West Pomeranian Voivodeship Research Articles

Scope of Activities as a Criterion Determining the Type of CSR Actions with Regard to Employees: A Case Study

Purpose: This article aimed to demonstrate the results of research carried out in 2019 on a group of 301 enterprises from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland and to analyze the differentiation of indications for the involvement of enterprises representing two different scopes of business activity in the implementation of specific actions with regard to employees. Design/Methodology/Approach: The CATI method was used to conduct the research on a group of 301 enterprises from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland operating in the service sector. The structure of respondents with respect to the scope of their operations, included 150 entities conducting accounting and bookkeeping activities, as well as tax consultancy – RKiDP (PKD 69.2 section) and 151 entities operating in the field of cleaning services – SO (PKD 81.2 section). Findings: The conclusions give indication of a relationship between the selection of specific CSR activities taken with regard to employees and type of business activity. At the same time, for the purpose of seeking a set of initiatives that respond to the specific needs of particular groups of enterprises, the need to broaden the scope of analyses with further examples was recommended. Practical Implications: The grounds to the hypothesis brought forward in this article was research conducted in the aspect of identifying the involvement of enterprises in the implementation of CSR activities undertaken in regard to employees. The frequency distribution of indications of specific initiatives shows a certain dependence of particular choices of the surveyed enterprises on the main criterion determining the scope of their activities. One example are two different groups of companies. Originality/value: The article presents the results of primary research.

Body Composition and Biological Functioning in Polish Perimenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background and Objectives: The aim was to compare body composition and levels of biochemical blood parameters and identify relationships between biochemical parameters and body composition of women with type 2 diabetes and healthy ones, both in perimenopausal period (172 women aged between 45 and 65 come from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland). Materials and Methods: The study consisted of an interview, body composition analysis with Jawon Medical IOI-353 (Yuseong, South Korea) analyser and venous blood biochemical analysis (lipid profile, levels of glucose, insulin, CRP, glycated haemoglobin). Results: The vast majority of body composition measurements varied between study and control groups in a statistically significant way (p < 0.05) except protein and soft lean mass of the torso. Statistically significant differences between the two groups have been observed in case of all biochemical parameters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Body composition of women suffering from type 2 diabetes significantly varied from body composition of healthy women. Results of the first group were characterised by higher values, especially in case of general parameters, abdominal area, content of adipose tissue and soft tissues. Relationship between body composition and biochemical results may be observed, especially in level of triglycerides, CRP and insulin. Higher concentrations of these parameters were associated with increased values of majority of body composition measurements regardless of type 2 diabetes incidence.

Political and Historical Determinants of the Differentiation of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems of Agritourism in Poland and Kazakhstan

(1) Background: In the context of differences among countries developing pre-entrepreneurship ecosystems in relation to agritourism, the need to define the specific challenges and facilitators in the group of post-communist countries is recognised. Given that, we aim to examine the differences between the countries belonging to the former USSR and the satellite countries of the former USSR. (2) Methods: For the realisation of the intended objective, we analysed studies of the literature on the subject, in terms of the theoretical treatment of the entrepreneurial eco-system in the field of agritourism, and current legal acts. Our own observations from stays in the regions in question were also used, along with statistical methods concerning the density of the transport network, comparative analysis of historical and political conditions, and SWOT analysis. (3) Results: Substantial differences were found between the components of the agritourism entrepreneurship ecosystem in Poland and Kazakhstan, primarily related to the level of transport infrastructure density (satisfactory in West Pomeranian Voivodeship, insufficient in North Kazakhstan), tradition of individual farming (well established in Poland, poorly present in Kazakhstan), support for agritourism development by central and local authorities (relatively high in Poland, incidental and with a short history in Kazakhstan), and finally, differences in the target group of agritourism service recipients (stable in Poland, undefined in Kazakhstan). (4) Conclusions: The research leads to the conclusion of the heterogeneity of the determinants of the development of the agritourism entrepreneurship ecosystem in countries collectively defined as post-communist. There are clearly different challenges and facilitations resulting not so much from the past political system as from the ethnic-historical considerations, the position of agriculture in the economy, and the degree and effectiveness of the involvement of administrative authorities in the development of agritourism. The study leads to a recommendation on the need for more efficient targeting of agritourism consumers abroad.

