bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ANALYSIS OF RECYCLING INDUSTRY IN THE URAL FEDERAL DISTRICT
Authors: Silova Elena , Barkhatov Viktor
Published: October 2019

This article concentrates on the analysis of the recycling industry in Ural Federal District. Nowadays the problem of development of this industry is extremely important due to the need of real transition to long-term sustainable development. It is necessary to understand what enterprises have presented the industry and what problems they face now for further institutional design of ecologically sustainable development of industrial regions. These regions have serious ecological problems which need a strategy to solve them. In this article, the financial condition of Ural enterprises is analyzed and the analysis of level of market concentration and the interrelation between concentration level in industry and the financial condition of the companies is revealed. The financial analysis, analysis of concentration and statistical methods (correlation analysis) are used in this research. The information base of the research is the database FIRA PRO on the enterprises which contain such indicators such as sales revenue, net profit, number of employees, return on equity and others. The study shows that the recycling industry is characterized by rather low financial indicators. The prevailing kind of activity is processing of metals scrap. Collecting and processing of other types of resources are poorly developed. The market is characterized by moderate concentration, its level affects negatively on financial indicators of industry. Within regional economic policy it is necessary to provide measures for the stimulation of this industry in the Ural regions to develop competition in the industry.
EXPERT SYSTEM OF INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF EMPLOYEES
Authors: Šooš Ľubomír
Published: October 2019

The monitoring of performance and positive motivation of employees has great influence on increasing the performance of institutions or workplaces. This applies to private, public and state institutions alike. One such institution is a public university. However, all available and so far developed systems make possible only partial employee evaluations. To our knowledge, no complex and objective individual assessment system is as yet available.

This was the main reason for which we decided to elaborate a completely new individual assessment system that makes possible the evaluation of employees of a given institution complexly or in selected categories pursuant to selected areas. The basis of the system is an original formula for the total calculation of an individual’s performance.

The individual’s results in the various areas are related to the average value achieved in the given area in the compared set, multiplied by the respective weighting coefficient of the area.

The goal of the presented paper is the introduction, development, description and presentation of a new and original system which will allow for the complex assessment of a chosen employee or group, and which has been applied at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava in Bratislava, (STU BA).
AGRICULTURE AS A POSSIBLE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT IN BULGARIA
Authors: Stoyanova Zornitsa , Harizanova-Bartos Hristina
Published: October 2019

Agriculture is an important sector of Bulgarian economy and is a trigger for the development of rural areas. The analysis of district development takes into account the importance of European cohesion policy and national support for the achievement of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The main aim of this study is to reveal the place and the role of Bulgarian agriculture in rural development. Based on the clusterization on a district level we defined 3 clusters. The first one – “economically poor - ecologically stable” has the highest probability for agricultural development and ability to transform into a well-developed agrarian cluster and to develop environmentally friendly activities and tourism. The second cluster –” economic developed” has potential for good prospects for the realization of the population, development of the diverse sectors, access to education and a high standard of living. The third cluster called “transitional - towards good economic development and ecologically unstable” has potential for the development of activities, including agrarian and use of new technologies to contribute to GDP per capita growth. The given policy recommendations are directed into the development of the three clusters. In the first cluster, policy makers should direct efforts to overcome the economic problems by transformation into a well-developed agrarian cluster. Cluster 2 is well developed and the policy should be directed at increasing the economic capacity of the studied areas. Cluster 3 is a transitional one and there the policy makers should try to develop a multifunctional way of transformation to sustainable territory for living.

