bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable and Flexible Polymer Based Memristor Possessing Optimized Synaptic Plasticity for Eco-Friendly Wearable Neural Networks with High Energy Efficiency
Authors: Oh Sungjun , Kim Hyungjin , Kim Seong Eun , Kim Min-Hwi , Park Hea-Lim , Lee Sin-Hyung
Published: October 2022

Organic memristors are promising candidates for the flexible
synaptic components of wearable intelligent systems. With heightened
concerns for the environment, considerable effort has been made to
develop organic transient memristors to realize eco-friendly flexible
neural networks. However, in the transient neural networks, achieving
flexible memristors with bio-realistic synaptic plasticity for energy
efficient learning processes is still challenging. Here, we demonstrate
a biodegradable and flexible polymer based memristor, suitable for the
spike-dependent learning process. An electrochemical metallization
phenomenon for the conductive nanofilament growth in a polymer medium of
poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is analyzed and a PVA based transient and
flexible artificial synapse is developed. The developed device exhibits
superior biodegradability and stable mechanical flexibility due to the
high water solubility and excellent tensile strength of the PVA film,
respectively. In addition, the developed flexible memristor is operated
as a reliable synaptic device with optimized synaptic plasticity, which
is ideal for artificial neural networks with the spike-dependent
operations. The developed device is found to be effectively served as a
reliable synaptic component with high energy efficiency in practical
neural networks. This novel strategy for developing transient and
flexible artificial synapses can be a fundamental platform for realizing
eco-friendly wearable intelligent systems.

Corresponding author(s) Email:   sinhlee@knu.ac.kr
Re-examination of EU normative power in light of the revised enlargement methodology towards the Western Balkans
Authors: Bojinovic-Fenko Ana , Kocan Faris
Published: October 2022

The aim of this article is to re-examine the concept of ?EU normative power? in the revised EU approach to enlargement policy announced in 2020. Drawing on conceptualisation of power in Foreign Policy Analysis the article applies the reading of the EU?s soft and hard power - both as capability and as influence - to EU normative power. The empirical part thus identifies above four elements within the EU?s promotion of its particular norms and within the EU?s strife for international normality via enlargement policy. The results show that the new enlargement methodology does offer change of EU normative power. The EU could more effectively condition the respect of its particular norms by an exemplary domestic practice assuring its own domestic and foreign policy legitimacy and in turn by developing and applying the needed capabilities for achieving attractiveness. Even though a plan of positive conditionality and better-defined conditions in direct negotiations carries such potential, a risk exists that the biggest novelty - the ?phasing-in? paradigm - would only explore EU?s norm-related hard market power capabilities by keeping the Western Balkans countries as candidates forever, thus undermining EU?s legitimacy and hard power influence of negative conditionality. To promote international normality, however, the EU needs to activate other elements of soft power influence, namely agenda setting and persuasion.
Influence of Different Dye Substances on the Effectiveness of Bleaching and H2O2 Diffusion
Authors: da Silva LMAV , Cintra LTA , de Oliveira Gallinari M , de Alcântara S , dos Santos PH , Chaves Neto AH , Briso ALF
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different dye substances on the effectiveness of bleaching and hydrogen peroxide diffusion (HO). From 300 central bovine incisors, 160 enamel/dentin disks with similar E* values were selected. The specimens were distributed according to the pigment treatment. Aiming to standardize the chromatic change provided by the different pigments, the specimens from each group remained immersed in the pigment solutions for different times (32 specimens per group): DW – distilled water (Control group); BT – black tea; CO – coffee; SD – cola-based soft drink; and RW – red wine. After pigmentation and chromatic change value analysis, only 10 specimens from each group (n=10) were selected, so the chromatic alteration of all groups was similar (ΔE=8.36±0.5). The samples were subjected to bleaching treatment and diffused peroxide was quantified in a visible ultraviolet light spectrophotometer. Two more bleaching sessions were conducted to evaluate ΔE and the Whiteness Index for Dentistry (ΔWID). Concurrently, solutions were prepared with dye agents, and the same ΔE value was obtained in the teeth (ΔE=8.49±0.5). The solutions received a standardized amount of H2O2, being analyzed by a visible ultraviolet light spectrophotometer. Data analysis comprised variance and Tukey’s tests (α=0.05). Higher H2O2 diffusion was observed in pigmented groups when compared with DW (p<0.05). The CO and RW groups had the highest ΔE values (p>0.05), meaning greater difficulty in responding to treatment. In relation to ΔWID, RW bleached less than the other groups after the third bleaching session (p<0.05), resembling only the SD group (p=0.467). However, 21 days after ending the bleaching treatment, only RW and CO had the lowest values (p=0.481). Analysis of the solutions revealed that only RW was altered by the peroxide (p<0.05). In conclusion, teeth pigmented with coffee and, mainly, red wine were more resistant to bleaching treatment, although all pigmentations favored increases in transenamel and transdentinal H2O2 penetration.
Vem hör till vetenskapliga samfund? Rapport om resultaten av vetenskapliga samfunds medlemsenkät
Authors: Late Elina , Pölönen Janne , Pylvänäinen Elina
Published: October 2022

