bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between diaphragmatic mobility by transthoracic ultrasound and echocardiography findings in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Saeed Adel M. , Dwidar Ibraheem , AbdelFattah Eman B. , Elnady Khaled Y. , Nagdy Mustafa R.
Published: November 2022

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is known as a particular pattern of persistent gradually developing fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unspecified cause that takes place mainly in elder adults, is restricted to the lungs, and is correlated with the radiological and/or histopathological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia. Patients with IPF exhibit characteristic features regarding the respiratory and cardiac muscle function. The lack of an association between diaphragmatic mobility and echocardiography findings of right and left ventricle functions in patients with IPF was unexpected as transthoracic ultrasound (US) and echocardiography are feasible, reproducible, noninvasive, and largely adopted in the clinical practice and in clinical trials.

Objective

To correlate between diaphragmatic mobility using transthoracic US and ventricular functions using echocardiography in patients with IPF.

Patients and methods

A prospective case–control study was conducted in which 40 patients with IPF and 10 controls underwent transthoracic US assessment of diaphragmatic excursion and echocardiography study, and then the results were correlated.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in deep breathing excursion, right ventricle functional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and ejection fraction in addition to an increase in pulmonary artery systolic pressure among the study group. Both normal breathing excursion and deep breathing excursion have a positive correlation with right ventricle functional area change and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, whereas a negative correlation was seen with age and pulmonary artery systolic pressure in both study and control groups.

Conclusions

Transthoracic US assessment of diaphragmatic mobility can clearly reflect the right ventricle function in patients with IPF.
Pleuropulmonary involvement in patients with collagen vascular diseases
Authors: Mohamed Eman A. , Farrag Mohamed A. , Ali Adel M. , Osman Nehad M. , Raafat Riham H.
Published: November 2022

Background

Collagen vascular diseases are a diverse set of autoimmune disorders that can affect any part of the pulmonary system.

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the frequency, severity, pattern, and outcome of pleuropulmonary involvement in collagen vascular diseases among a cohort of Egyptian population.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 cases, who were diagnosed as collagen vascular disease (fulfilling the published classification criteria for each disease) and developed respiratory symptoms. The included cases were subjected to detailed history, clinical examination, and investigations included mainly chest imaging (high-resolution computed tomography for all cases, chest ultrasound, and computed tomography pulmonary angiography when needed), pulmonary functions tests, and echo. Follow-up of patients was done at the end of hospital stay and at 1 month after discharge.

Results

The mean age of the studied population was 44.34 ± 14.22 years with female predominance representing 74% of cases. The most common diagnosed collagen vascular disease was rheumatoid arthritis in 42% of cases, followed by systemic lupus in 38% of the cases. Dyspnea was the most common presenting symptom among the studied patients in 70% of cases. Parenchymal involvement was the most common involvement among 86% of the cases followed by pulmonary vascular involvement in 62% of the cases. The outcome among the included patients was improvement in 54% of cases, partial improvement in 20% of cases, stationary in 20% of cases, and 6% of included cases died at the end of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Parenchymal involvement and pulmonary hypertension were, respectively, the most pleuropulmonary involvement in collagen vascular diseases among a cohort of Egyptian population. Mortality rate was higher among systemic lupus patients in activity with other parenchymal involvement group and interstitial lung disease.
Combined assessment of bronchial asthma control using forced expiratory volume in first second and exhaled nitric oxide
Authors: Abdelwahab Heba W. , Hamad Ahmed M. , Ali Raed E. , Abumossalam Ahmed M. , Algharabawy Manal M.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The principal goal of bronchial asthma (BA) management is to control and reduce the risk of exacerbations. Poor assessment of asthma control is a major cause of poor asthma management. This study aimed to detect the level of asthma control using spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).

Patients and methods

This study investigated 210 patients with a diagnosis of BA. Asthma control in included patients was classified according to the Global Initiative for Asthma symptom-based assessment of asthma control, into controlled, partly controlled, or uncontrolled. Spirometry and FeNO results were recorded.

Results

Most of the studied patients had partly controlled BA (43.3%), while uncontrolled BA was found in 29% of them. There was a significant association between both prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the presence of reversibility with levels of BA control. There was no significant difference in the FeNO value between the levels of BA control (P=0.5). Combined assessment of BA using low FEV1 with high FeNO showed a significant difference between BA control groups.

Conclusion

A combination of FeNO and FEV1 provides a better method in detecting the level of BA control. It may be very important for patients with higher airway reversibility to consistently monitor disease control and then to modify therapeutic strategy.
Prevalence and predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in snorers without excessive daytime sleepiness
Authors: Elmorsey Rehab A. , Farg Mai E. , Elsaied Amany R.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be presented by diverse phenotypes with or without excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). The present study was conducted to detect the prevalence and the predictors of OSA in a sample of habitual snorers without EDS nor nocturnal observed apnea.

