bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Complaints of Arm, Neck, and Shoulders with Physical and Psychosocial Risks Factors among Computer Users of Nigerian Bank Employees
Authors: Tella B. A. , Akinfeleye A. M. , Oghumu S. N. , Adeleye A. R.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Complaints of arm, neck, and shoulders (CANS) affects millions of computer users and are thought to be associated with physical and psychosocial risk factors. Assessing the risk factors of these complaints are imperatives for preventive measures in enhancing the effectiveness of clinical interventions, hence this study.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 260 bankers whose major work task involved the use of desktop computers in Surulere Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria. Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) was used to collect the data. The MUEQ contains 95-item in seven main domains assessing physical and psychosocial risk factors with regards to work stations, posture during work, quality of break time, job demands, job control, and social supports. It also asked questions about the quality of the work environments and the occurrence of CANS. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages, while Chi-square statistic tested the association of CANS with physical and psychosocial risk factors at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.

Results:

A 70% 1 year prevalence rate of CANS was obtained. Poor body posture was significantly associated with the complaints of shoulder, arm, and elbow (P < 0.05). High job demand was significantly associated with the complaints of the shoulder and lower arm (P < 0.05), while poor work environment was significantly associated with the occurrence of CANS (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Physical and psychosocial risk factors of body posture, job demand, and work environment are associated with the prevalence of CANS among Nigerian bank employees.
Lightning injuries of the posterior segment of the eye
Authors: Rishi Ekta , Indu V P , Sharma Unnati
Published: May 2021

Lightning causes serious injuries and deaths worldwide every year. Ophthalmic injuries due to lightning are due to direct or indirect transmission of electric current, resistance-induced heat, and heat-induced shock wave. PubMed search of articles related to posterior segment injuries caused by lightning using keywords (lightning injury, ophthalmic manifestations, ocular injuries, and posterior segment) was conducted, and 19 case reports in 17 articles including 29 eyes with lightning injury to the posterior segment of the eye from 1984 to 2019 were reviewed. The majority of case reports (n = 10, 53%) were from North America. Eleven patients (58%) were in the age group of 10–30 years. Most patients (n = 10, 53%) had bilateral injury. The macula was the most common site of involvement with retinal pigment epithelial changes (n = 14, 48%) being the most common manifestation. A variety of other retinal, vitreous, and electrophysiological abnormalities have also been reported. We conclude that although lightning injuries are usually mild injuries, with vision remaining, either stable or showing some improvement in the majority of cases, severe visual loss due to optic atrophy and maculopathy may occur in long term.
Infinite-dimensional linear algebra and solvability of partial differential equations
Authors: Todorov Todor D.
Published: May 2021

We discuss linear algebra of infinite-dimensional vector spaces in terms of algebraic (Hamel) bases. As an application we prove the surjectivity of a large class of linear partial differential operators with smooth ($\mathcal C^\infty$-coefficients) coefficients, called in the article \emph{regular}, acting on the algebraic dual $\mathcal D^*(\Omega)$ of the space of test-functions $\mathcal D(\Omega)$. The surjectivity of the partial differential operators guarantees solvability of the corresponding partial differential equations within $\mathcal D^*(\Omega)$. We discuss our result in contrast to and comparison with similar results about the restrictions of the regular operators on the space of Schwartz distribution $\mathcal D^\prime(\Omega)$, where these operators are often non-surjective.
Antibody responses to tetanus and diphtheria vaccine in chronic and recurrent rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tahkokallio O. , Koskinen A. , Kentala E. , Olander R.M. , Mattila P.S.
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinosinusitis may be accompanied by impaired immunity despite normal levels of serum immunoglobulins. Immune responses in sinusitis patients have previously been evaluated using polysaccharide vaccines. Our AIM was to assess the immune status by evaluating responses to diphtheria and tetanus vaccine. METHODS: Specific antibodies were measured before and 2 weeks after vaccination in 25 patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis and in 30 healthy individuals. The mean age of the patients was 46 years and that of healthy controls 43 years. RESULTS: After vaccination the patients had on average 4.08-fold lower responses to diphtheria toxoid and 2.20-fold lower responses to tetanus than the controls. Fourteen out of 25 patients had antibody levels that did not reach the 95% normal distribution range of healthy controls after either diphtheria or tetanus vaccination. All the patients had normal levels of serum immunoglobulins. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with persisting symptoms of rhinosinisitis may have impaired responses to protein vaccines. Responses to protein vaccines may be used to evaluate immune function of sinusitis patients.
Is there evidence to link acid reflux with chronic sinusitis or any nasal symptoms? A review of the evidence
Authors: Flook E.P. , Kumar B.N.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Acid reflux into the oesophagus, larynx, pharynx or nasopharynx has been suggested as a causal factor in chronic rhino-sinusitis (CRS), which can then be refractory to nasal treatments. The aim of this review was to conclude on the strength of the link between GORD, LPR, nasopharyngeal reflux, nasal symptoms and CRS. METHOD: Medline and Embase search. RESULTS: Nineteen papers describing varying studies on CRS, GORD, LPR and PPI therapy were found. Four adult case-controlled studies showed more acid reflux events/symptoms in refractory CRS patients. Paediatric cohort studies showed more reflux events in rhinosinusitis patients than the general paediatric population, but they are not conclusive. Many papers do not use robust CRS diagnostic criteria for inclusion into studies and take no confounding factors into consideration. CONCLUSION: The evidence of a link is poor with no good randomised controlled trials available. The few adult studies that show any link between acid reflux and nasal symptoms are small case-controlled studies with moderate levels of potential bias. There is not enough evidence to consider anti-reflux therapy for adult refractory CRS and there is no evidence that acid reflux is a significant causal factor in CRS.
A guide to practical aspects of measurement of human nasal airflow by rhinomanometry
Authors: Eccles R.
Published: May 2021