Impact of Land Use Change on the Value of Tourist Property

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of land use change for tourism-related purposes on their value. The research was carried out in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The period of the research covered the years 2014-2019. The research covered all Polish communes, in which the land use was changed for tourist or recreational activities. The analysis covered the years 2014-2019. Design/Methodology/Approach: The resolutions of individual councils' communes regarding the change of the local spatial development plan in the scope of changing the use of the real estate for tourism were analyzed (in communes, where the local spatial development plan was in force). The analysis also included decisions authorizing the exclusion of land from agricultural or forestry production issued by executive bodies of communes. The research concerned the years 2014-2019 and covered all Polish voivodeships. To analyze changes in the land value due to the adoption or change in local spatial development plans, as well as to issue a decision authorizing the exclusion of land from agricultural and forestry production, data from estimation reports prepared for calculating the planning fee in the years 2014-2019 were used. For better result presentation, data on individual communes were presented at the level of voivodeships. Findings: Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that change in the purpose of the property for purposes related to conducting agricultural activity results in increasing its value. Practical Implications: The article contains much valuable information, which may constitute the base material and reference further research conducted by scientific specialists studying the agricultural land market. The article can assist those wishing to invest in agricultural real estate and pursue tourism investments. Originality/Value: An analysis of changes in real estate value due to a change in its purpose to the tourist one may be an essential element in forecasting the financial consequences of adopting or changing the local land use plans.

Elevated serum fluoride levels in perimenopausal women are related to the components of metabolic syndrome.

Increased fluoride levels can lead to numerous complications, including skeletal effects, cardiotoxicity, endocrine dysfunction, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between serum fluoride levels and MetS or its individual components, and to assess the diagnostic usefulness of fluoride as a factor contributing to MetS. The study included a group of 475 women (mean age of 52.9 years), living in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. The study involved data collection and biochemical analysis. Analysis of the relationship between the levels of fluoride and the presence of MetS or its components showed that the mean fluoride level was statistically significantly higher in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (dCohen = 0.39; 95% CI; confidence limits: 0.13, 0.63) and hypertension (dCohen = 0.25; 95% CI; confidence limits: 0.07, 0.44). Moreover, the mean fluoride level was significantly higher in women who met the diagnostic criteria for MetS than in the remaining subjects (dCohen = 0.40; 95% CI; confidence limits: 0.17, 0.64). Elevated serum fluoride levels may be associated with an increased incidence of MetS among perimenopasal women, although its diagnostic value as a marker of MetS is limited.

Model of Regional Tourism Competitiveness: Fuzzy Multiple-Criteria Approach (FDM-FAHP-PROMETHE II Framework)

Purpose: The aim of the article is to build a research, comprehensive and objective model that takes into account various factors determining the regional tourism competitiveness on the example of 21 counties in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. Degign/Methodology/Approach: The model uses the concept of fuzzy numbers, the Delphi method and two multi-criteria methods: AHP and PROMETHE II. An important scientific contribution to the issue of regional competitiveness of tourism is an in-depth look at several dozen different criteria, that have an impact on it. Collected data and the used research methods made it possible to reliably select those that should be noticed and developed by various stakeholders in the region. Findings: The main conclusion resulting from the research is the fact that the most important criteria for the level of tourist competitiveness of a destination include natural tourist attraction, anthropological tourist attractions, accommodation base, recreational infrastructure and catering base; whereas the criterion of safety and facilities for disabled tourists and para-tourist infrastructure is of little importance. The county with the highest level of tourism competitiveness is Kolobrzeg county, and the lowest - Pyrzycki county. Practical implications: An important scientific and practical contribution to the issue of regional competitiveness of tourism is an in-depth look at several dozen different criteria, that have an impact on it. Collected data and the used research methods made it possible to reliably select those that should be noticed and developed by various stakeholders in the region. Originallity value: Comprehensive approach to tourism competitiveness of regions with the use of multi-criteria method, which in an objective way indicates the aspects, features, attributes, factors evaluated as key in building the entity's position on the market.

