bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioengineering the ameloblastoma tumour to study its effect on bone nodule formation
Authors: Bakkalci Deniz , Jay Amrita , Rezaei Azadeh , Howard Christopher A. , Haugen Håvard Jostein , Pape Judith , Kishida Shosei , Kishida Michiko , Jell Gavin , Arnett Timothy R. , Fedele Stefano , Cheema Umber
Published: December 2021

Ameloblastoma is a benign, epithelial cancer of the jawbone, which causes bone resorption and disfigurement to patients affected. The interaction of ameloblastoma with its tumour stroma drives invasion and progression. We used stiff collagen matrices to engineer active bone forming stroma, to probe the interaction of ameloblastoma with its native tumour bone microenvironment. This bone-stroma was assessed by nano-CT, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and gene analysis. Furthermore, we investigated gene correlation between bone forming 3D bone stroma and ameloblastoma introduced 3D bone stroma. Ameloblastoma cells increased expression of MMP-2 and -9 and RANK temporally in 3D compared to 2D. Our 3D biomimetic model formed bone nodules of an average surface area of 0.1 mm2 and average height of 92.37 $$\pm $$
±
7.96 μm over 21 days. We demonstrate a woven bone phenotype with distinct mineral and matrix components and increased expression of bone formation genes in our engineered bone. Introducing ameloblastoma to the bone stroma, completely inhibited bone formation, in a spatially specific manner. Multivariate gene analysis showed that ameloblastoma cells downregulate bone formation genes such as RUNX2. Through the development of a comprehensive bone stroma, we show that an ameloblastoma tumour mass prevents osteoblasts from forming new bone nodules and severely restricted the growth of existing bone nodules. We have identified potential pathways for this inhibition. More critically, we present novel findings on the interaction of stromal osteoblasts with ameloblastoma.
Thyroid hormone receptor alpha sumoylation modulates white adipose tissue stores
Authors: Liu Yan-Yun , Jiang Jingjing , Ke Sujie , Milanesi Anna , Abe Kiyomi , Gastelum Gilberto , Li Jianrong , Brent Gregory A.
Published: December 2021

Thyroid hormone (TH) and thyroid hormone receptor (THR) regulate stem cell proliferation and differentiation during development, as well as during tissue renewal and repair in the adult. THR undergoes posttranslational modification by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO). We generated the THRA (K283Q/K288R)−/− mouse model for in vivo studies and used human primary preadipocytes expressing the THRA sumoylation mutant (K283R/K288R) and isolated preadipocytes from mutant mice for in vitro studies. THRA mutant mice had reduced white adipose stores and reduced adipocyte cell diameter on a chow diet, compared to wild-type, and these differences were further enhanced after a high fat diet. Reduced preadipocyte proliferation in mutant mice, compared to wt, was shown after in vivo labeling of preadipocytes with EdU and in preadipocytes isolated from mice fat stores and studied in vitro. Mice with the desumoylated THRA had disruptions in cell cycle G1/S transition and this was associated with a reduction in the availability of cyclin D2 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. The genes coding for cyclin D1, cyclin D2, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and Culin3 are stimulated by cAMP Response Element Binding Protein (CREB) and contain CREB Response Elements (CREs) in their regulatory regions. We demonstrate, by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, that in mice with the THRA K283Q/K288R mutant there was reduced CREB binding to the CRE. Mice with a THRA sumoylation mutant had reduced fat stores on chow and high fat diets and reduced adipocyte diameter.
Predicting the individual probability of macular hole closure following intravitreal ocriplasmin injections for vitreomacular traction release using baseline characteristics
Authors: Bertelmann Thomas , Berndzen Lars , Raber Thomas , Pfeiffer Sebastian , Leha Andreas , Paul Christoph , Feltgen Nicolas , Bemme Sebastian
Published: December 2021

The primary objective was to create and establish a new formula that predicts the individual probability of macular hole closure for eyes with full thickness macular holes (FTMH) accompanied by vitreomacular traction (VMT) which received enzymatic vitreolysis using intravitreally administered ocriplasmin. The secondary objective was to evaluate the forecast reliability of a previously published formula for VMT resolution in VMT-only eyes (OddsIVO-Success = eIntercept × ORyears × ORln(µm); ProbabilityIVO-Success = OddsIVO-Success/(OddsIVO-Success + 1)) on VMT resolution using the current dataset of eyes with FTMH accompanied by VMT. Retrospective analysis of the OASIS, ORBIT, and INJECT-studies. Patients with FTMH and VMT with complete information (n = 213) were included. The effect of gender, age, FTMH diameter, lens status and the presence of epiretinal membranes (ERM) on FTMH closure was assessed using separate univariate logistic regression analyses. With regard to VMT release separate univariate regression analyses were carried out and results were compared with formerly published data of VMT resolution in eyes with VMT only. Overall, 126 eyes (63%) experienced VMT resolution within 28 days. Younger age (p < 0.0001) and VMT diameter (p = 0.041) had a significant impact on VMT release. Overall, 81 eyes (38%) treated with ocriplasmin showed FTMH closure within 28 days. Univariate analysis of the different predictors analyzed revealed that FTMH diameter < 250 µm had a significant impact on treatment success (p = 0.0495). It was not possible to calculate and establish a new multivariate formula that can predict the individual FTMH closure probability for eyes with FTMHs and VMT. However, the results of VMT release prediction in eyes with FTMHs accompanied by VMT matched the prediction of VMT release in eyes with VMT only when using the previously published formula. All in all, predictors for calculating the individual probability of VMT resolution on the one hand and FTMH closure on the other hand are different suggesting diverse pathophysiological mechanisms.
Correlation of P-wave velocity with mechanical and physical properties of limestone with statistical analysis
Authors: Arman Hasan
Published: December 2021

