bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge of human papillomavirus vaccines among university students in Angola
Authors: Rocha João Wilson , Vasconcelos Ana Morais , Simões Honolfo Elves , Soqui Elizandra , Rosa Nilton Helibrando
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the first most common cancer among women in Angola and accounts for 37.6% of cancers among women in Angola. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a causative agent of the disease. Recent advances in technology have led to the introduction of vaccines to prevent HPV infection. This study aims to assess the awareness of university students about HPV infection as a causal factor for cervical cancer and their knowledge about HPV vaccination. Assessing knowledge about vaccination among university students helps us to understand the level of awareness about it.

Material and Methods: A questionnaire-based study was carried out on 106 university students, from May 10th to July 26th, 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 10 multiple-choice questions and the results were analyzed using percentages.

Results: Knowledge about HPV as a causative agent of cervical cancer was found in 84.2% of students. Awareness of the availability of the HPV vaccine was observed in 55.3%. Complete vaccination status was verified in 0% male students and 13% female students. No male students and 13 female students received incomplete vaccination. 33 men and 73 women were willing to be vaccinated with the HPV vaccine.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that there is not a good knowledge of university students about cervical cancer and its prevention. There is also little knowledge about the HPV vaccine, meaning the availability of the vaccine, the right age group for vaccination, and the recommended vaccination for men need to be improved. Vaccination status is poor among men and women because it is not on the national vaccination calendar. The desire to get vaccinated in male students was lower compared to female students. Thus, there seems to be a need to motivate male students for vaccination. Therefore, more awareness should be created about the HPV vaccine among students. The government through the Ministry of Health must incorporate the HPV vaccine in the vaccination calendar.
Evaluation of the impact of chemotherapy on eating habits of women with non-metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Braz Katia Cristina Camondá , Mello Celso Abdon Lopes , Fanelli Marcello Ferretti , Chinen Ludmilla Thomé Domingos
Published: July 2022

Introduction: There are few studies that investigated the eating habits of patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Objectives: To study the changes in dietary intake during chemotherapy, relating to sociodemographic variables, gastrointestinal side effects, and changes consumption in food groups.

Material and Methods: This study was made at Clinical Oncology Department of A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil. We investigated weight, height and food intake as measured using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), before and after chemotherapy treatment alone with anthracyclines, with curative intent, for patients with non-metastatic breast cancer.

Results: A total of 41 patients participated in the first phase of the study, and 26 completed the second phase. Milk and milk derivatives, beef stroganoff, liver, tuna and sardines, shrimp, papaya, fruit juices such as cashew, acerola (Barbados cherry, Malphighia punicifolia), vegetables with high fat content, and macaroni/pasta had increased consumption (p<0.05) during treatment. In contrast, lettuce and escarole were eaten less (p<0.05). Meat, fish, eggs, and sweets, savory snacks and decorated sweets with icing sugar were all subject to increased consumption (p<0.05). A loss of appetite was associated with meat, fish, and eggs; nausea was associated with bread, cereals, root vegetables and legumes consumption (p<0.05). These changes were not associated with an increase in body mass index, and there was no correlation with sociodemographic variables.

Conclusion: Changes in patterns of food intake in patients on chemotherapy was found and deserve attention, as gain weight is related to disease relapse in breast cancer.
Incidental finding of sex cord tumor with annular tubules in ovary associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Authors: Corrêa Nathalia Beck , Skonieski Laura Paggiarin , Lemanski Francisco Costa Beber , Baldissera Rafael
Published: July 2022

Sex cord tumor with annular tubules (SCTAT) is a rare ovarian pathology. It is usually an incidental finding in asymptomatic patients. In about 30% of cases, this tumor is associated with the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). This case report describes an incidental finding of SCTAT during an excisional surgery of a giant mucinous cystadenoma in the contralateral ovary. In addition to the finding of a rare tumor in association with a rare syndrome, a literature review on the diseases, their association, and management was performed.
Why a topical corticosteroid plus antibiotic?
Authors: Miličić Vesna
Published: July 2022