Patients and methods

A total of 61 adult participants complaining of habitual snoring were included in the study and subjected to OSA screening questionnaire, anthropometric measures, tonsil examination, modified Mallampati score, and full polysomnography. Univariate analysis and regression analysis were done to detect the association of OSA with participants’ characteristics and polysomnography data. The statistically significant variables were entered into the receiver operating characteristic curve to estimate the best cutoff values for predictors of OSA in habitual snorers.

Results

The studied patients were divided into two groups: 11.5% had no OSA [apnea–hypopnea index (AHI)<5], and 88.5% had OSA. AHI values were significantly greater in males compared with females [45.2 (interquartile range: 29.9–62.6) in males versus 22.1 (interquartile range: 9.6–35.9) in females, P=0.001]. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between AHI and age (r=0.39). The best cutoff point of age to detect OSA group was more than 43 years with a sensitivity of 64.81%, specificity of 100%, and total accuracy of 0.86. The best cutoff point of BMI to detect OSA group was more than 37 kg/m2, with a sensitivity of 46.30%, specificity of 100%, and total accuracy of 0.75.

Conclusion

OSA should be investigated in habitual snorers even in the absence of EDS and nocturnal apnea, especially in older (>43 years), obese (BMI >37 kg/m2), and male patients.
A breakthrough in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Pardeshi Vaishali , Lokhande Tushar , Shelke Ashwini , Tuse Trupti , Pawar Bhagyshree , Bonde Chandrakant
Published: November 2022

The resistant to multidrug-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR) strains has affected to the control on tuberculosis (TB). Drugs such as isoniazid and rifampin are commonly used for the therapy in TB. In these, in the phenomenon of the production of anti-TB drugs, the maintenance of the records is one of the challenging steps. The estimated global incidences of nearly half million are witnesses for MDR/rifampicin-resistant TB. This article included the global problem of the drug resistant to TB with its lengthy, complicated, and life-threatening effects with its poor results. Recently new medicines have been developed after a long time on the treatment of TB in MDR resistance. Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, bedaquiline, delamanid, linezolid, and other second-line medications for TB treatment include levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, bedaquiline, delamanid, linezolid, and others. In the case of MDR-TB, a variety of medications are advised. In the treatment of TB, these medications are effective anti-TB drugs. The goal of this study is to analyze MDR-TB treatment methods in light of WHO guidelines for MDR-TB care in 2021.
Periodic limb movement in sleep before and after continuous positive airway pressure titration in obstructive sleep-apnea patients
Authors: Bakkar Lamees M. , Elmorshedy Reham M. , Farghaly Shereen
Published: November 2022

Background

Periodic limb movement during sleep (PLMS) could exist with patients diagnosed as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most competent therapy for OSA. However, its effect on PLM remains controversial.

Aim

To evaluate PLMS prevalence in OSA patients and the impact of CPAP titration on PLM outcome.

Patients and methods

Patients with history suggestive of OSA underwent full attended diagnostic and CPAP titration sleep study. On baseline polysomnography, OSA patients with PLM less than 5 were considered pure OSA and those with periodic limb-movement index more than or equal to 5 were considered combined group. Post-CPAP titration, patients were considered CPAP responders, CPAP persistent, CPAP emergent, or non-PLM group according to response of PLM.

Results

Out of 100 included OSA patients, the combined group was found in 53 patients. CPAP responder group was reported in 27 patients, while 25 and 24 patients were considered CPAP persistent and CPAP emergent, respectively. CPAP-emergent group showed significantly higher apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) than non-PLM group on baseline polysomnography. On the other hand, AHI was comparable in CPAP-persistent and responder group, despite normalization of AHI in both groups after titration. On multivariate regression analysis, old age was found to be an independent predictor for both persistence and emergence of PLM and higher AHI was an independent predictor in CPAP-emergent group.

Conclusion

PLMS can coexist with OSA in old-age patients, which may persist after CPAP titration. Elderly patients, especially those with baseline higher AHI, may also present with CPAP-emergent PLMS.
Combating coronavirus disease 2019 at home
Authors: Elbagalaty Mohamed F. , Shawkat Salma A.G. , Mohamed Mohamed A.M.
Published: November 2022

Context

Our study follows 34 patients during their home treatment after being diagnosed with moderate-severe coronavirus disease (COVID). The home treatment was chosen by the patients and their caregivers after being informed of the risks.

Aim

To evaluate the outcome of home treatment in patients with moderate to severe COVID who opted for home treatment instead of hospital admission.

Patients and methods

The retrospective study was conducted among patients diagnosed with SARS COV-2 with moderate to severe COVID who presented to our health care facility. We followed the patients from the initial diagnosis till the time of complete recovery.

Results

Overall, 87.5% of our moderate to severe COVID-infected patients were able to return to a full bill of health without the need for hospitalization. Age, BMI, or the presence of any comorbidity did not have a significant effect on the time till recovery or need for hospitalization in our sample. Majority of moderate to severe patients were not shown to need any hospitalization.

