bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Effects and Inequality of People’s Quality of Life in the Globalization Era
Authors: Litvintseva Galina , Karelin Ilya
Published: January 2021

Research background:Digital transformation are going on both in global economy and within separate states. This phenomenon became known as glocalization. In that respect the analysis of digitalization influence on people’s quality of life in different regions of large-space countries like Russia seems to be actual.

Purpose of the article:Basing on calculation of digital component level of people’s quality of life to estimate temporal and spatial effects affecting it, to determine inequality in digital components of quality of life in different regions of Russia.

Methods:Digital component of people’s quality of life was computed basing on the authorial Russian regional index including six components. To estimate spatial and temporal effects panel data models were used. Digital inequality was found with the use of R/P 10% ratio, variation ratio and cluster analysisfor 2015–2018.

Findings & Value added:The Russian regional index of digital component of quality of life was defined for 85 regions and increased by
Strategic After-Sales Service Analysis Based on Balanced Scorecard in Present-Day Global Economic Environment
Authors: Krylov Sergey
Published: January 2021

Research background: In the present-day global economic environment ensuring the high after-sales service efficiency by decreasing the related cost raising thereby their competitiveness rate is recognized as an essential goal of the continuing (core) operations and overall performance of any organization in the long run. The goal is certain to be reached within the outcome strategic after-sales service management.

Purpose of the article: The paper considers theoretical aspects of the applied strategic after-sales service analysis (ASASSA) based on the after-sales service score of the balanced scorecard (BSC) to be applied in the research process of the strategic organization after-sales service activity aspects and its strategic after-sales service management.

Methods: The methodology of the research consists of the concept of the balanced scorecard and the concept of the applied strategic analysis developed by the author.

Findings & Value added: ASASSA is depicted to encompass comparative assessment, variances diagnostics and indicators forecast of the after-sales service BSC score within the strategic after-sales service goals. The analysis comprises the speed of billing, payment for the goods sold, arbitrations settlement as well as analysis of due updating of the goods delivered, speed of warranty and repair excellence, and speed of poor quality’s goods replacement (in case of the delivery). The author draws a conclusion is drawn that ASASSA is a new and sufficiently effective tool to research strategic aspects of the organization after-sales service activity and to form an analytical support for the modern strategic after-sales service management.
The Impact of Opinion Leaders on the Consumer Behaviour in the Global Digital Environment
Authors: Žák Štefan , Hasprová Mária
Published: January 2021

Research background: Opinion leaders have always influenced consumers’ decision-making process. At present, with the development of digital technologies and social networks, influencers have taken on the role of opinion leaders worldwide. Influencers represent a very authentic group of people who publish their attitudes, opinions and observations through social media. People sympathize with them because the content they publish is close to them and reminds them of their own lives and the situations they face or would like to experience in the future. The impact of influencers is really great. This is also evidenced by the fact that a separate area called influencer marketing has emerged within the global marketing. Influencer marketing can be defined as the process of researching, identifying, supporting and engaging people in high-impact conversations.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the contribution is to point out the history of the activity of opinion leaders in the traditional environment up to the current global digital environment and social networks.

Methods: The authors used the analysis of secondary data and the comparison of knowledge from the results of global research studies and the research study processed by authors.

Findings & Value added: The article provides a new perspective on the impact of opinion leaders on consumer behaviour and defines the characteristics that are most important in influencing the consumer.
Globalization and working conditions in developing countries
Authors: Buzoianu Ovidiu Andrei Cristian , Oancea Negescu Mihaela Diana , Troaca Victor Adrian , Gombos Carol Cristina
Published: January 2021

Research background:In the last two decades, labor markets around the world have become increasingly integrated. Political change and economic reforms have transformed China, India, Indonesia and the former communist bloc countries, effectively involving their consistent workforce in market economies.

Purpose of the article:The aim of this paper is to offer globalization, a concept that identifies in the minds of many people with multinational companies and greedy capitalism and that would exploit anyone, a more humane image in terms of the beneficial effects it has on working conditions.

