bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey on patients’ organisations’ knowledge and position paper on screening for inherited neuromuscular diseases in Europe
Authors: Lamy François , Ferlini Alessandra , Board EURO-NMD Patient Advisory , Evangelista Teresinha
Published: December 2020

Background: The development of new genetic testing methods and the approval of the first treatments raises questions regarding when and how to perform screening for inherited neuromuscular conditions. Screening directives and access to the different techniques is not uniform across Europe. The patient advisory board of the European reference network for rare neuromuscular diseases (NMD) conducted a qualitative study to understand the state of play of screening for inherited NMD in Europe and patients’ needs. Results: We collected answers from 30 patient organisations (POs) from 18 European countries. Fifteen acknowledge the existence of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis in their country. Regarding prenatal screening, we had 25 positive answers and 5 negative ones. Twenty-four POs mentioned that newborn screening was available in their country. We had some contradictory answers from POs from the same country and in some cases; diseases said to be part of the screening programmes were not hereditary disorders. Twenty-eight organisations were in favour of screening tests. The reasons for the two negative answers were lack of reimbursement and treatment, religious beliefs and eventual insurance constrains. Most POs (21) were in favour of systematic screening with the option to opt-out. Regarding the timing for screening, “at birth”, was the most consensual response.The main priority to perform screening for NMDs was early access to treatment, followed by shorter time to diagnostic, preventive care and genetic counselling. Conclusions: This is the first study to assess knowledge and needs of POs concerning screening for NMDs. The knowledge of POs regarding screening techniques is quite uneven. This implies that, even in communities highly motivated and knowledgeable of the conditions they advocate for, there is a need for better information. Differences in the responses to the questions “how and when to screen” shows that the screening path depends on the disease and the presence of a disease modifying treatment.The unmet need for screening inherited NMDs should follow an adaptive pathway related to the fast moving medical landscape of NMDs. International coordination leading to a common policy would certainly be a precious asset tending to harmonize the situation amongst European countries.
Mitbestimmung des Personals beim Wechsel der Vorsorgeeinrichtung
Authors: Hürzeler Marc , Biaggi Raffaella
Published: December 2020

Die Kündigung des Anschlussvertrags mit der Vorsorgeeinrichtung durch den Arbeitgeber setzt die vorgängige Zustimmung des Personals voraus. Es handelt sich dabei um ein echtes Mitbestimmungsrecht der Arbeitnehmenden. Die Zustimmung muss ausdrücklich und vorgängig erteilt werden. Fehlt sie, ist die Kündigung ungültig und entfaltet keine Wirkung.
EFFECTS OF 532 NM AND 671 NM LASERSIRRADIATION ON ABSORPTIONCOEFFICIENTS OF NORMAL AND ANEMIC HUMAN BLOOD SAMPLES
Authors:   Department of Physics, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq., Al-Deen Hussein Ali Al-Saidi Imad , Faisal Majeed Majdi ,   Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq., Kamal Jasim Ikram ,   Department of Physics, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq.
Published: December 2020

The effects of laser irradiation on the absorption coefficients of the normal and anemic human blood samples were investigated. Two continuous wave (CW) diode-pumped solid-state lasers (DPSSLs) of different wavelengths,532 nm and 671 nm, were used. The output power of these lasers can be adjusted over the range 0-100 mW. In the present study, the output power of both lasers was fixed at 20 mW. The blood samples were irradiated at different irradiation times, 5, 15, and 30 min. The absorption coefficients of the normal and anemic human blood samples were determined from the measurements of the absorbance spectra of the unirradiated and irradiated samples. The absorbance spectra were measured using UV-Visible double-beam spectrophotometer operating over the wavelength range 190-1100 nm. Significant changes in the absorption coefficients of the irradiated blood samples were observed compared to the unirradiated blood samples. The results obtained in the present investigation showed that there are significant effects of laser irradiation on the optical properties of the human blood samples. These effects can result in noticeable changes in their absorption coefficients. The results suggested that the technique used in the present investigation has great potential to be a useful tool for the clinical diagnostics and the medical applications.
AN ANALYTICAL STUDY ON THE EARLY IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON GLOBAL STOCK INDICES A COMPARATIVE APPROACH OF INDIAV/S SPAIN, FRANCE, UK, USA, GERMANY AND ITALY
Authors:   ijar, Joshi Rajsee , Sharma Tapesh
Published: December 2020

