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Found 6341 publications
Strategic Importance of Corporate Communication and Leadership Styles in the Performance of Slovakian SMEs
Publication Name: Journal of Ecohumanism
Publication Date: 2024-11-10
Volume: 3
Issue: 8
Page Range: 8155-8167
Description:
Effective internal communication plays a key role in shaping organisational culture, increasing employee satisfaction and improving performance, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of two-way communication and leadership styles on the employees of Slovakian SMEs, with a particular focus on the challenges posed by the pandemic COVID-19. A mixed methodology was used in the research, which included questionnaire data collection and statistical analysis of the results to explore the frequency and effectiveness of communication and the impact of leadership styles on conflict management. The results highlight that assertive communication and two-way information flow help to increase trust and commitment while having a positive impact on employee motivation and job satisfaction. However, hierarchical communication gaps and inappropriate leadership styles often lead to dissatisfaction and inefficiency. The research has also shown that sustainable development goals, such as incorporating the principles of a circular economy, can contribute to increasing the effectiveness of internal communication and strengthening organisational stability. The new communication challenges brought about by the pandemic, including the consequences of remote working such as feelings of isolation and difficulties in information flow, further reinforce the importance of effective management practices and communication strategies. The paper offers practical suggestions for optimising internal communication systems that can help to increase organisational resilience, improve employee well-being and implement effective leadership practices. The results can contribute to the development of communication strategies and the achievement of organisational success in SMEs.
Open Access: Yes
Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among ambulance officers during the COVID–19 pandemic
Publication Name: Orvosi Hetilap
Publication Date: 2024-11-10
Volume: 165
Issue: 45
Page Range: 1779-1787
Description:
Introduction: The coronavirus epidemic in 2019 put ambulance officers’ health at risk in all areas. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder among ambulance officers after the pandemic. Data and method: After obtaining the necessary permits, we conducted our cross-sectional, quantitative survey online among the employees of the National Ambulance Service between February and May 2023, using a non-random convenience sample. In addition to John Brier’s Trauma Symptom Checklist-33, our questionnaire included questions about sociodemographic data, work and the coronavirus epidemic. The survey included those who reached the age of 18, had at least 1 year of employment as paramedic or medic, and were active during the pandemic. Data analysis was done with SPSS 26.0 program, using descriptive (average, frequency, confidence range) and mathematical-statistical procedures (chi2-test, T-test, ANOVA, correlation). The results were considered significant at p<0.05. Results: The sample consisted of 237 people (n = 237), 84% of whom were men, the average age was 39.65 ± 10.48 years. Most of them (24.1%) worked in the Budapest rescue service as rescue officers (25.7%). 73.7% of the respondents got infected with COVID–19. On a 5-point Likert scale (where 1 is the least, 5 is the most), the quarantine affected them at an average value of 2.21 ± 1.32, and they feared for their family’s safety from the coronavirus at a value of 3.49 ± 1.29. The average score measured on the post-traumatic stress disorder test (between 0–99 points) was 26.52 ± 19.36, 25.7% of the respondents scored above 40 points, who were the most at risk of the disease. The disease affected more women (p = 0.028), more people living in social relationships (p = 0.013), those who were more affected emotionally by the quarantine (r = 0.296, p<0.001), those who were physically more affected by overwork due to the coronavirus (r = 0.307, p<0.001), and more mentally stressed (r = 0.776, p<0.001). For those whose post-traumatic stress disorder proved to be more severe based on their score, a greater proportion used the help of a mental health specialist provided by the National Ambulance Service (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Special attention should continue to be paid to the mental health care of paramedics, especially in the identified risk groups.
