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Purpose: The primary purpose of this paper is to identify the so-called core authors and their publications according to pre-defined criteria and thereby direct the users to the fastest and easiest way to get a picture of the otherwise pervasive field of bankruptcy prediction models. The authors aim to present state-of-the-art bankruptcy prediction models assembled by the field's core authors and critically examine the approaches and methods adopted. Design/methodology/approach: The authors conducted a literature search in November 2022 through scientific databases Scopus, ScienceDirect and the Web of Science, focussing on a publication period from 2010 to 2022. The database search query was formulated as “Bankruptcy Prediction” and “Model or Tool”. However, the authors intentionally did not specify any model or tool to make the search non-discriminatory. The authors reviewed over 7,300 articles. Findings: This paper has addressed the research questions: (1) What are the most important publications of the core authors in terms of the target country, size of the sample, sector of the economy and specialization in SME? (2) What are the most used methods for deriving or adjusting models appearing in the articles of the core authors? (3) To what extent do the core authors include accounting-based variables, non-financial or macroeconomic indicators, in their prediction models? Despite the advantages of new-age methods, based on the information in the articles analyzed, it can be deduced that conventional methods will continue to be beneficial, mainly due to the higher degree of ease of use and the transferability of the derived model. Research limitations/implications: The authors identify several gaps in the literature which this research does not address but could be the focus of future research. Practical implications: The authors provide practitioners and academics with an extract from a wide range of studies, available in scientific databases, on bankruptcy prediction models or tools, resulting in a large number of records being reviewed. This research will interest shareholders, corporations, and financial institutions interested in models of financial distress prediction or bankruptcy prediction to help identify troubled firms in the early stages of distress. Social implications: Bankruptcy is a major concern for society in general, especially in today's economic environment. Therefore, being able to predict possible business failure at an early stage will give an organization time to address the issue and maybe avoid bankruptcy. Originality/value: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to identify the core authors in the bankruptcy prediction model and methods field. The primary value of the study is the current overview and analysis of the theoretical and practical development of knowledge in this field in the form of the construction of new models using classical or new-age methods. Also, the paper adds value by critically examining existing models and their modifications, including a discussion of the benefits of non-accounting variables usage.

Purpose: Without effective solutions, the expenses associated with elderly care in the coming years may become overwhelmingly high, especially as the ageing population continues to increase glob-ally. As such, there have been several efforts to potentially save public social expenses for elderly, leading to the question of how to improve the cost-effectiveness of assistive daily living (ADL) for seniors. Methods: In this paper, a model that simulates the savings on the indirect public expenses for elderly care when selected assistive smart devices are placed in their homes is designed and implemented in STELLA Architect version 2.1.1. Model inputs includes information on ADL, disability baselines, and hourly care rates. Results: Model was tested by real use simulation, where results show that the domestic user scenario resulted with median response time of 1,72 and 2,08 seconds respectively under different networks type. International user scenario resulted with 1,7s for A and 1,95s for B., with varying network A having a 5ms network ping versus 6,2 network ping time for B which had an influence model delivery. Conclusion: Overall, the model implemented using STELLA Architect provided speed response in all simulated cases what proves real usability for any users.

AbstractThis study aims to investigate whether the costs spent on corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be offset, and identify the inflection point when financial returns from CSR exceed the spending. By using Principal Component Analysis, we developed the Carroll’s CSR model to measure actual CSR spending. Drawing on data of 315 listed pharmaceutical firms from China, the quadratic effect was used to examine the inflection point, and the panel data regression was employed to examine the impact of CSR spending on current and subsequent financial performance. The results show that CSR spending cannot be offset in the short-term. After two years of CSR implementation, ethical-domain and overall CSR spending positively relate to return on assets (ROA), whereas legal-domain CSR spending positively affects ROA after three years of CSR implementation, all justifying that CSR spending can be offset in the long-term. This research contributes to literature by precisely recognizing the time-based inflection point in financial performance arises, which is less discussed in existing CSR studies. The study findings imply that corporate managers need to view CSR spending as capital investment rather than operating costs, and policy makers should mandate institutional arrangements to facilitate CSR.

Industry engagement and the application of universities’ research outcomes for shaping society to achieve a habitable environment are possible as a result of technology transfer. With reference to universities in the Czech Republic, this paper proposes a model of effective knowledge management for intellectual property created by university employees according to the structure of individual faculties and their main research focus. The ultimate goal is to achieve effective technology transfer through knowledge management. A review of previous technology transfer models, such as appropriability, dissemination, knowledge utilization, communication, use of a university technology transfer office, and the Triple Helix, shows that these models cannot effectively transfer technology individually but can do so in combination at different levels. Consequently, a knowledge management model is introduced in this study for the transfer of technology from universities. The introduction of technology transfer offices (TTOs) is expected to protect intellectual property, generate new knowledge and create access to valuable knowledge, among other benefits.