The spread of the corona virus disease COVID-19 has severely impacted the global financial markets. These are incredibly uncertain times, with countries around the world suffering the destabilizing effects of the pandemic. This research paper evaluates the early impact of the coronavirus outbreak on nine leading stock market indices in majorly affected countries including India, Spain, France, the USA, Germany, Italy, and the UK. The consequences of infectious disease are considerable and have been directly affecting stock markets worldwide. The scope of this paperis confined to the analysis of nine global indices including NASDAQ, Dow Jones, FTSE 100, IBEX 35, FTSEMIB, CAC 40, BSE, NSE and DAX 30 composite. The COVID-19 impact has beenanalysed on the above-mentioned indices for the period of 30st Jan 2020 (announced as a pandemic by WHO) to 30th April 2020. i.e. a period of 90 days (63 trading days) are considered for a paired sample t-test. Using an event study methodology, the results indicate that the indices of these majorly affected countries fell sharply after the virus outbreak. Countries in Asia experienced higher negative abnormal returns as compared to other countries. Further, Regression results also support the adverse effect of COVID-19 confirmed cases on stock indices, abnormal returns through an effective channel by adding up investors pessimistic sentiment on future returns and fears of uncertainties.
PARENTING STYLES INFLUENCE ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF YOUTH IN BORSTAL INSTITUTION IN KENYA
Authors:   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University., Imbuye Ruth , Konzolo Risper ,   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University., Masinde Johyn ,   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University., Barasa Patrick ,   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University., Olutwati Patrick ,   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University., Mukubuyi Wanyama ,   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University., Barasa Japheth ,   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University., Loeseps David ,   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University., Wandukusi Susan ,   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University., Chemayiek Florence ,   M.A.(Counseling Psychology) United States International University.
Published: December 2020

Parenting styles can influence youthful offenders on academic achievement, behaviours and truancy. The studys objectives were to identify parenting styles used by guardians on youthful offenders in borstal institutions in Kenya, to establish behavioral problems exhibited in students due to parenting styles in borstal institutions in Kenya and to analyze academic achievement of youthful offenders in borstal institutions in Kenya. Respondents to the research were selected using the simple random technique through the Krejcie and Morgan formular table. Since the purpose of the study was to identify parenting styles used by guardians on youthful offenders in borstal institutions in Kenya, stakeholders including students, parents, prison warders, counsellors, social workers and administrators constituted the sample population. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions before being presented in tables. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Statisticsversion 20. Primary and secondary sources were also used in the study. Findings indicated that more pupil responses showed that behaviours adopted by youthful offenders were a result of parenting styles. Neglectful parenting resulted in increase of bad behavior. Absentee parenting was the leading cause of poor academic achievement. Recommendations of this study include review of policy of the Education Act toaddress academic achievement problems in borstal institutions. Parenting styles should be discussed and taught in both primary and secondary school.Future research should focus on parents cultural beliefs and practice influence on youthful offenders academic achievement.
SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY OF MUNICIPAL RISK REDUCTION OF SANTA CRUZ, LAGUNA
Authors:   ijar, Samuel Guico Grecalda Ray
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to assess theeffectiveness of social services delivery on municipal risk reduction unitof Municipality of Santa Cruz, Laguna. It specifically sought to answer the questions: 1.) What is the level of social services delivery of municipal disaster risk reduction unit in terms of: a.) transparency, b.) accountability, c.) Participation, and d.) responsiveness? 2.) What is the level of effectiveness disaster risk reduction in terms of a.) preparedness, b.) mitigation, c.) disaster response? 3.) Do social services delivery such as the transparency, accountability, participation, and responsiveness have a significant effect with the disaster management in terms of preparedness, mitigation, and disaster response. The researcher employed the descriptive-correlational design in gathering and treating data the foregoing investigation. One hundred (100) residence from the selected Barangay in Santa Cruz, Laguna were the respondents in this study under purposive sampling technique. One set of questionnaire was issued to the actual respondents. To avoid guesswork and obtain reliable data and information,Likert -type of questions were provided. The average mean scores of 3.11, 3.14, 3.11, and 3.14 respectively, that obtained 3.13 implied that respondents belief onsocial services delivery such as the transparency, accountability, participation, and responsiveness was moderately high. While the disaster risk reduction system in social services delivery had an average mean scores of 3.23, 3.12, and 2.97 respectively, that obtained the average mean of 3.11, implied that the respondents belief on thedisaster management in terms of preparedness, mitigation, and disaster response was moderately high. The computed p-values of .069, and .743 showed that social services delivery has a significant effect to the preparedness and disaster response of the disaster risk reduction. However, the mitigation showed not significant. In some the disaster risk reduction manifested moderately high level of social services delivery with regards to transparency, accountability, participation and responsiveness. Relatively, the disaster management in social services delivery of municipal disaster risk reduction such as preparedness, mitigation, and disaster response were moderately high. The good governance practices registered significant relationship to the disaster risk reduction but there was some circumstance which not significant. Therefore, the hypothesis stating that the social services delivery has no significant effect to the disaster management was not supported.
Residents preferences associated with tax amnesty program predisposition
Authors: Prasojo Prasojo , Syarifah Lailatis
Published: December 2020