This study aims to investigate the correlation between the P-wave velocity (Vp) and the mechanical and the physical properties of the limestone; Vp tests were conducted on over 320 limestone samples. Moreover, the effects of the mineralogical, textural, and chemical composition of limestone were also studied through thin sections, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The relationships between the Vp and the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), point load index (PLI(Is(50)), 2nd cycle of slake durability index (Id2), natural unit weight (γn), specific gravity (Gs(c)), water absorption by weight (WA), and porosity (n) were estimated using representative empirical equations. The empirical equations were validated by Student’s t test that has indicated the existence of strong relationships between the mechanical and physical properties of the intact limestone with Vp; the calculated t-values were higher than the t-critical value. Furthermore, the results of previously available studies were compared with the results of this study in terms of the generated equations for Vp values and the slope of a 1:1 line, which was used to appraise the predicted and measured values. This study demonstrates that the UCS, PLI(Is(50)), Id2, γn, Gs(c), WA, and n values of an intact limestone can be predicted by using Vp, which is fast, easy, economical and nondestructive test.
Potential improvements of the cognition of piglets through a synbiotic supplementation from 1 to 28 days via the gut microbiota
Authors: Parois Severine P. , Eicher Susan D. , Lindemann Stephen R. , Marchant Jeremy N.
Published: December 2021

The influence of feed supplements on behavior and memory has been recently studied in livestock. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of a synbiotic on: an episodic-like (SOR: Spontaneous Object Recognition), a working (BARR: Fence barrier task), a long-term (TMAZE: Spatial T-maze task) memory test and on gut microbiota composition. Eighteen female piglets were supplemented from 1 to 28 days of age with a synbiotic (SYN), while 17 served as control (CTL). Feces were collected on days 16, 33 and 41 for 16S rRNA gene composition analyses. In the SOR, SYN piglets interacted more quickly with the novel object than CTL piglets. In the BARR, SYN piglets had shorter distances to finish the test in trial 3. In the TMAZE, SYN piglets were quicker to succeed on specific days and tended to try the new rewarded arm earlier during the reversal stage. Difference of microbiota composition between treatments was nonexistent on D16, a tendency on D33 and significant on D41. The synbiotic supplement may confer memory advantages in different cognitive tasks, regardless of the nature of the reward and the memory request. Difference in memory abilities can potentially be explained by differences in microbiota composition.
Flexible mechanical metamaterials enabling soft tactile sensors with multiple sensitivities at multiple force sensing ranges
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Tan Ying , Choong Peter , Oetomo Denny
Published: December 2021

The majority of existing tactile sensors are designed to measure a particular range of force with a fixed sensitivity. However, some applications require tactile sensors with multiple task-relevant sensitivities at multiple ranges of force sensing. Inspired by the human tactile sensing capability, this paper proposes a novel soft tactile sensor based on mechanical metamaterials which exhibits multiple sensitivity regimes due to the step-by-step locking behaviour of its heterogenous multi-layered structure. By tuning the geometrical design parameters of the collapsible layers, each layer experiences locking behaviour under different ranges of force which provides different sensitivity of the sensor at different force magnitude. The integration of a magnetic-based transduction method with the proposed structure results in high design degrees of freedom for realising the desired contact force sensitivities and corresponding force sensing ranges. A systematic design procedure is proposed to select appropriate design parameters to produce the desired characteristics. Two example designs of the sensor structure were fabricated using widely available benchtop 3D printers and tested for their performance. The results showed the capability of the sensor in providing the desired characteristics in terms of sensitivity and force range and being realised in different shapes, sizes and number of layers in a single structure. The proposed multi-sensitivity soft tactile sensor has a great potential to be used in a wide variety of applications where different sensitivities of force measurement is required at different ranges of force magnitudes, from robotic manipulation and human–machine interaction to biomedical engineering and health-monitoring.
Mathematical model for predicting oxygen concentration in tilapia fish farms
Authors: Khater El-Sayed , Bahnasawy Adel , El-Ghobashy Hossam , Shaban Yousry , Elsheikh Faisal , El-Reheem Solaf Abd , aboegela Mohamed
Published: December 2021