Conclusion

This sheds light on the fact that most moderate to severe COVID-infected patients may not require hospitalization and can be effectively managed at home under the supervision of a physician.
Bacterial biogram in COVID-19 patients in Menoufia University isolation hospitals
Authors: Abdelaal Gehan A. , EL-Masry Eman A. , Eldahdouh Sami S.
Published: November 2022

Background

The evaluation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with respiratory secondary bacterial infection, and the causative pathogens, is crucial for the treatment plan of those patients and to ensure the effective needed treatment with antibiotics and to decrease its abuse.

Aim

To clarify the incidence of bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19 and sensitivity to antibiotics.

Patients and methods

Samples of sputum were collected from 120 patients with confirmed COVID-19 by clinical, laboratory, radiological signs of pneumonia, or PCR, the severity of COVID-19 was classified as moderate and severe. The moderate type included patients with pneumonia without hypoxemia. The severe type was characterized by (a) dyspnea (respiratory rate ≥30/min), (b) blood oxygen saturation less than or equal to 93%, and (c) PaO2/FiO2 ratio less than 300 or lung infiltrates more than 50%. If one of the above items was met, it was classified as severe. Then, all cases were sent for screening of the presence of secondary bacterial infections by quantitative sputum bacterial culture and sensitivity. Positive cases of bacterial infection were classified into patients with early bacterial infection less than 15 days from COVID-19 infection and patients with late bacterial infections after more than 15 days of COVID-19 infection.

Results

In total, 40 (33.3%) cases out of 120 cases of COVID-19 showed bacterial growth, while 80 (66.7%) cases were negative for bacterial secondary infection. The most common organisms isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae 12 cases, streptococci 10 cases, MERSA eight cases, Escherichia coli five cases and mixed infection by E. coli, Klebsiella, and Candida in five cases, Staphylococcus aureus was the same rate in early and late infections, all streptococci were early infection, and more cases of K. pneumoniae were late infection nine cases out of 13, where E. coli was early infection four cases out of five. All mixed infections were late.

Conclusion

Hidden secondary bacterial infection should be screened in COVID-19 patients. Early bacterial infections and moderate COVID-19 pneumonia are mainly caused by Gram-positive bacteria, but late bacterial infections and severe COVID-19 pneumonia are mainly caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
Relationship between incidence and mortality of asthma with PM2.5, ozone, and household air pollution from 1990 to 2106 in the world
Authors: Ahmadi Farzane , Fallah Zahra , Shadmani Fatemeh Khosravi , Allahmoradi Meisam , Salahshoor Pegah , Ahmadi Sheler , Mansori Kamyar
Published: November 2022

Background

Asthma is a chronic airway disease characterized by an overreaction of the airways to a wide range of stimuli.

Objective

To determine the relationship between the incidence and mortality rate of asthma and the levels of PM2.5, ozone, and household air pollution (HAP) from 1990 to 2016 in the world.

Materials and methods

This ecological study was conducted across 194 countries. The asthma incidence and mortality rates were extracted from IHME Global Burden of Disease databases. Data on average annual population-weighted HAP, PM2.5, and ozone were obtained from the State of Global Air website. A model-based clustering with a finite mixture of matrix-variate normal distributions was used to identify countries with a similar pattern of three air pollution index values. The number of clusters was determined by the Bayesian information criterion, and R software was used for integrated completed likelihood criterion. The random-effects model was applied to evaluate the relationship between asthma incidence in groups and different years by using the SAS software.

Results

The countries were classified into five clusters in terms of the mean of PM2.5, ozone, and HAP. The incidence rates had a decreasing trend during 1990–2005 and an increasing trend during 2011–2016 in the clusters. The lowest incidence and mortality rates were observed for countries of cluster 3. The highest incidence and mortality rates were observed for countries in clusters 1 and 2, respectively. The incidence and mortality ratio trends experienced an increase in cluster 1 and a decrease in other clusters.

Conclusions

Depending on the mortality and incidence trends of asthma in countries in each cluster, effective national and international intervention measures are recommended to deal with such pollutants.
Role of noncontrast magnetic resonance pulmonary imaging in diagnosis of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Mohammad Osama I. , Okab Ali A. , Sweed Enas M.M. , Mohammed Elsaid Salwa H. , Sadek Mohammed S.
Published: November 2022

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition and has a clinical dilemma in diagnosis. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is a gold standard in its diagnosis, but MRI has proven a good role in PE diagnosis.

Aim

The aim of this work was to evaluate the role of noncontrast magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography (MRPA) imaging in diagnosis of acute PE using CTPA as a gold standard.