The “UMO” as an Example of Scientific Project Implementation

Purpose: The article aims to present implementation of scientific projects on example of the Young Discoverer's University – in Polish Uniwersytet Mlodego Odkrywcy (further in text referred to as UMO). In 2016-2017, project was financed by Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and in 2018-2021 by National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD). The objectives, insights, and significance of science projects are presented. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper presents types and structure of project pyramid to characterize affiliation between ongoing project and group. The research is based on a case study as a research method, focus interviews, and a literature review. The research objective of paper is to evaluate implementation of scientific projects on example of UMO based on author's own experience. The research contributes to formulation of research aim if there is a regular pattern for implementing scientific projects on example of UMO. Findings: The research results allow author to verify research hypothesis. The subjective scope of evaluation includes both young people participating in implementing projects from West Pomeranian Voivodeship and academic staff. The subject of evaluation pertains to implementation of scientific projects. Practical Implications: The case study relating to phenomenon in question at a specific time, place, and conditions on target population is used to obtain relevant data to verify validity of research hypothesis. Originality/Value: According to research, there is a regular pattern for implementing scientific projects on example of UMO; therefore, it is worthwhile to engage in such initiatives. The choice of topic is due to current issues related to applying for various types of funding from various institutions, i.e., National Science Center (NSC), National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD), Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MSHE) and Associations, which are increasingly crucial for scientific units.

Quality of Life of Young Consumers: Evidence from Poland

Purpose: The paper aims to evaluate selected aspects of the quality of life of young consumers. Design/Methodology/Approach: The following research methods were selected: a literature analysis and empirical research - questionnaire. The study was conducted using the CAWI (computer-assisted web interview) in April-June 2021 on young consumers of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. The analysis and interpretation of the data obtained from the qualitative research were developed using quantitative methods - descriptive and statistical. Findings: Despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has been prevailing for over a year, which results in the deterioration of basic macroeconomic categories, such as GDP, unemployment, and inflation, which have a direct impact on the lives of individuals, and despite the inadequate assessment of certain aspects of life and the environment, young consumers generally assessed the quality of your life as well and very well. Practical Implications: The paper shows the importance of subjective assessment of the quality of life and may be helpful to institutions responsible for developing appropriate programs to improve the lives of young people. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by showing that the subjective assessment of individual areas of life and the quality of life, in general, may differ, and the improvement or deterioration of the quality of life may not always be directly related to economic growth.

Analysis of the relationship between personality traits and Internet addiction.

The issue of 'new media' addictions has been described in literature for many years. For almost a decade now researchers have been emphasizing that addiction does not have to be caused only by various substances but also by contact with digital technologies. Behavioral addictions are a growing problem in the society. Digital technologies are used by people of different ages, and their number is increasing every year. Precise reasons for the development of addictions remain unknown. In the case of behavioral addictions, especially Internet addiction, the significance of personality traits and behaviors predisposing an individual to addiction, such as depressiveness, anxiety, hostile attitude, aggression, impulsiveness, psychotic behaviors, shyness and self-esteem disorders, are emphasized. The aim of this study was a general assessment of the level of Internet addiction with regard to personality traits according to the Big Five model by Costa and McCrae. The study involved 556 women, whose average age was 34 years and who met the inclusion criteria: female sex, age of 18 years or above, place of residence in West Pomeranian Voivodship, an informed consent for participation in the study, and completion of the questionnaire forms set. The study was conducted using a diagnostic poll method with a questionnaire technique. To carry out the analysis both author's own and standardized tools were used: the author's questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, the NEO-Five Factor Inventory which assesses the levels of personality traits, and the Internet Addiction Test used to measure behaviors and characteristics related to compulsive use of the Internet. Most (70.9%) of the studied women were average users of the Internet, 25% of respondents were at risk of addiction, and the least numerous group of women (4.1%) was addicted to the Internet. Conscientiousness negatively correlated with Internet addiction. Openness to experience was conducive to Internet addiction. A positive link between neuroticism and Internet addictions was established. No significant relationships between Internet addiction and extraversion as well as agreeableness were demonstrated. The type of personality of the studied women implicated relationships to Internet addiction. Neuroticism might be a personality trait that particularly predisposes to an increased risk of Internet addiction. Openness to experience was conducive to Internet addiction. Conscientiousness negatively correlated with Internet addiction.