Methods:As it becomes more and more a contemporary reality, globalization becomes the most controversial concept in the international economic and political literature. In order to write this article, a methodology was used based on the analysis of demographic and socio-economic statistics, analysis and interpretation of the literature, as well as conducting a case study on the impact of globalization of an emerging country, namely Indonesia. We live in a globalized world and yet there is still no consensus on what globalization means

Findings & Value added:At the same time, the development of technologies, combined with the gradual removal of restrictions on cross-border trade and capital flows, have allowed production processes to be relocated away from target markets for an increasing number of products and services. The process of choosing the location of the production center has become more receptive to labor costs.
Global problems of the employment in V4 region
Authors: Čulková Katarína , Hrehová Daniela , Janošková Mária
Published: January 2021

Research background:Unemployment presents one of the most important macroeconomic indicators, which is basic economic and social problem and number of countries fights with this problem. Unemployment is presently considered as serious economic problem and V4 countries have big problem to employ people. Young people, which are unemployed, show the serious problem to find the job in time of school termination, confirming that they would be willing to migrate due to the job. Job Offices has therefore a task to create sufficient working posts for young and adult people.

Purpose of the article:The goal of the contribution is to make the analysis of the unemployment development and to determine the ways for its decreasing in V4 countries, as well as to identify the main problems of unemployment and to suggest the ways to solve the problems.

Methods:Object of searching are individual countries in V4 region in 2011-2019. The unemployment is different in individual countries from the view of the state economy development, as well as from the view of GDP and job market development.

Findings & Value added:The results of the analysis are profitable for determination of unemployment decreasing in V4 countries through governmental measurements, such as for example European projects. Presently the situation is improving, leading to promising future. Improved situation is caused by various factors, such as governmental measurements, in the frame of which taxes decreased and by this way organizations could employee more employees.
Actual problems and limiting factors in the development of the Russian military-industrial complex
Authors: Gregova Elena , Tulyakova Irina , Dengov Victor
Published: January 2021

Research background: The completion of the ideological confrontation of socio-economic systems that occurred in the early 90s of XX century after the collapse of the USSR did not radically affect the development of the global defense industrial complex (DIC). Taking into account the place and role of national DICs in the economies of the world’s leading powers, we can only talk about the modification of their development in the new historical conditions. The defense industry complex in Russia, as before in the USSR, is one of the priority areas of the country’s development.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the article was to study the current state of the Russian DIC, to analyse problems, limitations and prospects for its development. The hypothesis was put forward that the condition of the Russian DIC is currently determined by the whole complex of factors, both internal and external, and therefore the solution of these problems should also be comprehensive.

Methods: The study was based on statistical analysis of information from both official databases (SIPRI, World Bank, Federal Government Statistics Service) and other open sources.

Findings & Value added: The analysis showed that all corporations of the Russian DIC have positive dynamics in the value of their assets and generally demonstrate good financial stability under difficult external and internal economic and political conditions. At the same time, a number of problems requiring prompt resolution pose a threat to the successful development of the Russian defense industry in the near and distant future. The scientific value of research is determined by the comprehensive approach itself.
Impact of Global Oil Shocks on the Russian Stock Market
Authors: Lukasevich Igor , Chikileva Ludmila
Published: January 2021

Research background: The study focuses on modeling assessment of oil shocks impact on the Russian stock market.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of oil prices abrupt changes on the Russian stock market, its quantitative and temporal specifications. The study consists of two interrelated sections. The first section includes the results of statistical processing of initial data, calculation of their key characteristics and preliminary analysis. The second section of the study is devoted to modeling the assessment of the impact of oil shocks on the behavior of the Russian market RTS stock index.

Methods: Based on an extensive sample of daily price values for Brent North sea oil and the Russian stock index RTS for the period from 1997 to May 2020, the study was conducted using models vector auto regression (VAR-model).
Findings &Value added: The VAR model was developed and tested to assess the impact of oil shocks on the Russian stock market. Unlike the results of other studies, it is shown that the Brent oil price variance explains only about 10% of the RTS index yield variance in long-term time intervals. The low correlation of time series data and time limit of the impact of oil shocks on the Russian market have been revealed. According to the results of the study, the market recovery takes about 2 months, then the stock index returns to the ‘historical’ range of average ± standard deviation.
Globalization Impact on the Maritime Trade between the USA and the Slovak Republic
Authors: Mako Peter , David Andrej , Galierikova Andrea , Materna Matus
Published: January 2021

Research background: The paper background is based on the importance of maritime trade. The paper offers a proposal for container transport in two different directions along two different transport routes, taking into consideration all trends in the development of port transhipment facilities as well as the development of container transport. The final comparison is determined based on criteria such as speed and complexity of the transport, distance, price for transportation, as well as the risk of endangering the cargo due to shipping through risky geographical areas. These factors, together with other facts, significantly contribute to the final choice of the shipping route both by the shipper and the carrier.

