Astronomical Distance Determination in the Space Age: Secondary Distance Indicators

The formal division of the distance indicators into primary and secondary leads to difficulties in description of methods which can actually be used in two ways: with, and without the support of the other methods for scaling. Thus instead of concentrating on the scaling requirement we concentrate on all methods of distance determination to extragalactic sources which are designated, at least formally, to use for individual sources. Among those, the Supernovae Ia is clearly the leader due to its enormous success in determination of the expansion rate of the Universe. However, new methods are rapidly developing, and there is also a progress in more traditional methods. We give a general overview of the methods but we mostly concentrate on the most recent developments in each field, and future expectations. © 2018, The Author(s)

The German manufacturing industry faces globalization: Old achievements, new challenges

While the German manufacturing industry is internationally renowned and often seen as the backbone of German economic development, it has encountered some obstacles in the past few years. These obstacles are related with the emergence of new competitors, the shifts of economic activity in Europe due to economic integration and the challenge of German unification. This paper analyzes the historical development of the German manufacturing industry. By discussing the problems of German manufacturing industry in a globalized world, conclusions for necessary reforms can be drawn.