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to determine the motivation of taxpayers to take part in tax amnesty so that it is expected to be able to evaluate the implementation of tax amnesty that has been carried out by the Indonesian government in 2016-2017 and provide empirical evidence on the implementation of the tax amnesty program to support the stick and carrot theory in the implementation of taxation in Indonesia.Method - The methodology used in this research is a case study. Interviews are used to collect data and are supported by secondary data from sites, web, and documents.Result - The results of this study indicate that the reasons for many taxpayers to join this program were because it is beneficial for the country and avoid the risk of administrative sanctions (fines and interest) as well as audits. The reason for taxpayers who did not participate in this program was because they did not have other assets that had not been reported in the tax return.Implication - The implication of this study is to determine the motivation of taxpayers to take part in tax amnesty so that it is expected to be able to evaluate the implementation of tax amnesty. At the same time, that has been carried out by the Indonesian government in 2016-2017 and provides empirical evidence on the implementation of the tax amnesty program to reason action and social learning theory in the implementation of taxation in Indonesia.Originality - This study explores information from regulators (tax officials) and taxpayers, both those who do and who do not participate in tax amnesty, which is rarely done by other researchers.
SEIZURES IN CHILDREN WITH LOW GRADE GLIOMA
Authors: Ostwal Piyush , Nandan Shanbhag
Published: December 2020

Seizures are a common presentation of pediatric brain tumors. The incidence of pediatric brain tumor (Age 0-19 years) ranges from 1.12–5.26 cases per 100,000 persons. Low grade gliomas are an important subgroup of pediatric brain tumors causing epilepsy. Low-grade gliomas are largely slow-growing tumors and the manifestations are dependent on age, location, tumor type, size of tumor and rate of tumor growth. Seizures have been reported in up to 38 % of children with supratentorial tumors. The tumors are identified when work up of patients for epilepsy includes electrophysiological and imaging studies. The primary treatment modality remains surgical excision. Antiepileptic medications are used for control of seizures. Subsequent histopathological diagnosis is important for prognostication. The tumors commonly associated with long-term epilepsy in various studies were ganglioglioma, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, pilocytic astrocytoma and pilocytic xanthoastrocytoma. The outcome of surgery with regards to seizure control is generally good. Though concomitantly antiepileptic medications will be needed for most of them. An attempt is made in this review to summarize the epidemiology, clinical features, pathology and treatment aspects of pediatric low grade gliomas presenting with seizures.
A numerical finite element study on connections of SFRC offshore wind towers with prestressed CFRP reinforcement and steel connectors
Authors: Gowda Chandan , Figueiredo Fabio P. , Barros Joaquim A. O. , Ventura-Gouveia António
Published: December 2020

The growing need for sustainable production of electricity highlights the importance and the necessity of having higher number and more effective offshore wind towers. The rapid growth of offshore wind towers is estimated to produce 4% of electricity demands in Europe by the end of 2020. The research described in this paper is part of a project dedicated for the development of innovative structural system using advanced materials for lightweight and durable offshore towers. Specifically, it discusses the nonlinear finite element modelling of the connection between representative prefabricated rings of offshore wind tower made by steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC), and prestressed by a hybrid system of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) bars and steel strands. This connection is assured by post-tension high steel strength cables and concrete-concrete shear friction width an idealized geometric configuration of the faces in contact. The model takes into account the loads from the rotor, wind and water currents, by considering the critical loading conditions for the safety verifications of serviceability and ultimate limit states. The material nonlinear analyses are carried out with FEMIX V4.0 software, considering a 3D constitutive model capable of simulating the relevant nonlinear features of the SFRC, and interface finite elements for modelling the shear friction of the concrete-concrete surfaces in contact. The parametric analyses involve the influence on the relevant results of the SFRC fracture parameters, pre-stress level of the reinforcements, shape of interlock mechanism, friction angle and interface cohesion.
Prospective Associations Between Fixed-Term Contract Positions and Mental Illness Rates in Denmark’s General Workforce: Protocol for a Cohort Study
Authors: Hannerz Harald , Burr Hermann , Soll-Johanning Helle , Nielsen Martin Lindhardt , Garde Anne Helene , Flyvholm Mari-Ann
Published: December 2020

Background

In 2018, 14% of employees in the European Union had fixed-term contracts. Fixed-term contract positions are often less secure than permanent contract positions. Perceived job insecurity has been associated with increased rates of mental ill health. However, the association between fixed-term contract positions and mental ill health is uncertain. A recent review concluded that the quality of most existing studies is low and that the results of the few studies with high quality are contradictory.

Objective

This study aims to estimate the incidence rate ratios (RRs) of psychotropic drug use and psychiatric hospital treatment. These ratios will be considered, first, in relation to the contrast fixed-term versus permanent contract and, second, to fixed-term contract versus unemployment.