Purpose of the article: The main purpose of this paper is to present the basic possibilities of container transportation by sea between North America and Europe, to express the importance of the Transatlantic maritime transport route and to offer a comparison of two transport proposals in a case study.The main objective of the paper is to evaluate the impact of globalization on maritime trade between the USA and Europe, especially the Slovak Republic. Given the rapidly evolving maritime transport situation between North America and Europe, special consideration is also given to the current technical equipment and transhipment technology in the ports through which this trade takes place.

Methods: The method used in the paper is the least squares method, that will be used on the prediction of future stage of maritime trade between Slovakia and the USA. For this purpose, methods of regression and correlation analysis will be also used.

Findings & Value added: According to data from Review of Maritime Transport between 1995 – 2018, the prediction of stage of maritime trade will be made. The development of the maritime trade will be also predicted.
The Importance of Global Financial Indices for Investors in Alternative Investment
Authors: Novotný Josef , Jaklová Iveta
Published: January 2021

Research background: One of the financial market indicators are very important global financial indices. These express the state and development of the market for certain investment instruments that form the basis of an index. These international financial indices are used to facilitate the process of making investment decisions for investors. Global equity indices are mainly popular with the investing public. However, global indices of alternative investments are less popular. The main problem with alternative investments is their low awareness among the investing public, including the fact that many investors are unable to assess their strengths and investment potential, which can lead to an increase in their assets. Some alternative investments are gaining in popularity especially in times of world financial crises, uncertainty and economic recessions, when their prices tend to rise as investors seek a safe haven to value or protect their free cash, especially from inflation.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to draw attention to the importance and advantages of selected alternative investment with the support of financial indices in the global environment, which is whiskey.

Methods: Methods of analysis, comparison and synthesis were used in the article. The principles of logical thinking were also used to achieve the goal, especially in the application of scientific methods that follow each other.

Findings & Value added: The main finding was that the examined international alternative indices focused on whiskey performed higher than the global equity financial indices in the monitored period.
Improving the Resilience of Banking System in Small Open Economy: Is Macroprudential Policy Efficient?
Authors: Biskupec Petra Popek , Herman Suzana
Published: January 2021

Research background:Although macroprudential instruments increase financial stability, it is necessary to test how they affect the overall economic recovery after a global financial crisis. In the post-crisis period, the real sector needed a strong injection of capital in order to be able to start recovery and to encourage economic growth. At the same time, most of the countries introduced strict regulatory measures that strengthen bank capital and the liquidity base. From the standpoint of the financial sector stability, these measures contributed to the overall financial stability, but at the same time, these measures hold up the bank credit activity.

Purpose of the article:This paper analyses the impact of macroprudential instruments on the bank credit activity toward the non-financial sector. The analysis is made by using the Granger Causality Test and the ARLDS Bounds Test.

Methods:The research was conducted for the period of 2000 – 2019, based on the data of the Croatian National Bank and the Croatian Bureau of Statistics using logarithmic quarterly data. The analysis is made by using the Granger Causality Test and the ARLDS Bounds Test.

Findings & Value added:The results confirm the thesis that additional macroprudential measures decrease the bank credit activity toward the real sector, which slows down the real sector recovery and extends the downturn in the business cycle. On the other hand, the macroprudential measures increase the financial stability of the whole economy, which is positive for future investments and recovery of the real sector.
The impact of foreign workforces on selected aspects of economic development of society
Authors: Šoltés Viktor , Repková Štofková Katarína , Lenko Filip
Published: January 2021

Research background: The process of globalization brought changes in society that are manifesting themselves in many areas. One of the areas in which the greatest changes occurs is the socio-economic area. The development of society, which is associated with increasing competitiveness, the creation of new job positions, rising wages, and thus the quality of citizens’ life, can be examined through various indicators. The creation of new job positions brings with it changes in the labor market, especially in its opening for the arrival of foreign employees.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is to point out the relationship between the development of society and the migration of the population for work. To this purpose, it is necessary to examine the development of foreigners’ employment in selected regions and the impact of this employment on the development of regional gross domestic product, wages of employees, household expenditure and other indicators.

Methods: The development of regional disparities in the context of regional development will be examined through descriptive statistics and other coefficients measuring social disparities, such as the Gini coefficient. Subsequently the dependence between the employment of foreigners and individual indicators can be examined.

Findings & Value added: Research findings can be used to support the development of the least developed regions and to increase their competitiveness. The findings can thus be used not only by public authorities (in the case of state support), but also by employers from the private sector (employment policy).
Ethnic identity erosion in the indigenous Nenets population under globalization influence: gender differences between adolescent girls and boys
Authors: Telitsyna Alexandra , Zabelina Ekaterina , Kurnosova Svetlana
Published: January 2021

Research background: Ethnic identity development, while universal, is also recognized as an especially important prerequisite for economic and social life among indigenous populations [1, 2]. Global transformations such as technology, industrialization, global warming and political and economic forces are impacting positive ethnic identity development in indigenous populations around the world.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in ethnic identity erosion in the adolescent indigenous Nenets population of the Russian Siberian Arctic Region.

