable tool for comparative transcriptomic analysis and will help to understand the unknown biosynthetic pathways of high medicinal value in the Hypericum genus.

Phytools 2.0: an updated R ecosystem for phylogenetic comparative methods (and other things).

Phylogenetic comparative methods comprise the general endeavor of using an estimated phylogenetic tree (or set of trees) to make secondary inferences: about trait evolution, diversification dynamics, biogeography, community ecology, and a wide range of other phenomena or processes. Over the past ten years or so, the phytools R package has grown to become an important research tool for phylogenetic comparative analysis. phytools is a diverse contributed R library now consisting of hundreds of different functions covering a variety of methods and purposes in phylogenetic biology. As of the time of writing, phytools included functionality for fitting models of trait evolution, for reconstructing ancestral states, for studying diversification on trees, and for visualizing phylogenies, comparative data, and fitted models, as well numerous other tasks related to phylogenetic biology. Here, I describe some significant features of and recent updates to phytools, while also illustrating several popular workflows of the phytools computational software.

Software-assisted identification of non-native pitch elements for Russian-speaking learners of Spanish

In this paper we present the results of an automatic comparative-contrastive analysis of functional elements of intonational contour (anacrusis, first peak, body, nucleus and final inflection) produced by non-native speakers of Spanish, whose first language is Russian. This analysis was carried out with the Plugin for phonetic-phonological analysis in Spanish (PAFe), a software tool for an instant comparative analysis of a non-native speakers’ pronunciation which takes audio recordings as input and implements multiple intonation comparison algorithms between native and non-native speakers of Spanish to calculate the percentage of similarity in intonation production. We used the intersyllabic analysis function of PAFe in order to identify which functional pitch elements of Russian speaking learners of Spanish -male and female- present more tonal deviations. Our results show that most tonal differences occurred in the body of the f 0 contour for female speakers whereas for male speakers the greatest tonal contrast was in the first peak. The obtained data indicate that these pitch elements are potentially challenging for Russian speaking learners of Spanish in their pursuit of acquiring phonetic-phonological competence. In addition, this study allowed us to identify which parameters of PAFe analysis per syllables require further refinement, such as processing of limited intonational spectrum values.

Систематизация и уточнение индексов эффективности логистики в управлении цепями поставок

Purpose: To clarify the indices of the efficiency of logistics of the Russian Federation in new supply chains formed under the influence of sanctions and other restrictions, in the conditions of new politics and new geoeconomics, which have formed the third crisis situation of the transport and logistics market. Methods: Methods of data analysis and diagnostics (observation, analysis, synthesis) of logistics efficiency indices are used as an interactive tool for comparative analysis of problems and opportunities of the main logistics parameters calculated by Turku School of Economics and supported by a current research of the World Bank. Results: The results of adjusting the logistics efficiency indices in the formed supply chains of the Russian Federation based on operational information from survey results and several types of data are shown; The adjustment of logistics efficiency indices in the formed supply chains by rail is given; the corrective data affecting the values of logistics efficiency indices in the Russian Federation are systematized depending on the conditions affecting the decrease in logistics efficiency indices in the Russian Federation and the possibility of their growth. Practical significance: The results obtained are of an applied nature, since they propose and justify a number of measures that ensure the development of new methodological approaches to the formation of effective business models.