Open Access: Yes
Potential cardiovascular benefit of optimized lipid-lowering and antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome - A simulation analysis
Publication Name: Orvosi Hetilap
Publication Date: 2024-11-03
Volume: 165
Issue: 44
Page Range: 1746-1752
Description:
Introduction: Lipid lowering therapy - despite the accumulated clinical trial evidence behind it and its significant preventive role reflected in the guidelines - does not have its rightful place in the value system of patients or doctors, there is a great gap between practice and principles. Objective: In order to increase the prestige of lipid-lowering therapy, the potential benefit of lowering LDL cholesterol was compared with antiplatelet therapy, which is generally more accepted. Method: We processed the data of 531 patients of the Bekes County Central Hospital Pandy Kalman Branch in Gyula who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome for one year starting on April 1, 2020. A simulation study was conducted during which, based on the results of large clinical studies, the cardiovascular prevention effect of optimal lipid reduction and platelet aggregation inhibition for one year was estimated. Results: In all 531 patients treated for acute coronary syndrome, if LDL cholesterol levels had remained at the mean level of 3.37 mmol/L found at admission, 59 major cardiovascular events could have occurred within one year after the index event. If LDL-cholesterol levels were to be reduced to 1.4 mmol/L, which is the very high-risk target value in the lipid recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology, the number of events would be 13, and 16 if the theoretical, very low, non-target value of 0.5 mmol/L was reached. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels is therefore expected to avoid 13 and 16 major cardiovascular events, respectively. If aspirin alone was given for antiplatelet aggregation, 14 events could be prevented over a year, 17 events could be prevented using aspirin and clopidogrel combination, and 20 events with aspirin and prasugrel or aspirin and ticagrelor. Discussion: Based on the low rates of achieving LDL cholesterol targets, there is a considerable potential for optimizing lipid-lowering treatment worldwide. In patients with acute coronary syndrome, one of the most vulnerable patient groups in cardiology practice, the study results suggest that lipid reduction and platelet aggregation inhibition could achieve a similar reduction in the number of major cardiovascular events. Conclusion: The simulation study confirms the comparable cardiovascular benefit of the two interventions. Since the attainment rate of LDL cholesterol targets set in the guidelines is very poor - with physicians' therapeutic inertia playing a major role -, we hope our findings will convince colleagues that more attention should be paid to more optimal lipid reduction.
Open Access: Yes
Macrogeometric Measurement of Camshafts of Internal Combustion Engines
Publication Name: Strojnicky Casopis Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Publication Date: 2024-11-01
Volume: 74
Issue: 2
Page Range: 71-82
Description:
In this work, cam profiles of a camshaft are measured by a roundness measurement machine. First, the measured cam profiles are transformed into their actual sizes, based on the measurement of the bearing locations. The 8 cams of the camshaft are of two types. From the 4-4 cam profiles of each type an approximate profile is created by fitting them to one another using their base circles as reference, and calculating the center of gravity of the cumulative points of these fitted profiles corresponding to an arc segment.
Open Access: Yes
Stress Analysis of Pressing Joint of Two Conical Pipes - Part 2
Publication Name: Strojnicky Casopis Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Publication Date: 2024-11-01
Volume: 74
Issue: 2
Page Range: 43-48
Description:
The paper presents a strength analysis of a pressed joint of two conical pipes with the aim of finding out whether this method of connection is suitable for telecommunication masts. In this paper, a solution using an engineering approach and a finite element method (FEM) numerical analysis for transversal direction will be compared.
Open Access: Yes
Reliability-based topology optimization of imperfect structures considering uncertainty of load position
Publication Name: Structures
Publication Date: 2024-11-01
Volume: 69
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
In this paper, a novel optimization technique is implemented to explore the effects of considering uncertain load positions. Therefore, the integration of reliability-based design into structural topology optimization, while considering imperfect geometrically nonlinear analysis, is proposed. By comparing the results obtained from perfect and imperfect geometrically and materially nonlinear analyses, this study examines the impact of nonlinearity on probabilistic and deterministic analyses. Concerning probabilistic analysis, the originality of this research lies in its incorporation of the position of the applied load as a stochastic variable. This distinctive approach complements the consideration of other relevant parameters, including volume fraction, material properties, and geometrical imperfections, with the overarching goal of capturing the variability arising from real-world conditions. For the assessment of uncertainties, normal distribution is assumed for all these parameters. Normal distributions are chosen due to their advantages in terms of simplicity, ease of implementation, and computational efficiency. These characteristics are particularly beneficial when dealing with complex optimization algorithms and extensive analyses, as is the case in our research. The proposed algorithm is validated according to the results of benchmark problems. Structural examples like cantilever beam, pinned-shell, and L-shaped beam problems are further explored within the context of imperfect geometrically nonlinear reliability-based topology optimization, with specific regard to the probabilistic aspect of the location of the externally applied loads. Moreover, the results of the suggested approach suggest that the inclusion of a probabilistic design strategy has influenced topology optimization. The reliability index acts as a controlling constraint for the resulting optimized configurations, including the mean stress values associated with the resulting topologies.