Methods: The study sample included 78 children in boarding schools from the northern area of Western Siberia. To define ethnic identity, the “Types of Ethnic Identity” questionnaire [3] was used.

Findings & Value added: The study results show that across 8th-9th grade as well as 10-11 grade Nenets adolescent boys perceive their ethnic identity positively. However, the same indicators show girls do not view their ethnic identity as positively. There are also several other interesting gender differences that emerge between the students in each grade. This may be the result of specific gender differences in perceptions about the economic and social realities of tundra life, the position of women in traditional societies as well as the impact of global transformations on indigenous populations overall.
Financial mechanisms to stimulate the real economy in the global economic security system
Authors: Klimenko Pavel , Sevryukova Larisa , Goncharenko Mikhail , Dmitriev Dmitry
Published: January 2021

Research background: The real sector plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. It is he who serves as the economic basis for creating an additional product, in close connection with the financial sector. Today, the concept of “real sector of the economy” is used very actively both in economic science and in economic practice. Favourable macroeconomic factors lead to investment in the real sector and increase the competitiveness of production, both the economy of the individual state and the global economy as a whole. Research aimed at improving the efficiency of the real sector through the development of financial mechanisms to support it on a global scale is therefore highly relevant to the economic security of individual countries and the world economy.

Purpose of the article: identification of current problems and ways of improvement, financial mechanisms to stimulate the real sector of the economy to ensure economic security of the state

Methods: spatio-temporal analysis of the identified indicators of balanced development of the regional economy in order to ensure economic security.

Findings & Value added: Findings & Value added: proposed ways to develop effective financial mechanisms to stimulate the real sector of the economy can be used in the development of economic security strategies for regions and federal districts
Dynamic Models of the Creative Industries’ Entities in the Globalized Environment
Authors: Trúchliková Mária , Kmety Barteková Mária
Published: January 2021

Research background: The creative industries, from this point of view, have dynamic and not just static economic value. They supply the economic growth and development over and above their addition to culture and society.

Purpose of the article: The aim of this paper is to analyse the two models that present the two potential answers to the research question: namely expansion and modernization. This paper will summarize these two models and assemble a sample of remaining evidence to set up the process of separating among them.

Methods: However, this paper does not seek a complete study. For that, a much more precise approach to modelling, data and statistical analysis would be required. We provide here only a concept of the classes of models suggested and an explanation of how different sorts of data might be applied to them. The model of economic growth actively involves the creative industries in the growth of the whole economy. The second model – model of innovation as suggested for the effect of science, education and technology in the national systems of innovation approach. The creative industries, in the second model, come from and integrate change in the knowledge base of the economy.

Findings & Value added: We proposed the two possible primary relations between the creative industries’ entities and the rest of the economy. We define the relation of each model to various theoretical foundations and the relevant policy framework in each situation.
Energy saving as a necessary condition for the development of a green economy in the context of globalization and transformation of society
Authors: Vertakova Yulia , Kryzhanovskaya Olga
Published: January 2021

Research background:The world is actively transforming socio-economic and production processes. Ensuring economic growth today is accompanied by an increase in living standards and environmental degradation, the exhaustion of natural resources, imbalance in the biosphere, and climate change, which leads to poor human health and limits the possibilities for further development. All this is due to the need to transform both the provision of technological progress for economic development, and the favouring of the natural environment in the context of globalization.

Purpose of the article:The purpose of the article is to study energy conservation as a necessary condition for the development of a “green” economy in the context of globalization and transformation of society.

Methods:The research is based on general scientific methods of empirical research (observation, measurement, experiment, modelling), analysis and synthesis, analogy, systematization, as well as methods of structural-logical, statistical analysis.

Findings & Value added:The article systematizes approaches to defining the concept of a green economy, reveals the relationship between the categories of politics and society, and elements of the green economy. The efficiency of the use of fuel and energy resources is determined by the energy intensity of GDP. In this regard, the predicted dynamics of energy intensity of GDP by regions of the world, energy consumption per capita in the world and groups of countries are analysed, measures of state support in the field of energy conservation and energy efficiency are substantiated.
Simulation as a Tool for Process Optimization in a Manufacturing Company
Authors: Vidrova Zdenka , Bohus Zoltan , Adamko Peter
Published: January 2021

Research background: In today’s global world and many major market players, companies are forced to streamline and optimize their processes. They can use many methods for this purpose. One of the modern and innovative methods is process simulation. Simulation is experimenting with a computer model of a real production system in order to optimize the production process.

Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is to point out how it is possible to optimize processes in a manufacturing plant using a simulation tool.

Methods: The main methods used were mainly method of analysis and simulation software Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, version 15.0.5 from Siemens company. The authors used the method of analysis both in the processing of the theoretical basis of the problem, as well as in the analysis of processes in the manufacturing company. This analysis provided important information inputs for creating a simulation model that reflects the current state of material flows in the company.

Findings & Value added: The results were obtained based on performed experiments with the created initial model of the current state of material flows. These experiments were performed using a tool of genetic algorithms that are part of the simulation software. The parameter that was assessed in the individual experiments was the production time of the entire production plan. Based on the process simulation, it was possible to reduce this time, which increased the production efficiency and throughput of material flows in the production plant.
Brexit in Air Transport after 2020
Authors: Brezonakova Andrea , Badanik Benedikt , Davies Robin
Published: January 2021

Research background:The authors are providing an update to the ongoing process of Brexit and the negotiations between the UK and the EU, following their own previous research in this area.

Purpose of the article:In 2019, the aviation sector in the UK ranked as the third largest in the world. London Heathrow, a hub to many UK airlines, ranked as Europe’s busiest airport and seventh busiest in the world. [1] Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU, in the context of globalization and the existing deep ties within the EU institutions, presents a complex task. Following the Brexit referendum in June 2016, where the majority of the electorate decided that Britain should leave the EU, events have progressed significantly by the UK leaving the EU formally at 23:59 on the 31st January 2020. However, negotiations are still ongoing and when it comes to Aviation, the outcome in many key areas is still uncertain.

Methods:The article is based on data and information collation as well as the authors’ experience within the industry.

Findings & Value added:Once the transition period terminates on the 31st December 2020, Brexit will have a significant influence on trading in the European domestic market and globally on the international market. This paper discusses available options for the UK and the EU that follow from existing decisions in the Brexit bill, as well as outlining possible future developments. Furthermore, in light of the existing threats to the Aviation industry from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the cessation of air travel for many weeks, adjustments to the Brexit plan might be required.
Financial implications of globalization and new technologies Ukraine international relations
Authors: Calinescu Tetyana , Likhonosova Ganna , Zelenko Olena
Published: January 2021

Research background: The world will change radically after the COVID-2019 pandemic. The transformation of financial globalization is already taking place. It contributes to the emergence of new international relation’s forms, institutions, technologies of interaction. All these trends necessitate a revision of the basic Ukraine concepts on convergent integration into the international financial space.

Purpose of the article: To identify effects of financial globalization in Ukraine and characteristics of digital human interaction; to define an expansion of digital health principles for the elimination of the population’s cognitive skills atrophy and to offer new information convergence technology, financial autonomy and identity of the country in global financial market.

Methods: The methods of divergence and convergence, rationality and irrationality – to find effective tools for regulating international financial relations in Ukraine; methods of cognitive data analysis – to determine forms, directions of Ukrainian society digital hygiene; conceptualization of consequences and duality of results evaluation – for clarity of reflection of a modern development condition for а society emotional intelligence and levelling of Ukraine dependence on financial hedonism in the world.

Findings & Value added: This search for regulation methods is based on a hybrid combination of global professional achievements in the regulation of financial markets, author’s work, applied projects to stabilize the financial system and priority measures to balance the development of the national economy of Ukraine. This approach will increase the effectiveness of financial relations and solving socio-economic problems at the national and international levels, while ensuring the achievement of national priorities and interests.
Impact of Globalization and Internationalization Processes on Added Value in EU Countries
Authors: Kostiuk Yaroslava , Kalinová Eva , Kučera Jiří
Published: January 2021

Research Background: The paper focuses on the specification of categories of the globalization and internationalization process in terms of origin, development, definition and content. Using European Commission statistics for the period 2013-2017, the EU28 countries are divided into countries that started the EU (Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) and countries that joined the EU before 2000 (Denmark, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Austria, Greece, Spain, Sweden, Great Britain), and other countries of the so-called former Eastern bloc (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland). For such defined EU countries, a different level of involvement in the globalizing common economy of the European Union as well as a different level of involvement in foreign markets, depending on the level of national economies, can be expected.
Purpose of the Article: A test set of 338,788 companies from across the EU was used to analyse value added associated with each indicator (value added at factor cost, gross (average) value added per person employed, number of workers, enterprise size classes and selected industries, namely manufacturing, construction, engineering, transportation and logistics). The membership of the countries in the European Monetary Union was also taken into account.