År 2022 genomförde Vetenskapliga samfundens delegation (TSV) en utredning av medlemmar i vetenskapliga samfund. Syftet med utredningen var att samla in information om medlemmar i finländska och internationella vetenskapliga samfund och praxis gällande läsning av vetenskapliga tidskrifter. Materialet till utredningen samlades in med enkäten ” Vem hör till vetenskapliga samfund?”, som riktades till medlemmar i vetenskapliga samfund och forskare som är verksamma i Finland.
Manifestations of a New Coronavirus Infection in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases Undergoing Outpatient Treatment
Authors:   Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Boroday Aleksandra A. , Tyapkina Dar’ya A. ,   Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Tyapayeva Al’fiya R. ,   Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Semenova Ol’ga N. ,   Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University, Naumova Elizaveta A. ,   Razumovsky Saratov State Medical University
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 virus, which induces COVID-19, not only affects the lungs, but also negatively affects the cardiovascular system, causing decompensation of the existing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). AIM: Тo find out the peculiarities of the course and treatment of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among patients with CVD undergoing outpatient treatment for COVID-19. A special questionnaire was developed containing 48 questions about the symptoms of COVID-19 and the prescribed therapy. The respondents were ill with a new coronavirus infection between August 2020 and January 2021. The survey involved 54 patients aged 43–82 years, among them 36 (66.7%) women and 18 (33.3%) men. Patients of age groups 61–70 years and 51–60 years prevailed (33.3% and 29.6%, respectively). The respondents had the following CVD: arterial hypertension — 54 (100%) and coronary heart disease (exertion angina) — 16 (29.6%). RESULTS. COVID-19 was manifested by cough — in 32 (59.3%) patients, shortness of breath — in 34 (63%). There was marked weakness (44 (81.5%)), limitation of physical activity (48 (88.9%)). Of the skin manifestations, patients described itching (14 (25.9%)). Myalgia was present in 40 (74.1%) patients and joint pain — in 36 (66.7%). Of the classic manifestations of COVID-19 infection, 34 (40.7%) and 22 (50%) patients had reduction or loss of olfaction and gustatory sensations. On the part of the gastrointestinal tract, the following symptoms were present: lack of appetite (6 (11.1%)), nausea (6 (11.1%)) and diarrhea (2 (3.7%)). Neurological manifestations of COVID-19, such as episodes of dizziness, disorientation in space and time, and feelings of fear and anxiety, were observed in 38 (70.6%) respondents. There were also unusual manifestations of the disease: increased blood pressure, decreased blood pressure, weakness in the legs, disorders in urination, ring-shaped granuloma, conjunctivitis, tickling in throat. Treatment: most patients with mild and moderate course of the disease took drugs that are not specified in the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with CVD had manifestations of COVID-19 on the part of the respiratory, musculoskeletal systems, as well as neurological manifestations of the disease. Skin manifestations and manifestations on the part of the gastrointestinal tract were present only in a small part of the respondents.
Adherence to Therapy in Polymorbid Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors:   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Omarova Yuliya V. , Tarlovskaya Ekaterina I. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Mordvinov Aleksandr A. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION: Low adherence to doctors prescriptions turns into an increased risk of complications and high mortality for patients, and economic losses and deepening of negative demographic trends for the society. AIM: To study adherence to therapy in polymorbid patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 313 patients hospitalized in the city center for treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) in the period from February 1, 2019 to October 1, 2020 at the age of 75 ± 8.22 years. 66.77% Of patients were diagnosed with CHF with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), 19.81% — with intermediate, 13.42% — with low ejection fraction. Adherence to treatment was assessed by Morisky–Green questionnaire: 4 points — compliant patients, 2 and less points — non-compliant, 3 points — insufficiently compliant. RESULTS: In the groups, the majority of patients had arterial hypertension (AH) and coronary heart disease (CHD), 99.04% and 67.09%, respectively; 65.49% of patients had rhythm disorders in the form of atrial fibrillation or flutter (AFb/AFl); 20.45% of patients had chronic lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 21.72% — malignant diseases, a third of patients (38.98%) — diabetes mellitus (DM), 14.69% — various joint diseases. Almost all patients (99.04%) with CHF were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), 45.05% had anemia of different severity. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was higher in the group of compliant patients (30.59%, 35% and 44.72%; pmg = 0.046), mainly due to AKI diagnosed by the initial creatinine (pmg=0.038), predominantly of I stage (12.94%, 15% and 17.07%; pmg = 0.805). The groups were comparable in the frequency of AKI diagnosed in the hospital by the dynamics of creatinine (4.11%, 5% and 5.69%; pmg = 0.823). Patients did not differ in frequency until dialysis stages of chronic kidney disease (pmg = 0.763). CONCLUSION: Every third patient at the outpatient stage did not take drug therapy. Among non-compliant patients, there was a lower incidence of stable angina and joint diseases, a smaller number of patients with more than 5 diseases, they were more rarely hospitalized and more often had bad habits. On the contrary, in the group of compliant patients, there were more polymorbid patients with pain syndrome of different location, they were more often re-hospitalized.
Trust–Based Relationship between Patient and Doctor as Guaranty of Successful Management of Dental Implantation Complications
Authors:   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Durnovo Evgeniya A. , Chekareva Inga I. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Grekhov Aleksandr V. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Kochubeynik Alena V. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Korsakova Alena I. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION: One of the topical problems of modern medicine is absence of the patients trust in the doctor, which affects the success of treatment of complications of dental implantation. The effectiveness of the practical activities of the doctor depends on how professionally he constructs the interaction with patients, their relatives and legal representatives, and, certainly, with colleagues. Surgical manipulations are often associated with negative emotions, distress, which can affect the result of a surgical intervention. The ability of the doctor to convince the patient, to form effective interaction and to set the patient up for successful recovery, using various psychological techniques, plays an important role in establishment of an emotional balance in all stages of treatment and after it. This is especially important on a visit to a dentist, since surgical interventions in the oral cavity are accompanied by pronounced reactions of an organism, such as swelling, hyperemia, hematomas, as well as functional disorders. Here, the fundamental point will be the patients trust in the doctor, who, in turn, must explain all the necessity and correctness of this treatment. Good medical care is inconceivable without the psychological support of patients preparing for or undergoing surgery. Partial and complete tooth loss due to various causes is one of the most common diseases of the oral cavity in the population. The most popular way to solve this problem is rehabilitation of patients with dental implantation. Like all surgical procedures, these manipulations are accompanied by strong emotional sufferings, anxiety, stress of the patient and not a simple postoperative period. CONCLUSION: That is why further search and development of new stress suppressing drugs and methods is an urgent problem and a promising trend in the rehabilitation of patients of a dental surgeon.
EMOTIONAL STATE AND EATING BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE WITH GASTROENTEROLOGICAL DISEASES
Authors:   Togliatti State University, Chapala T. V. , Ilich M. ,   Togliatti State University
Published: October 2022

