V4 Group Research Articles

The Impact of Oil Prices on the GDP of V4 Countries

This study is concerned with forecasts of GDP growth for the Visegrad countries (V4-hereafter) and oil prices simultaneously. The series for GDP and Oil prices are quarterly, covering the period from December 1, 2000, to October 1, 2023. Neural network techniques were performed to generate individual forecasts. The forecasts for oil prices maintain higher accuracy than the GDP ones due to autoregressive lags. In other words, current oil prices absorb significant influence from past prices. The GDP forecasts for the V4 group indicate tremendous shock and moving growth to a lower steady state. The lower growth observed by the end of the period under review can be attributed to two subsequent non-economic shocks: the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic. The V4 countries faced difficulties after the outbreak of COVID-19, mainly due to the stringency measures. In addition to accelerating inflation, the war also disrupted energy commodities within supply chains. These and other facts justify the low growth that awaits these countries until 2028. Ultimately, the oil price until 2028 is estimated to oscillate between $60 and $90 per barrel.

Forecasting land use and land cover change as a tool for optimising adaptation to climate change: Examples of selected Second-Tier Cities of the V4 Group

Second-tier cities are an important element in the socio-economic development of each country, including V4 countries. The result is a dynamic change in land use/cover patterns. The article analyses the possibility of using Markov chains to predict changes in land use. The results show that it is possible to use the Markov chains method in proper decision-making in land-use policy, which is combined with the stimulation of sustainable land use. The research results show that Markov chains can be an important tool to guide cities’ climate policies and build their capacity to adapt to climate change.

Spillover effects and transmission of shocks in Visegrad equity markets

PurposePaper aims to investigate the interdependencies and spillover effects that the Visegrad (V4 hereafter) Equity Markets hold on each other. The V4 group stands for the political alliance of four Central European countries: Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses Wavelet coherence, dynamic conditional correlation GARCH (1, 1) and unrestricted vector autoregression (VAR) methodologies. Daily data series (covering the period from January 2, 2006, to February 2, 2023) are analyzed to assess coherence, time-varying conditional correlation and shock transmission among the V4 Equity Markets.FindingsWavelet analysis reveals that the Slovak equity market does not maintain coherence with three other equity markets. The time-varying conditional correlation documents for the high interdependence during the COVID-19 outbreak of the four indexes. The VAR estimates reveal that shocks in the Warsaw equity market are easily transmitted in Prague and Budapest exchanges but not in Bratislava. The results show that the Slovak equity market tends to be isolated from the influence of other three V4 exchanges. This isolation is attributed to its size, limited volume and adoption of the euro in 2009. The study emphasizes the Slovak financial system’s gravitation toward the Eurozone after euro adoption.Originality/valueNotably, the findings provide important signals for local and international investors as the results cover four significant international shocks. The global meltdown of 2008/09, the Greek debt crisis of 2010/11, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Impact of “Optimize Energy Performance” Credit Achievement on the Compensation Strategy of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings Gold-Certified Office Space Projects in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) version 3 (v3) and version 4 (v4) gold-certified office space certification strategies in Spain have not yet been studied. The two purposes of this study were to evaluate (1) the impact of high or low achievements in the energy and atmosphere (EA) “optimize energy performance” credit (EAc1 for v3 and EAc8 for v4) on the compensation strategy for LEED “compensation group” credits and (2) the impact of EAc1-v3 or EAc8-v4 on the monotonic change in LEED “compensation group” credits. Data on a total of 77 LEED-EB v3 and 43 LEED-EB v4 gold-certified office space projects were collected. In the v3 group, 26 LEED-certified projects had the highest EAc1 achievements (v3 group 1), and 26 LEED-certified projects had the lowest EAc1 achievements (v3 group 2). In the v4 group, 15 LEED-certified projects had the highest EAc8 achievements (v4 group 1), and 15 LEED-certified projects had the lowest EAc8 achievements (v4 group 2). The exact Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test and Fisher’s exact 2 × 2 with Lancaster’s correction test were used to estimate the difference between groups 1 and 2. Spearman’s rank-order correlation was used to assess monotonic change in LEED credits. The results show that v3 and v4 group 1 outperformed v3 and v4 group 2 in EAc1 and EAc8 (p < 0.0001, respectively). However, v3 and v4 group 2 outperformed v3 and v4 group 1 in “renewable energy” (EAc4 for v3 and EAc6 for v4, p = 0.0039 and 0.0088, respectively) and “building commissioning” (EAc2.2 for v3, p = 0.0015; EAc3 for v4, p = 0.0560, respectively). EAc1-v3 and LEED v3 “compensation group” credits showed a moderate negative correlation (rs = −0.53 and p < 0.0001). EAc8-v4 and LEED v4 “compensation group” credits showed a strong negative correlation (rs = −0.74 and p < 0.0001). As a result, increasing the share of renewable energy and performing building commissioning in LEED-EB v3- and v4-certified projects occurred only as a compensation strategy in response to the low achievement in the “optimize energy performance” credit.