Methods: Mathematical and statistical methods of correlation analysis and paired T-test were used for value added analysis.

Findings & Value Added: The outputs of the analysis indicated a high level of statistical conclusive evidence in terms of the impact of value added on each enterprise size class across the sectors concerned as well as on the structure of production and the number of active workers.
The new “global”: the role of cargo maritime transport of goods with focus on the transportation corridor between Southeast Asia and Northwestern Europe
Authors: Minárik Marek , Čiderová Denisa
Published: January 2021

Research background:Our research is framed by the new institutional theory reflected in: the property rights theory [1] and transfer of ownership of goods and the transaction costs theory that might be associated with economic exchange theory. Overall, we need to consider occurrence of deglobalization and the COVID-19 crisis, which recently not just decelerated growth of the world economy, but even put it to a halt; one might conclude that (de)globalization [2] and the COVID-19 crisis are behind the new “global” [3].

Purpose of the article:We investigate the impact of connectivity between selected countries by cargo maritime transport on costs to import of 1 TEU container transporting a specific commodity in a specific transportation corridor.

Methods:Our research is based on a regression analysis creating a model of UNCTAD statistics; the Liner shipping connectivity index (LSCI); and the WEF Global Competitiveness Index (GCI). We consider the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that converges with the global maritime transportation corridor between (Southeast) Asia/China – Northwestern Europe/EU (the North Sea Region) in this respect, bearing in mind the 2017 round of the International Comparison Program recently released by the World Bank.

Findings & Value added:Our research reveals correlation of the costs to import of 1 TEU container vis-à-vis the quality and intensity of liner shipping connections and the quality of the business environment determining the transaction costs in import price. Value added of the paper is our focus on sustainable development reinvigorated by prestigious international organisations and European Union institutions.
Ergebnisqualität bei alkohol- und substanzbezogenen Störungen: eine Auswertung stationär behandelter Patienten aus 10 psychiatrischen Kliniken
Authors: Preuss Ulrich W , Bender Martina , Franz Michael , Rechlin Thomas , Roll Sibylle C , Scherk Harald , Klimke Ansgar
Published: January 2021

Ziel der Studie Alkohol- und substanzbezogene Störungen (ICD 10 F1x.x) zählen zu den häufigsten Diagnosen in der stationär-somatischen und psychiatrischen Versorgung. Um den Behandlungserfolg zu überprüfen, sind die Etablierung und der Einsatz von Ergebnisindikatoren in der Praxis von hoher Relevanz.

Methodik An 10 Vitos-Versorgungskliniken in Hessen wurden globale Behandlungsindikatoren zu Aufnahme und bei Entlassung im Jahre 2016 erhoben (CGI und GAF). Insgesamt konnten mehr als 10000 Patienten mit ICD10-F1x-Diagnosen in die Auswertung einbezogen werden.

Ergebnisse Die Auswertungen belegen signifikante Besserungen des klinischen Zustandes sowie Unterschiede in Behandlungsdauer, Remissionen sowie Geschlechtsunterschiede.

Schlussfolgerung Die Resultate der Auswertung stützen den Einsatz von globalen möglichen Indikatoren der Ergebnisqualität. Limitationen des Studiendesigns, der Instrumente und der Stichprobe werden kritisch betrachtet.
Atherosclerotic Burden and Arterial Stiffness are Not Increased in
Patients with Milder Forms of Primary Aldosteronism Compared to Patients with
Essential Hypertension
Authors: Lottspeich Christian , Köhler Anton , Czihal Michael , Heinrich Daniel A. , Schneider Holger , Handgriff Laura , Reincke Martin , Adolf Christian
Published: January 2021

Patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) are at increased cardiovascular
risk, compared to patients with essential hypertension (EH). Cardiovascular
damage could depend on PA phenotype, potentially being lower in milder forms
of PA. Our aim was to assess atherosclerotic burden and arterial stiffness
in 88 prospectively recruited patients, including 44 patients with mild PA
and EH respectively. All patients underwent a structured study program,
including measurements of ankle-brachial index, oscillometric measurement of
central pulse wave velocity (cPWV) and vascular ultrasound examination of
the supraaortic arteries, the abdominal aorta, and the femoropopliteal
arteries. A plaque score was calculated to estimate atherosclerotic burden
for each patient. This is a prospective case-control study set at a tertiary
care hospital. Patients with PA and EH matched well for age, gender, blood
pressure, BMI, and cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes mellitus and
smoking status. Common carotid intima-media thickness (0.77 vs.
0.75 mm; p=0.997) and cPWV (7.2 vs. 7.1 m/s;
p=0.372) were comparable between patients with PA and EH. The
atherosclerotic burden, as expressed by the plaque score, did not differ
between the two groups (p=0.159). However, after initiation of
treatment cPWV was significantly decreased in patients with PA
(p=0.017). This study shows that subclinical atherosclerotic burden
and arterial stiffness in patients with milder forms of PA is comparable to
patients with EH. Nevertheless, specific treatment for PA significantly
improved cPWV, which argues for a more liberal use of mineralocorticoid
receptor antagonists in patients with arterial hypertension.
Domino Reactions of Tertiary Enamides in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Tong Shuo , Wang Mei-Xiang
Published: January 2021

Studies in recent decade have shown that tertiary enamides, once thought of as unreactive and marginally useful enamine variants, are shelf-stable yet versatile nucleophilic intermediates in organic synthesis. Many compounds, especially N-heterocycles, have been synthesized by monofunctionalization reactions of tertiary enamides. By taking advantage of intramolecular and intermolecular interception of the putative acyliminium intermediates formed by the initial nucleophilic reactions of tertiary enamides, we have established several novel difunctionalization reaction methods for constructing diverse complex fused heterocyclic products. In this Account, we summarize our endeavors to develop difunctionalization reactions of tertiary enamides in a domino fashion.

1 Introduction

2 Strategic Considerations

3 Domino Reactions of Tertiary Enamides

3.1 Type I Domino Reactions

3.2 Type II Domino Reactions

3.3 Type III Domino Reactions

4 Conclusion and Perspectives
Colonoscopy competence assessment tools: a systematic review of validity evidence
Authors: Khan Rishad , Zheng Eric , Wani Sachin B. , Scaffidi Michael A. , Jeyalingam Thurarshen , Gimpaya Nikko , Anderson John T. , Grover Samir C. , McCreath Graham , Walsh Catharine M.
Published: January 2021

Background Assessment tools are essential for endoscopy training, being required to support feedback provision, optimize learner capabilities, and document competence. We aimed to evaluate the strength of validity evidence that supports the available colonoscopy direct observation assessment tools using the unified framework of validity.

Methods We systematically searched five databases for studies investigating colonoscopy direct observation assessment tools from inception until 8 April 2020. We extracted data outlining validity evidence (content, response process, internal structure, relations to other variables, and consequences) from the five sources and graded the degree of evidence, with a maximum score of 15. We assessed educational utility using an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education framework and methodological quality using the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI).

Results From 10 841 records, we identified 27 studies representing 13 assessment tools (10 adult, 2 pediatric, 1 both). All tools assessed technical skills, while 10 each assessed cognitive and integrative skills. Validity evidence scores ranged from 1–15. The Assessment of Competency in Endoscopy (ACE) tool, the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) tool, and the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Competency Assessment Tool (GiECAT) had the strongest validity evidence, with scores of 13, 15, and 14, respectively. Most tools were easy to use and interpret, and required minimal resources. MERSQI scores ranged from 9.5–11.5 (maximum score 14.5).

Conclusions The ACE, DOPS, and GiECAT have strong validity evidence compared with other assessments. Future studies should identify barriers to widespread implementation and report on the use of these tools in credentialing examinations.
Pancreaticopleural Fistula: A Cause of Recurrent Pleural Effusions in Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Megahed Ayah , Hegde Rahul , Sharma Pranav , Ali Rahmat , Bamashmos Anas
Published: January 2021

Pancreaticopleural fistula is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis caused by disruption of the pancreatic duct and fistulous communication with the pleural cavity. It usually presents with respiratory symptoms from recurrent large volume pleural effusions. Paucity of abdominal symptoms makes it a diagnostic challenge, leading often to delayed diagnosis. Marked elevation of pleural fluid amylase, which is not a commonly performed test, is a sensitive marker in its detection. Imaging with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can help delineate the fistula. In this report, we present the clinical features, imaging, and management of a 59-year-old male patient with pancreaticopleural fistula, wherein the diagnosis was suspected only after repeated pleural fluid drainages were performed for re-accumulating pleural effusions and it was eventually successfully treated with pancreatic duct stenting. We review the literature with regards to the incidence, presentation, diagnosis, and management of this rare entity.
Study on the residual gaseous filament of microsecond pulsed positive streamer discharge in water
Authors: Wen Xiaoqiong , Zhou Yibing , Xue Xiaodong , Yang Yuantian
Published: January 2021