The main aim of this research is to develop a mathematical model to predict the dissolved oxygen in recirculating aquaculture system. The oxygen consumption of the model through the fish respiration and nitrification and the oxygen addition of the model through oxygen generator and water pumping. The effect of different water temperatures (24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 °C) on the dissolved oxygen consumption through fish respiration, biofilter and nitrification and fish growth were studied. An experiment to measure oxygen consumed by fish respiration and biofilteration and fish growth with the growth period and to validate the model results was carried out. The oxygen consumption predicted by the model was in a good agreement with those measured by the system. The oxygen consumption by fish respiration ranged 12.04 to 47.53 g O2 m−3 h−1 experimentally, while it was from 12.01 to 46.06 g O2 m−3 h−1 theoretically. The predicted and measured oxygen consumption through biofilteration values ranged from 0.43 to 21.91 and 0.45 to 23.09 g O2 m−3 h−1, respectively. The individual fish weight from the system ranged from 3.00 to 209.52 g experimentally while it was from 3.00 to 226.25 g theoretically during the whole period.
Sedimentary DNA and molecular evidence for early human occupation of the Faroe Islands
Authors: Curtin Lorelei , D’Andrea William J. , Balascio Nicholas L. , Shirazi Sabrina , Shapiro Beth , de Wet Gregory A. , Bradley Raymond S. , Bakke Jostein
Published: December 2021

The Faroe Islands, a North Atlantic archipelago between Norway and Iceland, were settled by Viking explorers in the mid-9th century CE. However, several indirect lines of evidence suggest earlier occupation of the Faroes by people from the British Isles. Here, we present sedimentary ancient DNA and molecular fecal biomarker evidence from a lake sediment core proximal to a prominent archaeological site in the Faroe Islands to establish the earliest date for the arrival of people in the watershed. Our results reveal an increase in fecal biomarker concentrations and the first appearance of sheep DNA at 500 CE (95% confidence interval 370-610 CE), pre-dating Norse settlements by 300 years. Sedimentary plant DNA indicates an increase in grasses and the disappearance of woody plants, likely due to livestock grazing. This provides unequivocal evidence for human arrival and livestock disturbance in the Faroe Islands centuries before Viking settlement in the 9th century.
Slow-down in summer warming over Greenland in the past decade linked to central Pacific El Niño
Authors: Matsumura Shinji , Yamazaki Koji , Suzuki Kazuyoshi
Published: December 2021

Greenland warming and ice loss have slowed down since the early 2010s, in contrast to the rest of the Arctic region. Both natural variability and anthropogenic forcing contribute to recent Greenland warming by reducing cloud cover and surface albedo, yet most climate models are unable to reasonably simulate the unforced natural variability. Here we show that a simplified atmospheric circulation model successfully simulates an atmospheric teleconnection from the tropics towards Greenland, which accounts for Greenland cooling through an intensified cyclonic circulation. Synthesis from observational analysis and model experiments indicate that over the last decade, more central Pacific El Niño events than canonical El Niño events have generated the atmospheric teleconnection by shifting the tropical rainfall zone poleward, which led to an intensified cyclonic circulation over Greenland. The intensified cyclonic circulation further extends into the Arctic Ocean in observations, whereas the model does not show a direct remote forcing from the tropics, implying the contribution of an indirect atmospheric forcing. We conclude that the frequent occurrence of central Pacific El Niño events has played a key role in the slow-down of Greenland warming and possibly Arctic sea-ice loss.
From the banal to the bizarre: unravelling immune recognition and response to microbial lipids
Authors: Burchill Laura , Williams Spencer J.
Published: December 2021

This account reviews the total synthesis of immune active lipidic species and their activity through lipid-sensing receptor and cell-mediated immunity.
Unlocking metal coordination of diborylamides through ring constraints
Authors: Brown W. Kice , Klausmeyer Kevin K. , Lindley Brian M.
Published: December 2021

A new cyclic diborylamide ligand has been developed and successfully employed to synthesize low-coordinate iron(ii) complexes.
The anti-corrosive behavior of benzo-fused N-heterocycles: anin silicostudy toward developing organic corrosion inhibitors
Authors: El-Hendawy Morad M. , Kamel Asmaa M. , Mohamed Mahmoud M. A.
Published: December 2021

The gradual introduction of nitrogen atoms is not a straightforward factor in controlling the inhibition efficiency of BFNH inhibitors. For example, phthalazine (Phz) is a better inhibitor than benzo[e][1,2,3]tetrazine (Btr).
Designing a Z-scheme system based on photocatalyst panels towards separated hydrogen and oxygen production from overall water splitting
Authors: Dong Chaoyi , Zhao Yue , Luo Yanpei , Wang Hong , Zhang Hefeng , Zong Xu , Feng Zhaochi , Li Can
Published: December 2021