The results are part of the scientific project DN 15/8 2017 Sustainable multifunctional rural areas: reconsidering agricultural models and systems with increased demands and limited resources funded by the Bulgarian research fund.
STREET SPACE FROM THE VIEW OF HUMAN INTERACTION
Authors: Čulík Kristián , Kalašová Alica , Otahálová Zuzana
Published: October 2019

The dramatic increase in automobile transport over the last few decades has often led to the degradation of a basic element of the urban space – streets, the essential part of every urban area – to simple transport corridors. Life in the street is a dramatic stage on which we all are participating actors. The meaning of streets goes beyond the fact that they lead somewhere else and thus hold the city together, but the streetscape has a meaning in and of itself – we are out in the street because we want to be there. Like other components of the urban space, streets have a spatial dimension but, perhaps uniquely, also have their temporal element. In my contribution I would like to characterize a street in a town and its role in the modern way of life. Streets and public spaces are important elements that make up a city. The rapid increase of number of vehicles brought changes in the character and function of the street space. The streets were perceived primarily as a space reserved for transport, to the detriment of its residential, social and aesthetic function. Vehicles in motion and mainly parked cars gradually occupied a larger part of public areas and they do not allow other activities.
HIPPOTHERAPY AS AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF IMPROVING THE PRAXIS FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH MULTIPLE DISORDERS
Authors: Georgieva Diyana , Ivanova Veselina
Published: October 2019

In recent years hippotherapy has emerged as one of the most commonly used alternative methods for the development of praxis functions in children with multiple disorders. The research focus is on the study of basic parameters of motor function in children with multiple disorders and the assessment of the horseback riding effects on the development of praxis of individuals in the category observed. A research battery consisting of three standardized tests: the Single-Leg Balance Test, a test and a scale for assignment the posture during a ride (The Posture Assessment Bertotti Scale) and a Test for the Estimation of Horse-riding Dependence on Danzinger, covering three application stages: diagnostic, intermediate, and control. A Student’s one-sample T-test was used to process the results obtained. Participants in the experimental group, aged between 7 and 15, showed results which are undoubtedly evidence of improvement in their praxis functions.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SELF-CONCEPT OF GIFTED PUPILS
Authors: Hosova Dominika , Duchovicova Jana
Published: October 2019

The self-concept is the utmost frequently studied area of gifted pupils. The emotional and social issues of highly gifted pupils often stem from inadequate self-concept. The structure of self-concept is being formed by traditional variables such as age, gender and culture. The centers of our focus are gifted pupils and differences in self-concept between gifted boys and gifted girls. The self-concept model created by Marsh and Shavelson in 1985 has a hierarchic structure. The highest level of the self-concept is known as the general self-concept. It is divided into academic self-concept and non-academic self-concept. The Self-description Questionnaire - short form (SDQ-II-S) was the research tool used to measure pupil‘s self-concept. The grades in math and their mother tongue language (Slovak) as well as their GPA (Grade Point Average) were examined and compared. The research sample consisted of 56 gifted pupils at secondary school. In order to better understand the academic self-concept, we also examined the preferences of inner motivation for learning. The biggest motivator that prevailed in the group of boys was positive social motivation, but in the group of girls it was the feeling of good work done. The most significant difference we have remarked was in the area of verbal academic self-concept. The girls had an average score of 23.44 while the boys only 13.94. The development of self-concept and the possibilities of its improvement are important, because self-concept affects school performance and the overall behavior of pupils.
TEACHERS’ SATISFACTION WITH THEIR PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT
Authors: Ivanova Veselina , Mileva Eleonora
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the study was to examine teachers’ satisfaction with their professional activities. 272 teachers who have classes in physical education and sport in the Bulgarian school system participated in the research study. The teachers have different levels of professional qualification. A modified questionnaire was applied, with 22 items related to the satisfaction with the teaching profession. The statistical methods used for the research were: variance analysis, factor analysis (principal component analysis), non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

The following four factors related to the satisfaction of the profession were identified: organization and professional environment, social working conditions, reforms in education, education and personal development. The items with highest values were: the duration of holidays, professional relations with colleagues, professional relations with the school management, and professional relations with parents. The items with lowest values were: the amount of the salary, the professional relations with the Ministry of education and science, the prestige of the profession, and the reforms in education. Factors related to the internal educational environment have the greatest impact on the satisfaction of the surveyed teachers.
ELECTRONIC MONITORING IN SLOVAK CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Authors: Klimek Libor , Klátik Jaroslav
Published: October 2019