Patients and methods

In total, 25 patients with PE confirmed by CTPA were included in this study. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography and noncontrast MRPA on the same day or within three consecutive days. The results were compared and statistically analyzed.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 46.4 ± 13.5 years. Females represent 60% (15/25) and males represent 40% (10/25). The per-vessel sensitivity of noncontrast MRPA reached to about 100% with specificity 100% at the level of the main trunk, right and left main pulmonary arteries down to segmental arteries. The sensitivity for right subsegmental branches was 25% and left subsegmental branches was 33.3%.

Conclusion

The noncontrast MRPA has a reasonable sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of PE, especially in major branches. So, it can be used as an alternative to the computed tomography angiography, especially when the computed tomography angiography and the use of gadolinium are contraindicated.
Alveolar hemorrhage linked to Evans syndrome
Authors: Belloumi Nidhal , Bougacha Marwa , Bachouch Imene , Habouria Chaima , Chermiti Fatma , Fenniche Soraya
Published: November 2022

Evans syndrome associates thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and/or neutropenia with a positive direct antihuman globulin test. It is an autoimmune entity. We report here a case of a 71-year-old patient followed up for Evans syndrome, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and moderate chronic renal failure. He was hospitalized for massive hemoptysis and decline of platelet blood count to under 40 000 cells/mm3. Alveolar hemorrhage was so extended in computed tomography scan. The acute respiratory failure was followed by a systemic shock and then death. This disease has no consensual treatment but some therapies are effective. Preventive management should be considered to avoid cataclysmic complications.
Assessment of diaphragmatic mobility by chest ultrasound and basic echocardiography in patients with malignant pleural effusion undergoing pleurodesis
Authors: Saeed Adel M. , Gomaa Ashraf A. , Ezzelregal Hieba G. , Elbaz Eman M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is prevalent, and in cases such as aging patients as well as increased long-term survival for metastatic cancers, the number of patients will continue to elevate in the near future.

Aim

To assess both the diaphragmatic mobility using chest ultrasound and basic echocardiography before and after pleurodesis in patients with MPE.

Patients and methods

This study included 35 patients with MPE; the diagnosis is based on positive pleural fluid cytology, thoracoscopic biopsy, and fitted for chemical pleurodesis by bleomycin. Baseline chest ultrasound was done to for assess the diaphragmatic mobility and basic echocardiography. Chemical pleurodesis was done through intrapleural injection of 1 IU/kg bleomycin as a sclerosing agent in 100 ml of normal saline.

Results

Regarding outcome, 17 (48.6%) patients succeeded (defined as absent lung sliding and no reaccumulation of pleural fluid in the lines examined) and 7 (20%) patients failed (known as reaccumulation of pleural fluid and (even with) no presence of lung sliding). There was a statistically substantial decrease in the diaphragmatic excursion (mobility) at 2 weeks and at 2 months after pleurodesis than before. A significant relation was detected between outcome of the studied patients with lung sliding before pleurodesis, whereas there was a substantial increase in pleurodesis success with no presence of lung sliding at 2 weeks and at 2 months after pleurodesis.

Conclusion

Ultrasound of the diaphragm is an uncomplicated, noninvasive method for estimating the contractile activity of diaphragm. The decrease in the diaphragmatic excursion at 2 weeks and at 2 months after pleurodesis compared with that before pleurodesis can be used as sign to predict pleurodesis success. There is no significant relation between echocardiography measurements and outcome except that normal left ventricle ejection fraction % has a significant relation with increased success outcome.
Prevalence and predictors of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Alkhayat Khaled Fawzy , Gadallah Doaa , Hasan Mohamed Hamed , Abdel-Gawad Abdelhady Ragab , Mohamed Eman Roshdy , Bakir Asmaa Ramadan
Published: November 2022

Background

Several studies are ongoing to obtain more information about post-COVID-19 (corona virus disease-19) pulmonary fibrosis. Old-aged patients are more likely to evolve lung fibrosis in COVID-19. Another risk factor is the degree of disease severity, including comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, as well as lab findings, for example, lymphopenia and leukocytosis.

Aims of work

To assess the prevalence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis and reveal some of its predictors.

Results

The study included 50 patients in the outpatient clinics of Chest and EL-Helal Hospitals with a mean age of 49.6 ± 17.7 years. It included 32 (64%) males and 18 (36%) females. Pulmonary fibrosis was detected in 34 (68%) patients. Pulmonary fibrosis was bilateral in 24 patients and unilateral in 10 patients. Leucopenia, elevated serum ferritin, elevated D-dimer, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were associated with pulmonary fibrosis (P value <0.001).