Based on this tandem system, gases evolved in the ZOWS process can be separated spontaneously.
Direct epoxidation of propylene with water at a PtOx anode using a solid-polymer-electrolyte electrolysis cell
Authors: Iguchi Shoji , Kataoka Masashi , Hoshino Ryosuke , Yamanaka Ichiro
Published: December 2021

Direct electro-epoxidation of C3H6 with water was achieved using a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) electrolysis cell.
Recycling and valorization of LDPE: direct transformation into highly ordered doped-carbon materials and their application as electro-catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Castelo-Quibén J. , Bailón-García E. , Moral-Rodríguez A. I. , Carrasco-Marín F. , Pérez-Cadenas A. F.
Published: December 2021

A transformation of LDPE in highly ordered doped-carbon materials by a simple one-step pyrolysis in presence of transition metal precursors is proposed. The graphitization, metal dispersion and CNFs presence are key factors for the high ORR performance.
Considerations of the limitations of commonly applied characterisation methods in understanding protein-driven irreversible fouling
Authors: Mustafa Z. Z. , Rao N. R. H. , Henderson R. K. , Leslie G. L. , Le-Clech P.
Published: December 2021

FEEM and LC-OCD characterisation supplemented with an understanding of protein morphology, hydrophobicity and charge lends insights into protein fouling behaviour.
A novel bifunctional chemosensor for bioimaging in living cells with highly sensitive colorimetric and fluorescence detection of CN− and Al3+
Authors: Luo Wentao , Yuwen Zhiyang , Li Hui , Pu Shouzhi
Published: December 2021

A novel colorimetric/fluorescent chemosensor (1o) was designed and synthesized for the detection of CN− and Al3+.
Copper deposited diatom-biosilica with enhanced photothermal and photodynamic performance for infected wound therapy
Authors: Cong Xin , Mu Yuzhi , Qin Di , Sun Xiaojie , Su Chang , Chen Tongtong , Wang Xiaoye , Chen Xiguang , Feng Chao
Published: December 2021

Considering the increase in drug resistance due to the abuse of antibiotics, the development of non-conventional antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections is necessary and urgent.
Tin oxide based nanostructured materials: synthesis and potential applications
Authors: Mishra Soumya Ranjan , Ahmaruzzaman Md.
Published: December 2021

In view of their inimitable characteristics and properties, SnO2 nanomaterials and nanocomposites have been used not only in the field of diverse advanced catalytic technologies and sensors but also in the field of energy storage, and energy production.
Low molecular weight glycerol derived coatings on magnetic nanoparticles: role of initiator, temperature, rate of monomer addition, enhanced biocompatibility and stability
Authors: Doswald Simon , Stark Wendelin Jan
Published: December 2021

A highly efficient coating process of magnetic nanoparticles with hyperbranched polyglycidol was investigated and the resulting particles were tested towards their biocompatible capabilities.
Synthesis, crystal structures, DNA interactions, and antitumor activity of two new dinuclear copper(ii) complexes with thiazole ligand
Authors: Zeng Zhenfang , Cai Jiehui , Li Fuyan , Weng Yanying , Huang Qiuping , Yang Honglan , Huang Qiuchan , Wei Youhuan
Published: December 2021

Two new dinuclear copper(ii) complexes, [Cu(ambt)2(cnba)4] (a) and [Cu(ambt)2(clba)4] (b) were synthesized with 2-amino-6-methoxybenzothiazole (ambt) as the main ligand.
Palladium-rich plasmonic nanorattles with enhanced LSPRs via successive galvanic replacement mediated by co-reduction
Authors: Ivanchenko Mariia , Evangelista Andrew J. , Jing Hao
Published: December 2021

Palladium-rich plasmonic nanorattles with enhanced surface plasmon resonances synthesized through successive galvanic replacement mediated by co-reduction.
Exploring the charge transfer dynamics of hydrogen bonded crystals of 2-methyl-8-quinolinol and chloranilic acid: synthesis, spectrophotometric, single-crystal, DFT/PCM analysis, antimicrobial, and DNA binding studies
Authors: Manojkumar Palnati , Harilal  , Mahipal Varukolu , Suresh Gangadhari , Venkatesh Nampally , Ramesh Macha , Parthasarathy Tigulla
Published: December 2021

The chemistry of the CT complex between donor 2-methyl-8-quinolinol (2 MQ) and acceptor chloranilic acid (CHLA) has been studied by using electronic absorption spectroscopy in acetonitrile, methanol, and ethanol at room temperature.
High-efficiency and energy-saving alternating pulse current electrocoagulation to remove polyvinyl alcohol in wastewater
Authors: Zhang Jiepei , Li Junfeng , Ma Chengxiao , Yi Lijuan , Gu Tiantian , Wang Jiankang
Published: December 2021