Methods

Interview data with baseline information on employment status from the Danish Labor Force Surveys in the years 2001-2013 will be linked to data from national registers. Participants will be followed up for up to 5 years after the interview. Poisson regression will be used to estimate incidence RRs for psychiatric hospital treatment for mood, anxiety, or stress-related disorders and redeemed prescriptions for psychotropic drugs, as a function of employment status at baseline. The following contrasts will be considered: full-time temporary employment versus full-time permanent employment and temporary employment (regardless of weekly working hours) versus unemployment. The analyses will be controlled for a series of possible confounders. People who have received sickness benefits, have received social security cash benefits, have redeemed a prescription for psychotropic drugs, or have received psychiatric hospital treatment for a mental disorder sometime during a 1-year period preceding baseline will be excluded from the study. The study will include approximately 134,000 participants (13,000 unemployed, 106,000 with permanent contracts, and 15,000 with fixed-term contracts). We expect to find approximately 16,400 incident cases of redeemed prescriptions of psychotropic drugs and 2150 incident cases of psychiatric hospital treatment for mood, anxiety, or stress-related disorders.

Results

We expect the analyses to be completed by the end of 2021 and the results to be published in mid-2022.

Conclusions

The statistical power of the study will be large enough to test the hypothesis of a prospective association between fixed-term contract positions and mental illness in the general workforce of Denmark.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/24392
Feasibility and effectiveness of an interactive e-learning module for the management of low back pain in health care professionals: a pilot study (Preprint)
Authors: Fourré Antoine , Fierens Auriane , Vanden Dorpe Noraly , Ris Laurence , Dierick Frédéric , Roussel Nathalie
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is ranked as the first musculoskeletal disorder considering years lived with disability worldwide. Despite numerous guidelines promoting a bio-psycho-social (BPS) approach in the management of patients with LBP, many health care professionals (HCPs) still manage LBP patients mainly from a biomedical point of view. This is reflected by overuse of medical imaging and medication, advice to restrict work and activities, and insufficient attention towards psychosocial risk factors during actual consultation, which is all guideline discordant. Implementation strategies designed until now to change HCPs behavior had only limited effects or were not effective at all.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing an interactive e-learning module on the management of LBP in HCPs. HCPs’ perceptions of their change in knowledge and beliefs about LBP as well as the content, structure, length and access of the module were assessed.

METHODS

In total 22 HCPs have been recruited. Participants completed and evaluated the e-learning module with an online questionnaire including 20 items based on similar feasibility studies. Likert Scales (n=15) and qualitative open questions (n=5) were both used. Before and after completing the module, participants filled in the Back-PAQ questionnaire to evaluate the potential effect of the module on their attitudes and beliefs about LBP. The Back-PAQ data were analyzed with the paired Student t-test.

RESULTS

The feasibility of the module was confirmed, it was structured and easy to complete (91%) and met the expectations of the participants (86%). A majority agreed that the module improved their knowledge (69%). According to the HCPs the time to complete the module (36 ± 9.6 minutes) was adequate (91%). Some participants (77%) identified specific topics that might be discussed in more detail in the module. Moreover, HCPs’ knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about LBP significantly improved following module completion (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The interactive e-learning module seems feasible and effective. Participants were positive regarding the content, they found it sufficient and clear. The module was appealing, structured and easy to complete. Moreover, the module has been effective to change knowledge and beliefs of the participants. Suggestions have been made to improve it in the future.
Willingness of Chinese Men Who Have Sex With Men to Use Smartphone-Based Electronic Readers for HIV Self-testing: Web-Based Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Marley Gifty , Fu Gengfeng , Zhang Ye , Li Jianjun , Tucker Joseph D , Tang Weiming , Yu Rongbin
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The need for strategies to encourage user-initiated reporting of results after HIV self-testing (HIVST) persists. Smartphone-based electronic readers (SERs) have been shown capable of reading diagnostics results accurately in point-of-care diagnostics and could bridge the current gaps between HIVST and linkage to care.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to assess the willingness of Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Jiangsu province to use an SER for HIVST through a web-based cross-sectional study.