The article presents the results of the study of the emotional state and eating behavior of people with digestive diseases. The topicality of the issue is proved by a significant increase in the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially among the ablebodied population. The development of complications in clinical forms of gastrointestinal diseases is supposed to be interrelated with the negative emotional states such as anxiety and depression. According to WHO, on average, 40% of people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract have problems with eating behavior as well (it is difficult for them to follow a dietary regime, while the course and outcome of the disease depends on adherence to the diet recommended by the doctor). The aim of the empirical study was to study the peculiarities of eating behavior and emotional state of people with gastroenterological diseases. In order to maintain the representativeness of the sample, the research involved people treated in inpatient care units. The study was conducted in the Samara region, in the city of Togliatti, on the basis of the inpatient department of the Togliatti City Clinical Hospital No. 5. It
THE STUDY OF DOPAMINE AS A NONSPECIFIC MARKER OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE
Authors:   Ryazan State Medical University, Faustova A. G. , Roldugina D. A. ,   Ryazan State Medical University
Published: October 2022

Psychological resilience is a dynamic psychological phenomenon that is the result of a natural combination of biological, individual-personal, and social factors. The aim of the study was to reveal the associations between the manifestations of psychological resilience and the content of the neurotransmitter dopamine. In our study, it was found that a high level of dopamine in blood plasma is associated with post-traumatic growth, which is expressed here in the manifestation of compassion, the desire to establish closer and trusting relationships with other people (the “Attitude to others” scale, r = 0.344, р = 0.01). In addition, the high content of dopamine corresponds to the ability to adequately perceive a social role and the responsible attitude to the rules of behavior accepted in society (the “Moral normativity” scale, r = 0.424, р = 0.01). A contradictory result should be recognized as a negative correlation between the dopamine level and the manifestations of personal growth, measured by the K. Ryff Scale of Psychological Well-being (r = -0.564, р = 0.01). Risk-taking is a predictor of psychological stability (t = 5.144, р = 0.000), programming(t = 3.020, р = 0.005) and the dopamine level (t = 2.204, р = 0.036). According to the results obtained, awareness of self-development is determined by such predictors as flexibility (t = 3.082, р = 0.005), reflexive overcoming (t = 5.711, р = 0.000), the power of personality (t = 4.984, р = 0.000), relationship with others (t = -3.203, р = 0.003) and the dopamine level (t = -4.680, р = 0.000).
Analysis of Reaction-Diffusion Equations on a Time-Dependent Domain
Authors:   , Allwright Jane
Published: October 2022