The guide is intended for all those interested in measuring human nasal airflow by rhinomanometry, either for clinical or research purposes. The guide is written in non-technical language so that it may be understood by nursing and support staff who may need to make measurements using rhinomanometry. It is not a systematic review of the literature but a personal view based on over 40 years experience of measuring nasal airflow. The guide introduces the basic principles of nasal airflow and pressure and their measurement. The following topics are discussed: anterior and posterior rhinomanometry and their relative problems and benefits, control of errors in measurement, standard operating procedures, calibration of equipment, measurement of the totally obstructed nose, reproducibility and sensitivity of rhinomanometry, hygiene, factors influencing nasal airflow such as rest and exercise, alcohol, medicines, temperature and humidity and diseases such as common cold and allergy.
Psychosocial quality of life in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients
Authors: Loaëc M. , Moriniere S. , Hitier M. , Ferrant O. , Plauchu H. , Babin E.
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate psychosocial quality of life (PQoL) in patients with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study was performed on PQoL in HHT patients presenting with epistaxis. One hundred fifteen patients were interviewed using a questionnaire designed by two sociologists and a head and neck surgeon. Changes over time were assessed according to information on psychosocial well-being, social life, family support, occupation, and medical and demographic data regarding age, gender and patient appearance. RESULTS: Analysis of Psychosocial Quality of Life (PQoL) revealed no statistical difference in relation to gender, marital status, household income or place of residence (rural or urban); however, a significant difference was observed with age. Elderly patients had a poorer PQoL than younger patients. Workers had a better PQoL than unemployed patients. Epistaxis and professional duties were correlated: workers with less than one episode of epistaxis per month were more active. Frequent episodes of epistaxis and abundant bleeding decreased PQoL. These patients felt different and often experienced a desire to withdraw compared to others. CONCLUSION: Epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients was associated with the impairment of many PQoL criteria, together with relationship modifications.
Olfactory bulb volume and olfactory function in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Goektas O. , Schmidt F. , Bohner G. , Erb K. , Ludemann L. , Dahlslett B. , Harms L. , Fleiner F.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: Some studies reported olfactory dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). There is no agreement about the most suitable testing method for measuring olfactory function (OF) in MS patients. Recent studies showed that olfactory bulb volume changes with the degree of olfactory dysfunction. We assessed olfactory bulb volume of MS patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and related it to the OF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Volumetric measurements of the right and left olfactory bulb (OB) were performed by manual segmentation within 36 MS patients. Psychophysical testing of the orthonasal OF was performed using threshold-discrimination-identification (TDI) score in MS patients. RESULTS: Of all MS patients, 44.4% displayed olfactory dysfunction. The TDI score of all 36 MS patients, especially the score of the Identification subtest correlated strongly with neurological scores typical of MS. In patients with a decreased OB volume, there was a positive correlation between volumetry of the OB and OF. CONCLUSION: OB volumes may provide valuable information about MS patients with olfactory dysfunction. The TDI test and Identification subtest were very sensitive in detecting olfactory dysfunction in MS patients.
A prospective study of bacterial flora in nasal cavity of patients with persistent allergic rhinitis
Authors: Taylor M.B. , Tan I.T. , Chan K.T. , Shen L. , Shi L. , Wang D.Y.
Published: May 2021

It remains unanswered whether persistent allergic inflammation in nasal mucosa alters bacterial colonization and infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial flora in the nasal cavity of patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) and to correlate the bacteriological findings with presence of nasal symptoms, nasal eosinophil and neutrophil counts. A total of 255 subjects, aged between 6 - 74 years (mean 33.9 years) was randomly selected from a population-based rhinitis survey study in Singapore. All subjects went through a thorough medical history and nasal examinations. Serum specific IgE to a panel of common house dust mites, nasal cytological and microbiological examinations were performed. PAR was diagnosed in 107 patients and none of them had received previous regular therapy. There is a significant relationship between PAR and eosinophil grades, but not with neutrophil count. No statistically significant difference was found in quantitative and qualitative bacterial flora in nasal cavity between PAR patients and subjects with non-rhinitis or with non-allergic rhinitis. There is a significant inverse correlation between ongoing rhinorrhoea and quantitative bacterial load, and between signs of nasal mucosa (pale and edema) and the presence and type of bacterial pathogens. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that patients with untreated (or using PRN medicine) PAR do not result in a significant change in bacterial flora in their nasal cavity.
The nose, snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Kotecha B.
Published: May 2021

