bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Economics of Religion in a Globalizing World: Communist China and Post-Communist Central Europe
Authors: Minárik Pavol 
Published: January 2021

Research background: Religion is often neglected by economists despite the existing studies of its importance for the economy. Religion and culture shape the development of informal and formal institutions and hence impact economic development. Considering the economic importance of China, the religious situation in that country deserves attention; at the same time, due to the peculiar conditions of religion under Communism, the future of religion in China seems rather unclear.
Purpose of the article: The paper proposes that the economics of religion may be useful in the analysis of the religious situation in China. It shows the possibilities of applying the economic approach even where markets are suppressed, such as under Communist rule. In light of economic theory, it shows that the experience of Central European countries under Communist rule, particularly Czechoslovakia, may provide clues about the future of religion in China.
Methods: The paper builds on previous findings in the economics of religion. It reviews the theories concerning the regulation of the religious markets and the effects of deregulation, as well as the theories specifically developed to analyze religion under heavy regelation and the strategies for its survival. The history of Communist China and Czechoslovakia are compared with regard to those theories.
Findings & Value added: The paper shows the similarities between Communist China and Czechoslovakia. The parallels seem useful to predict the further development of religion in China, including the effect of the possible tightening of anti-religious policies as well as those of deregulation upon the liberalization of the Chinese political regime.
Global Emergency Impact to Latvian Micro and Small Enterprises
Authors: Riekstina Iluta , Zvirgzdina Rosita 
Published: January 2021

Research background:2020 will always remain a pandemic year in the world. A year that shook everyone including business. After the end of the emergency, many countries are planning business recovery measures. Many programs are planned for micro and small businesses. Due to the large number of micro-enterprises that the authors decided to conduct a study on the preparedness of micro and small enterprises for emergencies. About the areas in which small businesses operate, how and whether they are only able to operate in the domestic market or are ready for globalization. 65% of Latvian micro and small enterprises in surveys conducted by credit institutions showed that the impact of COVID19 on operations is noticeable and will be necessary for business recovery. At the same time, 47% of them confirmed that they plan to change their business model according to the new situation.Purpose of the article:The aim of the research is to identify the interaction of the activity structure of Latvian micro and small enterprises with emergency situations. To analyze the operating environment and the intensity of its impact on business.Methods:Quantitative research is based on official business data from several sources - Enterprise Register, Ministry of Economics, Re-Identifier of the Register of Enterprises Ltd. “Lursoft”, Central Statistical Bureau. The study will review data on the last 5 years by analyzing data for 2013-2017. The following research methods have been used for the research: quantitative data research approach, analytical study comparing data for five years and graphical method - visualization and analysis of visual information.Findings & Value added: As a result of the article, it is planned to group the directions of activities of micro and small enterprises based on the impact of the emergency situation on them. Thus, performing an analysis of the readiness of Latvian micro and small enterprises for emergency situations and the impact on operations.
Gender equality management in modern company management in era of globalization
Authors: Sukalova Viera , Ceniga Pavel 
Published: January 2021

Research background: Today’s dynamic times in era of globalization bring change to all areas of business; there is increasing pressure to increase the competitiveness of companies and thus increase the requirements for management. Despite current trends, emancipation and globalization, the issue of gender equality and gender policy is still relevant and needs to be addressed. New management disciplines include diversity management. It focuses on the different social and cultural identities of employees and also on eliminating discrimination and inequality in the organization. Diversity management has later developed into a relatively separate discipline - gender relations management. Label recognition of the organization as “gender-integrated” means that organizational culture and processes are based on the recognition and promotion of gender equality. Gender equality is associated with the concept of equal opportunities at work and actual legislation in the field of labour protection.
Purpose of the article: The aim of the paper is based on modern management trends and the legislative framework for gender equality as well as anti-discrimination management principles to analyse the current situation on the example of a case study from the requirements of a gender integrated organization and to propose systemic measures to address issues for business practice.
Methods: The method of analysis, synthesis, deduction, interview and questionnaire was used in the research. A survey was performed in 2019 on the examle of case study in big sized company in the field of machinery industry.
Findings & Value added: Adherence to gender equality policy can be a competitive advantage for the entrepreneur. This initiative is becoming a motivating factor for entrepreneurs to launch measures that would lead to introduction and strengthening of gender equality.
How do Slovak Women Perceive Their Opportunities on the Global Labor Market? Generational study
Authors: Urbánová Mária , Kozáková Jana , Klátiková Silvia 
Published: January 2021

