We studied synthesis and crystal growth of Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3 and Bi2Te2Se compounds by means of vertical Bridgman method. Crystals were grown from stoichiometric melts and under different molar ratio of Bi:Te, Bi:Se or Bi:Te:Se. The obtained crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and the Hall effect measurements. Some of the samples demonstrated insulating bulk behavior, by means of resistivity versus temperature measurements.

No abstract

Konkurencyjność gospodarcza krajów. Propozycja alternatywnego pomiaru w kontekście dyskusji o konkurencyjności polskiej gospodarki The economic competitiveness of countries. An alternative proposal of its measurement in the context of the competitiveness of Polish economy: This article looks at the problem of measuring economic competitiveness of countries. It begins with describing various definitions of this phenomenon which are sometimes quite vague and close to tautology. The indicators of competitiveness which are most commonly used lack theoretical background, while the results depend on arbitrary choice of variables used for their construction. The author makes a proposal of an alternative way of measuring the competitiveness which is simple and well rooted in the theory. However, given the complexity of the problem, the proposed measurement does not solve all the problems. Its results allow for making the assessment of the development model of Poland and, in particular, formulating a hypothesis that Poland is underperforming in the field of the competitiveness given its level of economic and institutional development.

No abstract

Orlowski argues that Poland must choose an agricultural inflows) may jeopardize farmers' relative income policy that promotes efficiency, structural change, and position. And such developments are probable if positive adjustment to the new market environment and eventual projections for economic development and membership membership in the European Union. That policy must in the European Union are realized. take into account both the needs of, and the financialThe agriculture sector can defend its relative income constraints on, Polish agriculture.only by becoming more efficient. Results of simulation experiments performed with the Price supports improve farmers' relative income but at use of the computable general equilibrium model of the a high cost to taxpayers and consumers and to Polish economy suggest that Common Agricultural macroeconomic efficiency. To meet these costs, Poland Policy-type price supports are not the most efficient must put in place firm quantity controls. But the best agricultural policy for Poland. Orlowski discusses strategy would be to avoid price supports until the alternative policies and scenarios.moment of joining the European Union's Common Rather than discuss whether the relationship between Agricultural Policy, says Orlowski. farmers' incomes and average Polish wages is fair,In the interim, policies aimed at reducing farm Orlowski analyzes whether medium-and long-term employment seem most appropriate. Orlowski discusses development trends in the Polish economy may cause two such policies: encouraging older farmers to retire this relationship to deteriorate, and what policies will and promoting jobs in rural areas. counteract those trends. Rapid growth in the He also proposes two feasible scenarios for integrating nonagricultural sectors combined with real appreciation Polish agriculture with that of the European Union by of domestic currency (caused either through good 2005-10. current account performance or significant capital This papera product of the Country Operations Division, Country Department 11, Europe and Central Asiais part of a larger effort in the region to analyze the process of integration of the Visegrad countries into the European Union. The study was funded