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea are both due to multilevel anatomical obstruction, and the nose and nasal pathology both contribute in many cases. This paper addresses some of the issues surrounding the problem and briefly discusses the role of medication and nasal dilators and in more detail the implication of nasal surgery in various aspects of sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD). Nasal obstruction leads to mouth breathing, which destabilises the upper airway and aggravates SRBD.
The value of bilateral simultaneous nasal spirometry in the assessment of patients undergoing septoplasty
Authors: Fyrmpas G. , Kyrmizakis D. , Vital V. , Constantinidis J.
Published: May 2021

PROBLEM: There is no consensus regarding the best approach to select patients for septoplasty. Patient dissatisfaction after septoplasty implies that clinical examination alone is inadequate to detect a clinically relevant nasal septal deviation (NSD). Objective testing provides an in-depth analysis of nasal obstruction and its underlying anatomic causes but it is effort consuming, requires training and it is not widely available. AIM: We studied the role of bilateral simultaneous nasal spirometry (BSNS) in the preoperative selection of patients for septoplasty. PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with nasal obstruction and NSD were assessed by subjective measures and BSNS before and after septoplasty. The decongested nasal partitioning ratio (NPR) was used as a measure of the degree of NSD. Thirty healthy controls were recruited for providing a normal range of NPR values. RESULTS: All patients were subjectively improved after septoplasty but only those with NPR out of the normal limits had a significant reduction of NPR. Patients with unilateral symptoms and NPR beyond normal limits were also able to identify the more obstructed side preoperatively. For this group of patients, physicians were able to identify the convex side of NSD preoperatively. No correlation between subjective measures of nasal obstruction or airflow asymmetry and NPR was observed. CONCLUSION: BSNS is a rapid, easily interpretable, noninvasive technique, which identifies patients with large NSDs who, irrespective of concomitant mucosal factors of nasal obstruction, warrant septoplasty. BSNS is not applicable in cases with a septal perforation or an S type septal deviation, it cannot detect an insufficient nasal valve and it does not substitute rhinomanometry or acoustic rhinometry.
Predictors of post-operative response to treatment: a double blind placebo controlled study in chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Ebbens F.A. , Toppila-Salmi S. , de Groot E.J.J. , Renkonen J. , Renkonen R. , van Drunen C.M. , Dijkgraaf M.G.W. , Fokkens W.J.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND: In the majority of CRS patients suffering from primary or recurrent CRS, topical glucocorticoids are highly effective. A subset of CRS patients, however, does not respond to (topical) glucocorticoids and requires surgical intervention. Although surgery is highly effective in those individuals, recurrence of disease is observed in some. In this study we describe our search for one or more predictors predicting the response to surgery in combination with peri-operative oral glucocorticoids in CRS patients. METHODS: Thirty-five inferior turbinate specimens were randomly selected from a larger group of CRS patients requiring FESS for persistent disease that either responded favorably or demonstrated recurrent disease. Tissue biopsies were taken at the time of surgery and compared for inflammatory markers, endothelial cell markers, and various leukocyte subsets using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared to non-responders, the baseline level of lamina propria activated eosinophils is significantly increased in CRS patients responding to surgery in combination with peri-operative oral glucocorticoids treated or not treated post-operatively with topical glucocorticoids. No significant differences were observed for all other studied parameters. Post-operative treatment with FPANS 100 μg q.i.d. was significantly associated with response to treatment. A trend towards association was observed for increased numbers of eosinophils at baseline. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that CRS patients with higher levels of eosinophils are less likely to suffer from post-operative recurrent sinonasal disease when treated post-operatively with FPANS 100 μg q.i.d.
О единственности вероятностных решений уравнения Фоккера-Планка-Колмогорова
Authors: Bogachev Vladimir Igorevich , Krasovitskii Tikhon Ilich , Shaposhnikov Stanislav Valer'evich
Published: May 2021

В работе решена долго стоявшая проблема единственности вероятностных решений задачи Коши для уравнения Фоккера-Планка-Колмогорова с неограниченным коэффициентом сноса и единичным коэффициентом диффузии. Доказано, что в одномерном случае
имеет место единственность, а во всех остальных размерностях ее нет. Исследован также случай непостоянных коэффициентов диффузии.
Библиография: 70 наименований.
‘Na Wa o for African Men’: Pragmatic acting in Sir Shina Peters’ Shinamania
Authors: B. Sunday Adesina
Published: May 2021

Music performs different functions besides entertainment. This paper explores the sensitising and advocating functions of music with particular focus on Sir Shina Peters’ album Shinamania. I employ Jacob Mey’s pragmeme, a pragmatic analytical tool, to identify the pragmatic acts that are performed in the album. The analysis reveals that, with the practs of ordering, Sir Peters compares the attitudes of African men to African women and advocates women empowerment, predicating his advocacy on the fact that women are beautiful and intelligent. He presents them as more humane and considerate than men. He also eulogises the virtues of women, taking them almost to the pedestal of saints. He uses the pract of warning to balance his presentation, but he appears subjective on the side of women. Consequently, the paper concludes that Sir Shina Peters deploys this album as his commentary on cultural and socio-political peculiarities of Africa.
Effects of Withania coagulans extract and morphine on spermatogenesis in rats
Authors: Noori Ali , Amjad Leila , Yazdani Fereshteh
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To investigate the comparative effects of Withania coagolans extract and morphine on spermatogenesis in rats

Methods: W. coagolans was collected from Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran and 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight doses of methanol extract and 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg body weight doses of morphine were administered parenterally to the rats which were divided into groups. Blood samples were collected and the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone were assayed. The testicular tissue was isolated for histopathological examination.