Differentiated European Integration and the Changing Type of Capitalism in Central Europe

The objective of this paper is to analyse the double-layered diversification of the European integration system represented by the countries of Central Europe (CE). Here exemplified by the Visegrad Four (V4) states (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Czechia), the region offers a unique laboratory of European differentiated integration (DI). The V4 positions itself on the outer-core of the European Union hemispheres. At the same time, the bloc itself is internally diversified in various, important aspects of integration (conflicting trajectories with Brussels, monetary integration, energy policy, relations with Russia, etc.). Unpacking this intra-V4 diversity will be accompanied by an exploration of the economic and institutional factors possibly affecting it. The political-economy perspective allows us to capture the determinants intersecting at the crossroads of economic and political dimensions. The authors will explore the selected building blocks of the system of differentiation inside the V4 group.

An Analysis of the Financial Health of Companies Concerning the Business Environment of the V4 Countries

Abstract Research background The business environment is an integral part of all business activity. Every business operates in a certain atmosphere that is dynamic and has a constant impact on the business. Therefore, it is important to analyse and predict the development of the business environment. Purpose The aim of this paper is to specify the financial health of a group of companies determined by selected indicators with the business environment of the V4 countries, to interpret the obtained results and, based on them, to propose a complex of systemic measures for business practice. Research methodology The business environment is evaluated within two decision-making processes, in which the optimal environment is selected based on selected criteria (e.g., GDP, unemployment, inflation). To solve decision-making processes, two methods are used – the Saaty’s matrix method and the TOPSIS method. The business environment is also evaluated based on the ratio indicators of the financial analysis of companies in the V4 group. Results Applying the TOPSIS method, it was found that Hungary’s business environment is considered the most suitable for entrepreneurs. From the point of view of financial analysis indicators, it was found that companies in Poland were ranked best. Second place was occupied by Czech companies, followed by Hungarian companies. Companies in the Slovak Republic were ranked worst. Novelty The subjectivity of choosing the criterion weights and the lack of data might both be seen as research limitations. The difficulty lies in conducting a more in-depth study that may also be applied to a wider region. The added value of the work can be considered a mutual comparison of the decision-making processes within the V4 group and a kind of advice for entrepreneurs, where one can do business with the best prospects for the future.

Organizacje społeczne w realizacji zadań proobronnych

Involvement of social organizations in defence issues is both an opportunity and a challenge for the state, which should properly use the potential of social organizations. The research carried out among the V4 Group countries and Lithuania confirmed that all countries less or more use pro-defence organizations. It is one of the state’s security interests. The legal acts that define the participation of citizens in defence issues in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Lithuania are constitutions, which provide the right of citizens to association. The Lithuanian Riflemen’s Association, which is a pro-defence organization in Lithuania, included in the defence system of Lithuania, is of particular importance. A clear specification of the tasks, rights and obligations performed by pro-defence organizations is required. The authors recommend that pro-defence issues in Poland should be defined in a similar way like in Lithuania, including pro-defence organizations to the state’s defence activities.