Background: There are a few risk factors which definitely have an impact on the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Those include genetics, gender, age, diabetes, head injuries, and lifestyle. Physical activity together with a healthy diet is part of people's lifestyle. At present, there exist several research studies showing that the physical activities can be a good intervention tool in the delay of cognitive decline in AD. Objective: The aim of this study is to discuss a relationship between the physical activities and the delay and/or maintenance of cognitive decline in AD and the types of physical activities which are especially suitable for this delay. Methods: The method of this review study consists of a method of literature review analysing the data contained in the world’s prestigious scientific databases: PubMed, Springer, Web of Science and Scopus in the period of 2010 - 2015. In addition, a method of comparison of different research studies discussing various aspects and factors of the correlation of physical activities and AD is used. Results: The findings of this review confirm that in most cases, physical activities have a positive effect on the improvement of cognitive decline in AD. Conclusion: Although physical activities seem to be beneficial for people with AD, more convincing results, particularly in the area of specific types of exercises and their impact on slowing down the cognitive decline, respectively AD, are needed.

AbstractThe aim of the paper is to analyse the current financing system for schools in the Czech Republic and the subsequent formulation of criteria for improving the redistribution of funds from public sources. First, the method of retrospective analysis of expenditures on education financing at European level and the developed countries of the OECD. Second, the multiple criteria model for the distribution of funds is established using Expert Choice. Finally, a method of guided interviews will be exploited in order to detect attitudes, priorities of representatives from the education department and the economic department in the Czech Republic. In the analysis of secondary school finance decision-making, individual solution options and key criteria were specified. The criteria include justice, motivation, stability, controllability and simplicity. Based on the multi-criteria evaluation output, it is possible to recommend the inclusion of three elements in the current financing system of secondary education in the Czech Republic. These are the tracking of graduates in the labour market, assessment of schools and teachers.

Background: The importance of the issue of the economic burden of treatment and care for people with dementia is crucial in the developed countries. The European Union and other developed countries are trying to improve the course of aging population which leads to rising costs. Their uniform registration is also one of the objectives of the developed countries' strategic plans to fight dementia. The individual steps of the plans in practical terms so far are mainly directed to the early diagnosis of diseases, records of the associated data are so far in the background. Aim: The aim of this paper is to specify a set of costs that should be constantly monitored at the national level within dementia. Methods: The main method is a literature review focused on Alzheimer's disease. The searched keywords were "Alzheimer's disease" and "costs" incurred after 2010. The studies will specify the monitored costs and determine their minimal penetration, which will then form the basis for recommendations for the monitored group of costs on a national level. Results: Results of the analysis indicate that the following main cost groups are monitored: medical direct costs (inpatient care, outpatient treatment, medication), non-medical direct costs (day care centres, community health services, respite care, accommodation costs for patients) and indirect costs (time that the carers dedicate to the patient). The issue of different naming and groups of costs calls for a common strategy in this area and defining the minimum items that should be monitored.

The incidence of both diabetes and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing and is becoming a social and economic threat worldwide. Recent research studies indicate that both diseases share some pathophysiological features and that specifically, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor of Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between diabetes mellitus and AD, explore the efficacy of selected drugs on patients with diabetes and AD, and compare the relative risk of diabetes for Alzheimer's disease within different clinical studies. The method of literature search in several acknowledged databases such as Web of Science, Elsevier Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus in the period from 2000 to 2015 for the following keywords: “Alzheimer's AND disease AND diabetes AND mellitus” was used. The identified studies were divided into two basic groups, based on their focus: efficacy of the selected drugs on patients suffering from AD and diabetes, and a link between diabetes and AD; as diabetes is seen as a risk factor of AD. The findings of this study confirm that there is a close and direct link between diabetes and AD, which indicates that there is a need for early diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and T2DM. In fact, the reviewed clinical trials have proved an increase in the risk of AD. However, the values of this risk are relatively low. The results also illustrate that both pharmacological (e.g., the antidiabetic drugs together with insulin dosing) and nonpharmacological (e.g., being intensively engaged in physical activities) treatments can have a positive effect. The results of this study confirm that diabetes and AD are not independent disorders since they share some common pathophysiological mechanisms. In addition, more clinical randomized control trials are needed to explore the efficacy of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to the treatment of T2DM and AD.