Results: No significant changes were observed in levels of LH, FSH and testosterone in treated groups (p < 0.05). However, there was significant difference between the treated groups for extract plus morphine groups, in terms of the number of spermatogonium, spermatocytes and spermatide variation. Moreover, the results indicate tissue disorders in all groups relative to control. The extract caused more disturbances in spermatogenesis compared to morphine, and appears to improve parameters related to spermatogenesis.

Conclusion: The results show that the higher dose of Withania coagolans extract (100 mg/kg) exerts varying effects on reproductive parameters. Moreover, the lower dose of Withania coagolans extract (50 mg/kg) enhanced spermatogenesis while also protecting against the damaging effects of morphine.
Efficacy of calcium sodium phosphosilicate containing dentifrice in reducing dentin hypersensitivity compared to other dentifrices with dentin tubule occluding molecules: A systematic review
Authors: Vaddamanu Sunil Kumar , Al Qahtani Saad M. , Sundarraj Ravi Kadur , Nagate Raghavendra Reddy , Apparaju Vijay
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of calcium sodium phosphosilicate in reducing dentin hypersensitivity compared to other dentin tubule occluding molecules.

Methods: A structured research question was formulated, and an electronic search of available literature was carried out via PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. A hand search as well as a gray literature search were also carried out. The search produced a total of 67 articles. Of these, only eight articles were eligible to be included in our review. Risk of bias and study quality were checked using Cochrane tool. The review was registered in The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42018096200.

Results: The results show a reduction in dentin hypersensitivity with calcium sodium phosphosilicate compared to many other molecules. However, nanohydroxyapatite showed a better desensitizing effect compared to Novamin.

Conclusion: According to the available evidence, 5 % calcium sodium phosphosilicate containing toothpaste is more effective reducing dentin hypersensitivity compared to many other dentinal tubule occluding molecules.
Co-crystallization of quercetin and isonicotinamide using solvent evaporation method
Authors: Wisudyaningsih Budipratiwi , Setyawan Dwi , Siswandono
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To obtain quercetin-isonicotinamide co-crystal (CQINA) with improved physicochemical and in-vitro dissolution characteristics.

Methods: Co-crystallization of quercetin (Q) and isonicotinamide (INA) in molar ratio of 1:1 was performed using solvent evaporation method with the addition of 50 mL of ethanol (99.9%, v/v). The resultant solution was thoroughly mixed and stirred at room temperature for 48 h to slowly evaporate the solvent until CQINA was obtained. The co-crystal phase was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder x-ray diffractometry (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In-vitro dissolution was performed by USP method II in 900 mL citrate buffer (pH 5.0 ± 0.05), with stirring at 100 rpm and at 37 ± 0.5 °C.

Results: Computational approach predicted the formation of hydrogen bonds between Q and coformers used, and the interaction involved minimum energy. In CQINA thermogram, a new endothermic peak was formed with a melting point of 255.26 °C, while Q (314.85 °C) and INA (156.62 °C). Images from DSC, PXRD, SEM and FTIR showed that the crystal habits and morphologies of the CQINA differed from those of the original components. There was an improvement in the dissolution profile of CQINA, when compared with those of the original components.

Conclusion: Q and INA subjected to solvent evaporation result in the formation of a CQINA with different crystal habit, which possess physicochemical characteristics different from those of its constituents. Modification of Q crystals in CQINA increases its in vitro dissolution, making it a potential pharmaceutical agent.
Protective roles of ketamine and xylazine against lightinduced retinal degeneration in rats
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Li Tao , Yang Li , Li Long-Yun
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To study the protective effects of ketamine and xylazine against light exposure-induced retinal degeneration (RD) in rats.

Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups viz: light damage before anesthesia (LAE), light damage only (LDO), and control (CON) group which was kept in the dark for 12 - 18 h to habituate before light exposure. LDO group was exposed to light before anesthesia, while LAE group was maintained under anesthesia with ketamine and xylazine. The groups were kept for 120 min in darkness after anesthesia prior to light exposure and they were awakened prior to light damage. Functional assessment was carried out using electroretinography while morphological analysis was carried out using histology and immunochemistry techniques.

Results: Ketamine-xylazine combination preserved the function of the retina and protected against light-induced RD based on retinal imaging studies and immunochemistry analysis. Xylazine and ketamine anesthesia provided protection against light-induced retinal damage, and thus reduced photoreceptor cell death.