Simplification and Electronisation of Administrative Procedure in the Visegrad Group Countries - a Sociological and Legal Approach

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to examine the sociological issues related to the biographical experience of a participant in the administrative procedure in the Visegrad Group countries (the perception of public administration bodies and their organisation, current demands of the public in the field of public administration activities, providing appropriate tangible and intangible tools for officials). The secondary goal of the research was to determine the nature, significance, consequences and form of comprehensive modernisation of existing simplifications of the administrative procedure (The author understands the concept of simplification of administrative procedure as “an administrative procedure separated from the general administrative procedure and characterized by simplification of general normative solutions”). Since the scope of the concept of ”electronisation of administrative procedure” does not fully include the concept of ”simplification of administrative procedure”, the research referred to two areas of the administrative procedure that are complementary to each other (the relationships that occur between them, including by specifying common and separate parts of electronisation of administrative procedure, e.g. in the scope of keeping and making available files of procedure in electronic form). Moreover, solutions were presented in the field of simplification and electronisation of administrative procedures in the V4 Group countries, in institutional, subjective and objective terms.Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis of domestic and foreign legal texts was used to implement the research assumptions (general legal regulation of administrative procedure presented by the Codes of Administrative Procedure and COVID-19 regulations in the V4 Group countries). Empirical research using sociological research methods was conducted in connection with the analysis of currently applicable simplifying solutions [the author implemented a component of social research using both qualitative methods – individual in-depth interviews with adult residents with biographical experience of being a participant in the administrative procedure (20 adults – 5 from each country of the V4 Group) as well as quantitative methods – online survey with participants of the administrative procedure (120 adults – 30 from each country of the V4 Group)]. In the research, the statistical method was applied to better illustrate the effectiveness of the currently conducted administrative procedure and to answer the hypotheses regarding the legitimacy of the development of the idea of administrative simplification.Findings: The analysis shows that it is not yet possible to speak of an advanced development of administrative procedure in the Visegrad countries. The delay of the public administration in applying solutions that simplify administrative procedure is mainly due to unclear regulations and significant financial outlays needed. The above state of affairs has a negative impact not only on entities participating in the procedure but also on public administration bodies and administrative courts.Practical Implications/Originality/Value: The initiated process of simplifying and electronising administrative procedure must always take the form of comprehensive legal solutions that will allow for effective and efficient operation of public administration bodies and enable individuals to exercise their fundamental rights. Therefore, the article presents the latest difficulties related to the administrative procedure and examples of their solution.

Sars-Cov-2 T-Cell Responses after One or Two COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters in Allogeneic Transplant Recipients