The relationship between loneliness, depression, internet and social media addiction among young Polish women.

When speaking of behavioral addictions (especially to the Internet and social media), it is emphasized that it is not the environment that is the main contributor to addiction, but rather certain behaviors and personality traits. The aim of this study was to assess the level of Internet and social media addiction on the example of Facebook with regard to psychological and social factors. This survey-based study involved a group of women representing the female population in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland (N = 556). Research instruments were a self-developed questionnaire concerning sociodemographic data, the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Internet Addiction Test, and the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale. Age, depressive symptoms, loneliness were the variable contributing to Internet and Facebook addiction among the studied. Available studies confirm the results of their own research. Depressive symptoms and dependence on the Internet and Facebook were more common among single women. In the employed women, we only observed higher levels of Internet and Facebook addiction. The level of dependence on the Internet and Facebook was higher among younger women. Loneliness correlated with Internet and Facebook addiction, and more severe depressive symptoms entailed higher levels of Internet and Facebook addiction.

Analysis of the Agricultural Land Market in Selected Poviats of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship

Purpose: The research aimed to identify the regularities in the dynamics and structure of phenomena occurring on the agricultural land market, emphasizing treasury real estate. The transactions came from the primary market in 1996-2001 and 2014-2019. The seller was the Agricultural Property Agency of the State Treasury, later transformed into the Agricultural Property Agency. Design/Methodology/Approach: In the scope of processing the collected data, the methods of inductive and deductive reasoning, descriptive and monographic, and statistical methods, were used. The research methodology was based on statistical measures in the field of structural analysis and changes over time. The structural analysis was carried out for the characteristics per and of agricultural land, for which empirical distributions were built and selected descriptive parameters were calculated. Findings: The conducted research shows that the price of 1 ha of arable land is determined primarily by the location rent. The highest unit prices were achieved by land with an area of up to 0.5 ha located near the Szczecin agglomeration, which is confirmed in both analyzed periods. The dynamics of agricultural land prices in 1996-2001 showed no clear development tendency, which proves an unstable market was transforming, susceptible to the external environment's influence, including the shaping of demand. Practical Implications: The article contains a lot of valuable information that may constitute a base material and a reference to further research carried out by scientific specialists researching the issues of the agricultural land market or agricultural property management institutions of the Agricultural Property Stock of the State Treasury. Originality/Value: The results of the comparative analysis and theoretical considerations supplement the research conducted so far in the field of prices on the agricultural land market in Poland and may become a valuable resource of knowledge useful in the preparation of dissertations in the field of agricultural property management.

Applying the VMCM method to assess the level of residential attractiveness of municipalities in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship

Existing studies on the residential attractiveness of a geographical area or the housing preferences of a local community have focused mainly on the territory of a given unit (municipality/town). This paper presents the results of research whose aim and practical contribution was to assess the residential attractiveness of all municipalities in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship and to identify factors which have a crucial impact on this concept. For the sake of the analysis a number of variables were adopted relating to various spheres of the problem in question: social, economic, infrastructural, environmental and administrative. The study applied one of the methods of multidimensional comparative analysis - the VMCM (Vector Measure Construction Method). The results obtained can be helpful to local decision makers as recommendations for policies designed to strengthen their municipalities’ internal capacity and to initiate positive demographic processes.