Conclusion: These results indicate that xylazine and ketamine anesthesia offer protection against lightinduced damage and photoreceptor cell death in rats, and therefore, can potentially be developed for use in humans.
Restructuring the Academic Environment through TfDs for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of “Dr. Lecturer” a PhD Class Project on University of Port-Harcourt Community
Authors: Agha Charles
Published: May 2021

This paper is anchored on the use of Theatre for Development (TfD) as a restructuring mechanism and strategy for sustainable growth and development. However, there is no gainsaying that within the  academic environment that irregularity abound especially arising from misconducts like: sexual harassment, buying of grades, flirting with lecturers, victimization and indecent dressing. The TfD pilot project executed in the year 2017 by the students of Theatre and Media Arts, Department of Theatre and Film Studies, University of Port-Harcourt Rivers State, has been carefully reviewed to show the potency of performance arts (TfD) as a restructuring mechanism for development. This paper adopts the analytical research method and the TfD official eye approach. The finding reveals that Theatre for Development (TfD) is a grass root mobilization and concientization mechanism for sustainable growth and development especially as it relates to the recent trend in the academic communities.

Keywords: Theatre for Development, Performance, Mass Mobilization
A Assessment of Management Efficiency in Local Administrative Offices: Case Study Poland
Authors: Grzebyk Mariola , Pierścieniak Agata , Stec Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

The analysis of management efficiency is an important element in evaluating the functioning of public administration from an economic point of view. In order to achieve greater efficiency of the management process, and thus the quality in public administration, it is important to analyze and evaluate its elements. Modern research usually covers individual elements, parts of the management process. However, the current study proposes a comprehensive approach to this process. The objective of the article is the evaluate levels of management efficiency of local government offices using a single synthetic indicator and also to identify areas that hinder management efficiency. The study applies the institutional analysis methodology, adjusting it to the needs of the article. The article postulates that areas that call for immediate changes in Poland's local government offices should include such areas as strategic and financial management, invigorating economic development, project management and public service offers. Any changes thus introduced in these areas may enhance improvements in management processes, effectiveness and efficiency of activities, the quality of the office's functioning, organizational development, which togethr indirectly affects local development.
Non-tax Burden Management as a Manner of Increasing Fiscal Competitiveness – The Experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Tomaš Rajko
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we analyze the new system of improving fiscal transparency in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and its ability to contribute to increasing fiscal competitiveness. BiH has a specific system of fiscal federalism and decentralization, with four fiscal jurisdictions of disproportionate jurisdiction. By introducing the fiscal register as a public document, fiscal jurisdictions seek to increase fiscal transparency, discourage the introduction of new non-tax levies, reduce existing non-tax levies and eliminate parafiscal levies. In this paper, we investigated whether the new legislation allow for the achievement of these goals. Using the method of qualitative analysis, we concluded that rigorous conditions for entering public tax in the fiscal register and the legal provision that there is no obligation to pay any public tax if it is not entered in the fiscal register are a realistic basis for increasing fiscal transparency. A higher level of fiscal transparency should strengthen the interest of businesses and citizens in the non-tax burden and increase pressure on the government to reduce it. In order for a higher level of fiscal transparency to have an impact on increasing fiscal competitiveness, reforms of government institutions and changes in the way public money is spent are necessary.
Liberalism and Code of Ethics in Local Self-Government and Management
Authors: Jamnik Anton
Published: May 2021

The roots of ethical relativism in philosophy of liberalism is in the growing radicalness of anthropocentrism being characteristic of modern thinking. The scientific intellect applying itself to external objective phenomena and based on a very narrow empiricist-analytical conception of science contains man’s desire for emancipation. The central question of liberalism is the fundamental emphasis on individualism and liberty.  In such society is much more urgent to create the code of ethics in modern society in very differente level of society and modern life.  Philosophical foundation of code of ethics in local Self-Government and management at all levels of social and personal life is  more urgent and necessary than ever, if we want to preserve the basic dignity of human life, the fact that man respects himself, keeps his word, does not manipulate others nor allows being manipulated, keeps his personal freedom and self-confidence, self-respect and integrity. In Slovenia, management is responsible for preparation and fair presentation of financial statements in accordance with accounting standards, and within the requirements of the Slovenian Companies Act and in accordance with the code of ethics.
Legal Liability of Municipal Corporations: A Rational Choice Approach to Optimising Deterrence
Authors: Toplak Perovič Barbara , Tomažič Luka Martin
Published: May 2021

Since corporations owned by municipalities provide important services to local populations, unlawful conduct on their part is especially undesirable. This paper researches the elements that need to be present in a legal framework, so that the deterrent effect regarding undesirable conduct of municipal corporations will be optimised. An approach based on rational choice considerations is proposed, which takes into account the necessity of an adequate severity of sanctions, a high likelihood of liability for offenders and the need to deprive them of unlawful gains. Interrelation and cumulative effects of norms pertaining to criminal, civil and disciplinary liability are emphasized. The proposed model has the potential to be used by policy-makers to gain additional insight into merits or demerits of different potential legal regimes aimed at deterrence of unlawful behaviour in municipal corporations and their employees.
Studies on factors influencing syntactic transfer in L3 acquisition
Authors: Najjar Nicolas
Published: May 2021