Introduction: The rapid availability of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines at the beginning of 2021 allowed to a relative protection of recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) since up to 80% of patients developed anti-spike (anti-S) antibodies after two doses. In addition, cellular adaptive responses have also been documented after 2 shots. For example, we recently reported a strong response of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2- CD4+ T-cells, with a IFNγ-/TNFα+ cytokine profile, in 89% of humoral responders and 40% of non-humoral responders (Clemenceau, 2022). The interest of at least one booster has been confirmed thereafter with a persistent and significant reduced incidence of severe form or death due to COVID-19 infections. In this study, we have evaluated humoral and T-cell responses after one (Vaccine 3 or V3 group n=40) or two (Vaccine 4 or V4 group n=12) BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine boosters in 52 Allo-HSCT patients and in 12 healthy donors (only one booster). Methods: Blood samples were collected between January 18th and March 3rd 2022 during the Omicron wave in France. Anti- spike antibodies were tested using anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay Elecsys® (Roche, Rotkreuz, Switzerland). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike and anti-EBV (as positive control) specific CD3+ T-cell responses were evaluated using Human INFg ELIspot (Mabtech 3420-2AST-10, Nacka Strand, Sweden) and intracellular cytokine staining after peptide stimulation (PepTivator Prot_S Complete, Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). Results Characteristics of the participants are summarized in Table 1. All controls (100%) and 81% of the whole patient cohort have developed a protective anti-S antibody level (>250 BAU/mL) after the boost vaccinations. The rate of subject reaching the highest antibody concentration (>2500 BAU/mL) was significantly higher in controls than the whole patient cohort (100% vs 52%, p=0.005) (Table 1). After the booster vaccination, 85% of patients and 100% of controls developed a specific-T cell response. Median frequency of anti-Spike T-cells was significantly lower for V3 patients (median: 0.028 spot forming units (SFU)/100 CD3+ T-cells, range 0.000-0.771) than in controls (median: 0.127 (range (0.006-0.235) (p=0.03) but not significantly different between V4 patients and V3 controls (p=0.03) (p=0.08) (Table 1 and Figure 1.A). We did not find a significant difference in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 T-cell frequency between patients whose analysis was done before 6 months after the last vaccination or those for whom the analysis was done after 6 months (Figure 1B). For 14 individuals with the highest frequencies of anti-Spike CD3+ T cells (³ 0.180 SFU/100 CD3+ T-cells), the Th1 cytokine profiles of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were performed by INFg, TNFa and IL-2 intracellular staining. A predominance of anti-spike CD4+ T-cell response was observed and, interestingly, a polyfunctional cytokine profile was observed in both controls (n=3), and patients (V3 n=6; V4 n=5) (Figure 1 C and D). The only factors predicting T-cell response in patients were CD8+ and NK cells counts at time of analyses. Surprisingly, higher counts were associated with no T-cell response. A good humoral response was not predictive of T cell response (75% vs weak response 82%, p=1). Importantly, considering the patients with no antibody response (n=5) or not reaching a protective antibody level after boosts (n=5), 8/10 (80%) had a measurable T-cell response. At time of last follow-up (June 1st 2022), 2 controls with a good humoral and T-cell response (0.125 and 0.235 SFU/100 CD3+ T-cells) have presented a non-severe COVID 19 infections. Similarly, two V3 patients presented with a non-severe form (negative serology and 0.039 SFU/100 CD3+ T-cells and serology >2500 BAU/mL and 0.040 SFU/100 CD3+ T-cells). One V3 patient with negative serology and 0.367 SFU/100 CD3+ T-cells at time of analysis have died of COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: In this cohort after one or two booster vaccination, 81% of patient achieved a protective humoral response while 85% achieved a T-cell response. T-cell frequencies were comparable between V4 patients and controls while COVID-19 infections were only observed in individuals with one booster. Although these results have to be confirmed on a larger cohort, it may indicate that two booster vaccines may help to achieve sufficient protection in allotransplanted patients through a persistent specific T cell response. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Mediating effect analysis of visceral adiposity index on free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine ratio and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in euthyroid population

BackgroundThe association between free triiodothyronine/free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in euthyroid subjects is unclear. In addition, few studies have explored whether VAI mediates the association between FT3/FT4 ratio and NAFLD in the euthyroid population. We aimed to analyze the mediating effect of VAI on the FT3/FT4 ratio and NAFLD risk in the euthyroid population.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 7 946 annual health examinees from the Health Examination Center, Hebei General Hospital, from January to December 2020. The basic information and biochemical parameters, as well as calculated FT3/FT4 ratio and VAI were collected. NAFLD was diagnosed according to abdominal ultrasonography. The fibrosis score for NAFLD positive subjects (NFS) was calculated to reflect the extent of liver fibrosis. The risk of NAFLD was analyzed by quartiles of FT3/FT4 ratio (Q1-Q4 quartiles) and VAI (V1-V4 quartiles), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the correlation between FT3/FT4 ratio and VAI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the effect of FT3/FT4 ratio and VAI on NAFLD and NFS status. Bootstrap was conducted to explore whether VAI mediated the association between FT3/FT4 ratio and NAFLD.ResultsOf the 7 946 participants, 2 810 (35.36%) had NAFLD and 5 136 (64.64%) did not. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that FT3/FT4 ratio was positively associated with VAI (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that compared to the Q1 group, the risk of NAFLD significantly increased in Q3 group [OR=1.255, 95%CI (1.011, 1.559)] and Q4 group [OR=1.553, 95%CI (1.252, 1.926)](P<0.05). Compared to the V1 group, the risk of NAFLD notably increased in V2 group [OR=1.584, 95%CI (1.205, 2.083)], V3 group [OR=2.386, 95%CI (1.778, 3.202)] and V4 group [OR=4.104, 95%CI (2.835, 5.939)] (P<0.01). There was no relevance between FT3/FT4 ratio, VAI and NFS status. Mediating effect analysis showed that FT3/FT4 ratio significantly directly influenced NAFLD prevalence [β=3.7029, 95%CI (2.9583, 4.4474)], and VAI partly mediated the indirect effect of the FT3/FT4 ratio on NAFLD prevalence [β=2.7649, 95%CI (2.2347, 3.3466)], and the mediating effect accounted for 42.75% of the total effects.ConclusionBoth FT3/FT4 ratio and VAI were predictors of NAFLD, and VAI partly mediated the indirect effect of the FT3/FT4 ratio on NAFLD prevalence in the euthyroid population.