METHODS

From February to April 2020, we conducted a convenience web-based survey among Chinese MSM by using a pretested structured questionnaire. Survey items were adapted from previous HIVST feasibility studies and modified as required. Prior to answering reader-related questions, participants watched a video showcasing a prototype SER. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, chi-squared test, and multivariable logistic regression. P values less than .05 were deemed statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of 692 participants, 369 (53.3%) were aged 26-40 years, 456 (65.9%) had ever self-tested for HIV, and 493 (71.2%) were willing to use an SER for HIVST. Approximately 98% (483/493) of the willing participants, 85.3% (459/538) of ever self-tested and never self-tested, and 40% (46/115) of unwilling participants reported that SERs would increase their HIVST frequency. Engaging in unprotected anal intercourse with regular partners compared to consistently using condoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.04, 95% CI 1.19-7.74) increased the odds of willingness to use an SER for HIVST. Participants who had ever considered HIVST at home with a partner right before sex compared to those who had not (AOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.13-7.90) were also more willing to use an SER for HIVST. Playing receptive roles during anal intercourse compared to playing insertive roles (AOR 0.05, 95% CI 0.02-0.14) was associated with decreased odds of being willing to use an SER for HIVST. The majority of the participants (447/608, 73.5%) preferred to purchase readers from local Centers of Disease Control and Prevention offices and 51.2% (311/608) of the participants were willing to pay less than US $4.70 for a reader device.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of the Chinese MSM, especially those with high sexual risk behaviors, were willing to use an SER for HIVST. Many MSM were also willing to self-test more frequently for HIV with an SER. Further research is needed to ascertain the diagnostic and real-time data-capturing capacity of prototype SERs during HIVST.
Online Consultations in Mental Healthcare During the Covid-19 Outbreak: An International Survey Study on Uptake and Experiences (Preprint)
Authors: De Witte Nele AJ , Carlbring Per , Etzelmueller Anne , Nordgreen Tine , Karekla Maria , Haddouk Lise , Belmont Angélique , Øverland Svein , Abi-Habib Rudy , Bernaerts Sylvie , Brugnera Agostino , Duque Arantxa , Ebert David Daniel , Eimontas Jonas , Kassianos Angelos P , Salgado João , Schwerdtfeger Andreas , Tohme Pia , Van Assche Eva , Van Daele Tom
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

While the general uptake of e-mental health interventions remained low over the past years, physical distancing and quarantine measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic created a need and demand for online consultations and telepsychology in only a matter of weeks.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the uptake of online consultations provided by mental health professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on professionals’ motivations, perceived barriers, and concerns regarding online consultations.

METHODS

An online survey on the use of online consultations was set up in March 2020. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) guided the deductive qualitative analysis of the results.

RESULTS

In total, 2,082 mental health professionals from Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Lebanon, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden were included. The results showed a high uptake of online consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic but limited previous training on this topic undergone by mental health professionals. Most professionals had positive experiences with online consultations, but questions about the performance of online consultations in a mental health context and practical considerations appear to be major barriers that hinder implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides an overview of the mental health professionals’ actual needs and concerns regarding the use of online consultations in order to highlight areas of possible intervention and allow the implementation of necessary governmental, educational, and instrumental support so that online consultation can become a feasible and long-term option in mental healthcare.
Toward an improved risk/crisis communication in this time of COVID-19 pandemic: a baseline study for Philippine local government units
Authors: Flores Reymund , Asuncion Xavier Venn
Published: December 2020

This study mainly explores the communication preferences of the public; their level of trust in the government; and the factors affecting their risk/crisis perception amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The key findings —derived from the data collected through an online survey and analysis using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), provide insights on how Local Government Units (LGUs) can improve their risk/crisis communication in this current health crisis. Among the key takeaways include the use of social media platforms, like Facebook, and native/local language for effective risk/crisis communication which may, consequently, foster trust building between the LGUs and the public.
"Backpack Refugee Rights Advocating" in Greece – Access to Justice through Legal Empowerment
Authors: Manhart Magnus
Published: December 2020

The moment asylum seekers arrive in Greece, they are often denied access to justice on different levels. At the same time international volunteer field advocates or Backpack Refugee Rights Advocates have the goal of assisting asylum seekers to master the difficulties of the complex European asylum process. More importantly they can play an important role in the process of legally empowering asylum seekers. This paper will first analyze the different forms of access to justice that are denied to asylum seekers in Greece. Then then paper will proceed with the concept of legal empowerment of asylum seekers and it is argued that the main purpose of Backpack Refugee Rights Lawyers should be enabling asylum seekers and refugees to know and enforce their own rights. At the same time the paper identifies and addresses several problems of the work of Backpack Refugee Rights Lawyers. Overall, it is hoped that this paper will provide field advocates with information about how they can play an integral part in the legal empowerment of asylum seekers and refugees if they act according to certain guidelines.
Latvia-South Africa Economic Relations 1918–1940
Authors:   University of Latvia, Karnups Viesturs Pauls
Published: December 2020

The Republic of South Africa was the first country on the continent of Africa to recognise the renewed independence of the Republic of Latvia on 29 August 1991. This paper provides an overview of Latvian-South African economic relations in the interwar period. In the interwar period Latvian and South African economic relations were mainly confined to foreign trade. Latvia’s foreign trade in relation to South Africa (then known as the Union of South Africa) was more or less regulated by Latvia’s 1923 treaty with Great Britain. Latvia’s main imports from South Africa in the interwar period were fruits (including oranges, mandarins, apricots, grapes, pears, etc.), tanning extracts and materials, paint and varnish extracts and materials, raw wool, palm kernels and oil, and furs and hides, whilst Latvia’s main exports to South Africa were fish and fish conserves (including “Sprotes”), confectionery and chocolates, timber and timber products, paper and paper products, plywood, and liquors etc. In general, despite a growth in trade in the 1930s, trade and thus economic relations were of marginal significance to both countries in the interwar period.
Personal Support Networks as Moderators in Dyadic Employee-Supervisor Relationships
Authors:   University of Latvia, Hager Frank W. , Brink Norbert G. ,   University of Latvia
Published: December 2020