This paper examines the factors influencing syntactical transfer in TLA. There are several factors that influence syntactic transfer in TLA: linguistic (such as typology); individual (such as learners’ “attention control” and age); psycho-linguistic (such as psychotypology and the learners’ awareness of cognates); and other factors (such as L2 type and amount of instruction). In summary, it was found that negative syntactic transfer from both L1 and L2 to L3 occurs when (a) languages are typologically dissimilar (b) learners’ “attention control ability” is low, and (c) L2 level of proficiency and exposure is advanced and L3 level of proficiency is low. In contrast, positive syntactic transfer from L1 and L2 to L3 occurs when (a) languages are typologically similar, (b) students perceive these languages as similar, and (c) L1 and L2 level of proficiency is high and L3 level of proficiency is low. Additionally, the learners’ age was found to potentially influence the language (L1 or L2) from which the transfer occurs into L3: L3 adult learners may count more on their L2 as a source of positive syntactic transfer into L3 whereas children may count more on their L1 as a source of positive syntactic transfer into L3. Finally, it was found that when L1, L2, and L3 are equally proximate, it is the L2 that has the primary influence on positive and negative syntactic transfer in TLA.
The USSR and Cold War Legacy: Implications for the Current International Agenda
Authors: Reynolds Michael A.
Published: May 2021

Interview with Michael A. Reynolds, Director of the Program in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Near Eastern Studies of Princeton University, USA

Michael A. Reynolds is an American historian and political analyst. His teaching and research range over the geography of the Middle East and Eurasia and covers the themes of empire, international relations, nationalism, geopolitics, ethnic conﬂ ict, and religion and culture. He is the author of Shattering Empires: The Clash and Collapse of the Ottoman and Russian Empires, 1908-1918 (Cambridge University Press, 2011), co-winner of the 2011 American Historical Association’s George Louis Beer Prize, a Financial Times book of the summer, and a Choice outstanding academic title. He is the editor of Constellations of the Caucasus: Empires, Peoples, and Faiths (Markus Weiner, 2016). Reynolds also writes on contemporary issues related to Turkey, Russia, the Caucasus region and U.S. foreign policy. His writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, The National Interest, and War on the Rocks, among other venues. He holds a PhD in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton and an MA in Political Science from Columbia.
THE ROLE OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT IN TURNOVER INTENTION THROUGH JOB DEPRIVATION AND JOB STRESS: A MULTIPLE MEDIATION MECHANISM
Authors: Afzal Hafiza Fatima , Islam K. M. Anwarul , Ismail Adnan , Tahir Muhammad Yasir , Zohaib Muhammad , Riaz Jamshaid , Ismail Muhammad
Published: May 2021

Mainly determination focused on examining the 'underemployment 'via exploring its relationship with 'turnover intention'. Furthermore, the other variable 'job deprivation' was analyzed as a mediator for said relationship. In addition, the moderating role of 'job stress' was also premeditated for underemployment and job deprivation. Our targeted audience for this research article was "Traffic Police Wardens" (TPW). We have collected sample data from three cities of Punjab province (1) Lahore, (2) Multan, & (3) Bahawalpur. The population was the whole of Pakistan. Data was collected with the help of a questionnaire via cross-sectional data. 600 were distributed and received N= 499 which were completed by all aspects. The CFA was carried out in SEM (Structural Equation Model), whereas the data was analyzed in SPSS, on the 22nd version. The statistical analysis of this research article retrospection that Cronbach alpha (α) > 0.72 among all variables which are presenting the highest reliability. Further, we check the correlation of the variables among each other, and we found that the dependent variable (DV) is positively correlated to independent variables (IV) because 'underemployment in turnover intention is positively correlated with job deprivation and job stresses. Results of this research article demonstrate that correlation values were r = >0.5 and Regression’s values p = <0.01. It indicates that there was a positive and significant effect of underemployment on turnover intention. The findings also support job deprivation as an intervening mechanism for the relation of underemployment and turnover intention. In addition, job stress acts as a moderator for the relationship between underemployment and job deprivation. The study concludes with a discussion, limitations, and future research directions including implications both for theory and practitioners.

JEL Classification Codes:  O15.
Approximation with activation functions and applications
Authors: Bessi Radhia
Published: May 2021

Function approximation arises in many branches of applied mathematics and computer science, in particular in numerical analysis, in finite element theory and more recently in data sciences domain. From most common approximation we cite, polynomial, Chebychev and Fourier series approximations. In this work we establish some approximations of a continuous function by a series of activation functions. First, we deal with one and two dimensional cases. Then, we generalize the approximation to the multi dimensional case. Examples of applications of these approximations are: interpolation, numerical integration, finite element and neural network. Finally, we will present some numerical results of the examples above.

