Globalisation in reverse? Reconfiguring the geographies of value chains and production networks

Standing at a crossroads, where ongoing 'slowbalisation' coincides with new forces such as the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, heightened geopolitical tensions, the emergence of disruptive technologies and the increasing urgency of addressing environmental challenges, many important questions remain unsolved regarding the nature and impact of the current economic globalisation. This special issue on 'Globalisation in Reverse? Reconfiguring the Geographies of Value Chains and Production Networks' aims at showcasing recent work that seeks to contribute to, and advance, the debates on economic globalisation and the reconfiguration of global value chains and production networks. This introductory article has three objectives: first, based on a broad literature review, we aim to identify four key forces, as well as the fundamental relatively stable capitalist logics contributing to the complex reconfiguration of global economic activities. Second, we will position the papers included in this special issue against the four main forces identified and discuss the contributions of each article to capture some emerging cross-paper patterns among them. Finally, we outline the contours of a research agenda that suggests promising avenues for further investigation of the phenomenon of value chain and production network reconfigurations in times of uncertainty.

Exploring system, site, and patient level factors affecting implementation of a dementia care support program in a safety net health system

Background The LA County Department of Health Services (LAC DHS) implemented The Care Ecosystem1, a phone-based dementia care support and education program utilizing Dementia Navigators (DNs) to address unmet needs of patients with dementia and their caregivers (dyads). This is the first time that this program has been implemented in an underserved, multilingual and multicultural population. We used the Replicating Effective Programs (REP) framework to identify implementation barriers at multiple levels including patient, staff, system and external barriers. Barriers and challenges not identified by REP were captured by the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM). Methods The program was implemented in 4 distinct DHS clinical sites over 18 months. Dyads were enrolled in months 11-18. Monthly meetings were used to track enrollment data and staff engagement as well as to identify barriers at the patient, site, and systems levels. Results One hundred and three patients were referred to the program across all 4 sites, and 47 were enrolled (45.6%). The site with the highest level of PI engagement had the highest number of referrals (N = 63) and patients enrolled (N=22). The site with the highest level of DN engagement had the highest percentage (78.3%) of enrolled patients (N=18) from those referred (N = 23). REP-PRISM factors impacting staff engagement, patient referral, and enrollment identified during the monthly meetings include staff turnover, competing obligations, and administrative support. Other factors include dyad health status, stigma associated with dementia diagnosis, and access to communication technology. COVID-19, an external factor, significantly impacted the implementation process. Conclusions The REP-PRISM framework helped identify implementation barriers at multiple levels while establishing a dementia support program in a safety net health system, and will help inform future implementation projects within this population. Engagement by all study personnel in regular meetings improved program implementation by enhancing communication, support and problem-solving.

Acute aortic thrombosis associated with COVID-19 infection

Introduction: COVID-19 infection has been associated with significant coagulation disorders, particularly hyperco-agulable states. We present two cases of aortic thrombosis associated with COVID-19 infection and their outcome. Case report: case 1. Patient with asymptomatic aortic arch thrombosis. Case 2. Patient with aortoiliac thrombosis with acute lower extremity ischemia. Discussion: up to 20 %of patients with COVID-19 have some complication, including bleeding disorders. Surgical treatment of patients with COVID-19 infection and arterial complications poses a complex scenario when deciding on therapeutic conduct.

VIRTUAL TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNER SIMULATOR FOR DIGITALISATION OF TEACHING ENVIRONMENT: CONCEPT AND FIRST RESULTS

We are presenting a concept and first results of a Terrestrial Laser Scanner simulator - a tool, which could be a valuable educational tool for geomatics and engineering students. The main goal of the VirScan3D project is to cover engineering digitisation by two major project parts: 1) Development of a virtual environment for creation and processing of digital 3D scan data;2) Digital teaching and e-learning material with interactive tools and practical experiences. Part 1 will be solved through the development of a virtual system that allows users to create realistic data in the absence of a real measuring device. At the time of writing (April 2020) all higher education teaching and learning worldwide has been changed to online delivery due to the Covid pandemic. However, this has affected the courses that involve working with equipment and – consequently – require the presence of students and devices. In this project, the development of such equipment simulator proposes a real and feasible solution, which allows undisturbed continuing the teaching.The virtual scanner will be based on existing software packages. It will be part of a general e-learning concept that will be implemented in partner universities. Part 2 is addressed through an integrated teaching concept that includes interactive learning tools (for both teachers and students) and practical exercises (for example project weeks, summer schools) where the theoretical and virtual education is connected to practical experience with real instrumentation and data. One outcome of the experimental work is additional e-learning material based on the experiences and results of the project work.The prototype implementation of the virtual laser scanner is realized within a game engine, which allows for fast and easy 3D visualisation and navigation. Within this environment, the user can freely navigate and define suitable scanning positions/stations. At each scanning station a simulated scan is performed, which is based on the technical specifications of a real scanner. The mathematical solution is based on 3D line intersection with the virtual 3D surface including noise and colour as well as an intensity simulation. As a result, 3D point clouds for each station are generated, which will be further processed for registration and modelling using standard software packages.

Union of the European Phoniatricians' position statement on the exit strategy of phoniatric and laryngological services: staying safe and getting back to normal after the peak of coronavirus disease 2019 (issued on 25th May 2020).

BACKGROUND: The following position statement from the Union of the European Phoniatricians, updated on 25th May 2020 (superseding the previous statement issued on 21st April 2020), contains a series of recommendations for phoniatricians and ENT surgeons who provide and/or run voice, swallowing, speech and language, or paediatric audiology services. OBJECTIVES: This material specifically aims to inform clinical practices in countries where clinics and operating theatres are reopening for elective work. It endeavours to present a current European view in relation to common procedures, many of which fall under the aegis of aerosol generating procedures. CONCLUSION: As evidence continues to build, some of the recommended practices will undoubtedly evolve, but it is hoped that the updated position statement will offer clinicians precepts on safe clinical practice.