Research background:Despite European labor market offers wider opportunities of employment also for Slovak women, it is characterized by notable gender disparities too. Except for the 12% employment gap, the 16% wage gap still occurs. Study examines generational differences in attitudes of Slovak woman according to their opportunities on the global labor market with the respect of fact that, women’s own views on the need for such activities differ across generations.Purpose of the article:The aim is to point out that views of Slovak women on their opportunities at the global labor market is perceived differently by women of diverse generations.Methods:The research was conducted using the questionnaire method on a sample of 361 respondents, who were exclusively women of economically active age already incorporated in the labor market. For this reason, stratified randomization was performed and members of Generations X, Generation Y, and Generation Z were approached to participate in the online survey. The assumptions of differences were set for 6 chosen variables and statistically tested according to the age through Kruskal-Wallis test using XL stat. As a post hoc test the Bonferroni correction was computed to counteract the problem of multiple comparisons between variables.Findings & Value added: The uniqueness of our study is primarily in targeting at women of different generations and looking for differences in their generational attitudes.
The Dependence of the CZK Exchange Rate on the Development of the GDP in the Czech Republic in the Conditions of an Expected Crisis
Authors: Machová Veronika , Krulický Tomáš 
Published: January 2021

Research background: In the past, some studies proved that the development of a currency exchange rate predicts the development of the whole national economy. The monetary market overtakes the development of the actual economy for a few months. Does this apply also in the case of the Czech koruna, in the era of the global Coronavirus pandemics and in the world affected by the pandemics?
Purpose of the article: The main objective is to analyze a dependence of the Czech koruna (CZK) to Euro (EUR) exchange rate development on gross domestic product of the Czech Republic in the conditions of an expected crisis.
Methods: The data used of the analysis are represented by the information about the CZK and EUR exchange rate from the beginning of 1999 to the 15th June 2020 and by the quarterly development of the Czech GDP. To measure the dependence and predict the development of the GDP based on the CZK exchange rate development, the method of AI is used, namely the regression analysis using the artificial neural networks.
Findings & Value added: The effect of EUR/CZK on GDP can be quantified reaching around 31%. It is assumed that the GDP will fall significantly in 2020 with a certain growth only being possibly expected in 2021 (even more significantly in the second quarter of 2021). Due to the GDP development, the development of the EUR/CZK could then be forecasted as well.
Increasing the Efficiency of the Fiscal System – a Parallel between Poland and Romania
Authors: Rădulescu Carmen Valentina , Bodislav Dumitru Alexandru , Negescu Oancea Diana Mihaela 
Published: January 2021

Research background: This paper presents an overview and a fundamental analysis of the fiscal system in Romania and how it should be, also by showing one of the European champions on fiscal efficiency, the Polish system. Although we are talking about the 21st century, about evolution, economic, financial and fiscal sustainability, the Romanian tax system has been intensely blamed for its inefficiency, outdated procedures and last but not least the excessive bureaucracy. This topic was intensely discussed and debated both by the competent authorities who tried to identify the deepest issues and by the specialized press representing a great interest for both natural and legal taxpayers.
Purpose of the article: The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges, limits and solutions so that the Romanian tax system can become efficient and implicit, a model to follow for success. The paper shows how the Romanian fiscal system works and how taxes add to the degree of economic growth and what are the limits of actual system.
Methods: The paper evaluates the actual literature, its conceptual limits, the classification and how it should be at technical level.
Findings & Value added: The research will highlight the harmonization of the Romanian fiscal system with the European Union’s one and especially with one of its champions, Poland.
The Willingness to Devote Time to Volunteers Projects in Relation to Volunteers Practice
Authors: Zárubová Lucie , Švecová Lenka 
Published: January 2021