La théorie d’approximation des fonctions couvre de nombreuses branches en mathématiques appliquées, en informatique et en sciences de l’ingénieur, en particulier en analyse numérique, en théorie des éléments finis et plus récemment en sciences des données. Parmi les approximations fortement utilisées nous citons les approximations polynomiale de type Lagrange, Hermite ou au sens de Chebychev. Nous trouvons aussi l’approximation d’une fonction par une séries de Fourier, l’approximation rationnelle...Dans ce travail, nous établissons quelques résultats d’approximations d’une fonction continue par une série de fonctions de type activation. Nous traitons d’abord les cas d’une fonction à une seule puis à deux variables, puis nous généralisons l’approximation au cas multidimensionnel. Nous appliquons ces approximations pour l’interpolation et l’intégration numérique, en éléments finis et en réseau neuronal. Nous donnons pour chaque application quelques résultats numériques.
On the infinite loop spaces of algebraic cobordism and the motivic sphere
Authors: Bachmann Tom , Elmanto Elden , Hoyois Marc , Khan Adeel A. , Sosnilo Vladimir , Yakerson Maria
Published: May 2021

We obtain geometric models for the infinite loop spaces of the motivic spectra $\mathrm{MGL}$, $\mathrm{MSL}$, and $\mathbf{1}$ over a field. They are motivically equivalent to $\mathbb{Z}\times \mathrm{Hilb}_\infty^\mathrm{lci}(\mathbb{A}^\infty)^+$, $\mathbb{Z}\times \mathrm{Hilb}_\infty^\mathrm{or}(\mathbb{A}^\infty)^+$, and $\mathbb{Z}\times \mathrm{Hilb}_\infty^\mathrm{fr}(\mathbb{A}^\infty)^+$, respectively, where $\mathrm{Hilb}_d^\mathrm{lci}(\mathbb{A}^n)$ (resp. $\mathrm{Hilb}_d^\mathrm{or}(\mathbb{A}^n)$, $\mathrm{Hilb}_d^\mathrm{fr}(\mathbb{A}^n)$) is the Hilbert scheme of lci points (resp. oriented points, framed points) of degree $d$ in $\mathbb{A}^n$, and $+$ is Quillen's plus construction. Moreover, we show that the plus construction is redundant in positive characteristic.

Comment: 13 pages. v5: published version; v4: final version, to appear in \'Epijournal G\'eom. Alg\'ebrique; v3: minor corrections; v2: added details in the moving lemma over finite fields
Cyberia : les monades informatiques du « je » autobiographique
Authors: Paret Julien
Published: May 2021

This article deals with the new forms of autobiographical writing mediated by information and communication technologies (ICT). We would like to make readers discover the dark side of postmodern Russia through the eyes of a cast of colorful characters who are currently haunting the Runet – the Russian internet – following the example of simulacra taken from science-fiction novels of cyberpunk genre. These characters construct, deconstruct and reconstruct their identities in real time in the virtual world with the aim of expressing their cyber “I” in a new political and philosophical way. In order to do this we needed to investigate the profiles, comments, posts, pictures and links published by several actors of Russian-speaking cyberspace: some unknown or well-known bloggers, a punk, a Donbass militiaman,or an agent of influence in the service of the Vladimir Putin regime.

Cet article porte sur les nouveaux modes d’expression du projet autobiographique en relation avec les technologies de l’information et de la communication (TIC). Nous proposons ici aux lecteurs de découvrir la Russie postmoderne à travers les yeux d’une galerie de personnages pittoresques et truculents qui, à l’instar des simulacres des romans de science-fiction cyberpunk, hantent le Runet – l’Internet en langue russe – en construisant, déconstruisant et reconstruisant leurs identités en temps réel dans le monde virtuel au gré de leurs pérégrinations politiques et philosophiques. Pour ce faire, nous avons examiné les profils, les commentaires, les photographies, les discussions, les liens, etc. publiés sur la toile par différents acteurs du cyberespace russophone : des blogueurs anonymes ou professionnels, un punk, un milicien du Donbass, ou encore un agent d’influence au service du régime de Vladimir Poutine.

В этой статье мы предлагаем проанализировать новые формы жанра автобиографии на примередискурсоврусскоязычного интернет-пространства. Мы хотели бы раскрыть темную сторону постмодернистской России через призму ярких персонажей рунета, следуя примеру симулякры, взятой из романов научной фантастики, жанра киберпанк. Эти персонажи конструируют, деконструируют и реконструируют свои идентичности в реальном времени, в виртуальном мире с целью выражения их кибер «Я» новымиполитическимии философскимис пособами. Чтобы это совершить, мы исследовали профайлы, комментарии, посты, фотографии и ссылки известных и малоизвестных блоггеров, панков, донбасских ополченцев или политтехнологов на службережиму Владимира Путина.
Autobiographie d’un autochtone de la taïga de Sibérie occidentale : Iouri Vella et la projection dans l’avenir
Authors: Toulouze Eva
Published: May 2021

Yuri Vella (1948-2013) was a Forest Nenets reindeer herder, poet and activist in Western Siberia. Several times, he has spoken about himself and written, at some key moments in his life, is autobiography. In this article, I intend to analyse these texts, not only the explicit autobiographies, but also his literary texts, in which autobiographic elements appear: the closest we get to his last texts, the more autobiographic they are. I interpret these texts in order to emphasize the message Yuri Vella intends to transmit through them.

Iouri Vella (1948-2013) était un éleveur de rennes, poète et militant nenets des forêts en Sibérie occidentale. À plusieurs reprises, il lui est arrivé de parler de lui, voire d’écrire, à des moments clés de son existence, son autobiographie.Dans cette étude, j’entends analyser l’ensemble de ces textes : autobiographies, mais aussi les éléments autobiographiques émergeant dans ses oeuvres littéraires, sachant que plus on avance dans le temps, plus ceux-ci deviennent dominants.J’interprète ces textes pour faire ressortir le message que Iouri Vella entend ainsi faire passer.