Health-promoting management behaviour and the associated social support require professional and social competences of supervisors. The behaviour of leaders has an impact on motivation, commitment, as well as on the mental and physical health of their employees – and consequently on their ability to work and employability. Thus, from an entrepreneurial point of view, the skill of managers to provide adequate social support is an indispensable prerequisite for the economic success of the organisation. The two-way relationship (dyad) between the leader and the led, as a reciprocal, dynamic negotiation process, is in the focus of this investigation. For this research in the field of social support, the functions and effects of personal, social support networks have been considered. The question arises, as to whether they can compensate or moderate inadequate social support from supervisors and its effects on the employee’s state of health. From a differential view, social support networks can be understood as a matrix, providing the infrastructure for the production and distribution of a broad spectrum of social support benefits, which in turn represent the social resources of an employee – an important factor for her/his physical and mental health. Social resources in the form of social relationships and social interactions can help to cope with workloads and to better master challenges. In stressful situations, it is helpful to receive emotional or practical support from the support networks of the primary environment. The sample comprises of managers in middle management (N = 132) from different German automotive suppliers. In the examination, the Survey of Perceived Supervisor Support (SPSS), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Evaluation of Social Systems Scale (EVOS) has been used. It was postulated that the quality of social support networks (mirrored by the EVOS-dimensions “quality of relationships” and “self-efficacy”) moderate the relationship between perceived supervisor support and employees self-rated health. Partly, significant correlations between perceived supervisory support and the self-rated health dimensions “emotional well-being”, “energy/fatigue” and “role limitations due to personal or emotional problems” could be determined. It was also possible to gain the important insight that the networking of employees outside the official hierarchical structures plays an essential role in coping with stress.
Efecto de variación en las tasas de interés por financiamiento en los resultados de la Pymes de Costa Rica
Authors: Rodríguez Alcocer Roberto
Published: December 2020

El objetivo es analizar la tasa de interés ofrecida por los intermediarios financieros para el financiamiento de las actividades económicas de las Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (Pymes) en Costa Rica, mediante escenarios donde se evidencian los efectos de estas variaciones, originados por una Tasa Básica Pasiva variable, tasa de referencia, y cómo estas fluctuaciones afectan los resultados económicos y financieros de estos negocios. El diseño de esta investigación es esencialmente de carácter descriptivo y comparativo, ya que pretende contribuir con la ampliación del conocimiento sobre el efecto negativo de las tasas de interés en los resultados financieros y económicos de las Pymes en Costa Rica, específicamente aquellas que han requerido financiamientos del Sistema Financiero.  Por lo tanto, se realiza un análisis de los efectos de las tasas de interés en los resultados operacionales pertenecientes a las pymes, a partir del cálculo de intereses, variación en las cuotas, flujo de caja libre, capacidad de pago y conclusiones financieras. Este análisis se situa dentro del marco de administración financiera y económica de las pymes y de su efecto en la economía productiva del país.
Énfasis del control interno y su ámbito en las deducciones fiscales
Authors: Grageola Santos Luis Gerardo , Martínez Prats Germán , Guzmán Fernández Candelaria , Morales Cárdenas Tomás Francisco
Published: December 2020

El control interno representa la espina dorsal de cualquier entidad económica en cualquier lugar del mundo; no solo soporta, sino que mantiene el equilibrio justo entre los objetivos y los resultados. A través de esta investigación, se analiza el control interno y sus componentes, para mostrar la influencia que tiene este en el ámbito de las deducciones fiscales. Se utiliza un enfoque cuantitativo con diseño de alcance explicativo para transmitir de manera clara y adecuada los datos e información obtenidos de cincuenta contribuyentes en el estado de Tabasco, México. Los resultados conducen a mostrar al control interno como catalizador empresarial que afecta el área legal, particularmente en materia fiscal, con el propósito de asumir la continuidad del negocio en marcha en un horizonte de tiempo ilimitado.
Editorial: A geo-context of corporate governance and law scholarly research
Authors: Moro Visconti Roberto
Published: December 2020

This new issue contains four contributions that geographically extend from Tunisia to Germany, China, and post-colonial countries like Kenya and Uganda. This witnesses the international scope of corporate law and governance and its scalable worldwide applicability, eased by local fine tuning. In spite of this geographical common denominator, the papers evidence spicy differences in their research targets.
Left Ventricular and adjacent Right ventricular Pseudoaneurysms post acute myocardial infarction communicating via a Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Kang Kevin , Wilson John , Friedel Jeffrey , Flores Angel
Published: December 2020