Research background: The article deals with the volunteering. The relationship between school and volunteer orientation is compared among respondents preparing for the future labour market, i.e. high school and university students of various specializations who study in the Czech Republic. Students can be motivated by gaining experience in team cooperation in solving a common goal like one type of the motivator. Are volunteers and potential volunteers willing to devote their time to projects in the same way, whether they have experience with volunteering or not?
Purpose of the article: The purpose is to find the connection between the age of the respondents, their experiences with volunteering and the time they are willing to devote to the volunteering.
Methods: The method is quantitative study of answers of students from high school and university students. The quantitative study uses Chi square test. The result of quantitative elaboration of the questionnaire survey is the answer to whether there is a connection between the age of the respondents, their experience with volunteering and the time which they are willing to devote to the volunteering.
Findings & Value added: The result finds the differences and connections between age of volunteers, their experiences with volunteering and with willingness to be the volunteer for longer or shorter time. The result of the survey brings benefits to managers to recruit volunteers and it cannot be denied that the willingness of volunteers to devote their time to volunteering will change as they gain the experience.
Transcranial Stimulation Improves Volume and Perceived Exertion but does not Change Power
Authors: Fortes Leonardo de Sousa , Mazini-Filho Mauro , Lima-Júnior Daltonde , Machado Daniel Gomes Silva , Albuquerque Maicon Rodrigues , Fonseca Fabiano de Souza , Ferreira Maria Elisa Caputo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to analyze the acute effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) on the volume, perceived exertion, and neuromuscular performance measurements in trained and untrained adults. Twenty-four male adults (12 trained and 12 untrained) participated in this single-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled study. The participants performed three back squat repetitions using the 15RM load with maximal concentric velocity to assess neuromuscular performance before tDCS and 30-min after resistance exercise. Next, they were randomly assigned to a-tDCS over M1 or the sham condition. Participants performed ten sets of parallel back squat with 15RM load and repetitions sustained to momentary muscular failure. The total number of repetitions was higher (p<0.05) and perceived exertion was lower (p<0.05) after a-tDCS in both groups. Peak power, velocity, and force decreased in both groups after the RE session (p<0.05), but with a higher rate in untrained individuals (p<0.05). No significant effect was found for peak power, peak velocity, and peak force (p>0.05). This study suggests that using a-tDCS may improve the total volume of repetitions and perceived exertion in trained and untrained individuals.
Cardiovascular Responses to Muscle Stretching: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Thomas Ewan , Bellafiore Marianna , Gentile Ambra , Paoli Antonio , Palma Antonio , Bianco Antonino 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study will be to review the current body of literature to understand the effects of stretching on the responses of the cardiovascular system. A literature search was performed using the following databases: Scopus, NLM Pubmed and ScienceDirect. Studies regarding the effects of stretching on responses of the cardiovascular system were investigated. Outcomes regarded heart rate(HR), blood pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV of which baPWV for brachial-ankle and cfPWV for carotid-femoral waveforms), heart rate variability and endothelial vascular function. Subsequently, the effects of each outcome were quantitatively synthetized using meta-analytic synthesis with random-effect models. A total of 16 studies were considered eligible and included in the quantitative synthesis. Groups were also stratified according to cross-sectional or longitudinal stretching interventions. Quality assessment through the NHLBI tools observed a “fair-to-good” quality of the studies. The meta-analytic synthesis showed a significant effect of d=0.38 concerning HR, d=2.04 regarding baPWV and d=0.46 for cfPWV. Stretching significantly reduces arterial stiffness and HR. The qualitative description of the studies was also supported by the meta-analytic synthesis. No adverse effects were reported, after stretching, in patients affected by cardiovascular disease on blood pressure. There is a lack of studies regarding vascular adaptations to stretching.
Transpancreatic biliary sphincterotomy versus double guidewire in difficult biliary cannulation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kylänpää Leena , Koskensalo Vilja , Saarela Arto , Ejstrud Per , Udd Marianne , Lindström Outi , Rainio Mia , Tenca Andrea , Halttunen Jorma , Qvigstad Gunnar , Arnelo Urban , Fagerström Niklas , Hauge Truls , Aabakken Lars , Grönroos Juha 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Difficult biliary cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) increases the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). The purpose of this prospective, randomized, multicenter study was to compare two advanced rescue methods, transpancreatic biliary sphincterotomy (TPBS) and a double-guidewire (DGW) technique, in difficult common bile duct (CBD) cannulation.
Methods Patients with native papilla and planned CBD cannulation were recruited at eight Scandinavian hospitals. An experienced endoscopist attempted CBD cannulation with wire-guided cannulation. If the procedure fulfilled the definition of difficult cannulation and a guidewire entered the pancreatic duct, randomization to either TPBS or to DGW was performed. If the randomized method failed, any method available was performed. The primary end point was the frequency of PEP and the secondary end points included successful cannulation with the randomized method.