Conclusion

Pulmonary fibrosis is recognized as a complication between survivors. Immune response due to lung injury by viral infection, and trials to repair are keys to the procedure of fibro genesis. Predictors of lung fibrosis involve increased lab parameters such as serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer.
Distúrbios mentais como fundamento para a exclusão da responsabilidade penal: uma abordagem de direito comparado
Authors: STUCKENBERG Carl-Friedrich
Published: November 2022

The effect of mental disorders on criminal responsibility seems to be more or less the same in all jurisdictions. However, upon a closer look, the details of the regulatory schemes and the practical effects vary considerably and this discord has increased even more in the past 30 years. This article undertakes a brief comparative survey with a focus on substantive criminal law in order to sketch a normative matrix which shows that there are three basic approaches to deal with mental disorders as grounds for excluding criminal responsibility. While psychiatry has made considerable progress over the past 150 years, in providing more humane treatment to mentally ill persons, it is a disturbing observation that the criminal law appears to be significantly less tolerant towards mentally disturbed offenders in modern times than during the previous two millennia.
Dolo sem conhecimento? Reflexões sobre a condenação de Lionel Messi por sonegação fiscal
Authors: VALLÈS Ramon Ragués i
Published: November 2022

In civil law systems, the possible existence of a dolus that does not require knowledge of the objective circumstances of the criminal offense has been discussed in recent times. This discussion has been fostered from two very different traditions: the German theory of the so-called “blindness to the facts” (Tatsachenblindheit) and the common law doctrine of willful blindness. This work critically exposes and values these approaches and, to show its practical relevance, it will do so by means of one of the most famous cases in which these theories have been applied: the conviction of the football player Lionel Messi for tax fraud.
A culpabilidade como pressuposto do ilícito penal: considerações sobre a dissolução das fronteiras entre o ilícito e a culpabilidade
Authors: MARTELETO FILHO Wagner
Published: November 2022

The present article intends to argue the normative correctness of the strict separation between the wrongdoing and the culpability. The arguments that demand separation are critically analyzed, especially those based on: a) the perspective of the offended and as also on his right of defense in relation of a non-culpable offense; b) the necessity to punish the accomplice of a typical and illicit act (which would not be achieved with an intrinsically culpable wrongdoing); and c) the need to ensure an objective reference object for the mistake of law. Then, based on nomotheoretical premises (= only those who have the competence to do so can argue the norm; the extent of the behavior’s norm and guarantee’s norm are distinguished etc.) and, above all, with a view to the specific function of Criminal Law (considered, here, as the protection of the norm and the reaction to the denial of its validity), it is argued that there are good reasons for the dissolution of the boundaries between wrongdoing and culpability, with consequences particularly relevant to the level of “dolus” and mistake, which are now examined in accordance with the responsibility principle
Chantagem empresarial: hard bargaining ou crime de extorsão?
Authors: BADARÓ Tatiana
Published: November 2022

Criminalizing blackmail puts the liberal legislator in the face of a paradox: How to rationally justify the decision to make it unlawful for someone to demand others to practice a lawful act by threatening them with an equally lawful act? This paradox becomes even more evident when it comes to cases of commercial blackmail, in which both the threatened act and the demanded act are connected with the legal economic activities carried out by the blackmailer and the blackmailed. The present article analyzes three possible positions in the face of this paradox: 1) to affirm that blackmail is not and should not be a crime; 2) to argue that blackmail already constitutes a crime of extortion or criminal coercion and 3) to argue that legislators have good reasons to criminalize blackmail. This article then discusses the different theories that intend to provide the basis that legitimate the criminalization of blackmail. The conclusion is that, on the one hand, not every type of blackmail is already foreseen as a crime and, on the other hand, only some types of blackmail should initially be criminalized. However, the reasons that justify the criminalization of different types of blackmail might be of different sorts, what should lead to distinctions in the structure of criminal offenses.
Crimes tributários são crimes de lesão ou de perigo, de mera conduta ou de resultado, formais ou materiais? Como uma discussão conceitual desvia o olhar do que realmente importa: a razão de ser da Súmula Vinculante nº 24
Authors: ESTELLITA Heloisa , CAVALI Marcelo Costenaro
Published: November 2022

Brazilian Supreme Court’s Binding Ruling nº 24 has caused a series of unwanted effects in the criminal and criminal procedural treatment of tax crimes. The most recent arises in a discussion about the classification of tax crimes as formal or material offenses in the Brazilian Supreme Court (ADI 4.980) and in the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (Special Appeal nº 1.982.304). In this article, the authors argue that this classification is irrelevant for the purposes of the application of the Binding Ruling nº 24 as well as for the determination of the initial term of the statute of limitations (art. 111, I, Penal Code).
The Legal (in)Security of Foreign Workers
Authors: KRISHER Vera , ISIDORO Rui
Published: November 2022

Portugal recognizes several rights for foreign workers in order to protect them. These rights include fundamental rights as well as labor rights and worker guarantees given by the Portuguese labor code. The constant socio-economic developments and changings bring the necessity to harmonize the legislation to these changes, helping the foreign workers to ensure their rights, guaranteeing their legal and labor security, and good working conditions as well. Although the legislation establishes a set of rights and guarantees, studies have confirmed that foreign workers are in a position of vulnerability, so its relevant to focus on questions like: Which documents allow entry and to stay in the country, the importance of holding one of those documents and possible consequences of not having such documentation? What is meant by undeclared work? What is the legal and labor insecurity of the foreign worker? Therefore, this paper focuses on the most violated rights of foreign workers in Portugal, as well as the main difficulties and obstacles to which they are subject.
Impact of Emotional Intelligence among Students of BS Program at University Level
Authors: Saeed Sana , Islam Md. Ramizul , Latif Swera , Ashraf Ijaz
Published: November 2022