Open Access: Yes
Climate change dynamics for global energy security and equity: Evidence from policy stringency drivers
Publication Name: Journal of Environmental Management
Publication Date: 2024-11-01
Volume: 370
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
This study investigates the dynamic interplay between financial integration, political stability, infrastructure, and global integration in enhancing Energy Security (ES) and Energy Equity (EE) across 50 economies from 2006 to 2018. It addresses gaps in understanding how socio-economic, political, and technological factors collectively influence ES and EE during the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The research aims to reveal the complex relationships and potential trade-offs between energy sustainability, economic growth, and equitable energy distribution. Utilizing robust panel data methods including System GMM, Fixed Effects, and Random Effects, the study examines the impacts of various determinants on ES and EE. The dataset includes annual observations on global integration, financial integration, infrastructure quality, political stability, and other relevant metrics from diverse global sources. The findings reveal that increased financial integration significantly enhances ES by easing capital flow into energy infrastructure, which is crucial for stable energy supply chains. Political stability also positively affects ES, underscoring the importance of stable governance in sustaining energy policies. Conversely, rapid urban growth and inadequate social integration pose challenges to achieving EE, highlighting disparities in energy access worsened by urbanization. Technological advancements and digital connectivity appear as positive drivers for EE, enhancing the efficiency and distribution of energy resources. This study contributes to the literature by providing a detailed examination of how integration into global financial and political systems affects energy strategies at a national level. It offers valuable insights for policymakers on fostering environments conducive to sustainable energy development and fair energy access. The research underscores the importance of incorporating socio-economic and technological advancements in energy policy frameworks to achieve balanced growth and sustainability. Future research directions include exploring the causal relationships and long-term impacts of these factors on ES and EE, particularly in the context of evolving global energy policies and technological advancements.
Open Access: Yes
Comparative Analysis of Foundation Systems in Expansive Soil: A Three-Dimensional Model Approach to Moisture Diffusion and Volume Changes
Publication Name: Geotechnical and Geological Engineering
Publication Date: 2024-11-01
Volume: 42
Issue: 8
Page Range: 7935-7961
Description:
This study compares the performance of various foundation systems in expansive soils, such as mats, granular anchor piles, and concrete piles. Expansive soils experience volumetric changes due to moisture fluctuations, which can lead to structural damage. Abaqus software, in conjunction with the SCV approach, is used to analyze soil-foundation interactions. A custom subroutine enhances simulation accuracy by incorporating empirical data on unsaturated clay behavior, matric suction, and variations in effective stress. The method’s accuracy is validated by comparing simulation results to field and laboratory experiments. The findings indicate that increasing the applied load on mats decreases overall heave but increases the differential heave. Additionally, higher soil permeability dereases the differential heave of mats. Granular anchor piles outperform concrete piles by more than 50% in highly expansive soils, suggesting a preference for these foundations. This study provides insights into the behavior of expansive soils, which will assist engineers in designing resilient foundation systems for structures.
Open Access: Yes
Development of a Battery Diagnostic Method Based on CAN Data: Examining the Accuracy of Data Received via a Communication Network
Publication Name: Energies
Publication Date: 2024-11-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 22
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
In order to reduce the emissions caused by internal combustion engine vehicles, the industry is introducing more and more electric or hybrid vehicles to the market nowadays. The battery cells and modules of these vehicles require a lot of care, as improper or improperly maintained battery units can cause serious problems inside vehicles and can be extremely dangerous. The safest solution is to keep this unit of a vehicle under constant supervision so that it can be repaired immediately in case of an issue. Since all necessary data can be extracted from a vehicle’s communication network(s) through standard communication protocols, it is advisable to use them for continuous monitoring and diagnostics of units, while also considering cost-effectiveness and simplicity. The data received from here can also be used for measurement of electric powertrains and other parameters. However, since these data go through many conversions and computers (ECUs) before reaching us, their accuracy is questionable. In this study, we present our own custom battery diagnostic tool based on data extracted from a communication network. With the help of commercially available diagnostic tools, we also compare several measurements of the extent of the error limits of the data arriving at the communication network, how far they differ from the real values, and with the help of these, we analyze the accuracy of the device we have made. We present the commonly used Controller Area Network (CAN) communication protocol for passenger vehicles and briefly describe the construction of the high-voltage battery unit of the test vehicle.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.3390/en17225808