This contribution deals with electronic monitoring in Slovak criminal justice. Its objective is the assessment of the most crucial contemporary documents containing requirements addressed to competent national authorities, as well as its problems. To fulfil this objective, it analyses documents of the European Union and the National Council of the Slovak Republic. It is divided into three sections. The first section introduces the general legal background of electronic monitoring in Slovak national law. The second section analyses its legal basis – Act No. 78/2015 Coll. on Control of the Enforcement of Certain Decisions by Technical Instruments. The third section is focused on special issues surrounding the electronic monitoring in the Slovak Republic. Despite the fact that electronic monitoring in Slovak criminal justice has been applied for some years, many problems occurred at the national level. Electronic monitoring in Slovak criminal justice is understood as an alternative in standard criminal proceedings. There is no obligation to use this system. Indeed, control by technical instruments is an optional possibility, not a mandatory obligation. Electronic monitoring in the Slovak Republic is regulated by the Act No. 78/2015 Coll. on Control of the Enforcement of Certain Decisions by Technical Instruments. This Act regulates the technical instruments and the conditions for their use in controlling the execution of certain selected types of decisions in criminal matters in criminal proceedings. The objective of the Act No. 78/2015 Coll. on Control of the Enforcement of Certain Decisions by Technical Instruments is to create the legal conditions for the effective application of the control of execution of certain selected decisions – in particular judicial decisions adopted by the courts – by technical instruments. Such technical instruments should improve the use of alternative sanctions or alternative criminal proceedings.
EDUCATION CONCERNING HISTORICAL CITIES AS AN EXAMPLE OF AN ORIGINAL CURRICULUM TAUGHT TO STUDENTS OF THE ARCHITECTURE AND SPATIAL MANAGEMENT COURSES
Authors: Kuśnierz-Krupa Dominika
Published: October 2019

This article discusses the need for social education—in this case, concerning students of the architecture and spatial management courses—on the matter of the protection of historical cities. In response to this need, the author of the article has formulated two original curricula covering this scope. They are taught at the Cracow University of Technology. The first, as a seminar, is addressed to students of the architecture course and has been named “Protection of historical cities”. The second is taught as a spatial management course in the form of design classes and has been named “Legal and social conditions in the protection of the cultural landscape”. The need to educate students of architecture and spatial management on the matter of the protection of the cultural landscape of historical cities is necessary due to the potential threat to cultural heritage that is posed by new development projects. Future architects and planners must understand the need to protect historical assets and the value of historical urban layouts and precious works of architecture. Only then will they be able to properly, correctly and responsibly practice their future profession which will include, among other things, the verification of and participation (to a varying degree) in the process of carrying out architectural and urban design projects, often in a historical environment. It should be noted that the protection of cultural heritage, including historical cities, is an important aspect of the functioning of every society, as cultural heritage is an essential factor of the life and conduct of every person. It constitutes the material and spiritual legacy of past generations, as well as the legacy of our time.
RESEARCH OF THE ABILITY TO ISOLATE SYLLABLES FROM WORDS IN PRESCHOOL AGED CHILDREN
Authors: Máčajová Monika , Grofčíková Soňa
Published: October 2019

The presented study deals with theoretical starting points, issues and research findings in the area of phonological awareness in relation to the elementary linguistic literacy of preschool aged children in Slovakia. The theoretical-empirical study is focused on a child´s ability to manipulate with syllables. The research was conducted with 866 respondents in the age range of four to seven years old. The aim was to find out a child´s ability to isolate certain syllables from a word and name the word or syllable resulting from the removal of the specified syllable. Except two tasks for practicing, there were five tested words. Children presented their skill to isolate or omit initial, middle and final syllables in the tested words. The results are part of a more extensive study focused on the development of a complex tool used to evaluate the level of phonemic awareness.
VIEWS OF VOLUNTARY IMMIGRANTS ON LIFE IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Markovič Daniel
Published: October 2019