Numerous dermatoses can be treated (at least in certain phases of the disease) exclusively with local therapy. Although there is a large number of dermatological diseases, therapeutic options for local therapy are not numerous. However, adequate and timely application of available topical preparations and their combination, enables a large number of different dermatoses to be treated with a relatively small number of topical preparations. The framework of local dermatological therapy and the most commonly prescribed preparations are corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids are used to treat inflammatory dermatoses, while they are not recommended for use in acne vulgaris, fungal and bacterial skin infections. Designing preparations that contain a topical corticosteroid and antimycotic, corticosteroid and antibiotic, and sometimes all three substances, enables the use of corticosteroids in the above-mentioned infectious skin diseases. Topically applied antibiotics play a significant role in the treatment of mild forms of acne vulgares, while in localized bacterial skin infections, their importance is such that they often make general antibiotic therapy-unnecessary. Topical corticosteroids are most often combined with oxytetracycline, bacitracin and aminoglycosides - gentamicin and neomycin. The combination of betamethasone and gentamicin in a topical preparation is often used in everyday medical practice. It is recommended for many skin diseases in which betamethasone acts anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, vasoconstrictive, reducing erythema, edema and skin inflammation, while gentamicin acts on gram-positive and negative bacteria that are sensitive to it and are present on the surface of affected lesions due to superinfection. Since betamethasone is a potent corticosteroid with a good effect on a large number of dermatoses and gentamicin has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties and effect, the combined preparation of betamethasone - gentamicin is an excellent and rational solution in local therapy of many dermatoses.
Significance of glucocorticoid dose adjustment in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Božić Ksenija
Published: July 2022

For almost seven decades, glucocorticoids have been used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis. To this day, they remain an important part of the therapeutic approach in the treatment of those patients. Although their use is widespread due to well-known efficiency, their side effects are numerous. Therefore, there is no consensus on the dosage, the route of administration and the exact length of administration. According to modern international recommendations for the treatment of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, the use of glucocorticoids is justified in the initial phase with conventionally synthetic drugs that change the course of the disease or in the period of overcoming their change, and in the lowest possible dose. In everyday clinical practice, it is suggested to determine the dose and duration of use based on the benefit/harm ratio for each patient before introducing glucocorticoids into therapy.
Topical non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs: Their importance in the treatment of muscolesketal pain
Authors: Dubljanin-Raspopović Emilija
Published: July 2022

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are an effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Based on evidence from the literature, topical NSAID's have a clearly defined place in the treatment of acute musculoskeletal pain and in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands and knees. Due to the rare systemic side effects, they should always be advised as the first therapeutic line for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in osteoarthritis of the hands and knees of patients ≥75 years of age. It is very important that there are no recommendations for the use of other topical preparations, such as rubefaciens and capsaicin for the treatment of painful musculoskeletal conditions. Clinical assessment of the patient, the condition of medical issue and the choice of the optimal NSAID's formulation, contribute to the success of the treatment. Gel formulations represent the optimal substrate for topical NSAID's both for best penetration and for best acceptance by patients. Gel formulations of topical NSAID's represent the optimal substrate for transdermal penetration and are best accepted by patients. They are also the optimal medium for sonophoresis, which is why they can be widely used in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Effects of geopolitical risks and political uncertainties on stock markets: Country specific new generation panel data analysis for developing Asian countries
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Emsen
Published: July 2022

In general, there are strong and meaningful relationships between risks and uncertainties, and economic activities. In this context, geopolitical risks (GPR) and global economic and political uncertainties (WUI) can significantly affect financial markets and investor behavior. In this study, the effects of GPR and WUI on stock markets for 10 developing Asian countries were investigated for 2001:M07-2020:M12 period. Cross-section dependency was examined with LM, 𝐿𝑀𝑆 , 𝐶𝐷 and 𝐿𝑀𝐵𝐶 tests, series stationarity with Hadri and Kurozumi (2012) test, cointegration relations with Westerlund (2006) cointegration with multiple structural breaks method, and regression analyzes with Eberhardt and Bond (2009) method. It was determined that high GPR decreases the stock market index in Turkey, Korea, Russia, Indonesia and Malaysia, whereas it increases in India, Thailand and Philippines. It was found that high WUI decreases the stock market index in Korea, China, Indonesia and Thailand, whereas it increases in Turkey, India and Malaysia. On the other hand, while the stock market returns of the change in GPR decreases the stock market returns in Turkey, Korea, Russia, Indonesia and Malaysia, it increases in India, Thailand and Philippines. It has been determined that change in WUI decreases the stock return in Korea, China, Indonesia and Thailand, and it increases in Turkey, India and Malaysia. It was also observed that changes in GPR increases the volatility of the stock markets in India, Thailand and Philippines, and it decreases in Turkey, S. Korea, Russia, Indonesia and Malaysia. While the effects of change in WUI increases stock market volatility in Turkey and Malaysia, it decreases in Korea, China, Indonesia and Thailand. As the results achieved are heterogeneous, investors should avoid a basket trading strategy in these countries. Country-specific causality test was carried out with the Konya (2006) method, and it was observed that there are causal relationships between high WUI and stock market index, high WUI and stock market return in Turkey. Similarly, causal relationships were determined between high WUI and stock market index in India, between change in WUI and stock market index volatility in Philippines, between high GPR and stock market index, change in GPR and stock market return in Hong Kong. Causal relationships for all countries in the panel were examined using the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) method, and causality was only found between high WUI and stock market index.
Cultural diplomacy of the people's Republic of China in the Western Balkans: Serbia from a comparative perspective
Authors: Trailović Dragan
Published: July 2022