Compared with DC-EC, the application of APC-EC can reduce electrode passivation and production of sludge and operating costs, and improve electrode stability and PVA removal efficiency.
A metallic Cu2N monolayer with planar tetracoordinated nitrogen as a promising catalyst for CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Jia Jingjing , Wang Zhongxu , Liu Yu , Li Fengyu , Shang Yongchen , Liu Yuejie , Cai Qinghai , Zhao Jingxiang
Published: December 2021

By means of a particle swarm optimization search and density functional theory computations, we predicted a hitherto unknown Cu2N monolayer with planar hexacoordinate Cu and tetracoordinate N atoms as a CO2RR catalyst.
A reverse intersystem crossing managing assistant dopant for high external quantum efficiency red organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Shin Dong Jin , Kim Seung Chan , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: December 2021

Assistant dopants with reduced Dexter energy transfer rates were designed by replacing the donor moiety of 2,3,5,6-tetra(9H-carbazol-9-yl)terephthalonitrile (4CzTPN) with 5H-benzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-c]carbazole (BTCz).
HSP90 as a regulator of extracellular matrix dynamics
Authors: Chakraborty Abir , Edkins Adrienne Lesley
Published: December 2021

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and organised extracellular network assembled from proteins and carbohydrates exported from the cell. The ECM is critical for multicellular life, providing spatial and temporal cellular cues to maintain tissue homeostasis. Consequently, ECM production must be carefully balanced with turnover to ensure homeostasis; ECM dysfunction culminates in disease. Hsp90 is a molecular chaperone central to protein homeostasis, including in the ECM. Intracellular and extracellular Hsp90 isoforms collaborate to regulate the levels and status of proteins in the ECM via multiple mechanisms. In so doing, Hsp90 regulates ECM dynamics, and changes in Hsp90 levels or activity support the development of ECM-related diseases, like cancer and fibrosis. Consequently, Hsp90 levels may have prognostic value, while inhibition of Hsp90 may have therapeutic potential in conditions characterised by ECM dysfunction.
A dual evaluation multi‐scale template matching algorithm based on wavelet transform
Authors: Zhu Xicheng , Hu Xiao , Li Dongyuan , Peng Shaohu
Published: December 2021

It is difficult to achieve the requirements simultaneously of real‐time operation and accuracy when the template matching method encounters the problems of rotation and scale invariance. This letter proposes a dual‐evaluation multiscale template‐matching algorithm based on wavelet transform. First, the image grids generated from a strengthened edge image based on the wavelet transform are defined to reduce the region for detecting feature points. Then, an evaluation strategy based on gradient direction entropy is proposed to evaluate the local pixel for detecting local candidate points that contain rich information. Another evaluation strategy, based on the dominant gradient direction and the uniform LBP model, has been proposed to extract rotation‐invariant feature pixels. To conduct fast and robust matching, the proposed strategies extract fewer feature points with rich local information. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is robust to rotation and scale invariance and achieves real‐time accuracy.
An improved dark channel defogging algorithm based on the HSI colour space
Authors: Cui Yani , Zhi Shuaiqing , Liu Wenjin , Deng Jiaxian , Ren Jia
Published: December 2021

When the traditional dark channel prior (DCP) algorithm is used for image defogging, it faces some problems such as unsatisfactory restoration of the target edge details, distortion in large‐scale and high‐brightness sky regions. To solve these problems, this paper proposes an improved dark channel defogging algorithm based on the HSI colour space, named the IDCP algorithm. First, an asymmetric mean filter window is used to obtain the modified dark channel image to improve the grey value mutation in the traditional dark channel image. Based on this work, an improved global atmospheric transmittance calculation method is proposed, which effectively improves the inapplicability of the dark channel prior in large‐scale and high‐brightness sky regions. Finally, the Laplacian operator is used to sharpen the image to enhance the target edge information. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively solve the distortion phenomenon caused by the traditional DCP algorithm when handling large‐scale and high‐brightness sky regions, improve the target edge details, and restore the true colour of the image scene.
Equilibrium reinsurance-investment strategy with a common shock under two kinds of premium principles
Authors: Bi Junna , Li Danping , Zhang Nan
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the optimal mean-variance reinsurance-investment problem for an insurer with a common shock dependence under two kinds of popular premium principles: the variance premium principle and the expected value premium principle. We formulate the optimization problem within a game theoretic framework and derive the closed-form expressions of the equilibrium reinsurance-investment strategy and equilibrium value function under the two different premium principles by solving the extended Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman system of equations. We find that under the variance premium principle, the proportional reinsurance is the optimal reinsurance strategy for the optimal reinsurance-investment problem with a common shock, while under the expected value premium principle, the excess-of-loss reinsurance is the optimal reinsurance strategy. In addition, we illustrate the equilibrium reinsurance-investment strategy by numerical examples and discuss the impacts of model parameters on the equilibrium strategy.
Golden homes and gardens: Shift in demand by German consumers due to COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hiemesch-Hartmann Neele
Published: December 2021