Long-term outcomes of arterial ischemia or venous occlusion on vascularized groin lymph nodes in a rat model.

This study investigated the long-term effects of arterial ischemia and venous occlusion on lymph node drainage function in a rat model. Bilateral groin lymph node flaps of 18 Lewis rats were dissected. The pedicle artery was clamped for 4, 5, and 6 h (A4, A5, and A6 groups), and the vein for 3, 4, and 5 h (V3, V4, and V5 groups) in six flaps. At 4 weeks, the evaluations included gross morphomics, indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography, histological section, immunofluorescence of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase assay, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) stain. The lymph node flaps developed shrinkage and partial necrosis in A5, A6, V4, and V5 groups. Hemorrhage in the lymph node cortex and medulla was observed histologically in A5, A6, and V5 groups. ICG lymphography showed loss of lymphatic drainage function in 2 of 6 flaps in A6 and V5 groups. Cell death was shown partly in cortical follicles in A5 and V4 groups and completely in A6 and V5 groups. The HO-1 expression was statistically increased in A5 and V5 groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The critical arterial ischemia and venous occlusion time were 4 h at 4 weeks of follow-up.

Government Responses to COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis of Visegrad Countries

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare government responses and the challenges faced by public authorities in the Visegrad/V4 countries during the Covid-19 outbreak.&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on a comparative analysis method. In this study, we analysed government responses through literature review and data obtained from various databases. The data used in the study were collected from ourworldindata.org, OECD, WHO, World Bank, Eurostat databases, CoronaNET dataset and Covid-19 Government Response Tracker.&#x0D; Findings: The Visegrad countries did well during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. Compared to many other countries in Europe or in the world, they had less cases and lower death rates. What made them successful was timely and decisive reactions and harsh measures to curb Covid-19. They all implemented Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions strictly. Mandatory mask wearing, trust in the government and people’s tendency to obey the rules all helped V4 members in the fight against Covid-19. However, in two countries (Poland and Hungary) of the V4 Group, democracy was in decline during the outbreak.&#x0D; Practical Implications: The study shows that pandemics spread rapidly and affect many countries within a short time. They have a significant impact on public health, the economy, and social and political structures of the countries. In order to reduce or prevent their effects, the governments must provide a timely response. Timing is a key success factor in the fight against the pandemics and helps minimise the consequences thereof.&#x0D; Originality/Value: The study aims to contribute a detailed and comparative analysis of government responses and challenges of V4 countries in the fight against Covid-19 in the initial stage of the outbreak.

Depozyty bankowe gospodarstw domowych w czasie COVID-19 w krajach Grupy Wyszehradzkiej

The purpose of the article/hypothesis: The main objective of the article is to examine the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the value of bank deposits of monetary financial institutions (MFIs) in the V4 countries, i.e. the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. The specific objective of this study is to investigate the situation in the market of bank deposits in the Visegrad Group countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. In relation to the adopted goals, the hypothesis was formulated that the Covid-19 pandemic determines the amount of money invested by households from bank deposits in the V4 group, but the determinants of this saving and the direction and strength of their impact are varied. Methodology: The achievement of the set objectives was based on theoretical studies and empirical research. In the theoretical studies a critical analysis of source literature was applied. Empirical research involved time series analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Results of the research: The results of the study allowed for positive verification of the hypothesis, and the study objectives were achieved. It has been shown that changes in the number of Covid-19 cases, as well as changes in the number of deaths and the number of vaccinations performed for Covid-19 in individual V4 countries translate into the propensity or aversion to deposit money in bank financial institutions. This is confirmed primarily by regression analysis, but also by time series analysis.