We consider non-negative solutions to reaction-diﬀusion equations on time-dependent domains with zero Dirichlet boundary conditions. The reaction term is either linear or else monostable of the KPP type. For a range of diﬀerent forms of the boundary motion, we use changes of variables, exact solutions, supersolutions and subsolutions to study the long-time behaviour.For a linear equation on (A(t), A(t) + L(t)), we prove that the solution can be found exactly by a separation of variables method when ¨LL3 and ¨AL3 are constants. In these cases L(t) has the form L(t) = √at2 + 2bt + l2. We also analyse the linear problem near the boundary, deriving conditions on L(t) such that the gradient at the boundary remains bounded above and below away from zero. Interesting links are observed between this ‘critical’ boundary motion and Bramson’s logarithmic term for the nonlinear KPP equation.The exact solutions and investigation of behaviour near the boundary are also extended to a ball with time-dependent radius, and a time-dependent box.We then consider time-periodic bounded domains Ω(t). The long-time be-haviour is determined by a principal periodic eigenvalue µ, for which we derive several bounds and also consider the large and small frequency limits. For the nonlinear problem, we prove that the solution converges to either zero or a unique positive periodic solution u∗.The nonlinear problem is also studied on a bounded domain in RN moving at constant velocity c, and we derive several properties of the positive stationary limit Uc.Results describing long-time behaviour for the nonlinear equation are then extended to certain other types of time-dependent domain that have non-constant velocity and non-constant length, and to time-dependent cylinders.
Психологический анализ созависимого поведения
Authors: Игнатенко Александр П.
Published: October 2022

В статье проблема созависимости рассмотрена в рамках возрастной психологии через феномен слияния матери и дитя, также, в ключе общей психологии через основные трактовки понятия «созависимость», и в контексте клинической психологии через взаимозависимость проявления зависимого и созависимого поведения в дисфункциональной семье. Во Введении приведена научная значимость проблемы созависимости, а также её неоднозначность. Новизна исследования состоит в представлении нового взгляда на формирование созависимости как первичного образования, в дальнейшем на основе которой уже строятся дисфункциональная семейная система, или как вторичной проблемы, вытекающей из взаимодействия с зависимым человеком. В Теоретическом обосновании дается теоретический обзор проблемы созависимости в рамках возрастной психологии через феномен слияния матери и дитя. Слияние с ребенком служит удовлетворением чувства безопасности родителя, что может являться способом уменьшения собственной повышенной тревоги через опекание ребенка. Рассмотрение проблемы созависимости в ключе общей психологии приводится через основные трактовки понятия «созависимость» и наиболее общие, для разных групп людей, проявления созависимости: низкую самооценку, фокусирование на жизни другого, подмене ценностей, высокий уровень тревоги, прогрессию с течением времени и саморазрушающее поведение. В контексте клинической психологии представлено рассмотрение созависимого поведения через взаимосвязь проявлений зависимого поведения и созависимого в дисфункциональной системе как различных проявлений одной и той же болезни. Зависимость и созависимость рассматриваются как семейное заболевание. В разделе Обсуждение результатов проведен анализ теоретического обзора проблемы созависимости, представлены краткие выводы по особенностям, которые следует рассматривать в научных исследованиях данной проблемы. В Заключении приведен вывод о том, что созависимость затрагивает все сферы жизнедеятельности человека, и в большей степени коммуникативную, усиливает дисфункции внутри семьи и может провоцировать формирование созависимости у других членов семейной системы.
GAMIFICATION AS A WAY TO INCREASE STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION IN MASTERING SURGICAL DISCIPLINES
Authors: Moskalіuk O. , Shkvarkovskyj І. , Grebeniuk V. , Kozlovska І.
Published: October 2022

The key function of the modern teacher is to reveal the cognitive abilities of students to learn and ﬁnd internal motivators, which is manifested in the maximum interest of the student to acquire knowledge. It is clear that the introduction of modern trends (gamiﬁ cation) in the educational process requires signiﬁ cant ﬁ nancial costs. However, in our opinion, the process of gamiﬁ cation may include not only the development of costly computer games, but also the application of the principles of board games, in particular, such as «Memo».In order to study the impact of the application of the principles of the board game «Memo» for interesting and better learning of material of surgical disciplines, a pedagogical experiment was conducted.The use of this method for mastering the material by students in 5 academic groups of the 5-th year is analyzed – totally 64 students took part in the pedagogical experiment. Analyzing the number of correct answers, it was found that students in the main group were more likely to answer correctly than students in the control group 84% (21 cards) against 72% (18 cards). The application of the method in the group with a lower average level of knowledge in surgical disciplines showed that the number of correct answers was 76% (19 cards), which is higher than the number of correct answers in the control group. Re-survey of the studied material a month later in the main and control group showed better results in the main group (17 cards (68%) in the control groupagainst 76% (19 cards) in the main group). This indicates a better assimilation of the material, both in the short and long term.
PINEAL GLAND AND PREECLAMPSIA – A MODERN VIEW OF THE PROBLEM (LITERATURE REVIEW)
Authors: Savka R. , Berbets А.
Published: October 2022