The aim of this research is to determine the impact of emotional intelligence among university students. This descriptive study was carried out among undergraduate students at Pakistan's University of Agriculture Faisalabad. A total of 176 students from the university's Social Science Faculty were conveniently chosen as a sample. Data has been collected by using a well-structured questionnaire and percentage, frequency, mean, standard deviation, weightage score, and rank order by the SPSS 17.0 package by following descriptive statistical analyses method.  The study findings revealed that students' emotional intelligence scores varied and that it influenced their academic achievements differently. The reality of a few esteemed crescendos of emotional intelligence among students may be cooperative in terms of valuable life skills as well as satisfying academic depictions. Emotional intelligence management can help students perform better in school and have a positive impact on real-life activities. As a result, it is suggested that students with low academic performance be taught emotional intelligence through training and various programs. This research would help teachers, policymakers, curriculum planners, and institution heads deal with the disabilities of their students. It would also provide guidance and support for professional development, training, and retention plans for teachers.
Azerbaijan’s Growing Role in Europe’s Gas Security
Authors: Feyziyeva Gunay
Published: November 2022

Ensuring Europe’s energy security and supply with energy resources primarily means providing natural gas. As is known, natural gas is one of the main resources that Europe imports. The continental countries’ need for natural gas is quite large. According to experts’ calculations, gas demand in Europe will double in the next decade. Although the total consumption of renewable energy is expected to reach 32 percent by 2030, natural gas will still be of great importance to Europe. Continental nations are trying to diversify gas supplies to Europe to reduce coal use and high greenhouse gas emissions. In this case, the competition for gas supply to the continent increases even more. In energy diversification, the main focus is on intensifying relations with the countries of the Caspian Sea region, that is, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Geographically located in the southeast of Russia, the region has a double advantage in terms of laying pipelines that will ensure the transportation of large undiscovered gas and oil reserves directly to Europe.
A General Weak Law of Large Numbers for Sequences of $L^{p}$ Random Variables
Authors: Chou Yu-Lin
Published: November 2022

Without imposing any conditions on dependence structure, we give a seemingly overlooked simple sufficient condition for $L^{p}$ random variables $X_{1}, X_{2}, \dots$ with given $1 \leq p \leq +\infty$ to satisfy \[\frac{1}{a_{n}}\sum_{i=1}^{b_{n}}(X_{i} - \mathbb{E} X_{i}) \overset{L^{p}}\to 0 \,\,\, \mathrm{as}\, n \to \infty,\]where $(a_{n})_{n \in \mathbb{N}}, (b_{n})_{n \in \mathbb{N}}$ are prespecified unbounded sequences of positive integers.Some unexpected convergences of sample means follow.
Određivanje biometanskog potencijala za različite vrste sirovina
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Kulić Filip , Kamenko Ilija , Bugarski Vladimir , Nikolić Perica
Published: November 2022

The design and construction of anaerobic reactors for a wide range of substrates from one or more sources require a good understanding of each substrate's physical and biochemical characteristics. Tests of biological or biochemical methane potential (BMP), i.e., anaerobic biodegradability analyses, are used to determine anaerobic biodegradability and total methane potential of waste or biomass, as well as the velocity of the process in laboratory conditions. This paper presents the use of an automated methane production potential testing system (AMPTS). AMPTS was developed for online measurements of ultra-low flows of biogas and bio-methane produced from the anaerobic fermentation of any biodegradable substrate (both solid and liquid form) at the laboratory level. Specific measurements and analysis of the results were performed for different raw materials: sludge from treated wastewater, animal manure, corn silage, straw, and their combinations.
Vertikalne fasade solitera kao lokacije za instalaciju fotonaponskih panela
Authors: Stefanović Andreja
Published: November 2022

Fasade solitera predstavljaju alternativnu lokaciju za instalaciju fotonaponskih panela, koji se najčešće postavljaju na krovove objekata. Specifičan prostorni oblik solitera, sa relativno malom površinom osnove u odnosu na visinu objekata, pruža mogućnost iskorišćenja vertikalnih fasada ovih objekata, koje su često u lošem stanju. Fotonaponski paneli postavljeni na ovakvim lokacijama, osim generisanja električne energije, mogu imati estetski i urbanistički uticaj na gradski prostor. U ovom radu je izvršena simulacija generacije električne energije iz fotonaponskih panela, lociranih na vertikalnim fasadama solitera grada Kragujevca, korišćenjem softvera EnergyPlus. Sprovedena je analiza dobijenih rezultata za realne prostorne orijentacije fasada, pri čemu je modelirano i okruženje solitera koje stvara osenčenje fasada, kao što su okolni objekti i visoko drveće. Dobijene godišnje vrednosti generisane električne energije su upoređene sa energijom koje se troši za grejanje ovih građevinskih objekata.
Poboljšanje rada distributivne mreže u uslovima velikih opterećenja korišćenjem fotonaponskih i sistema za skladištenje energije
Authors:   University of Niš, Faculty of Electric Engineering, Krstić Nikola , Tasić Dragan , Klimenta Dardan
Published: November 2022