Ойратский текст дхарани-сутры Ганапати

Introduction. The tradition of worshiping Ganapati in Buddhism, including in religious traditions of Mongols, is an interesting — though understudied — issue. In Hinduism, this ancient deity was believed an evil demon (Vinayaka) inclined to create obstacles. Subsequently, when included in the Buddhist pantheon, its tantric forms became widespread enough in Tibet and Mongolia. In Buddhist teachings, Ganapati is seen as an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, and in some of its forms is associated with Chakrasamvara and Tara, hence having little in common with the Hindu Ganesha, the son of Parvati and Shiva, the Lord of the Ganas. The cult of Ganapati in Buddhist countries shows how the ancient deity of Hinduism had lost its original essence — to become an organic part of the Buddhist tantric tradition. Goals. The paper aims to introduce Oirat texts of the Ganapati Dharani Sutra. Materials and methods. Collections of Mongolian manuscripts in Russia and other countries contain a total of seven dharani sutras in the Oirat Clear Script. The study focuses on a Kalmyk manuscript from the Saxon State and University Library Dresden (Mongolian Collection) and a manuscript from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences (Institute of Language and Literature, Oirat Collection). The work employs textual research methods and tools of comparative historical analysis. Results. Some manuscripts in the Clear Script are literary works of minimal size that include two parts — Dharani Sutra of Lord Ganapati (Oir. Xutuqtu čuulγani ezen kemēküyin toqtōl) and Collected Dharanis of the Five Chapters of Pancharaksha (Oir. Pañcaragšyin tabun bölögiyin xurangyui). The combination of the two texts in a single work makes it possible to assume the worshipping practice of Ganapati be somewhat tied to that of the five Pancharaksha protector goddesses. In Buddhism, the Ganapati Dharani Sutra is recited for various purposes, such as welfare, virtuous reincarnation, new knowledge, and spiritual progress. Conclusions. Texts of the Ganapati Dharani Sutra and various iconographic images (forms) are integral to tantric practices believed instrumental in acquiring, cognizing and organizing new knowledge, thus forming milestone spiritual experiences on the path towards the ultimate goal of Buddhists.

Cultural Aspects of Waste Management in Poland and China

The main aim of this article was to present differences in the social determinants of waste management and environmental protection in Poland and People's Republic of China. A research gap was identified related to the small number of studies comparing China and Poland in the field of waste management. A systematic review of the literature on waste management and society's approach to environmental protection was conducted, with particular emphasis on municipal waste. The article uses data from local databases, i.e. the Central Statistical Office (GUS) in Poland and The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China, as well as data from the World Bank and OECD. The method of comparative analysis and Hofstede's tool were used for selected aspects of the social approach to waste management in Poland and the People's Republic of China. Empirical research was conducted in August 2023. Literature review based on key groups of social factors that differ in the analysed countries. These include those related to purity, religious beliefs, respect for nature, responsibility and ecology. Chinese citizens approach the power supply in their environment in a more collective way than in Poland. The European Union's recommendations has positively affected management of municipal waste in Poland, while in People's Republic of China legislation is constantly updated. In the authors' opinion, in subsequent studies it is worth focusing on comparing other countries in terms of their social approach to environmental protection, as well as conducting surveys.

Exploring the Concept of Joy in Indonesian and English Proverbs Utilizing Cognitive Semantics Analysis and Contrastive Method

This study utilized Cognitive Semantics Analysis and the Contrastive Method to explore the concept of joy in English and Indonesian proverbs. Proverbs provide a unique perspective on the linguistic and cultural differences in portraying joy. The study gave a comprehensive overview of the Cognitive Semantics Analysis, highlighting its importance in uncovering the cognitive structures that underlie the conceptualization of joy. The Contrastive Method was introduced as an invaluable tool for comparative analysis, allowing for an in-depth examination of the similarities and disparities in portraying joy between the two languages. The study examined a curated selection of English and Indonesian proverbs to investigate the subtle nuances in the conceptualization of joy. The study aimed to understand how joy is linguistically expressed in these sayings, what cultural and cognitive factors influence the choice of words and phrases related to joy in these languages, and the unique cultural perspectives that emerge from the analysis. The findings of this study shed light on the intricate interplay between language, culture, and the human experience of joy. Admittedly, there were three main results, i.e. (1) the analysis of English proverbs reveals that they often associate joy with metaphors of light and elevation, which focus on personal experiences and intense physical expressions; Indonesian proverbs connect joy with the natural world, spirituality, and communal harmony, (2) the vocabulary, metaphors, and themes emphasized in the sayings reflect English and Indonesian respective cultural contexts; English proverbs prioritize individualism and personal success, while Indonesian counterparts emphasize community and social harmony, and (3) English and Indonesian cultural proverbs share a commonality in utilizing metaphors to convey feelings of joy, yet with different cultural reference points; both languages connect joy to physical sensations and expressions, emphasizing the universality of the emotional experience across cultures. By comparing and contrasting Indonesian and English proverbs, this research offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of joy in human communication and cognition. Moreover, this study contributes to the broader discourse on cross-linguistic and cross-cultural analysis, offering valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of joy in human communication and cognition.