Research background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a change in consumer demand behavior worldwide. Due to the pandemic, individual sectors and industries experienced enormous demand or significant decreases in demand. Hardly any sector or industry remained unaffected by the influences and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the many worldwide restrictions of private travel, many German consumers stayed in their home country. German tourists are internationally regarded as world champions in travel, so the lack of private long-distance travel led to implications for other sectors. Another trend that has emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is the so-called cocooning. Cocooning is the term used by trend researchers to describe a tendency for consumers to increasingly withdraw from civil society and the public sphere into their private lives at home. This combination of a lack of private travel and a retreat into private domestic life has led to enormous growth in the furniture, household goods, garden, and home improvement sectors.

Purpose of the article: The pandemic-related shift in demand is examined using secondary market data. These are first systematically researched, reviewed, and analyzed. Then, by using growth figures, the German home and garden market is examined based on sales figures and pandemic-related changes are shown. Furthermore, the individual sales channels, the relevant market players, and market shares under the pandemic’s influence will be analyzed.

Methods: Systematic analysis of market information and datasets in the home and gardening sector in Germany.

Findings & Value added: Creation of an information base regarding the shift in demand of German consumers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monetary Stabilization Policy in the Coronacrisis
Authors: Kotcofana Tatiana , Titova Anastasiya , Altunyan Armen
Published: December 2021

Research background:In 2020, all the world's economies faced a new, special phenomenon – the coronacrisis caused by the pandemic, and with the fall of most economic indicators. In the current conditions, it is extremely important to build a competent monetary policy in order to soften the "blows" caused by the global recession for national economies.

Purpose of the article:The main purpose of the presented article is the analysis of measures to stimulate the economy using monetary policy instruments in the conditions of the coronacrisis.

Methods:To conduct the study, we used official statistics data, on the basis of which an econometric model was built, which allowed us to determine the forecast values for inflation, taking into account the impact of monetary and non-monetary factors.

Findings & Value added:The econometric analysis show the high importance of non-monetary factors of inflation. This makes it difficult to assess the monetary policy, since Central banks are able to influence non-monetary factors only indirectly. The paper notes the influence of the refinancing rate on loans to the real sector of the economy, since the stabilization monetary policy should be primarily aimed at maintaining economic growth. The correlation field of the relationship between the index of rigidity of restrictions developed by the University of Oxford and loans to small and medium-sized businesses is constructed. It is noted that with the reduction of administrative restrictions, the volume of loans granted to small and medium-sized businesses increases.
The Importance of Communication during the Hiring Process as a Part of Global Recruitment Strategy
Authors: Gajdosikova Dominika
Published: December 2021

Research background:Human resources are known as one of the key factors. Every enterprise can address many candidates with the right abilities, knowledge, and skills within a quality hiring process and thus achieve sufficient performance in a globally competitive environment and its constant changes. The quality of the hiring process depends on the correct choice of the method of communication during its implementation.

Purpose of the article:The aim of this paper is to empirically test whether there is a statistically significant relationship between the level of management of the occupied job position and the way of communication of the personnel department and the candidate.

Methods:The input data, which were needed to test the hypothesis, were collected through a questionnaire survey conducted in the enterprise. Before testing the hypothesis, it was necessary to create a contingency table and then perform a chi-square test, which confirmed the existence of a relationship between the two monitored variables. The strength of the dependence was tested using the Cramer's V contingency coefficient and included a test of its statistical significance, too.

Findings & Value added:The contingency coefficient reached the value of 0.542, and, arguably, there is a medium dependence between the level of management of the occupied position and the way of communication of the personnel department and the candidate. It can be said that the contingency coefficient is statistically significant because the P-value is less than the significance level.
Comparison of tax bonus as a tool of tax benefit for taxpayers in V4 countries and Austria
Authors: Stanley Renata , Kubascikova Zuzana
Published: December 2021

Research background: Tax legislation provides taxpayers some advantages which enable them to reduce their tax base in the tax statement. The amount of the tax advantage varies depending on the state and also the tax policy of the country. The tax bonus is one of the benefits, which can affect the amount of net income of taxpayers. The state’s efforts to mitigate the effects of covid-19 are currently even greater in order to sustain the functioning operations of taxpayers and at the same time to start the growth of economies again. All countries neighbouring Slovakia provide tax bonuses in certain amounts or other benefits for supporting families. The issue of tax bonuses is not given much attention by authors in the Slovak Republic or at the international level. So far, there is no article that deals with a comprehensive comparison of the tax bonus in several countries.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to present and characterize the tax benefits provided to taxpayers by the tax legislation of the Slovak Republic and subsequent comparison with similar tax benefits provided by the Visegrad countries and neighbouring Austria.