The residual gaseous filament soon after a streamer discharge in water contains a wealth of information closely related to the streamer propagation. We have investigated the residual gaseous filament of microsecond pulsed positive streamer discharge in water by using a shadowgraph imaging technique. Based on the obtained shadow images, we measured the average gas density, the average radius, and the average length of the residual gaseous filament. We found that the average gas density has no significant dependence on the applied voltage, but decreases from 883 to 610 kg/m3 as the water conductivity increases from 20 to 476 μS/cm. The amount of gas produced in a unit length of the streamer filament and the energy consumed for producing a unit mass of gas in the streamer filament also have no dependence on the applied voltage, but increase as the water conductivity increases. In our experiments, the energy consumed for producing a unit mass of gas in the streamer filament is far smaller than the latent heat of vaporization of liquid water, indicating that the gas produced in the streamer filament during the discharge is unlikely produced through a heating process.
A modular testbed for mechanized spreading of powder layers for additive manufacturing
Authors: Oropeza D. , Roberts R. , Hart A. J.
Published: January 2021

Powder bed additive manufacturing (AM) processes, including binder jetting (BJAM) and powder bed fusion (PBF), can manufacture complex three-dimensional components from a variety of materials. A fundamental understanding of the spreading of thin powder layers is essential to develop robust process parameters for powder bed AM and to assess the influence of powder feedstock characteristics on the subsequent process outcomes. Toward meeting these needs, this work presents the design, fabrication, and qualification of a testbed for modular, mechanized, multi-layer powder spreading. The testbed is designed to replicate the operating conditions of commercial AM equipment, yet features full control over motion parameters including the translation and rotation of a roller spreading tool and precision motion of a feed piston and the build platform. The powder spreading mechanism is interchangeable and therefore can be customized, including the capability for dispensing of fine, cohesive powders using a vibrating hopper. Validation of the resolution and accuracy of the machine and its subsystems, as well as the spreading of exemplary layers from a range of powder sizes typical of BJAM and PBF processes, are described. The precision engineered testbed can therefore enable the optimization of powder spreading parameters for AM and correlation to build process parameters in future work, as well as exploration of spreading of specialized powders for AM and other techniques.
Robust dynamic adaptation of the Smagorinsky model based on a sub-grid activity sensor
Authors: Hasslberger J. , Engelmann L. , Kempf A. , Klein M.
Published: January 2021

The present study deals with the application of a sub-grid activity sensor to an eddy viscosity type base model in the context of Large Eddy Simulation (LES). The coherent structure function is used to build this sensor in combination with explicit test filtering. The proposed sensor features two main advantages: First, it attenuates the sub-grid scale dissipation of the base model for transitional flows. Depending on local conditions, the sensor is essentially blending the eddy viscosity between zero and the value resulting from the standard Smagorinsky model. Second, the sensor rectifies the incorrect near-wall scaling of the standard Smagorinsky model. Application of the sensor requires no averaging (in the homogeneous direction) and is easy to implement, and the additional computational cost is insignificant. In order to assess the model, three different configurations have been examined: laminar-to-turbulent transition in the Taylor–Green vortex, wall-dominated channel flows, and a free planar jet flow including passive scalar mixing. Based on a posteriori LES, it has been found that the new sensor-enhanced Smagorinsky model often outperforms established eddy viscosity models from the literature, such as the standard Smagorinsky model and the sigma model, as well as the LES without the explicit sub-grid model.
Implosion mediated gas-puff hybrid X-pinch
Authors: Elshafiey A. T. , Lavine E. S. , Pikuz S. A. , Shelkovenko T. A. , Hammer D. A.
Published: January 2021

Imploding gas-puff z-pinches are efficient sources of intense x-rays. However, the unpredictable size, number, and location of hot spots along the pinch axis make them unsuitable for applications such as point-projection radiography. Crossed wire or hybrid X-pinches, on the other hand, provide small, localized sources but require fast current rise times and must be reloaded after each pulse. In this Letter, we present the first experimental demonstration of an implosion mediated gas-puff hybrid x-pinch in which an annular gas-puff implosion is shaped and focused onto a pair of conical electrodes separated by a small gap. This setup produces an intense x-ray source with controllable timing that can be operated with or without a central wire. Because the gas-puff implosion time determines the formation of the pinch, this configuration can continue to operate efficiently as a point x-ray source for longer current pulses than conventional x-pinches.