The rare but deadly post myocardial infarction (MI) mechanical
complications are categorized as ventricular free wall rupture,
ventricular septal rupture (VSD) and papillary muscle rupture in
decreasing order of incidence. The incidence of the mechanical
complications has been mitigated by early revascularization in recent
years but mortality remains high. The cardiac rupture if contained by
clot, scar and pericardium leads to a LV pseudoaneurysm that delays or
diminishes the fatal outcome. Mechanical complications and
pseudoaneurysm are recognized by echocardiography. We report a
previously unreported occurrence of a pseudoaneurysm involving the
adjacent walls of both the ventricles, LV basal and inferoseptal walls
and the adjacent right ventricular inferior wall (RV). The LV and RV
communicated via a hole in the pseudoaneurysmal wall. The
echocardiographic images initially showed the LV pseudoaneurysm bulging
into the RV rather than into the pericardium. The color Doppler showed
shunting through the LV pseudoaneurysm into the RV creating an unusual
VSD. The CT angiograms corroborated the echo findings. The LV
pseudoaneurysm had a tear in it and this led to bleeding not into
pericardium but into the adjacent RV pseudoaneurysm, hence creating a
very unusual VSD. Subsequently, our patient went for surgical repair of
pseudoaneurysm and the surgical findings confirmed the imaging findings
that there was a massive LV pseudoaneurysm from the inferior and
inferoseptal walls, the adjacent RV wall was involved with the
pseudoaneurysm and a communication between LV pseudoaneuysm sac and the
RV was seen. Such pathology has not been described in the past.
L'importanza dell'acqua nell’industria lattiero-casearia
Authors: Andretta Annalisa
Published: December 2020

L’industria alimentare è uno tra i settori in rapida crescita economica.
Questo settore è caratterizzato da un’elevata domanda di risorse, in
particolare di acqua.  Molti degli stabilimenti lattiero-caseari
utilizza una propria fonte d’acqua, la quale dovrebbe soddisfare i
requisiti di acqua potabile. Per questo motivo è obbligatorio il suo
trattamento. Nel presente articolo viene approfondita la gestione delle
risorse e la qualità dell’acqua di due stabilimenti lattiero-caseari
situati in Polonia. Quindi, si mettono in risalto le relazioni che
intercorrono tra il  processo tecnico selezionato, le attrezzature, la
qualità dell’acqua e il suo consumo.  Inoltre, attraverso la
re-immissione in circolo della quantità d’acqua consumata all’interno
dell’industria, sono state proposte soluzioni che hanno il compito di
migliorare la gestione sia dell’acqua che delle acque reflue.
State of the Art: Evaluation and Management of Patients with Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma
Authors: Waters John , Doolabh Neelan , Jessen Michael
Published: December 2020

Objective: To review the current literature on the state of the art of
evaluation and management of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (PFE).
Methods: A literature review was performed on the topic of evaluation
and management of PFE. PubWeb, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus
search engines were used. Key search terms included: “Cardiac papillary
fibroelastoma,” “papillary fibroelastoma,” “Surgical resection of
papillary fibroelastoma,” “Minimally invasive resection of papillary
fibroelastoma,” “Thoracoscopy and PFE.” Relevant articles were
archived and synthesized in an EndNote database. Particular attention
was focused on identifying cases of minimally invasive resection of PFE
and the use of thoracoscopic adjuncts to assist with cavitary PFE
removal. Institutional Review Board approval was waived. Results: A
total of 119 articles were identified and archived. Forty seven articles
were used to compose this paper. 8 articles detailed minimally invasive
resection of PFE. The largest series of minimally invasive PFE resection
summed 4 patients. There are currently no guidelines to direct care of
patients with PFE. General consensus is that the presence of left sided
PFE should prompt evaluation for surgery. Conclusions: PFE is a rare
tumor, more common in children than adults. Lesions are typically left
sided and are at risk for embolization. Minimally invasive surgery is
feasible and safe. Long-term outcomes with complete resection are very
good.
News and Comment
Authors: Martin Amanda E.
Published: December 2020

News and Comment
Middle Palaeolithic flint materials from Central Poland. Case study of the site Polesie 1, Łowicz county, Łódź voivodship
Authors: Wąs Marcin , Domańska Lucyna , Rzepecki Seweryn
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with the presentation of flint artefacts of Middle Palaeolithic provenience discovered during the excavations at the site of Polesie 1 in the central part of Central Poland. An in-depth analysis of its morphology, taphonomy and readable technological features helped uncover some elements of the products of the Micoquian tradition. This article discusses these extraordinary findings in the context of their importance as the northern-most such finds on the map of Middle Palaeolithic sites in Poland. Selected elements of research on paleoenvironmental conditions of the studied area are also presented as key points in the discussion on the possibilities of researching the Neanderthal settlement ecumene within the Polish Lowland.
Early Bronze Age barrow in Jawczyce, site 1, Wieliczka Foothills, Lesser Poland
Authors: Jarosz Paweł , Libera Jerzy
Published: December 2020