Methods: The method used the most in the paper are analysis and comparison.

Findings & Value added: The contribution of this article is a comprehensive overview and comparison of the rules for the application of the tax bonus among the V4 countries and Austria and an evaluation of the most advantageous system among these countries in 2021.
Focused on earnings management of manufacturing sector in the V4 region
Authors: Durana Pavol
Published: December 2021

Research background:Earnings management is global phenomenon of legal manipulation. The number of the examinations related to earnings management in the V4 region has been increased. These international studies identified the manipulation between countries and for different periods of years, but the assessment of individual sectors has been still missing. The article focused on sector manufacturing and its earnings management to gain global view of this issue for this region.

Purpose of the article:The basic purpose and the selected aim of provided study was to detect the status of the activities of earnings management between the enterprises in the V4 region in set sector of the national economies.

Methods:The realized financial study used 1,612 Slovak, Czech, Hungarian, and Polish enterprises from sector “C” manufacturing. Discretionary accruals were computed by the Modified Jones for the year 2019. One-way Anova was run for this investigation to test delivered hypotheses of the paper. Additionally, Scheffe’s procedure was computed to identify significant differences in manipulation of the earnings between individual countries.

Findings & Value added:The article detected that there was difference between earnings management in the V4 region based on selected sample of enterprises from the sector manufacturing. Post hoc comparisons showed that significant discrepancy in earnings manipulation was between Slovak and Hungarian enterprises in 2019 on one hand. On the other hand, similar approach was between other emerging countries.
Globalization of payment – Bitcoin ATMs at post offices
Authors: Fabus Juraj , Simkova Viktoria
Published: December 2021

Research background: As humanity evolves, so do the new payment options. Today, one of the most popular and powerful electronic money is Bitcoin. Over time, virtual currency is becoming one of the most widely available and used means of payment.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to analyse ATMs in post offices, focusing on virtual currency ATMs. The paper also includes an analysis of available ATMs for virtual currencies and a comparison of their capabilities.

Methods: We compare three most important ATM manufacturers and their most used models. It examines the use of those ATMs in post offices in Slovakia and abroad. Paper also analyses the attitude of customers of Slovak Post towards the deployment of virtual currency ATMs at its branches (on a sample of 400 respondents).

Findings & Value added: In the Slovak Republic postal services are offered by several companies (19 out of 24 providers responded to our questionnaire). Slovak Post is leading provider of distribution, communication, and payment services in Slovakia. Czech Post is an example of country where virtual currency ATMs were introduced but subsequently withdrawn from post offices. In turn, Austrian Post Office is an example of a country where this system still operates and expands. While Slovak market still lacks such a service in the postal business, these trends will adapt over time. The virtual currency ATMs we have in Slovakia, are not operated by postal enterprises.
National and Foreign-controlled Companies Operating in Development Activities in Czechia and Aspects of their Capital Structure Management
Authors: Kalová Dagmar , Brychta Karel
Published: December 2021

Research background:Entities operating in the field of development activities show significant specifics, including a high level of indebtedness. Given the nature of development projects, which are long-term, and their financial complexity, companies take, at the same time, high risks. Therefore, there is need of a high standard of financial management and risk management in this type of companies.

Purpose of the article:The aim of the paper was to provide information regarding return on equity and point out the risk factors of financial management. A partial aim of the conducted preliminary research was to identify and evaluate selected differences in financial management of national companies and foreign-controlled companies.

Methods:The research was conducted as mixed research. It started with the undertaking of qualitative research focused on textual analysis of the text and collection of selected relevant quantitative data. For evaluation, we used INFA methodology, which links financial controlling and risk controlling indicators. The data under investigation were those related to the evaluation of return on equity in relation to risks taken. The indicators of the assets, self-financing ratio and debt ratio were assessed, including the assessment of the impact of these factors on return on equity and taken risks.

Findings & Value added:The research provides new knowledge regarding the extent to which equity capital is used in the financial management of companies operating in the Czech Republic in development activities. The results indiciate that companies under foreign control and domestic companies show differences in financial structure and financial stability indicators, as well as in the effectiveness of using their capital.
Blockchain Technology and Real Estate – a cluster analysis of applications in global markets in the year 2021
Authors: Schmidt Philipp , Elferich David
Published: December 2021

Research background: Since the announcement by entrepreneur Elon Musk in the year 2021 about the inclusion of Bitcoin on the balance sheet of his automotive company Tesla, the economic significance of cryptocurrencies for the financial industry is taking on progressive importance. In addition to the financial economic consideration of cryptocurrencies, the underlying blockchain technology is undergoing a disruptive growth across industries – e.g. from automotive to real estate. Accordingly, in the report ‘Deep Shift Technology Tipping Points and Societal Impact’, the World Economic Forum predicted a far-reaching significance of the blockchain technology as early as 2015, and in 2020, the Global Future Council published a finding that the crypto market has reached a point of inevitability.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to examine the degree of integration of the blockchain technology within the framework of a current market investigation using the real estate industry as an example. The leading application areas of the blockchain technology in the real estate industry will be presented.