Perception of Justice in Performance Appraisal: Empirical Findings from Enterprises from the West Pomeranian Voivodship in Poland

Employees’ perception of justice in performance appraisal systems is an important element of human resources management. Perception of justice directly affects employee motivation and performance, thus the operation of companies and their competitive position. It is necessary that employee appraisal be seen by the staff as fair, because employees today are particularly sensitive to matters of justice in the context of assessment of their work and in their treatment by superiors, while the achievement of organizational goals largely depends on their motivation and performance. This study uses results of a survey conducted on a group of 601 employees from companies in the West Pomeranian Voivodship in Poland. The main purpose of this study is to assess employees’ perceptions of fairness towards the performance appraisal in companies of the said province. The findings of the study indicate that close to a half of employees perceive appraisal as unfair and the perception of justice is worst in medium-sized enterprises and among regular workers and mid-level managers. At the same time, a liberal percentage of employees point out that the assessment criteria established are unfair and biased with discriminatory prejudices. The survey has also shown that appraisals are not useful as they do not significantly affect the personnel policy conducted in companies. The results obtained are negative and mean that the approach to appraisal systems in companies must change. The research on perception of justice and usefulness of performance appraisals also points to practical consequences for companies.

Modeling e-loyalty of Polish young consumers: comparing the impact of selected online communication tools in 2016 and 2021

The dynamic changes on the market make it necessary to undertake marketing activities that are tailored to the expectations of customers. The wide availability of the Internet and the opportunities it creates, on the one hand, open up space for new forms of reaching customers, and on the other hand, expand the market of competitors to global companies. In order to ensure a stable position in the online space, companies should take actions that allow them to build e-loyalty determined by factors such as: trust, satisfaction, and commitment. For this, it is necessary to know the target group to which the actions are to be directed. The aim of the article is to identify the impact of selected online communication tools on the strength e-loyalty between a young consumer and the company and to verify the changes that have occurred in this area in the last 5 years. The article is divided into theoretical, methodological and empirical parts. The empirical part presents the results of research conducted among young people aged 15-24. The research was conducted in 2016 and in 2021 using the CATI and PAPI method, in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. The sample size was in 2016 n = 502; in 2021 n = 472. The obtained results indicate a significant change in the impact of the tested online communication tools over 5 years. This differentiation is visible both in the definition of e-loyalty by young consumers, and in the strength and direction of the impact of the studied constructs. This achievement emphasizes the need to conduct systematic research among representatives of the young generation, whose preferences and expectations regarding the company’s online activities are changing dynamically.

(Nie)atrakcyjność edukacyjna tablicy interaktywnej (TI) w drodze do innowacyjności w pracy nauczyciela

This article focuses on presenting the interactive whiteboard (IWB) as a new didactic tool used in the classroom. It refers to the description and research performed in the United Kingdom, exploring how the use of IWBs affects learning. A pilot study is presented, performed in a school in west pomeranian voivodeship, Poland regarding teacher preparedness and methods used for accomplishing the educational objectives using an IWB.

Analysis of the Housing Market in the Coastal Belt of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship

Analysis of the Housing Market in the Coastal Belt of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship

Applying Vector Measure Construction Method (VMCM) to analyze change dynamics of investment attractiveness of the region

Foreign investors’ decisions to choose a location for their business operations are driven by the investment attractivenessof a potential investment area. The term investment attractiveness is defined as the ability to make investors choose a particular place for investment. The inflow of FDI is desired by the local public administration because such investments can have a positive impact on the regional economy. This paper analyses the investment attractiveness of poviats of the West Pomeranian voivodship using the VMCM method, which permits ranking and classification of objects described by many characteristics, as well as presenting the dynamics of changes in the phenomenon under study. As a result, each poviat was assigned to one of four classes characterized by a particular value of the investment attractiveness measure. The poviats with the highest value of investment attractiveness measure were assigned to Class 1, while those measured the lowest were assigned to Class 4. The VMCM method was used in the study to present changes in investment attractiveness of individual West Pomeranian poviats of in the years 2015-2020. The results of the study revealed that poviats ranked both the highest and the lowest saw negative dynamics of investment attractiveness. In the top-ranked group of poviats, the most significant decline in their attractiveness to investors was noted in the city of Szczecin and the poviats: gryfiński and pyrzycki. The poviats in Class 4 whose attractiveness declined the most included the poviats: kołobrzeski, szczecinecki, wałecki and sławieński.