Preeclampsia is a complex pathological process which development signiﬁ cantly depends on a decrease in melatonin levels of pregnant women as a result of the pineal gland and placenta dysfunction. The most important hormone of the pineal gland is melatonin, which is a derivative of tryptophan – an essential amino acid. Melatonin is a powerful natural antioxidant. When it’s levels are decreased, there is a risk of preeclampsia progression as a pathological condition of pregnant women, accompanied by high blood pressure, systemic multiple- organ failure and even cerebral edema and convulsions.Thus, although preeclampsia is considered a disease of the mother, it should rather be considered as a pathological condition of the placenta that aﬀ ects both mother’s and fetus health. As the key factor of placental diorders is an oxidative stress, many researchers consider melatonin to be a potentially useful option for treating preeclampsia. It is noted that pregnant women with preeclampsia have a decrease in nocturnal concentrations of melatonin in comparison with healthy pregnant women that may indicate about pineal gland dysfunction in preeclampsia. Therefore, the normalization of melatonin levels may be a promising direction in the treatment of pregnant women with preeclampsia.
Foreknowledge & Divine Emotions
Authors: DeVito Michael , McNabb Tyler
Published: October 2022

In this essay, we move to further advance the work done on God and emotions by RT Mullins, exploring the role exhaustive divine foreknowledge plays as it relates to God’s emotional life. Given our preliminary investigation at the intersection of divine foreknowledge and divine emotion, and focusing specifically on the neoclassical theistic conception of God, we argue that in light of God’s foreknowledge, his emotional life is weaker when compared to that of his creation. Moreover, we argue that this is an unwanted conclusion, and provide options that allow for the neoclassical theist to avoid it. That said, our primary aim is one of exploration: Should divine foreknowledge play a role in how we understand God’s emotional life? Given our analysis, we answer in the affirmative.
Alterações de parâmetros laboratoriais em pacientes com COVID-19
Authors: Sebotaio Matheus Coimbra , Asturian Kathleen , Neto Olavo José Vicente
Published: October 2022

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e reunir os principais achados disponíveis no começo da pandemia, acerca das alterações laboratoriais de pacientes internados com COVID-19 e discutir a predominância dessas alterações na gravidade do curso da doença. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática de literatura, restringida a publicações até abril de 2020, utilizando as bases de dados Lilacs e Pubmed. Um total de 381 publicações foram encontradas nas bases de dados consultadas e destas, 17 publicações foram elegíveis para análise conforme os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Parâmetros laboratoriais como a redução de linfócitos e elevação de D-dímeros, lactato desidrogenase e proteína C reativa parecem estar ligados à infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 e podem servir como indicadores prognósticos da doença. A linfocitopenia e o aumento de D-dímeros são marcadores relacionados ao agravamento da doença e a desfechos desfavoráveis como óbito.
Socio-demographic factors affecting access to and utilization of social welfare services in Nigeria
Authors: Okpa John Thompson , Ikpeme Bassey Ballantyne , Wilson Nwosu Uchechukwu , Obeten Ude Bassey , Nwadike Ngozi Christiana
Published: October 2022

The study examined the socio-demographic factors affecting access to and utilization of social welfare services in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted to select 570 respondents from the study area. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were adopted in the selection of communities, and respondents. The quantitative data were analyzed using frequency distribution tables and percentages, while chi-square statistic was used to determine the relationship between socio-demographic variables and access to and utilization of social welfare services. The qualitative data were analyzed in themes as a complement to the quantitative data. This study reveals that although all the respondents reported knowing available social welfare services, 44.3% reported not having access to existing social services due to factors connected to serendipity variables, such as terrain condition, ethnicity and knowing someone in government. Therefore, the study recommends that the government and other stakeholders should push for the massive delivery of much-needed social welfare services to address the issue of welfare service deficit across the nation, irrespective of the ethnic group and whether the community is connected to the government of the day or not, primarily in rural areas.
Occupational burnout among teachers: is it seasonal?
Authors: Marić Nada , Mandić-Rajčević Stefan , Maksimović Nataša , Bulat Petar
Published: October 2022

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare occupational burnout in two groups of teachers from the district of Bijeljina (Bosnia and Herzegovina) measured with the Serbian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory survey for workers in human services (MBI-HSS) at the beginning (group 1) and the end of the school year 2018/2019 (group 2) to see if there are seasonal differences. The questionnaire also included standard sociodemographic data and job description (primary and/or secondary school position, length of service, and overtime work). The prevalence of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation was low in both groups. However, emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation scores significantly shifted to higher values between the beginning and the end of the school year. We also found a statistically significant association between emotional exhaustion and overtime and between depersonalisation and work in a secondary school (p<0.05). These findings invite further research of occupational burnout seasonality in schoolteachers, preferably by following up cohorts which would be controlled for sociodemographic and work-related variables.
Medical devices as a source of phthalate exposure: a review of current knowledge and alternative solutions
Authors: Šimunović Antonela , Tomić Siniša , Kranjčec Krunoslav
Published: October 2022