This paper considers the improvement of distribution network operation in high load conditions using photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS). Optimal locations and powers of PV systems and ESS, considering the improvement of distribution network operation, are determined by metaheuristic optimization method of genetic algorithm (GA), where losses in distribution network and its voltage profile are used as quality indicators for distribution network operation. Two approaches are used to determine the optimal power of PV system during the day, depending on the ratio of injected power into the network by the PV system and its maximum available power at a given time. Cases with different load distributions in the distribution network are analyzed, as well as the cases with different number of connected PV systems and ESS. Based on the obtained results, in addition to determining the level of distribution network operation improvement, conclusions are given regarding the impact of load diagram on the number, location and size of PV systems and ESS.
Monitoring efikasnosti hidroelektrana kroz parametre SKADA sistema
Authors:   PE Electric Power Industry of Serbia, Ilić Jovan , Latinović Aleksandar , Ostojić Dejan
Published: November 2022

Modern approach to the modernization of the power generation capacities in the hydropower sector of PE Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) is seen through intensive rehabilitations and building new hydropower plants (HPPs). Although these priorities are defined by long-term investment plan, there are also improvements that are seen through the optimization of the operational regimes of HPPs. EPS technical expert team, after several months of adjustment and investigation has prepared monthly reports with the operational parameters of the HPP. In this paper, as an example, investigated parameters and results for one particular aggregate of the HPP Iron Gate 1 (ser. Đerdap 1/ rom. Portile de Fier I) are presented. Generally, in the current phase of investigation, monthly report is prepared which includes selected parameters that are archived (such as headrace and tailrace water level, the aggregates’ power and discharge) and based on data from the hill charts, losses in pipeline, generator etc. output parameters are defined. Output parameters which are considered as important for the presentation are efficiency of the turbine, generator, hence aggregate, and losses in the operational regimes with the elevation lower than the maximum headrace level. Basic parameters of the aggregates, and generally HPPs’ operational regimes, are retrieved through SCADA system, averaged on minute time intervals, and presented for the one month period.
Razvoj energetskih zajednica kao aktivna mera za podsticaj pravedne energetske tranzicije u Republici Srbiji
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Parović Miroslav
Published: November 2022

One of the main features of the energy system of the Republic of Serbia is the extremely high degree of centralization. This situation largely conditions the planning of the energy transition with a "top-down" approach. In this way, the existing state of high level of centralization of the energy system is maintained, which largely prevents the elimination of existing injustices. At the same time, the 3D matrix (decarbonisation, decentralization and digitalization) that forms the basis of every modern energy transition is being disrupted. The paper analyses the possibility of changing the approach in planning and implementing the energy transition. Change implies that the bottom-up principle is also respected. In this way, wider involvement of local communities in the energy system is encouraged. The precondition for such a scenario is the development of energy civic initiatives (energy communities) This can be realized through cooperatives, charities or through classic investment business models. Involving the wider community in the process of planning and implementing the energy transition enables adequate remediation of local injustices that occur as a result of the functioning of the energy system as well as the reduction of energy poverty. Overall, the development of energy communities has a positive effect on increasing the level of energy justice and the degree of fairness in the transition to a low-carbon economy and energy.
The importance of district heating systems in periods of energy crisis: Case study for the city of Skopje
Authors:   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University ", Shesho Igor ,   Ss Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, Uler-Zefikj Monika , Filkoski Risto , Tashevski Done
Published: November 2022

Nowadays energy crises are characterized by their intensity, i.e. for a short period of time they can cause significant consequences on the economy and overall living. The impacts of energy crisis are mainly reflected indirectly through misbalance in electrical energy production, which is main component and foundation for all socio-economic processes. In addition, the current coincidence of the energy crisis (high price of natural gas) with the heating season reveals and emphasizes the importance of the heating energy. The aim of this paper is to analyse the role, advantages and disadvantages of existing district heating (DH) systems with cogeneration power plants CHP), as an important link in the country power system, especially in times of energy crises. In the analyses as a reference system is considered the DH system in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia. Assessment for the influence of the fluctuation in heat consumption in the DH system on the power system is performed by using simulation software for energy modelling of the district heating system in Skopje, linked with the data for yearly (hourly basis) electricity consumption. Additional economic assessment is conducted to determine cost competitiveness of DH system with other individual heating technologies available in urban areas. Results reveal that district heating systems with cogeneration power plants in densely populated urban areas are cost optimal heating system and extremely important link in country energy chain, providing energy stability, along with potential consequences in case of longer (un) foreseen interruptions in operation.
Energetski menadžment i ciljevi održivog razvoja
Authors: Raković Radoslav , Petrović Bećirević Sanja
Published: November 2022