Agricultural Production Planning Using a Multicriteria Optimization Model

Purpose: This study aims to plan agricultural production on a real farm in Poland using an optimization model. Design/Methodology/Approach: Factors, especially variable ones (the weather, economic conditions), make it difficult to plan production on a farm. It is not uncommon for a decision-maker to attempt at achieving several goals simultaneously. Solving such a problem is enabled by a linear-dynamic, multicriteria optimization model. In this study, the optimization criteria related to agricultural income are agricultural production, and organic matter losses in the soil. The empirical material consists of real data on a farm located in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship (Poland). Findings: The solution of a multicriteria, linear-dynamic model has indicated a production structure that ensures correct crop rotation, timely performance of agrotechnical works, and meets the conditions for receiving EU subsidies. It also allowed the highest agricultural income and the largest production under given conditions to be obtained. In contrast, a positive balance of organic matter shows that the environment is not degraded. Practical Implications: Linear-dynamic, multicriteria optimization models can be an effective tool supporting farm production planning. Originality/Value: The model applied for this paper's needs is of high application value. It can be used for crop cultivation farms or mixed production farms for determining alternative plans.

The Relationship between the IFNG (rs2430561) Polymorphism and Metabolic Syndrome in Perimenopausal Women.

Background and Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multiple risk factor for atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes. One-third of middle-age women are at risk of MetS, which predisposes them to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Changes in the regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines―which play an important role in pathologic processes―may contribute to inflammatory disorders. Cytokine polymorphisms are known to have an impact on gene expression. The purpose of this study was to search for the relationship between the IFNG polymorphisms and the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Materials and Methods: This study, conducted in West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, involved 416 women. Of these women, 33.6% of them had primary education, 44.8% lived in cities with a population of over 100,000, and 82.7% were married. Of the participants, 28.4% met the criteria for MetS. The study involved: interview performed to collect sociodemographic and medical data, anthropometric measurements, as well as venous blood collection for biochemical analysis, genetic testing and the measurement of inflammatory markers. Results: The link between the IFNG (rs2430561) polymorphism and serum PIC (proinflammatory cytokines) levels was tested with regard to MetS. In the MetS+ subgroup, the T/T and A/T genotypes of the IFNG gene were accompanied by higher IL-6 levels than in the MetS− subgroup. Conclusion: Our study has not confirmed a direct link between the IFNG polymorphisms and the levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Nevertheless, the T/T and A/T genotypes of the IFNG gene may predispose to elevated IL-6 levels.

Historyczne sanatoria w województwie zachodniopomorskim 100 lat temu. Część I: Sanatoria dla chorych na gruźlicę, skrofulozę i krzywicę

Na początku XX wieku obywatele europejscy, zwłaszcza ci z klasy robotniczej, cierpieli choroby spowodowane niedoborami substancji odżywczych. Oprócz gruźlicy, która szerzyła się w biednych dzielnicach miast, rozpowszechniły się także skrofuloza (tak zwana gruźlica węzłów chłonnych) i krzywica. W celach profilaktycznych lub rehabilitacyjnych wzdłuż wybrzeża Bałtyku na Pomorzu Zachodnim budowano domy dla osłabionych i niedożywionych mieszkańców. Dlatego też sanatoria te nazywano w języku niemieckim "Seehospiz" lub "Heilstätte". Poniżej przedstawiamy najważniejsze obiekty, które istniały około 100-125 lat temu na terenie obecnego województwa zachodniopomorskiego.