Carbon dioxide emission trends and environmental problems in Central Europe

In this research, the effect of CO2 emission was measured in two different land-use types (Crop and Grassland) in Central European and V4 countries. The primary aim of this study is to identify the significant output of CO2 emissions from cropland and grassland. Secondary data collected from FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) between 2010 and 2017. Mann-Whitney U test and odds ratio used to study the differences between the two country groups, and Principal Component Analysis was applied to create a performance map regarding the emission. A General Additive Panel model has analyzed the influence of area sizes and the regional differences on emissions. Results showed that the effect of grassland size is the primary factor in CO2 emission. A significant difference can only be found between CEU and V4 countries regarding grassland size effect on CO2 emission under grassland, which was rather small in the case of the V4 group but explained a larger part of the variance the of CEU countries. The odds of having higher CO2 from cropland to grassland was 2.43 times in the case of V4 compared to CEU countries.

Effect of COVID-19 on International Trade among the Visegrad Countries

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been detrimental to all countries, despite the continuous efforts of governments on all continents to attempt to mitigate its damaging effects. All economic and social indicators have worsened. This study explores the impact of COVID-19 on international trade among the Visegrad Four (V4) countries. We employ data from Eurostat and FRED to explore this influence, using the monthly import and export data for the 2010 M1–2021 M4period. We estimate the trade model for each member country of the V4, exploring their trade relations with other V4 members. We employ a shift dummy and impulse dummy to show the effect of country lockdowns initiating possible structural change. After exploration, we found that the COVID-19 impact was evident in all countries, but not with the same strength. Looking outside the V4 group, we can also see that there are strong trade relations with Germany, which is the strongest European economy. For further exploration, we suggest investigating these outside links to complete the picture.

Euroscepticism in the Visegrád Group

Motivation: Euroscepticism is an phenomenon which is becoming increasingly important. EU countries ought to enhance cooperation in the face of major challenges. Despite challenges facing the European Union too little attention has been devote exploration Euroscepticism with particular reference to the V4 countries.&#x0D; Aim: The main objective of this study was to examine citizen?s Euroscepticism in the countries of the Visegrád Group. Accordingly, in the theoretical section were introduced definition of Euroscepticism, its classification and present differences in delineating of the phenomenon. Instigate an attempt to indicate the sources of Euroscepticism in the V4 countries and its characterize. The theoretical part was the basis for the empirical part in which was performed analysis results of Eurobarometer Public Opinion Researches.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Quantitative (basic statistical analysis and ALSCAL algorithm) methods were used in this investigation. The research data was drawn from Eurobarometer opinion polls commissioned by the European Commission.&#x0D; Results: The study indicated a varied level of Euroscepticism among the citizens of the Visegrad Group countries and the source of the whole phenomenon is strongly rooted in the sphere of migration. The Czechs are the most anti-European society from the V4 group. Reasearch on Euroscepticism must also be carried out at the level of the societies of individual states, and not only of political parties.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Consumer Credit Market in V4 Countries

The aim of this article is to analyse and assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the consumer credit market in the countries of the Visegrad Group (V4, i.e., the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary). There is no doubt that the pandemic has determined the amount of household debt due to consumer credit in the V4 group, and thus the question arises of how the pandemic affects the propensity of households to take out loans and the propensity to lend to them, and therefore whether it affects both the behaviour of borrowers and lenders. The study used the time series and multiple linear regression methods. The results of the study show that the Covid-19 pandemic has determined the level of household debt in the V4 group and is not indifferent to household decisions regarding taking out consumer loans. Although the research is preliminary, it has contributed to some extent to a better understanding of household indebtedness at a time of turbulence and instability resulting from health factors in V4 countries. In the future, this research will serve as the basis for future research on the phenomenon of household indebtedness in other countries.

