Scientific and technological interactions between Russia and Ukraine: Forecasting opportunities and mechanisms for their implementation

The paper presents the research results of an investigation into the state of scientific, technological, trade and economic interactions between Russia and Ukraine in terms of their potential, prospects, and problems impeding their cooperation. It is shown that there is a considerable scientific and technological potential both in Russia and Ukraine. Opportunities and conditions for the modernization of both countries’ economies are shown to depend on the coordinated use of their potentials.     

Small enterprises in the RF,their position,and conditions for their development

The development problems of small enterprises are studied. It is shown that despite the important role played by small enterprises in the market economy, which is recognized by the government and by other economic entities, the relative scope of their activities and their output of goods (services) are still insignificant while their innovation initiative is clearly insufficient.     

Managing solid waste in small hotels

Collectively, small hotels constitute a significant solid waste management (SWM) problem. Little research has focused on the SWM practices of small hotels. In the United Kingdom, much of the solid waste generated by small hotels goes to landfill. This study uses a constructionist approach to investigate SWM issues in small hotels in a local authority in Wales and examines the role of the public sector in helping small hotels manage their solid waste effectively. The results revealed that only a minority of small hotels were considering the adoption of sustainable SWM practices, either because hoteliers felt negatively about sustainable SWM alternatives or perceived challenges – an issue which necessitates government intervention. At the time of this study, the public sector provided only very modest services to enhance SWM practices. This study proposes a best practice model for the public sector to encourage small hotels to manage their solid waste effectively, in order to reduce or even eliminate waste for landfill. Local authorities' support is required to make waste management hierarchy options more accessible to small hotels and should incentivise better waste management through increasing the gap between the costs of landfill and recycling waste.     

Integrated energy systems: Challenges,trends, philosophy

The creation of an energy metasystem that combines electrical, heat, cooling, and gas supply systems on an intellectual framework is a manifestation of a new energy paradigm. Integrated intelligent power supply systems combine complexity, intelligence, efficiency, reliability, controllability, flexibility of energy conversion, transmission, storage technologies and assume an active consumer.     

Sample size requirements in structural equation models under standard conditions

When a research of risk considers researchers who wish to utilize structured equation modeling (SEM), all users would ask for their sample size. The paper argues for the formulation of a single barebones minimum standard to be accompanied by a hierarchy of higher quality standards. The paper also offers a specific recommendation for such a barebones standard and ranks quality standards by their sample size cost. In sum, the solution to this problem involves integration: over the multitude of standards, over both single-study and multi-study perspectives, and over a broad array of research environments. Our solution deals with the multitude of solutions. It seeks maximum flexibility to accommodate a multi-study perspective, and it is sensitive to the needs of research settings where sample size is constrained or collection is costly. For these reasons we offer important suggestions and summarize recommendations.     

Eliminating contradictions in the domestic metals market under crisis conditions

The influence of foreign trade policy on the development of Russian metallurgy increased from 1990 to 2000. The 2008–2009 crisis makes it possible to critique the achieved results and what consequences metallurgical companies’ orientation toward export has had on Russia’s domestic metals market and the circulation of metal. Alternatives are considered for possible development of metallurgy as affected by the basic trends of metal and capital in the world and domestic markets.     

Wealth and Poverty in the English Football League

Member clubs in professional sporting leagues can increase joint incomes by adopting measures that equalise playing performance. In the English Football League some degree of performance equalisation has traditionally been achieved by restricting financial competition and through income sharing arrangements. Elite clubs in the League have recently secured changes in these arrangements which will increase their dominance in the industry. This paper analyses the affects of these changes and of shifts in market demand on the recent financial positions and cash flows of ten of the most and ten of the least successful clubs, and concludes that collective management policies in the League are contrary to the normal economic objectives of a sporting league.