Phthalates are a group of phthalic acid esters used as plasticisers in a large number of products to improve their flexibility, softness, and extensibility. Their wide use in medical devices, however, raises a lot of concern, as they can enter the organism and have toxic effects on human liver, thyroid, kidneys, lungs, reproductive, endocrine, nervous, and respiratory system and are associated with asthma, obesity, autism, and diabetes. The aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge about phthalate migration from medical devices during different medical procedures and possible impact on patient health. It also looks at alternative plasticisers with supposedly lower migration rates and safer profile. Not enough is known about which and how many phthalates make part of medical devices or about the health impacts of alternative plasticisers or their migration rates.
The effect of low doses of chlorpyrifos on blood and bone marrow cells in Wistar rats
Authors: Kašuba Vilena , Micek Vedran , Milić Mirta , Želježić Davor , Katić Anja
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic potential of low doses of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on blood and bone marrow cells in adult male Wistar rats. CPF was administered by oral gavage at daily doses of 0.010, 0.015, and 0.160 mg/kg of body weight (bw) for 28 consecutive days. Positive control (PC) was administered 300 mg/kg bw/day of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) for the final three days of the experiment. Toxic outcomes of exposure were determined with the in vivo micronucleus (MN) assay and alkaline comet assay. The 28-day exposure to the 0.015 mg/kg CPF dose, which was three times higher than the current value of acute reference dose (ARfD), reduced body weight gain in rats the most. The in vivo MN assay showed significant differences in number of reticulocytes per 1000 erythrocytes between PC and negative control (NC) and between all control groups and the groups exposed to 0.015 and 0.160 mg/kg bw/day of CPF. The number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes per 2000 erythrocytes was significantly higher in the PC than the NC group or group exposed to 0.015 mg/kg bw/day of CPF. CPF treatment did not significantly increase primary DNA damage in bone marrow cells compared to the NC group. However, the damage in bone marrow cells of CPF-exposed rats was much higher than the one recorded in leukocytes, established in the previous research. Both assays proved to be successful for the assessment of CPFinduced genome instability in Wistar rats. However, the exact mechanisms of damage have to be further investigated and confirmed by other, more sensitive methods.
Topic Classification of Central Bank Monetary Policy Statements: Evidence from Latent Dirichlet Allocation in Lesotho
Authors: Damane Moeti
Published: October 2022

This article develops a baseline on how to analyse the statements of monetary policy from Lesotho’s Central Bank using a method of topic classification that utilizes a machine learning algorithm known as Latent Dirichlet Allocation. To evaluate the changes in the policy distribution, the classification of topics is performed on a sample of policy statements spanning from February 2017 to January 2021. The three-topic Latent Dirichlet Allocation model extracted topics that remained prominent throughout the sample period and were most closely reflective of the functions of the Central Bank of Lesotho Monetary Policy Committee. The topics identified are: (i) International Monetary and Financial Market Conditions; (ii) Monetary Policy Committee and International Reserves; (iii) Regional and International Economic Policy Conditions. The three-topic Latent Dirichlet Allocation model was determined as the most appropriate model through which a consistent analysis of topic evolution in Central Bank of Lesotho Monetary Policy Statements can be performed.
Investigations of Properties of Soil-Aggregate Mixtures
Authors: Skrzypczak Izabela
Published: October 2022

The subject of this paper is the evaluation of the use of waste material, which is the native soil. On the example of the base ground taken from the village of Lipie (Podkarpackie voivodeship), soil-aggregate mixtures were prepared with a different degree of addition of natural aggregate. The study analysed the quantitative and qualitative parameters of the prepared mixtures and assessed their physical and mechanical properties to determine their suitability for the construction of nfrastructural facilities. It should be noted that most specifications recommend the use of primarily aggregate mixtures. The paper presents the results of a study analysing the effect of aggregate admixture to the native soil on selected physical and strength properties of the mixtures developed. The obtained results confirmed the validity of research on the use of soil-aggregate mixtures for construction purposes.
Systematically promoting job-specific digital competencies in the health professions: A teaching concept / Berufsspezifische digitale Kompetenzen in den Gesundheitsfachberufen systematisch fördern: Ein Lehrkonzept
Authors: Nordholt Paul Ubbo , Busch Susanne
Published: October 2022

Die digitale Transformation erfasst das Gesundheitswesen und führt zu veränderten professionellen Anforderungen an die Heilberufe. In diesem Beitrag stellen wir ein Lehrkonzept zur Förderung der berufsspezifischen digitalen Kompetenzen in den Gesundheitsfachberufen vor. Basierend auf systematischer Literaturrecherche, Analysen bestehender Curricula und Expertengesprächen identifizieren wir Anforderungen an das Lehrkonzept sowie relevante Themengebiete. Hieraus leiten wir Lernziele ab und konzipieren ein in sich geschlossenes Modul, welches innerhalb eines Hochschulsemesters durchgeführt werden kann. Das Modul gliedert sich in vier aufeinander aufbauende Lerneinheiten, welche sich am Vier-Komponenten-Instructional-Design-Modell und dem Ansatz des problemorientierten Lernens orientieren und sich durch eine sukzessive Steigerung der Komplexität der Lernaufgaben auszeichnen. Da das Lehrkonzept individuelle Schwerpunktsetzungen sowohl durch die Lehrenden als auch durch die Lernenden berücksichtigt, erlaubt es eine einfache Adaptation für die verschiedenen Gesundheitsfachberufe. Mit unserem Lehrkonzept wollen wir den Lehrenden einen Leitfaden an die Hand geben, um die Themen der Digitalisierung im Gesundheitswesen systematisch in die Lehre zu integrieren und mit diesem Artikel eine Diskussionsgrundlage zur interprofessionellen Weiterentwicklung des Lehrkonzeptes schaffen.
Opportunities and challenges for home care services in implementing the Buurtzorg model in Switzerland: results of an exploratory case study / Chancen und Herausforderungen für häusliche Pflegedienste bei der Umsetzung des Buurtzorg-Modells in der Schweiz: Ergebnisse einer explorativen Fallstudie
Authors: Hegedüs Anna , Schürch Anita , Zentgraf Amelie , Abegg Alwin , Bischofberger Iren
Published: October 2022