Background: At present, the number of older people is growing, especially in the developed countries where the living conditions enable a longer life expectancy. However, the higher age may result in the aging diseases such as dementia out which Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent. Nevertheless, to maintain them both physically and mentally active, more assistance is required. Objective: The purpose of this study is to discuss the efficacy of the use of modern information technologies, especially computer-based training programs, on people with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Results: Although the results from the selected studies do not indicate that the computer-based training programs are effective in the delay of cognitive decline is concerned, they suggest that these computerbased training programs are at least appropriate for the improvement of their behavioural symptoms and progression of the disease. Conclusion: Generally, these technological devices may contribute to the reduction of patients´ and their caregivers´ costs and certain flexibility, and thus the improvement of the quality of their life.

In the nineties, numerous studies began to highlight the problem of the increasing number of people with Alzheimer's disease in developed countries, especially in the context of demographic progress. At the same time, the 21st century is typical of the development of advanced technologies that penetrate all areas of human life. Digital devices, sensors, and intelligent applications are tools that can help seniors and allow better communication and control of their caregivers. The aim of the paper is to provide an up-to-date summary of the use of technological solutions for improving health and safety for people with Alzheimer's disease. Firstly, the problems and needs of senior citizens with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their caregivers are specified. Secondly, a scoping review is performed regarding the technological solutions suggested to assist this specific group of patients. Works obtained from the following libraries are used in this scoping review: Web of Science, PubMed, Springer, ACM and IEEE Xplore. Four independent reviewers screened the identified records and selected relevant articles which were published in the period from 2007 to 2018. A total of 6,705 publications were selected. In all, 128 full papers were screened. Results obtained from the relevant studies were furthermore divided into the following categories according to the type and use of technologies: devices, processing, and activity recognition. The leading technological solution in the category of devices are wearables and ambient noninvasive sensors. The introduction and utilization of these technologies, however, bring about challenges in acceptability, durability, ease of use, communication, and power requirements. Furthermore, it needs to be pointed out that these technological solutions should be based on open standards.

Narcolepsy is an incurable neurological disorder when the brain is not able to regulate a sleep and wakefulness cycle correctly. The affected person suddenly falls asleep during the day or he/she suffers from excessive day sleepiness. In addition, people may also suffer from cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and disturbed nighttime sleep. The purpose of this review study is to provide the latest information on both clinical and socioeconomic issues in the field of narcolepsy treatment and emphasize its benefits and limitations. The methodological approaches include a method of literature review of available sources exploring the issue of narcolepsy, both from a global and specific perspective point of view. On the basis of evaluation of these literature sources, the researched issue is examined. The main benefits (e.g., new drugs are being tested or non-invasive cognitive behavioral therapies are being applied) and limitations (e.g., late diagnosis of the disease or lifelong and costly treatment) of the treatment of narcolepsy are highlighted. The findings call for more research in the field of the development of novel drugs reflecting understanding of the neurological basis of narcolepsy and early diagnosis in order to eliminate the symptoms of narcolepsy and prevent the development of this disease.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an incurable, chronic disease, which causes severe damages to respiratory and digestive tracts. It is the most common genetically inherited disease among caucasians. This disease is caused by defects in CF genes, the so-called mutations in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene population. At present over 100,000 people suffer from this disease worldwide. Objective: The purpose of this review study is to describe the pathophysiology of CF and provide the latest information on its diagnosis and treatment therapies with respect to the improvement of patient’s quality of life and emphasis on targeted specialized care. Method: The methodological approaches include a method of literature review of available sources exploring the issue of cystic fibrosis both from a global and specific perspective point of view. A search was performed in the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer and ScienceDirect. Furthermore, other sources cited in the analyzed studies were also examined. On the basis of evaluation of these literature sources, the research issue was explored. Results: The main benefits (e.g., specialized centres for the treatment of CF exist or a new breakthrough in the gene therapy of CF has been made) and limitations (e.g., comorbidity of CF, lifelong and costly treatment, or adverse impact on patient’s and caregiver’s quality of life) in the treatment of narcolepsy are highlighted. Conclusion: CF requires an integrated treatment approach in specialized CF centers, involving various factors contributing to a better patient’s state of health in the form of relevant and well-balanced non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies. In addition, further large scale clinical trials are needed in order to develop compounds that are aimed at the most common classes of CFTR.