Methods: The market investigation of this paper is based, among other things, on a cluster analysis that examines a regional differentiation of the application areas on a global level.

Findings & Value added: In this context, the market research indicates that the blockchain technology can be applied significantly in the real estate industry and that the Global Future Council finding can be replicated in many areas.
The factors affecting team performance and ability to innovate in a globalised world
Authors: Silberg Slavka , Stehlík Luděk , Silberg Michal , Duriš Rastislav
Published: December 2021

Research background: Industry 4.0 and globalisation phenomena are rapidly changing the organisational environment and exert transformation pressure on organisations to be more agile and to keep up with global competition. These challenges create problems that require effective teamwork solutions. Hence, the need to identify potential barriers of effective team performance to sustain the competitive advantages through innovation.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to map the collaboration patterns and factors influencing teamwork and teams’ ability to innovate and to measure their current level in the Slovak work teams.

Methods: The research of related studies and descriptive analysis of data from the TAS-II survey measures 8 key dimensions of team effectiveness (Context, Mission, Talent, Norms, Buy-in, Power, Morale, and Results) administered to the sample of 85 work teams from different economic sectors in the Slovak Republic between 12/2014 and 3/2021.

Findings & Value added: Our research confirmed the importance of focusing on factors of team cooperation (e.g. right mix and quantity of talents, personally identify with mission, goals and metrics, empowerment, etc.). The so-called “Heartbeat analysis” of responses to 13 individual items from 3 TAS-II scales essential for effective team performance and ability to innovate (Mission, Talent, Power) indicated that 8 items had more “down” than “up” respondent votes. The most unfavourable were votes skewed in case of Mission-Metrics, Power-Budget, Talent-Number, Power-Authority and Power-Obstacles items in contrast to Mission-Purpose and Talent-Follower items. We discuss the possible causes, advantages of team-based learning, necessity of systemic approach and the holistic view on teamwork.
Millennials and their attitudes to the corporate social responsibility of global brands: The case study of Slovak Republic
Authors: Nadanyiova Margareta
Published: December 2021

Research background:In addition to their economic activities, global brands applying the concept of corporate social responsibility are also focused on social and environmental aspects. At the same time, they emphasize that these interests are not in conflict, on the contrary, they can work together to increase the efficiency of brand strategy. The basis for the application of corporate social responsibility is the fact that customers are becoming more and more sensitive to other activities of the brand and not just to sales. Especially, one generation of consumers, Millennials, is considered to be the driving force behind the demand for socially responsible brands and products.

Purpose of the article:The main aim of the paper is to determine the attitudes of Millennials to the corporate social responsibility of global brands. This includes providing the theoretical background and analysis of the corporate social responsibility from the viewpoint of Slovak and foreign authors.

Methods:General scientific methods were applied for the processing of the data as well as mathematical-statistical methods to evaluate the data collated from the results of the questionnaire survey and to statistical hypothesis testing. The important source for secondary data was scientific researches, annual companies reports, statistical databases, published professional publications. In order to found out the attitudes of Millennials to the corporate social responsibility of global brands, a questionnaire survey was conducted among Slovak consumers.

Findings & Value added:Based on the analysis and results of the questionnaire survey, benefits of the application of corporate social responsibility in the marketing strategy of global brands are highlighted such as gaining competitive advantage, increasing the brand value and improving brand image.
Information accessibility as an important global factor in accessible tourism
Authors: Stuchlikova Jana , Botlikova Milena
Published: December 2021

Research background: The modern tourism industry has undergone many significant changes in recent years, from the increasingly massive use of modern technologies, through the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, to a new trend in the form of increasing domestic tourism. If the tourism businesses wants to succeed in a competitive environment, they should focus on the quality of the information they publish on their websites, social networks or through other sources with greater intensity than before. Information accessibility is an important factor on the basis of which potential clients decide on the purchase of a tourist product. Until now, companies focused primarily on foreign clients now have more room to focus on the much-neglected issue of accessibility for clients with specific needs; on the other hand, companies focused on domestic clients can also expand the range language versions of their information channels. In addition, the fact that the accessibility of tourism businesses not only brings a competitive advantage, but also strengthens the economic potential of the region.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the paper is to map the level of information accessibility of tourism companies, primarily gastronomic facilities in the Czech Republic.

Methods: Primary data obtained from controlled interviews with representatives of professional associations and operators of monitored facilities and secondary data from publicly available sources were used.

Findings & Value added: The paper contains model examples of the state of information accessibility in tourism companies.