The People's Republic of China has long sought to improve its image in the world through various and numerous forms of public and cultural diplomacy. Since China became one of the important and influential actors at international level, there was a need to change their perspective concerning others, but also to change the perspective of others concerning China. To achieve that, the People's Republic of China has begun to implement a proactive strategy of public and cultural diplomacy, which will promote it as a responsible great power and which will contribute to the formation of a positive narrative in international relations. The Chinese authorities, with several major initiatives involving economic, political and cultural strategies are seeking to improve and promote their country's image as a trusted political and economic partner. In the process, culture and cultural exchange are becoming one of China's most important tools for increasing its soft power. As these initiatives include the Western Balkans, and thus the Republic of Serbia, China, as elsewhere, uses various methods and instruments of cultural diplomacy, ranging from Confucius Institutes and academic cooperation to the internationalization of the Chinese media as well as Chinese presence in the media of these countries. Accordingly, the aim of the paper is to present and describe how these instruments work in the Western Balkans, and how they are applied in the Republic of Serbia in comparison with other countries in the region.
Activities of the gallery of Matica Srpska in the service of cultural diplomacy
Authors: Palkovljević-Bugarski Tijana , Pejović Lolita
Published: July 2022

Within the framework of rich and diverse activities of museums, which include exhibitions, publishing, educational and conservation / restoration activities, a special place is given to international cooperation programs which, if well designed, can play an important role in the cultural diplomacy system of each country. In the process of transformation from a traditional to a modern museum of the 21st century, the Gallery of Matica Srpska has directed an important part of its activities towards international cooperation and thus cultural diplomacy. These activities are realized through hosting of exhibitions of foreign institutions, visiting exhibitions of the Gallery in European museums, organization of joint exhibitions with museums in the region, cooperation with foreign cultural centers and through protocol visits. Well-designed themes and programs that promote national art, connections with other cultures and the culture of other nations, museum activities - exhibitions and publications - become an important tool for better international relations and a foundation for active cooperation among museum institutions throughout Europe.
Literature and diplomacy: Lessons from socialist Yugoslavia
Authors: Selinić Slobodan
Published: July 2022

The diplomacy of socialist Yugoslavia paid a lot of attention to the international reputation of the country in the sphere of culture, and thus literature. At the same time, Yugoslav writers in the Writer's Union of Yugoslavia, faithfully supported Yugoslav foreign policy, both individually and institutionally. The most impressive example of collaboration between literature and diplomacy was awarding Ivo Andrić a Nobel Prize. The Writers' Union of Yugoslavia nominated the writer in 1958, and Yugoslav diplomacy lobbied in favor of Andrić for several years. The efforts were successfully crowned in 1961. In socialist Yugoslavia, the existence of a special Macedonian nation and its culture and language was insisted on, so in that sense, the greatest challenge was denying the Macedonian identity that came from Bulgaria. The Yugoslav Writers' Union, consistently pursuing state policy, suspended official co-operation with the Bulgarian Writers' Union in the second half of the 1960s due to Bulgaria's refusal to recognize the Macedonian language. Yugoslav writers also adapted to the state policy of non-alignment. They did not reach the level of cooperation with those countries that existed in the field of politics, economics or science, but they maintained ties with writers from those parts of the world in various ways. Among other things, the twentieth anniversary of the Belgrade Conference of the Non-Aligned Nations in October 1981 was a meeting of writers of non-aligned countries in Belgrade.
The role of social networks and mobile applications in physical activity during the COVID-19 epidemic in Serbia
Authors: Milić Nataša , Savić Nikola , Rajović Nina , Milin-Lazović Jelena , Savić Marko , Milić Nikola , Milčanović Petar , Marković Ksenija , Stanisavljević Tamara , Nešić Dejan , Mazić Sanja
Published: July 2022