Hintergrund

Das starke Leistungswachstum kombiniert mit dem Fachkräftemangel in der häuslichen Pflege verlangt nach einer anpassungsfähigen Betriebsorganisation. Das niederländische Buurtzorg-Modell orientiert sich am Ansatz der Holokratie und verspricht eine Reorganisation der Pflege im Privathaushalt, welche sich positiv auf die Zufriedenheit der Mitarbeitenden und die Personzentrierung auswirkt. Das Buurtzorg-Modell stößt auch in der Schweiz auf reges Interesse.

Ziel

Ziel war es, Informationen darüber zu erhalten, wie die unterschiedlichen Mitarbeitenden-Gruppen mit den Veränderungen umgehen, welche durch die Umstrukturierung hin zum Buurtzorg-Modell ausgelöst wurden.

Methode

Der Reorganisationsprozess in 3 häuslichen Pflegediensten in der Deutschschweiz wurde multimethodisch untersucht und nachgezeichnet (11 Interviews mit Leitungspersonen und Coaches, 7 Fokusgruppengespräche, 12 problemzentrierte Interviews mit Mitarbeitenden, 5 teilnehmende Beobachtungen bei Teamsitzungen). Um Veränderungen im Prozess zu erfassen, erfolgte die Datenerhebung zu zwei Zeitpunkten mit neun Monaten Abstand. Die Analyse erfolgte nach der strukturierten Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring.

Ergebnisse

Für die Adaption des Buurtzorg-Modells waren Anpassungsleistungen bei Rollen und Aufgaben sowohl auf individueller als auch Team- und Organisationsebene erforderlich. Dies ging einher mit einer von Berufsabschlüssen möglichst losgelösten Arbeitsteilung, was zu neuen Zusammenarbeitsformen führte. Dies eröffnete Chancen aber auch Spannungsfelder, die durch die neue Rolle der Coaches unterstützend begleitet wurden.

Schlussfolgerungen

Den Wandel in gedrängter Zeit zu leisten, erweist sich als Kraftakt. Für die betriebliche Praxis wichtig sind genügend und geeignete Reflexionsmöglichkeiten und Austauschgefäße, um die diskutierten Spannungsfelder auszuloten und aufzufangen. Außerdem braucht es den Auf- und Ausbau einer breit verankerten betrieblichen Lernkultur, damit sämtliche Mitarbeitende begleitet in die neue Arbeitsweise hineinwachsen können.
Influence of Internal Gas Pipelines Built into the Structure on the Safety of Residents and Energy Eficiency Factors of the Building
Authors: Romanovs A. , Tihana J. , Kondrahins N.
Published: October 2022

With an emphasis on the visual appearance of buildings, surface and internal gas pipelines are being built into structures and walls, which can affect system serviceability and occupant safety. When placing gas pipelines in a closed room (shafts, ducts, facade structures, etc.) there is a risk that in case of leakage, natural gas will accumulate in the room, which together with the ambient air, within the specified concentration limits, forms an explosive mixture. The present paper analyses the built-in internal gas pipeline systems, their installation norms, operation and maintenance problems in different types of buildings. It is shown that requirements do not cover all possible gas pipeline installation options. The analysis of the gas supply system operator shows that non-compliance with the applicable norms has been identified in every third of the 400,000 gas consumers in Latvia in the surface and internal gas pipeline system. To improve and develop safety requirements, it is planned to perform an experiment that is described in detail in this paper. Pre-experimental calculations are made to set reference points in the study and find the main influencing parameters on gas leakage process.
The appeals and level of involvement influencing purchasing decision
Authors: Matušínská Kateřina , Stoklasa Michal
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper is to find out how various product categories are influenced by rational or emotional appeals and the level of involvement in purchasing decisions with regard to selected demographic characteristics of Czech consumers. Scientific research is based on the theoretical assumptions of the Foote-Cone-Belding (hereafter FCB) model with newly formulated product categories that correspond to current Czech consumer behavior. The theoretical background of the paper covers the knowledge of cognitive consumer choice principles with emphasis on different appeals and a level of involvement within consumer decision. Primary research data were obtained using a questionnaire, on the online panel of research agency Ipsos, on 1,050 Czech respondents. The methods used are modified FCB grid based on previous research study, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Kruskal-Wallis test with a post hoc test using Dunn’s test with Bonferroni correction, and positional maps. The results reveal not only how the newly defined product categories are influenced by rational or emotional appeals and high or low involvement, but also the differences of the theoretical FCB model in comparison with its practical implementation. It is necessary to adapt (extend) this model according to the specific conditions and identification features of different segments. The newly introduced transformed nine-quadrants concept of the FCB model is proposed to be applied.
Impacts of COVID-19 on the Food Supply Chain for Arable Crops in Latvia
Authors: Upite Ilze , Bite Dina , Pilvere Irina , Nipers Aleksejs
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented stress to food supply chains, pointing to weaknesses in the labour, processing, transport and logistics spheres, as well as significant changes in demand. Food supply chains have shown considerable resilience in the face of such stress. Monitoring of the food sector during the COVID-19 pandemic indicates that the effects of COVID-19 on food supply, demand and access are interlinked processes and have a complex impact on food systems. In addition, high-value food supply chains in developed countries are even more complex, so countries need to respond quickly to restore them and also develop mechanisms that balance business and public interests and protect farmers and food business workers during future potential pandemic crises. The research aims to identify the main demand and supply side factors that affect the resilience of local and global food supply chains during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as assess the resilience of the supply chain for arable crops during the COVID-19 crisis in Latvia, identifying the main risk factors. The research found that arable crop farmers were relatively less affected by the COVID-19 crisis than other agricultural employees. The impact of the crisis was larger on the crop processing industry than on the other industries, and the main risk factors related to changes in demand and the industry’s dependence on imported raw materials and the successful operation of export markets. Based on an in-depth risk analysis, the research developed recommendations for policy makers and actors in the agri-food chain that would improve the resilience of local (domestic) participants of the arable crop food supply chain in Latvia.
Regulation of Telescopic Water Intake Operations
Authors: Lipin Andrey
Published: October 2022

