Innovation and borrower discouragement in SMEs

In this paper, we investigate whether innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are more likely to be discouraged from applying for external finance than non-innovators. These so-called discouraged borrowers are credit worthy SMEs who choose not to apply for external finance despite the fact that this is needed. We find that SMEs undertaking pure product and joint product and process innovation have a significantly higher incidence of borrower discouragement than non-innovative counterparts. Moreover, radical and incremental product innovators are more likely to be discouraged relative to non-innovative counterparts. Innovative activity can increase borrower discouragement for a myriad of reasons including fear of rejection, reluctance to take on additional risk, negative perceptions of the funding application process and perceived negative economic conditions. Overall, our results suggest a need for targeted policy interventions in order to alleviate borrower discouragement within innovative SMEs, as well as a closer alignment between innovation and SME finance policy.

Burnout Prevention Through Professional Development

Surging enrollment, high levels of student contact, and the professional isolation that can result from teaching remotely combine to increase the risk of burnout for faculty teaching online. Additional risk factors stem from higher education's turn toward a customer service model, its current emphasis on efficiency with the addition of performance metrics, and resulting feelings of loss of agency, efficacy, and belonging. However, the principles of self-determination theory—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—provide a foundation for creating a sustainable, engaging work environment for faculty that also benefits students and the university as a whole. This chapter draws from interdisciplinary research and the insights and experiences of faculty to detail the causes of and solutions for burnout, emphasizing the role institutions play in mitigating the risk factors. Finally, this chapter includes a playbook of concrete practices that departments and institutions can draw from to create opportunities for employees to collaborate, reflect, and flourish.

Adherence to Social-Distancing and Personal Hygiene Behavior Guidelines and Risk of COVID-19 Diagnosis: Evidence From the Understanding America Study

Objectives. To assess the association between individual-level adherence to social-distancing and personal hygiene behaviors recommended by public health experts and subsequent risk of COVID-19 diagnosis in the United States. Methods. Data are from waves 7 through 26 (June 10, 2020–April 26, 2021) of the Understanding America Study COVID-19 survey. We used Cox models to assess the relationship between engaging in behaviors considered high risk and risk of COVID-19 diagnosis. Results. Individuals engaging in behaviors indicating lack of adherence to social-distancing guidelines, especially those related to large gatherings or public interactions, had a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 diagnosis than did those who did not engage in these behaviors. Each additional risk behavior was associated with a 9% higher risk of COVID-19 diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05, 1.13). Results were similar after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and local infection rates. Conclusions. Personal mitigation behaviors appear to influence the risk of COVID-19, even in the presence of social factors related to infection risk. Public Health Implications. Our findings emphasize the importance of individual behaviors for preventing COVID-19, which may be relevant in contexts with low vaccination. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(1):169–178. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306565 )

The Mercury Content in the Upper Layers of Soils in the Selected Area of the Masovian Landscape Park

Due to the high toxicity of the element itself and its compounds, mercury poses a significant threat to the human natural environment, in particular to the soil and water environment. An additional risk is the possibility of mercury accumulation in various elements of the environment. Soil is one of the most important elements of the natural environment and is the main link in the mercury cycle. The cycle of this element is related to both the natural processes taking place in the environment and human activity. The presence of mercury in the natural environment poses a particularly high risk of its re-accumulation as a result of its re-emission. The aim of the research was to determine the mercury content in the upper layers of soils collected from the area and buffer zone of the Mazowiecki Landscape Park as a potential source of this element’s re-emission to the environment. The paper presents the results of research on mercury content in the upper soil layer from the areas adjacent to the communication routes running through the area of the Mazowiecki Landscape Park and its buffer zone. The mercury content in the analyzed soil samples collected from the area of the Mazowiecki Landscape Park ranged from 0.082 mgHg·kg−1 dm to 0.183 mgHg·kg−1 dm, and in the soils from the cover, these values were slightly higher and ranged from 0.125 mgHg·kg−1 dm up to 0.362 mgHg·kg−1 dm. In order to avoid uncontrolled re-emission and, consequently, possible accumulation of this element in the environment, it is necessary to continue monitoring the level of mercury contamination, among others, in soil.