After the outbreak of the novel SARS-COV-2 coronavirus, in the Chinese province of Wuhan that spread rapidly across the world, the Government of the Republic of Serbia introduced protection measures in March 2020, to prevent the spread of the infectious disease COVID-19 in Serbia. All gatherings indoors (sport, cultural and other events), as well as in parks and public places intended for recreation and sports, were prohibited. Shortly after, a lockdown took place which prohibited leaving home with the exception of basic needs, work from home was recommended and online schooling was introduced. The World Health Organization has recommended the use of online resources to maintain basic physical activity. In these circumstances of social distancing, this study examines the prevalence of physical activity supported by social networks and mobile applications during the COVID-19 lockdown in Serbia. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study, using questionnaire distributed through social networks. The study found that more than a third of respondents (38.3%) used social networks or mobile apps to perform physical activity during the lockdown in Serbia; 27.1% used social networks/mobile apps before the pandemic, while 11.2% began to use social networks/mobile apps to perform physical activity during the lockdown. Easy access and review of exercises were the most common reasons for using social networks/mobile apps. 40% of the participants in the study agreed that social networks/mobile apps, make it easier to engage in physical activity. Based on the presented results, it can be concluded that the promotion of physical activity at home through social networks and mobile apps can provide an invaluable contribution to maintaining physical activity globally during pandemics such as COVID-19.
Open aortic aneurysm repair in the endovascular era
Authors: Davidović Lazar , Matejević David , Kostić Ognjen
Published: July 2022

Open repair (OR) of aortic aneurysms is still relatively mutilating and risky in older and high-risk patients. Since the introduction of EVAR, a significantly lower perioperative mortality has been noted. Apart from advantages, endovascular treatment has some disadvantages as well, due to which OR still has a very important role in the endovascular era. In a vast majority of the patients younger than 65, with good overall condition, long life expectancy and favorable anatomy, as well as in patients with hostile aneurysm neck anatomy, heritable connective tissue disorders, complete thrombosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and potent accessory renal arteries, OR is the first treatment option in comparison with the endovascular treatment. EVAR is recommended as the first treatment option in patients with inflammatory aneurysms and OR should be considered only in better shaped patients with inflammatory AAA and significant hydronephrosis. Late open surgical conversion (LOSC) is a noted event after endovascular treatment and is associated with a significantly higher perioperative mortality and other serious perioperative complications compared to primary OR. Multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCT) did not find a significant difference regarding 30-day mortality between open and endovascular repair of ruptured AAA. However, not all ruptured AAA are suitable for endovascular repair. In a hemodynamically unstable patients, when there is no time for MDCT angiography, EVAR is not possible, and OR is the only option. The incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome after OR is significantly lower in comparison with EVAR thanks to surgical evacuation and drainage of retroperitoneal hematoma. The improvement of the results of aortic aneurysm treatment largely depends on the volume of yearly aortic operations. Having in mind all the mentioned advantages and disadvantages of OR and endovascular repair, we can conclude that in high volume centers, younger generations of vascular surgeons should be educated in standard and complex open aortic surgery.
Standardization of business process in function of its efficiency
Authors: Stoiljković Aleksandra , Tomić Slavica , Kovačević Nenad
Published: July 2022

Business process standardization is the activity of combining different variants of related business processes with the aim of homogenizing similar business processes in an organization to ensure that if an organization performs the same activities in different places, it does so in the same way. The central problem of this research is related to the analysis of the impact of business process standardization on its efficiency. The aim of the research is to determine whether and to what extent it is justified to standardize the business process. The realization of the defined research goal will be achieved by answering the following research questions: What are the results of existing research in terms of the effects of business process standardization on process performance? Do the characteristics of the business process affect the possibility and level of standardization of the business process? Systematic analysis of the literature has identified a number of positive effects that the standardization of the business process has on the performance of the process: reducing costs, improving quality, shortening the production cycle time, increasing the satisfaction of process stakeholders. However, in addition to the stated benefits, Business Process Standardization also has a negative effect on the functional flexibility of the process. Standardization of output reduces the ability of the organization to fully meet the variety of output required by customers, which can affect the reduction of demand.
Impact on witnesses, accomplices or concealers as grounds for detention (dilemmas and possible abuses in practice)
Authors: Milović Marko
Published: July 2022

The impact on witnesses, accomplices or cover-ups is one of the most common grounds for detention. For years and decades, these provisions did not change because they were considered clear and unambiguous. However, there are situations in which this basis can be questionable when deciding on determining, extending or abolishing the detention of the accused. For example, what good is it that a defendant who is in custody cannot influence witnesses, when his family, friends, lawyers, etc. can do so. The epilogue is the same, which is that the impact on witnesses, accomplices or cover-ups still exists, but not by the defendant, but by the above persons, which essentially discourages the defendant from being in custody. Seemingly indisputable legal provisions on detention even though they exist for decades have their shortcomings, which are therefore subject to different interpretations and abuses. The loss of freedom, even if it is temporary, must not be a consequence of existing provisions and the facilitation of detention of persons prosecuted. After all, because of such behaviour by the courts, Serbia as a state pays millions in damages to those individuals in the name of unfounded detention. Therefore, the impact on witnesses, accomplices or concealers as grounds for determining and prolonging detention should be very restrictive. On the dilemmas and problems related to this basis, judicial practice has not been "addressed" for decades, nor has it given any significance, nor has there been any interest, finding that all provisions in Article 211 are completely acceptable and understandable to the ZKP.
Surkov's understanding of Russia's contemporary foreign policy
Authors: Lović Vladimir
Published: July 2022