Italian Legislation in Times of Pandemics and International Law: The Way out of the Emergency

Abstract Building upon the practice analysed in the previous issue of this Yearbook, the present inquiry provides a follow-up of the normative framework in force in the Italian legal system in 2022 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. By enacting a plethora of prescriptive measures, Italy either implemented, derogated, or violated international obligations. In this respect, this contribution pursues a twofold objective. On the one hand, it is aimed at assessing Italy’s attitude towards international law. To this end, rather than reporting entirely new measures, it will attempt to point out what happened to the main policies Italy implemented during the emergency. On the other hand, it intends to provide a useful tool for comparative analysis. The conclusions that will be reached may indeed allow for a comparison with the practice of other countries which have experienced a situation similar to that of Italy, both to draw analogies or differences regarding the stance they have taken towards international law and to assess the latter’s role in global health governance.

Economic-financial performance and value creation in the Brazilian construction industry

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the economic-financial performance (EFP) and value creation (VC) in the Brazilian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachBased on the theories of strategy and finance, a quantitative-qualitative, descriptive and explanatory and applied study was carried out, contrasting the performance of the Direcional company and the civil construction industry – both listed on the Brazilian Stock Exchange and the Over-the-Counter Market (B3)FindingsThe analysis of the EFP in the Brazilian construction industry shows that EZTEC, Helbor, Trisul and Direcional were the companies with the best EFP in the period. The analysis of the Economic Value Added (EVA®, henceforth EVA), as a VC metric and basis for assessing the relative technical efficiency score by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA®, henceforth DEA), revealed that the companies Direcional, EZTEC, MRV and CR2 were considered efficient throughout the period covered. The multicriteria methodology for empirical testing of the EFP and VC allowed not only contrasts Direcional's results with the other companies of the construction industry but also offered a complementary tool for comparative analysis of enterprises of different sizes, structures and realities.Research limitations/implicationsRegardless of any contextual limitations, from a theoretical point of view, the research not only helps fill the research gap aforementioned but also expands knowledge on the topic and demonstrates how this multi-criteria methodology (integrating DEA and EVA) can be used to assess EFP and VC in addition to traditional tools. However, this new approach evaluates, at the same time, corporate and sectorial effectiveness by contrasting the efficiency and efficacy (simultaneously) in the generation of performance and value of a company in relation to the industry.Practical implicationsSignificant implications for managerial practice could be noted by offering a tool to improve company performance and creating a competitive benchmarking process for analysts, investors, managers, financing agencies, shareholders, policymakers and business owners, as well as organizations and sectors in similar situations – who need to assess the EFP and VC holistically and improve their decision-making processes.Originality/valueThe uniqueness and innovation of this research come from the original multi-criteria methodology developed, applied and validated for analysis of EFP and VC. This methodology was operationalized through DEA applied to the companies' EVA, making it possible to compare corporate results and those of the whole industry in a balanced way – an unexplored issue in the literature, especially in emerging economies, opening several avenues for future research.

Legal Framework for the Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights

Abstract It is difficult to overestimate the importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of entrepreneurs in a market economy – they are necessary “tools” and a driving force in the market relations that expand a country’s gross domestic product, and as such should be directly involved in the socio-economic policy of the state. Due to a historical absence of the specialised legal means and procedural tools required to ensure the effective security and protection of the rights of entrepreneurs, Kazakh legislators have carefully studied examples from other countries to develop their own legislation relating to profit-making entrepreneurial activities during the early stages of the post-independent development of Kazakhstan. In this way, licensing processes, protections for entrepreneurs from unreasonable inspections and abuse of power by the authorities, the creation of special organisations to protect entrepreneur’s rights, and a reduction in the number of administrative barriers in practice were all consolidated and codified into the regulatory structure. All the above allowed the authors to highlight the main purpose of this study – a comprehensive systemic study of the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of entrepreneurs in socio-economic, political, and legal relations (as exemplified by the Republic of Kazakhstan). The main and practically significant results were obtained by employing both theoretical and methodological analysis of scientific publications covering the issues of legal security and the protection of entrpreneurial rights and freedoms at the national and international levels, as well as tools of comparative legal, comparative political, systemic and structural analysis, value-statutory and institutional methods, and content analysis of statistical data and official documents. This paper constitutes a study of a scientific and recommendatory legal and socio-political nature, which has unconditional practical significance, originality in clarifying certain issues, and is aimed at a broad study of the essential aspects of the legal protection of entrepreneurial activity in modern Kazakhstan. We recognize that the subject considered in this paper is promising for further scientific elaboration and detailing of certain points, which have been superficially touched upon in this study.