Діяльність вишеградської групи в розрізі українсько-польських відносин у військовій сфері на сучасному етапі

Проаналізовано форми, методи та діяльність членів Вишеградської групи щодо перспектив співпраці з Україною в розрізі українсько-польських відносин у військовій сфері. Досліджено вплив членів Вишеградської групи на перспективи інтеграції України у Північноатлантичний альянс (далі – НАТО) та Європейський Союз (далі – ЄС).

Long-term Comparison of Vault and Complications of Implantable Collamer Lens with and without a Central Hole for High Myopia Correction: 5 Years

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the long-term safety, efficacy, stability, vault, and complications of implantable collamer lens with (ICL V4c) and without (ICL V4) a central hole for correcting high myopia. Methods 78 eyes (40 patients) underwent ICL V4c implantation and 78 eyes (48 patients) underwent ICL V4 implantation were enrolled. They were followed up for 5 years of the uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent (SE), axial length, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density and vault. ResuIts The safety indices of the ICL V4c and V4 groups at 5 years were 1.25 ± 0.40 and 1.31 ± 0.40, respectively (P = .353). The efficacy indices were 0.90 ± 0.29 and 1.00 ± 0.44, respectively (P = .098). The preoperative, 1 month and 5 year postoperative logMAR UDVAs were respectively 1.54 ± 0.48, 0.11 ± 0.17, and 0.20 ± 0.26 in the V4c group and 1.56 ± 0.44, 0.14 ± 0.19, and 0.22 ± 0.26 in the V4 group (P = .703, 0.329, 0.585). The logMAR CDVAs were resepectively 0.13 ± 0.18, 0.02 ± 0.11, and 0.05 ± 0.16 in the V4c group and 0.18 ± 0.22, 0.05 ± 0.14, and 0.09 ± 0.21 in the V4 group (P = .128, 0.169, 0.229). The SE were resepectively −15.10 ± 4.32 D, −0.71 ± 1.31 D and −1.65 ± 1.30 D in the V4c group and −15.44 ± 3.51 D, −0.61 ± 1.12 D and −1.40 ± 1.30 D in the V4 group (P = .585, 0.637, 0.296). The mean vault reduced by 97.31 ± 136.61 μm in the V4c group and by 99.74 ± 245.83 μm in the V4 group. Three eyes (3.85%) with mid-periphery anterior subcapsular opacification in the V4c group and two (2.56%) with cataract, one (1.28%) with central anterior subcapsular opacification in the V4 group were observed. The CDVA of 20/40 was obtained in the two cataract eyes after phacoemulcification and intraocular lens implantation. Conclusion Long-term ICL V4c and ICL V4 implantations are safe, effective, and stable for high myopia correction. ICL V4c can potentially reduce the risk of lens opacification and may be more tolerant to low vault than ICL V4.

Economic Cyber-Espionage in the Visegrád Four Countries: a Hungarian Perspective

Abstract This article explores the regulatory framework of reference of economic cyber-espionage in Europe, with a particular focus on the V4 region (comprising Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic) and taking Hungary as a case study. Europe Union member states, including the V4 countries, are particularly exposed to economic cyber-espionage, because of the advanced know-how of the companies based therein. Under international law, there exists no uniform approach to the matter; also at the European Union level, the legal framework appears rather fragmented and the same holds true at the national level and within the V4 group, where each country has adopted its own relevant regulation. After a general overview of the relevant international and EU regulatory framework of reference, this article overviews the modus operandi of the V4 and examines its approach to economic cyber-espionage, with a special focus on Hungary as case study. As already remarked at the European and international levels, cybersecurity policies and regulations, including those regarding economic cyber-espionage operations, should be drafted in coordination among states; the V4 group can become a privileged platform of discussion to advance in the regulatory harmonisation of the issues at stake.