Does Psychic Distance Still Matter? Empirical Evidence from Poland

Objective: The objective of the article is to fill a research gap regarding the impact of psychic distance on the initiation of relationships by managers from Poland-based firms and to analyze the psychic distance’s influence on firm performance. Research methodology: The article is based on quantitative research conducted among managers from 201 Poland-based companies operating in foreign markets. The study used a structured questionnaire consisting mainly of closed questions. The dataset contained companies representing all sizes, industries, and ownership status from all over Poland. Findings: Two types of companies were identified following managers’ (un)willingness to initiate relationships with actors located in psychically distant markets. The study conclusions reveal that psychic distance matters for Polish managers and that business activities conducted in psychically distant markets are often perceived as more complex than in close markets. These activities involve additional risk, but they bring companies better performance. Limitations: The limitation of the study is that the measurements are based on the subjective perceptions of psychic distance. The research was conducted in Poland only. Originality: The article is a pioneer work on the psychic distance paradox among Polish managers from a diversified group of companies (from small to multinational). The article seeks to identify to what extent Polish managers perceive psychic distance as an important factor in the decision-making process concerning the initiation of relationships with foreign partners.

INTEGRATED ACCIDENT MODEL FOR MARINE CONVOY TRAFFIC IN ICE- COVERED WATERS

Independent safe navigation in ice-covered water is difficult. Icebreaker assistance is required for sailing through ice- covered waters. This poses an additional risk of collision. The study proposes a modified Human Factor Analysis and Classification (HFACS) framework to identify and classify contributing risk factors during a convoy. HFACS integration with Nagel-Schrekenberg (NaSch) model considers an operator’s behaviour and links it with the occurrence of various risk factors. The study finds significant influence in risk from small changes in two new factors, viz., crew reduction and crew overload. For example, based on the sensitivity analysis, it is determined that about a 17% contribution of crew reduction and about a 24% of contribution of crew overload increase the contribution of risk taking by an amount of approximately 93% in the overall risk of accidents. The accident probabilities obtained here will be helpful in decision making concerning safe operations during a convoy.

Drinking water contaminants as risk factors for the health of the Ulyanovsk region population

The main goal of health risk analysis is to obtain and generalize information about the possible influence of environmental factors on human health. As a result of hydrochemical analysis of drinking water supply sources in the Ulyanovsk region, a list of main contaminants has been established. It includes ammonium, iron, copper, phosphates, sulfates, chlorides, nitrates, zinc, manganese and chromium. Among them three pollutants - iron, manganese and sulfates – had surpassed maximum permissible concentration. The concentration of iron at the level of threshold chronic effects was found in drinking water of Baryshsky (0.13), Melekessky (0.16), Sengileevsky (0.13) districts. Severe chronic effects can be caused by the concentration of iron and manganese in the drinking water of the Staromainsky (0.4 and 0.3) and Cherdaklinsky (0.9 and 0.27) districts. Assessment of health risks led us to the conclusion that drinking water can serve as an additional risk factor and provoke disease development. Key words: risk factors, morbidity, maximum permissible concentration, pollutants, relative conditional risk, average daily dose.

Additional risk factors for in-hospital ischemic stroke. Hypercoagulation syndrome

The risk of ischemic stroke in inpatients is higher than in the general population. This is due to both the greater comorbidity of inpatients and the presence of additional risk factors, the most studied of which are iatrogenic interventions. At the same time, the higher the probability of developing an ischemic stroke, the more risk factors the patient has. An important link in the pathogenesis of in-hospital ischemic stroke is the activation of the hemostasis system, which is an obligate consequence of a typical pathological process underlying diseases and injuries that led to hospitalization: blood loss, inflammation, mechanical tissue damage, dehydration, etc. In foreign literature, this condition is attributed to the group of acquired thrombophilia, in domestic literature the term hypercoagulation syndrome has become more widespread. Iatrogenic effects can also play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypercoagulation syndrome. It is characterized by increased readiness for thrombosis, clinical and laboratory signs of hypercoagulation, activation of various factors and components of coagulation, decreased fibrinolysis, but without the development of acute thrombosis. Hypercoagulation syndrome is rarely assessed in routine practice as a risk factor for ischemic stroke, however, it can act as an additional and main risk factor for the development of all subtypes of ischemic stroke (according to the TOAST classification), including the ESUS concept. In this regard, it is advisable to distinguish in its structure: chronic (existing before hospitalization: hereditary and/or acquired) and acute (situational, developed as a result of the underlying disease, its complications or iatrogenic effects) hypercoagulation syndromes. To designate a group of acute pathological conditions predisposing to the development of hypercoagulation syndrome, systemic and/or local thrombotic complications, including in-hospital ischemic stroke, and requiring increased preventive measures, it seems pathogenetically justified, understandable and convenient to use the term situational hypercoagulation conditions (1 table, bibliography: 19 refs)