Political theories, which are constantly upgrading and changing, are the foundation for creation of national and state ideologies. World powers strive towards spreading their own national interests through encouraging other countries of the world to accept their ideologies based on their own political theories. The geopolitical variability, not only regarding the spatial, but also the temporal factor, impacts the creation of new theoretical explanations and assessments. Liberalism as a dominant political theory in all its forms is no longer primary and present as it was in the beginning of the twenty first century. In the East emerges a new view and a new alternative to contemporary liberalism. The NeoEuroasian geopolitical vector is creating conditions for a more influential role of Russia in the contemporary world. After the crisis in the end of the previous and the beginning of this century, Russia stabilized its economy and formed a new state system which influenced it to become a strong competitor to the US in the geopolitical space. According to Vladislav Surkov, Putinism is the future of the Russian power, and sovereign democracy is the paradigm of its influence. In conclusion, this contemporary Russian political theory is in its beginning, not only within but also outside the Russian borders, searching for its path as the model of future, representing the manner for fulfilling the Russian foreign policy goals and interests. In this research, we will use the methods of analysis, synthesis, hypotethicaldeductive method, document content analysis, as well as comparative method.
Developing and implementing an effective framework for cooperative governance and local economic development (LED) in South African local government
Authors: Douglas Kamara
Published: July 2022

The lack of a comprehensive institutional framework to promote joint participation in the development of local economies has hampered grassroots development efforts in South African communities. The majority of the South African local government authorities struggle to fulfil their developmental mandate. Notably, there're certain collaborative governance factors that tend to enhance the effectiveness and control of localised development. These factors are not captured in the integrated conceptual model that articulately depicts the relationships between these variables and their impacts on the perceived outcome of LED. This negatively impacts the municipality's ability to manage localised development well in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. A complete understanding of the relationships and dynamics of these variables is required to make recommendations for improving management and response to socio-economic concerns within the community through improved LED governance. Data were collected in six municipalities in the Western Cape, South Africa, to address these challenges. A qualitative study design paradigm based on interpretive philosophy was employed. The instruments used to collect the data were document reviews, interviews, and focus group discussions. The study analyses and evaluates the design and implementation of collaborative governance policies and initiatives in selected local governments in the Western Cape, South Africa. A normative, collaborative governance framework was developed in the study. This captures not only the enhancing and limiting factors of LED but also the relationship between these factors that can hinder the success of the collaboration between local governments and other key stakeholders. This integrated framework/model can inform future design, implementation, and evaluation of LED co-governance in small towns and future policies for improving co-governance and LED in small towns.
Public relations in the educational system
Authors: Zlatanović-Marković Valentina , Nikolić Biljana , Stakić Mirjana , Mitić Milovan
Published: July 2022

The aim of this paper is to determine the effects of the implementation of the program "School and the public" on the organization of the school system in the period of program implementation from 2009-2014. and the level of communication between the education system and the public. Methods: 694 respondents fulfilled the questionnaire for the training participants used in actual research, and prepared by the Institute for the Advancement of Education and Upbringing, intended exclusively for the Center for Professional Development of Employees. The collected data were processed by descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel and the results obtained are presented in tables and graphs. Results: The fact that the large percentage of participants (more than 90%) spoke positively about the program speaks in favor of the claim that employees in education are aware of the need for personal training and engagement in communication processes between the educational institution and the public. CONCLUSION: Participants' answers clearly indicated the obvious improvement of communication between the educational institution and the public through the affirmation of the work of the institution itself, as well as the establishment of a positive image and solving important issues and problems in the functioning and work of the institution.
Mining and metallurgical activity in the medieval Serbia
Authors: Nikolić Branislav , Kamberović Željko , Jovanović Nikola , Vujačić Vesna
Published: July 2022