Юрий Вэлла (1948-2013) был лесной ненец, оленевод, поэт и общественный деятель Западной Сибири. Неоднократно ему доводилосьговорить или даже писать о ключевых моментах своей биографии. В данной работе я проанализирую его автобиографические тексты, а также элементы автобиографии, используемые в его литературных произведениях, учитывая, что со временем, их влияние становится все более доминирующим. Интерпретируя тексты Юрия Вэллы, я попробую расшифровать посыл, который автор хотел донести через призму своих произведений.
UPAYA PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN COMPUTATIONAL THINKING SISWA DI SMP NOAH
Authors: Dwianika Agustine , Roseline Ceicillia Novita , Priscilia Meika , Haya Padia Aqilla
Published: May 2021

Kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan analisa siswa dengan cara pikir berbasis komputer. Berpikir komputasional (Computational Thinking) adalah metode menyelesaikan persoalan dengan menerapkan teknik ilmu komputer (informatika). Kegiatan ini merupakan perpajangan tangan dari Biro Bebras Universitas Pembangunan Jaya dalam upaya memberikan pelatihan bagi guru, sehingga nantinya dapat mahir dalam pembuatan soal bagi para siswa. Tentu dengan kecakapan adopsi berpikir komputasional yang memadai. Kami melaksanakan pelatihan bagi para guru pada Sekolah Mengah Pertama (SMP) NOAH di Jakarta. Metode pelaksanaan pelatihan ini memakai 3 cara yaitu pendahuluan, pelaksanaan dan evaluasi.  Kegiatan berjalan secara daring dengan baik, dan para peserta mendapatkan pemahaman luas mengenai adopsi nilai-nilai berfikir komputasional bagi para guru sekolah tingkat menengah pertama
PENGENALAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN DARING BERBASIS STEM UNTUK GURU IPA DI SMAN 9 BANDAR LAMPUNG
Authors: Oktaviani Indah , Rini Ika Agus , Ulfah Mia Maria , Andriana Ahmad Dodi
Published: May 2021

Meluasnya pandemi Covid-19 memaksa proses pembelajaran di sekolah dilakukan secara daring. Hal ini menuntut guru untuk lebih kreatif dalam menggunakan media pembelajaran yang berbasis teknologi agar pembejaran lebih interaktif terutama pada kondisi pandemi. Akan tetapi tidak banyak guru di sekolah yang menguasi perangkat lunak sebagai media pembejaran, sehingga perlu dilakukan pelatihan dalam pemanfaatan teknologi dalam Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh. Metode yang dilakukan antara lain perancangan dan persiapan yang meliputi survei terhadap kondisi guru dalam memanfaatkan media pembelajaran, pelaksanaan kegiatan, dan evaluasi. Hasil survei awal menunjukkan bahwa guru IPA masih sangat terbatas dalam memanfaatkan metode pembelajaran dengan perangkat lunak interaktif, sehingga dilakukan pelatihan dengan modul yang sudah disediakan dan perangkat lunak yang dapat mewakili pembelajaran IPA berbasis STEM dengan penggunaan Nearpod dan Laboratorium virtual simulasi PhET. Hasil Pelatihan menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pemahaman dan kreatifitas guru IPA dalam proses pembelajaran daring
PEMANTAPAN DAN REFRESHING MATERI ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIK UNTUK GURU SMK PENERBANGAN DI JAWA TENGAH DAN SEKITARNYA
Authors: Sihono Sihono , Fatkulloh Amal , Saputro Riyanto , Herwanto Djoko , Kalbuana Nawang , Kurnianto Benny
Published: May 2021

Pandangan yang komprehensif Guru terkait kompetensi sistem kelistrikan dan elektronika pesawat udara khususnya dibeberapa SMK Penerbangan Indonesia masihlah sangat minim dimiliki, padahal materi ini sangatlah penting untuk dimiliki sebagai salah kompetensi guru. Politeknik Penerbangan Indonesia Curug sebagai salah satu pilar Perguruan Tinggi Kedinasan dibidang Transportasi Udara dibawah Kementerian Perhubungan memandang perlu untuk melakukan pemantapan dan refreshing untuk materi tersebut, sehingga nantinya diharapkan dengan adanya program pengabdian kepada masyarakat khususnya para guru SMK Penerbangan disekitar wilayah Kota Surakarta dan sekitarnya memperoleh updateing terkait dengan materi ajar sehingga mendapatkan pemahaman menyeluruh terkait dengan keilmuan yang terus menerus mengalami kemajuan. Pengabdian Masyarakat ini dilakukan selama beberapa hari baik secara daring maupun luring dengan tetap memperhatikan protokol kesehatan sebagaimana yang telah ditetapkan oleh satgas Covid 19, sehingga diharapkan akan memperoleh hasil yang lebih maksimal bagi para Guru, pelaksanaan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat ini berguna bagi para guru SMK Penerbangan sengan segala keterbatasan karena dilakukan pada masa pandemik Covid 19