Barrow 11 at site 1 in Jawczyce is the first burial mound in the Wieliczka Foothills, and also in the whole of Lesser Poland, dated to the 19th and 18th centuries BC and associated with the late phase of the Mierzanowice culture. The grave under the mound had a wooden construction, and within it were found faience beads as well as four flint arrowheads. The interment was not preserved. The radiocarbon date acquired from charcoal is 3580±35 BP (Poz-101091), which is 1974-1888 BC after calibration. This dating can be correlated with the beginnings of the late phase of the Mierzanowice culture. The mound in Jawczyce combines older Final Neolithic traditions (the barrow) with Early Bronze ones (the grave goods, arrangement of the deceased). Therefore, it significantly supplements current knowledge of the funeral rite of the Mierzanowice culture.
South-East Black Sea coast in Early Holocene period (according to interdisciplinary archaeological investigations in Kobuleti site)
Authors: Chkhatarashvili Guram , Manko Valery , Kakhidze Amiran , Esakiya Ketevan , Chichinadze Maia , Kulkova Marianna , Streltcov Mikhail
Published: December 2020

The paper presents the results of interdisciplinary research carried out at the Kobuleti Early Holocene site. Typological and use-wear analyses of stone artifacts helped to define the main branch of the economy of humans at the site. Palynological studies were conducted to reconstruct the paleoenvironment. The investigated plant spores proved that the climate in the Early Holocene was warm. Definition of an absolute date by means of the radiocarbon method (14C) represents an innovation conducted in the study of the Stone Age in Ajara.
Pengembangan Perangkat Pembelajaran Matematika Materi Pengolahan Data Berbasis Pendekatan PMRI
Authors: Widana I Gede Kasih , Dantes Nyoman , Parmiti Desak Putu
Published: December 2020

Prangkat pembelajaran yang digunakan oleh guru sering tidak cocok maupun belum tepat sasaran dalam suatu penerapannya. Mengingat hal tersebut dirasa perlu untuk mengembangkan perangkat pembelajran berbasis Pendekatan Pendidikan Matematika Realistik Indonesia (PMRI) untuk dapat diterapkan dalam melaksanakan proses pembelajaran di SD. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan perangkat pembelajaran PMRI pada mata pelajaran matematika meteri pengolahan data siswa kels V SD. Penelitian pengembangan ini menggunakan model 4D dengan tahapan yaitu: Pendefinisian, Perancangan, Pengembangan, penyebarluasan. Instrument yang digunakan untuk mengukur tingkat validitas perangkat pembelajaran adalah rating scale berupa lembar penilaian ahli. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengumpulan data penelitian ini adalah metode kuesioner dengan menggunakan teknik analisis data kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Kegiatan uji coba menghasilkan data berupa angka yang dihitung nilai rata-rata kemudian dikonversikan dengan tabel PAP skala lima. Hasil penelitian ini adalah 1) perangkat pembelajaran PMRI mata pelajaran matematika pada materi pengolahan data meliputi RPP dan LKPD, 2) produk ini sudah divalidasi oleh ahli matematika, ahli asesmen pembelajaran dan dua orang guru kelas V dari SD yang berbeda. Nilai dari empat orang ahli perangkat RPP mendapatkan skor 4,33 dan perangkat LKPD skor 4,32, sehingga dikategorikan sangat baik. Implikasi dari penelitian ini adalah perangakat pembelajaran matematika materi pengolahan data berbasis pendekatan PMRI yang teruji validitas isinya dan siap untuk digunakan.
A Software Service for the Garbage Type Recognition Based on the Mobile Computing Devices With Graphical Data Input
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Computer Engineering Department, Bachynskyy Ruslan , Chaku Oleksii , Huzynets Nataliia
Published: December 2020

The article describes problems of determining the type and automatic sorting of household waste using mobile computing devices. All of the required hardware and partially software, required for implementation of this service, are already present in modern smartphones. iOS and Apple products were selected as the base for the service, due to such advantages over competitors: dual or triple depth camera (TDCS), powerful GPU, Neural Engine coprocessor, high autonomy (2750mAh battery size), sensors that allow for user positioning and navigation in space (GPS, Glonass, Gyroscope) and most important feature is possibility of cross-platform designing, suitable for iOS and macOS (Project Catalina). The recognition process consists of several phases, including capturing of graphic image and detecting the object shape, shape analysis, computing the results, and saving new associations to the database. The analysis itself is implemented using a neural network that is able to learn during its operation. Initially, the algorithm is driven by the selection of photographs with a certain type for the base set of associations, each subsequent scan improves accuracy. Cross-platforming plays a very important role — it allows us to develop a single software service that is initially run on a macOS-based computer for faster learning and then can be easily used on an iOS mobile device. After identifying a particular type of garbage, the route to the nearest recycling point of such type of garbage will be proposed for user or user’s clarification will be requested. User can also manually browse categories and related items, manually search by name of item, and view locations for sorting and recycling in appropriate city. When a completely unknown object arrives, it is possible to refine the information in order to help further learning of the network.