The mining and metallurgical activity has a centuries-old tradition in Serbia. Copper, iron and gold are the basic metals in the ore of Eastern Serbia. Lead, zinc, iron and silver ore are present in central Serbia, while antimony and lead ore are predominant at the location of western Serbia. The strength of Nemanjic's Serbia was mostly based on the development of this activity. With the arrival of the Turks, the mining and metallurgical activity weakened, and at the beginning of the 18th century it completely become extincted. Almost all current mines of polymetallic ores in Serbia appeared on the locations of medieval mines.
Decreasing of the air humidity by the ventilation control in the St. Barbara mine
Authors: Klanfar Mario , Herceg Vjekoslav , Mrvoš Luka , Šarko David
Published: July 2022

The St. Barbara mine is a visitor mine having a large amount of timbering support which is deteriorating fast due to the high humidity conditions. The air conditioning system of mining is not suitable and also expensive for implementation in a shallow non-productive mine. As there are no usual air contaminants in the visitor mines, ventilation could be powered only when a dew point of outside air is below the strata temperature. Applying this rule would certainly avoid condensation, but also raises a potential for partial dehumidification of mine walls as moisture can evaporate in these conditions. A microclimate analysis, based on one-year data, has showed that these favorable conditions of the outside air occur through the major part of the year. Their availability is mostly 100%, but during summertime there are periods when it drops down to 13%. A real time monitoring system with programable microcontroller allows the automatic ventilation control and adjustment to the psychrometric conditions.
Carbon dioxide emission of a BelAz dump truck on an example of the open pit 'Turija' Brown Coal Mine Banovići
Authors: Jamaković Jasmin , Mašić Sunčica
Published: July 2022

This work sets out the methodology and presents the calculation results of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere of the BelAz dump truck at the Open Pit "Turija" BCM Banovići d.d., based on the fuel consumption monitoring data. Properly determined fuel consumption enables the calculation of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted and preventive measures, as well as the choice of its reduction strategy. Data collection took six months, then the data were analyzed, and thus the results were given for all dump trucks by months.
Expending and conserving energy in pounded Yam flour production
Authors: Obioha Eberendu , Folami Adisa , Aderinlewo Adewole , Kuye Sidikat , Asiru Wahabi
Published: July 2022

Conducted using two approaches, namely: without process adjustment (Slice thickness ≤ 14 mm, parboiled for 25 minutes, dried at 60 °C) and with process adjustment (Slice thickness ≤ 5 mm, parboiled for 20 minutes, dried at 80 °C). Results revealed eight units of operation for instant pounded Yam flour production. Adjustments in production conditions; thickness of Yam slices, steaming time and drying temperature resulted in less production time with an energy reduction from 86.26 kWh at a cost of ₦2,618.70/day to 28.60 kWh at a cost of ₦ 868.15/day to give 67.00% decrease in energy consumption. The ANOVA showed that process adjustment had a significant (p <0.05) effect on the amount of energy consumed during the processing of instant pounded Yam flour. Thermal processes namely; parboiling and drying were the most energy intensive while washing was the least energy intensive unit operation, thus energy assessment aided in cutting down losses while running an efficient instant pounded Yam flour processing operation.
Soil properties affected by soil and water conservation structures (gabions and mattresses) in Ikot Akpan ravine, Uyo, Nigeria
Authors: Ahuchaogu Ifechukwude , Usoh Godwin , Daffi Rose , Umana James
Published: July 2022

Land degradation is a major challenge to agriculture in Nigeria. Soil conservation practices have been put in place to reclaim degraded landscapes. The effectiveness of these measures in improving soil properties have not been really studied in Nigeria, particularly in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This research assessed the effect of soil and water conservation structures (Gabions and Mattresses) in Ikot Akpan ravine on selected soil properties. A total of 12 soil samples were collected from the conserved (plots treated with gabions and mattresses) and non-conserved (plots with no treatment). Soil tests to determine soil properties were done. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics using a general linear model at a=0.05 was used to show significant difference exists between the two landscapes. The results showed that sand (80.84 ± 1.26%, 81.07 ± 1.90%), silt (13.70 ±3.30%, 11.41 ± 2.53%), and pH (6.51 ± 0.26) were positively affected by the conservation structure. However, bulk density (2.33± 0.27g/cc, 2.38 ± 0.16g/cc) and electrical conductivity (00.12 ± 0.02ds/m) were negatively impacted by the conservation structure. Other soil properties such as clay (7.71 ±2.54%, 7.79 ± 1.02%), available phosphorus (30.12 ±4.55mg/kg, 44.81 ± 9.28mg/kg), total nitrogen (0.05 ±0.01%, 0.05±0.02), moisture content (5.48 ±0.96%, 5.68 ± 0.85%), organic carbon (1.97 ± 0.04%, 1.95 ± 0.11%), effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) (13.85±4.30 cmol/kg, 15.76 ± 2.06 cmol/kg) and exchangeable bases were not affected by the conservation practice. The conservation structure was very effective in controlling soil erosion and reducing soil loss. Soil conservation practices should be encouraged.
The importance of business decision-making of top management in an agricultural company that uses the practical application of new approaches to software solutions in the it sector in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Arnautović Ivan , Davidov Tatjana , Nastić Sanda , Popović Slobodan
Published: July 2022