Nowadays, biomedicine is characterised by a growing need for processing of large amounts of data in real time. This leads to new requirements for information and communication technologies (ICT). Cloud computing offers a solution to these requirements and provides many advantages, such as cost savings, elasticity and scalability of using ICT. The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of cloud computing and the related use of this concept in the area of biomedicine. Authors offer a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of the cloud computing approach in biomedical research, decomposed into infrastructure, platform and service layer, and a recommendation for processing large amounts of data in biomedicine. Firstly, the paper describes the appropriate forms and technological solutions of cloud computing. Secondly, the high-end computing paradigm of cloud computing aspects is analysed. Finally, the potential and current use of applications in scientific research of this technology in biomedicine is discussed.

Alzheimer’s disease is a serious degenerative disease which is mainly typical of the developed countries. The prevalence percentage in Africa is only 2.6 %, whereas in America it is 6.5 % and in Western Europe 7.2 %. Overall, this disease affects 44 million people worldwide. With respect to the demographic development, a number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is expected in future. The key issue is not only the discovery of an effective medication, but also the early diagnosis, prevention and care about people with AD, as well as the provision of an equivalent rise of places in health and social institutions. Since the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) imposes a severe economic and social burden, the main purpose of this study is to analyze and compare available non-pharmacological approaches to the prevention and treatment of patients with AD with special focus on their cognitive competences. In addition, the analysis also concentrates on the costs of pharmacological care in individual countries all over world. This is done by using Drummond’s methodological approaches to direct and indirect costs. The analysis of non-pharmacological approaches is conducted on the basis of literature review of both clinical and review studies relevant for the research issue in the acknowledged databases and a comparison and evaluation of their findings.

Social development, better living conditions and medical advances lead to the fact that more people have the opportunity to live longer than in the past. The aging population is a characteristic feature of demographic trends in developed countries. This trend is closely linked with the issue of increasing number of diseases in old age and increasing government expenditure on health and social care. The most frequently mentioned diseases in old age include dementia. The cause may lie in all kinds of diseases, the most common are Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease. Now the care of current 35 million patients with dementia costs over 600 billion per year, it is approximately one percent of global Gross Domestic Product. This review discusses the recent issues and questions in the area of social and economic aspects of Alzheimer's disease. It focuses in detail on the national strategies in the approach to Alzheimer's disease, the anticipated problems concerning the insufficient number of social workers and necessary expenses of state budgets in the future. The situation in the area of health insurance companies' expenditures is illustrated in the context of the analysis of long-term care systems, in the chosen countries within the European Union.

Cloud computing represents a potentially very effective solution to current problems linked to the need to decrease public budget expenditures. The solution is based on sharing the same solution by multiple users as well as on an opportunity of choosing a custom-made solution that would suit any office's particular needs. The aim of this contribution is to specify when to deploy cloud computing in the public sector and to compare the situation in the Czech Republic and elsewhere. A case study of cloud computing deployment in a chosen public sector institution–high school–will be used to illustrate the situation. The used research methods include document analysis focusing on cloud computing in the public sector. The data for the case study was collected by means of an in-depth interview with an IT expert. The data from countries using cloud computing in the public sector show that its deployment is meaningful. This conclusion is confirmed by the case study, which shows savings and benefits from this technology's deployment.

Developed countries nowadays are affected by an ageing population growth together with a rise of old age diseases. One of the ways how to cut costs of their treatment and make their care easier is to use modern information technologies. The purpose of this article is thus to explore the current modern information technologies (ICT) which are used as tools for the support and improvement of quality of life of elderly people. Furthermore, the authors of this article focus on the technologies which enable the elderly to maintain their active social involvement. The authors also concentrate on the technologies and health devices which enable quality of life to older people with dementia, especially with Alzheimer disease (AD).

In the following article, the author reported an error in the abstract’s result section [1]. The results section of the abstract has been changed as follows: Results: The main benefits (e.g., specialized centres for the treatment of CF exist or a new breakthrough in the gene therapy of CF has been made) and limitations (e.g., comorbidity of CF, lifelong and costly treatment, or adverse impact on patient’s and caregiver’s quality of life) in the treatment of CF are highlighted. The original results section of the abstract was published as: Results: The main benefits (e.g., specialized centres for the treatment of CF exist or a new breakthrough in the gene therapy of CF has been made) and limitations (e.g., comorbidity of CF, lifelong and costly treatment, or adverse impact on patient’s and caregiver’s quality of life) in the treatment of narcolepsy are highlighted. The original article can be found online at 10.2174/1573406412666160608113235