- During last several years, sustainable development has become a very actual topic in the world. The concept has been initially applied in the area of environmental protection but gradually it was spread to other areas of social life. At the 2015 World Summit in New York, officials agreed on the 17 global sustainable development goals as a result of awareness of the need to address issues crucial to the life of the planet. In this paper, position and role of energy management and appropriate management standards in implementation of sustainable development goals are considered; predominantly goals No 7: Affordable and clean energy, No 11: Sustainable cities and communities, No 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and No 13: Climate actions. Finally, a short review of actual status of this topic in Serbia is provided.
Koncept prediktivnog održavanja 4.0 (PdM) u energetici – konekcija sa budućom primenom Industrije 5.0
Authors:   University of Belgrade, (Faculty of Mining and Geology, Jovančić Predrag , Ignjatović Dragan , Đenadić Stevan , Tanasijević Miloš , Miletić Filip
Published: November 2022

Industry 4.0 marks the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by the use of cyber-physical systems. In order to achieve an optimal maintenance strategy (but also production), it is necessary to develop systems that support advanced intelligent maintenance systems or smart maintenance technologies. This resulted in the postulates of Predictive Maintenance 4.0, which define the very near future in the field of maintenance of technical systems. Predictive Maintenance 4.0 involves harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to create ongoing insights into detecting causes and anomalies in equipment operations that are not detected by cognitive power. In other words, Predictive Maintenance 4.0 makes it possible to predict what was previously unpredictable. Industry 5.0 focuses on the return of human hands and minds to the industrial framework. The man and machine harmonize with each other and find ways to work together to improve production / maintenance efficiency.
Energetska tranzicija – inteligentna, pravedna i ekološki prihvatljiva
Authors: Mandić-Lukić Jasmina , Milovanović Đorđina , Stipić Maja , Raković Radoslav , Petrović-Bećirović Sanja
Published: November 2022

The energy crisis that began in 2021 and continues in 2022, in addition to the great confusion in the electricity market, has contributed to many activities related to energy transition and the implementation of certain acts in this regard reconsidered and new conclusions and decisions made. Energy transition is a long-term process and generally leads to a reduction in coal-based energy production, in line with climate goals. Having in mind that changes are taking place in the meantime, both in the development of new technologies and even more in the energy market, the goals of the transition should be set so that they have the following characteristics, ie. to be: Smart transition, Just transition and Green transition. The EU TRACER project (H2020, www.tracer-h2020eu) is one of the projects whose implementation will contribute to the successful realization of the transition process. The project covers 9 regions in Europe with intensive coal exploitation. The Kolubara region of coal has been chosen for Serbia. The aim of the project is to establish a strategy for development and innovation (R & I) that will contribute to easier and more successful transition of these regions to sustainable energy noncarbon systems. The paper will present examples of good practice from the project. Part of the paper is dedicated to the transition in the Kolubara Coal Region, with the opportunities provided by new technologies, but some threats that can be found on the transition path are also highlighted. The conclusion emphasizes that the goals of transition in European countries are common, and the paths to it are different.
Optimalno podešavanje rezolucije registra električne energije pametnog brojila
Authors:   Joint Stock Company ", Dukanac Đorđe ,   Elektromreža Srbije",   : Belgrade, Serbia
Published: November 2022

Technical losses in the transmission network are: losses of power, i.e. electrical energy, which are a consequence of the consumption of power, i.e. energy for heating the elements in the transmission network due to the existence of active resistance in these elements, losses due to hysteresis, losses due to eddy currents, losses due to drain currents in insulation, losses due to corona and dielectric losses. With the most frequent use of smart meters for indirect connection in operation in a plant set up to display electricity from the secondary side, the active electricity will be read on the meter screen with an additional error. Then the transformation ratios of voltage and current instrument transformers are set in the smart meter as 1:1. In order to obtain the actual value of energy, it is necessary to multiply the measured value of electricity from the meter by the transformation ratios of instrument transformers. Another way is to adjust the actual transformation ratios of voltage and current instrument transformers in the smart meter, so that the actual value of electricity in megawatts can be read on the meter screen. In this paper, the errors of electricity reading are considered, taking into account: transformation ratios of measuring transformers, resolutions and units of electricity, methods of setting smart meters, internal constants of meters, nominal secondary currents of electric meters and the prescribed maximum energy that is registered on the screen of electric meter. It investigates how much larger the errors of secondarily set electric meters for indirect connection with the usual resolution for displaying electricity in three decimal places and the unit of measurement in kilowatt hours compared to other possible settings for reading meters. Errors in the calculation of technical losses of electricity on high-voltage transmission lines and cables and power transformers are noticeable.