Telescopic water intake structures play an important role in a water management system. The article is devoted to the improvement of telescopic water intake structures and the development of a solution for regulating their operation. Different types of water intakes are analyzed, and their shortcomings are identified. The structures of known telescopic water intakes are reviewed, and their operating principles are analyzed. It has been determined that the design of existing telescopic water intake structures lacks a device for stopping the operation of the intake of water. A structural solution for stopping and regulating the operation of a telescopic water intake is proposed. The construction of an additional ballast pontoon to be welded to the first section of the telescopic pipeline is proposed in order to regulate and stop the operation of the water intake. A methodology for calculating and designing an additional ballast pontoon for a telescopic water intake has been developed, and a specific example for its implementation has been provided. Based on the results of the research, the main parameters of the additional ballast pontoon structure have been established, and the methodology for its calculations has been developed.
Arrangements for accounting for a small enterprise's financial results through using outsourcing
Authors: GLUSHCHENKO Aleksandra V. , MALII Nadezhda A.
Published: October 2022

Subject. This article explores the features and problems of the organization of accounting of financial results at a small enterprise in terms of outsourcing.
Objectives. The article aims to develop recommendations for improving the arrangements for accounting for financial results of a small enterprise in the conditions of using outsourcing.
Methods. For the study, we used the systems and process approaches, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, and the theoretical and practical materials arrangement.
Results. The article describes the features of the activities of a small enterprise and determines their impact on the arrangement and accounting for financial results, considering the commercial small enterprise OOO Metacom, the main activity of which is the wholesale of waste and scrap, as a typical case study. The article also presents certain author-developed recommendations on improving the analytical accounting of income and expenses, setting up primary accounting, introducing an electronic document management system, and determines the advantages of a small enterprise when transferring accounting to outsourcing.
Conclusions and Relevance. The implementation of the proposed recommendations will contribute to improving the efficiency of the accounting process and the validity of management decisions to maximize the profits of a small commercial enterprise. The results of the study can be useful to a wide range of readers interested in the organization of accounting for financial results at a small enterprise in the conditions of outsourcing. They can also be used in practical work and in the educational process of higher educational institutions.
Assessment of the beneficiation efficiency criteria when nonferrous metal ores mining
Authors: SHUL'GINA Kristina A. , KUZINA Lyudmila N. , MIRONOVA Zhenni V.
Published: October 2022

Subject. This article discusses the functioning of mining enterprises of the Krasnoyarsk Krai.
Objectives. The article aims to determine the possibilities of applying beneficiation when developing nonferrous metal ores deposits.
Methods. For the study, we used analysis, comparison, generalization, and the mathematical methods.
Results. The article proves the limitations of the possibility of a phenomenological approach to improving the efficiency of mining enterprises. The article proposes to use a universal physical and technological approach that allows to reduce metal losses with waste and reduce the costs of advanced beneficiation and chemical and metallurgical extraction, as well as the environmental burden.
Relevance. The results of the study can be used when developing a strategy for the development of industries engaged in the extraction of minerals.
Determinants of Oral Health Problems among Community-Living Elderly Persons in Greece - The Role of Diet and Chronic Diseases in Oral Health
Authors:   University Of West Attica, S Konstantopoulou
Published: October 2022

Several studies have examined the relationship between oral health, diet and chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the determinants of oral health problems, and more particularly to examine the association of diet and chronic diseases with oral health among community living elderly persons in Greece.