Valid making important business decisions is of particular importance in agricultural companies. Top management in agricultural companies should be in an innovative mood for the application of new technical solutions that will facilitate the business of the company and through which it will achieve better business results. In this paper, the Authors emphasize the importance of using new approaches regarding the practical application of software solutions in agricultural companies. Business management decisions of top management can be based on the application of new software solutions. The application of new software solutions in agricultural companies is related to the processes of previously established internal control processes in the regular operations of the mentioned companies. In this paper, the Authors emphasized the importance of developing software solutions whose application leads to a better overall business in an agricultural enterprise in a safe way.
Effect of moisture content on physioco-mechanical properties of cashew-apple-nut varieties relevant for its processing
Authors: Patrick Ejike , Chukwuka Eze , Chikaodili Nkechi
Published: July 2022

The physioco-mechanical properties of Red and Yellow apple cashew nuts which are essential for the design and fabrications of its processing and storage facilities were studied. The major, minor and intermediate diameter of the cashew nut varied from 21.81-30.43mm, 14.01-17.18mm, 4.72-10.55mm and 19.83-27.13mm, 16.09-20.27mm, 6.38-13.97mm for Red and Yellow apple respectively. The average values of bulk weight, surface area and volume of the samples were 20.58189.5g, 826.07-342.33g, 137.67-57.05 (mm3) and 229.8-211.8g, 699.97-305.40mm2, 173.13-70.63mm3. The average values of sphericity, porosity and aspect ratio of the samples were 56.23-50.47%, 73.39-28.83%, 56.19 - 64.05% and 70.08-62.09%, 66.82-24.71%,74.60-81.00%. It was observed that all the physical properties studied increased with an increase in moisture apart from bulk density and aspect ratio that decreased across the moisture content. The mechanical properties of Red and Yellow apple cashew nut were found to be moisture content and loading positions dependent. The relationship that existed between moisture content and the mechanical properties was statically significant at (p< 0.05) level. It is also economical to load both Red and Yellow apple cashew nut at major axis loading position at 4.26% (wb) moisture content to reduce energy demand required to crack or compress the samples.
The influence that collective bargaining represents on companies listed on the Colombian Stock Exchange: An empirical analysis
Authors: Sabater Marcos Ana María , González-Cortés Luz Dary , Duarte Atoche Teresa
Published: July 2022

Despite the conventional coverage of trade unions and the different strategies and agreements that private sector organisations have used to lessen trade union power and collective bargaining, collective bargaining has had an impact on stock markets in Colombia. The aim of this paper is analyse if the signing of a firm level collective agreement has informative content for the investors of Colombian Stock Market.The results show that the signing of an agreement is interpreted as bad news in those companies with greater union strength, on the other hand, the market reacts positively in those companies where the union loses power.

A pesar de la cobertura convencional de los sindicatos y de las diferentes estrategias y acuerdos que las organizaciones del sector privado han utilizado para disminuir el poder sindical y la negociación colectiva, no cabe dudad de que esta última ha tenido un impacto en los mercados de valores en Colombia. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar si la firma de un contrato colectivo a nivel de empresa tiene contenido informativo para los inversores de la Bolsa de Valores de Colombia. Los resultados muestran que la existencia del convenio colectivo es interpretada como una mala noticia en aquellas empresas con mayor fuerza sindical; por otro lado, el mercado reacciona positivamente en aquellas empresas donde el sindicato pierde poder.
AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE MAGNETIC FIELD IN THE AIR-GAP OF ROTATING ELECTRICAL MACHINES
Authors: Escapa González Adrián , LOPEZ DIAZ CARLOS , ROSAS MAYORAL JOSE GUILLERMO
Published: July 2022

knowing how to calculate the magnetic field created in the air-gap of rotating electrical machines (REM) represents an essential step in understanding their operating principle. The approach followed by many manuals and classical text-books on REM involves first determining the magnetic field created by a full pitch coil (using Ampère’s Law) and next calculating the magnetic field created by the distributed winding making use of the superposition principle. However, in the authors’ opinion this method presents severe shortcomings. On the one hand it lacks generality: transferring this method to coils that span less than 180 degrees demands the application of additional laws (e.g.: zero divergence of the induction). On the other hand, it requires unrealistic simplifications such as assuming an infinite permeability of iron.
In this work we present an alternative approach that aims at overcoming these difficulties. It only requires the application of the Ampère’s Law, does not rely on unnecessary simplifications, and has a greater generality.
DEVELOPMENT OF SYSTEMS FOR MEASURING AND MITIGATING EMISSIONS AND NOISE FROM TRANSPORT INTEGRATED IN INFRASTRUCTURES
Authors: HIDALGO BARRIO MARIA DOLORES , SANZ BEDATE SERGIO , DE LA FUENTE JOSEFINA , BUHIGAS PEREZ JAVIER
Published: July 2022