Results In total, 1190 patients were recruited and 203 (17.1 %) were randomized according to the study protocol (TPBS 104 and DGW 99). PEP developed in 14/104 patients (13.5 %) in the TPBS group and 16/99 patients (16.2 %) in the DGW group (P = 0.69). No difference existed in PEP severity between the groups. The rate of successful deep biliary cannulation was significantly higher with TPBS (84.6 % [88/104]) than with DGW (69.7 % [69/99]; P = 0.01).
Conclusions In difficult biliary cannulation, there was no difference in PEP rate between TPBS and DGW techniques. TPBS is a good alternative in cases of difficult cannulation when the guidewire is in the pancreatic duct.
Development and Prospective Validation of the Levothyroxine Dose
Prediction Model in Primary Hypothyroidism
Authors: Singh Rekha , Tandon Ashwani , Awasthi Ashish 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMultiple visits are needed to achieve euthyroidism on levothyroxine in newly
detected primary hypothyroidism. We aimed to develop a levothyroxine dose
estimation algorithm for primary hypothyroidism. Adults with newly diagnosed
hypothyroidism were enrolled prospectively, first in the training cohort,
followed by the validation cohort separated by time and person. We developed
a predictive algorithm from Training Cohort and validated the model in
Validation Cohort. Training Cohort: In this cohort, 358 subjects (259 women
and 99 men) were enrolled. The median duration needed to achieve
euthyroidism was 4±0.5 months. The mean levothyroxine daily dose was
60.5±34.1 μg. Data of euthyroid subjects within 6
months of treatment initiation and age range 18–65 years were used
for algorithm development. In the multivariable linear regression algorithm,
pretreatment serum thyrotropin level, and sex formed the best-fit predictive
model (adjusted R2 0.73, p-value <0.001). Validation
Cohort: Eighty-four subjects (61 women and 23 men) were enrolled and started
on an estimated levothyroxine dose derived from the developed prediction
model. On the first follow-up on treatment, 34/50 participants
achieved euthyroidism (68%) at 1.5 months. In conclusion, the
proposed prediction model for levothyroxine dose estimation effectively
achieves early euthyroidism in two-third subjects in the age range of
18–65 years.
Pronounced Ptosis in Myasthenia Gravis—A New Bedside Clinical Sign
Authors: Vinny Pulikottil W. , Vishnu Venugopalan Y. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We report three cases of myasthenia gravis in whom the asymmetrical ptosis at presentation became more pronounced with the described bedside technique. Pronounced ptosis could be elicited by making the patient speak continuously for up to 2 minutes. Pauses for breathing and natural blinking were allowed. The sign is best elicited in newly diagnosed and treatment-naive patients. The loss of compensation for ptosis by frontalis muscle due to speech-induced fatigue may be responsible for the observed effect. Patients’ symptoms abated on treatment with acetylcholine esterase inhibitors, steroids, and steroid-sparing agents.
Risk of Early Birth among Women with a Urinary Tract Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Baer Rebecca J. , Nidey Nichole , Bandoli Gretchen , Chambers Brittany D. , Chambers Christina D. , Feuer Sky , Karasek Deborah , Oltman Scott P. , Rand Larry , Ryckman Kelli K. , Jelliffe-Pawlowski Laura L. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the risk of preterm birth (PTB, <37 weeks) and early term (37 and 38 weeks) birth among women with an emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization with a urinary tract infection (UTI) by trimester of pregnancy.
Methods The primary sample was selected from births in California between 2011 and 2017. UTIs were identified from the ED or hospital discharge records. Risk of PTB, by subtype, and early term birth were evaluated by trimester of pregnancy and by type of visit using log-linear regression. Risk ratios were adjusted for maternal factors. Antibiotic usage was examined in a population of privately insured women from Iowa.
Results Women with a UTI during pregnancy were at elevated risk of a birth <32 weeks, 32 to 36 weeks, and 37 to 38 weeks (adjusted risk ratios [aRRs] 1.1–1.4). Of the women with a diagnostic code for multiple bacterial species, 28.8% had a PTB. A UTI diagnosis elevated risk of PTB regardless of antibiotic treatment (aRR 1.4 for treated, aRR 1.5 for untreated).
Conclusion UTIs are associated with early birth. This association is present regardless of the trimester of pregnancy, type of PTB, and antibiotic treatment.
Malnutrition Essentials for Neurologists and Neurosurgeons: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Tahta Alican , Turgut Yasar B. , Sahin Cem 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMalnutrition still causes deaths in the world today and protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is characterized by increased oxidative stress, immune deficiency, and development of various infections. Even today, however, it is an underrecognized and undertreated entity in neurology and neurosurgery. In this article, we therefore seek to review the available literature regarding various factors affecting surgical outcome of children with malnutrition undergoing some neurosurgical interventions including shunt surgery and traumatic brain injury in intensive care unit, in addition to its effects upon oxidative stress status and immunity. Furthermore, we attempt to provide essential knowledge of malnutrition affecting surgical outcome of patients with PEM. Based on available evidence in the published literature, it is concluded that it is a serious public health problem characterized by increased oxidative stress, immune deficiency, and development of various infections.