AEmissions and noise from transport affect seriously people's health and environmental ecosystems, requiring the implementation of monitoring and mitigation measures to achieve a real reduction in all transport modes and achieve a real sustainable mobility. Monitoring systems integrated in the infrastructure can help in identifying vehicles that do not respect certain emission limits. In this scenario, NEMO project (Noise and Emissions Monitoring and radical mitigation) seeks to create the most advanced and purely European solution to reduce emissions and noise from transport, by empirically measuring individual vehicles to apply personalized tariffs to the most emitting vehicles or preventing their access to sensitive zones. The whole NEMO concept is focused on the development (hardware, infrastructure and software) of a reliable novel Remote Sensing systems to measure traffic emissions and noise. The system is integrated into existing road, rail, maritime and IT infrastructures to make it standardized, more user-friendly and able to operate continuously without human supervision for continuous monitoring. The new measurement systems, present a wider measurement range to ensure that the sensitivity of the measurements is adequate to the development of the automotive industry, thus helping to form a global and scalable solution to improve air quality and reduce noise impact in European cities.
ADAPTATION OF THE SCRUM METHODOLOGY TO MANAGEMENT OF UNIVERSITY INNOVATION PROJECTS IN INDUSTRY 4.0
Authors: Vidal Artal Juan Francisco , MIRALBÉS  BUIL RAMÓN
Published: July 2022

New information and telecommunications technologies (ICT), Industry 4.0 and the ephemeral nature of emerging technologies are increasingly influencing the traditional factors of meticulousness, thoroughness and planning required for engineering projects.
THROUGHPUT PROPERTIES AND CLUSTERING ANALYSIS OF COASTAL PORTS IN MAINLAND CHINA: AN ANALYSIS METHOD BY TIME SERIES COMPLEX NETWORK
Authors: Zheng Jianping , Shao Bo
Published: July 2022

Explicit development orientations of ports are critical to promoting port clusters from chaotic competitions to a hierarchical collaborative development. To investigate the development orientation and hierarchies of coastal ports in Mainland China, a visibility graph network was constructed in this study for a time series analysis of China's port throughputs from 2000 to 2020. In this model, the four throughput indexes of cargo, domestic trade cargo, foreign trade cargo, and container were used to measure the scale of ports. The topological structural features of the throughput network of ports, including its average degree, diameter, and average clustering coefficient, were calculated. The ports were then divided into four types based on their network characteristics. Results show that the throughput time series network of coastal ports in Mainland China has an obvious hierarchical structure and generally has the characteristics of small-world networks. These ports are closely connected and have a strong transshipment capacity. However, an "absolute center" does not exist in this network, and these ports are in a state of disorderly and chaotic competition with serious homogenization. The proposed model provides an appropriate method for the future planning and design of port clusters.

Keywords: Port throughput, Throughput characteristics, Visibility graph, Time series complex networks, Clustering analysis
SME CREDIT RISK MODELLING IN SOUTH AFRICA: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Marimo Mercy , Chimedza Charles
Published: July 2022

This paper examined the funding conundrum by assessing the success rate of applications of small and medium sized enterprises (SME) for commercial bank funding. A quantitative group analysis was done on the overdraft obtained from one of the leading financial institutions in South Africa to determine the drivers of default. The SME scorecard was developed using logistic regression on credit applications over a seven-year observation period to analyse the default experience as part of credit risk management. The robustness, stability and relevance of an application scorecard is enhanced by the reject inference process and inclusion of bureau information. Small businesses operating in the service sector and having a long-standing rapport with the bank can easily access commercial bank funding. SMEs in the construction industry with a high number of credit enquiries are unlikely to survive the stringent conditions of the bank lending criteria. It is the prerogative of the principal business owner to honour their financial obligations across the credit industry if commercial bank funding is desired. Their credit quality, as reflected in the bureau information, forms the fulcrum of the SME application scorecard. The model developed in this study can be used as a tool to reduce defaults and serious delinquencies in boarding new applicants. Furthermore, the model can be applied to determine risk tendency and monitor the performance of SME credit portfolios.