Slovakia is not perceived as a destination country for forced or voluntary migrants in the European Union. Nevertheless, the number of foreigners living legally in Slovakia has increased more than fourfold since Slovakia joined the European Union in 2004. The aim of this paper is to recognize the views of voluntary immigrants on their own life in Slovakia. In our research, we are interested in migrants who chose small towns in Slovakia, which are culturally and linguistically homogeneous. We have chosen a qualitative research strategy. The research design is of a biographical design and a grounded theory. As a research tool, we chose an individual structured interview (in-depth interview). For qualitative data analysis, we used coding; we set descriptive and inductive codes, subcategories and categories. The subject of research is eight voluntary immigrants to Slovakia who have been living in Slovakia for at least one year at the time of the study. Thus, they meet the long-term migration criterion. Participants were selected on a deliberate basis to cover the phenomenon of voluntary migration. Due to the chosen research design, theoretical sampling was utilized. Our research confirmed the assumptions of voluntary migration described by Pierce (1999). Not only participants from developing countries, but also participants from countries with higher HDI than Slovakia praise the work and business opportunities in Slovakia. Participants identified the following areas of life benefits in Slovakia: employment, economic and social conditions, leisure, cultural and development activities, and environmental issues. Negative aspects of life include negative administrative experiences, lower living comfort, worse social conditions and the environment.
FAMILY NEEDS OF INCURABLE ILL CHILDREN IN THE CONTEXT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
Authors: Nagyová Kristína , Harčaríková Terézia
Published: October 2019

Incurable disease of children is one of the most difficult periods in the life of a family. The family must adapt to the new challenges that bring the illness and everything adapts to the needs of the child. However, we often don´t realize and even don´t know that the family needs must also be fulfilled. The paper presents partial results of the research aimed at identifying the needs of the family with an incurable ill child in a special pedagogical context. For the collection of research data a semi-structured interview with assistants working in the area of child palliative care was conducted. The obtained data were processed by qualitative analysis. The results point to the necessity of a transdisciplinary approach to children with incurable illness and their families – psychologist, social worker, clergymen, and special educator.
IN-WORK POVERTY IN LATVIA
Authors: Niklass Mareks
Published: October 2019

The results of a survey carried out in Latvia in 2015 are examined to estimate the scope and depth of in-work poverty. The widely used EU-SILC data considerably underestimate in-work poverty in Latvia. Logistic regression analysis indicates that persons with low education, poor health, persons of pre-retirement age, and those employed in non-standard work arrangements are more likely exposed to a high in-work poverty risk. Social transfers and the income of other household members do not significantly reduce this risk. The Latvian government should provide adequate social protection and funding to alleviate the in-work poverty problem.
DIDACTIC MINI VIDEO GAMES – STUDENTS’ AND TEACHERS’ POINT OF VIEW
Authors: Paunova-Hubenova Elena
Published: October 2019

Computer games are used more and more often in education. Their application in the learning process brings a lot of benefits and advantages compared to the classic form of teaching without the use of new technologies. Some of the more sophisticated games can include a variety of smaller ones, which supplement their functionality. In this article are described in detail the mini-games, which will be part of a 3D educational labyrinth game. They include: quiz, 2D puzzle, solving a Wordsearch Puzzle, rolling balls, shooting on moving inanimate objects, etc. The characteristics of mini-games are considered, and they may be mandatory or optional. The opinions of students and teachers regarding their preferences for the mini-games and the results are studied and compared. Surprisingly, according to the survey, teachers show a more positive attitude towards educational games than students. The APOGEE project aims to create a platform for automatically generating an educational 3D labyrinth game that can be easily used by teachers, even if they are not IT specialists. Thus, they will have the opportunity to choose the right mini-games and the necessary training material.
PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE IN RELATION TO HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Pavlíková Barbara
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Preventive measures in a field of health care are cheaper than addressing the consequences of neglected diagnosis and treatment. Aim of this study is to present the Slovak legislation and national plans in the field of preventive health care. This issue is discussed in relation to financing of health care from the health insurance.

Methods: This study was conducted by using the method of content analysis of selected legislative and non-legislative documents and statistical reports of the Slovak ministries (finance, health) and of health insurance companies.

Results: In Slovakia, universal and selective preventive health care is available for health care payers. Number of people who undergo the preventive examination differs in selected areas and the expenditure on medical treatment and addressing the consequences of neglected prevention are still high. Control plans are vague and do not cover concrete steps leading to achievement of goals presented. Access of marginalized groups of population to the preventive health care is still at very low level.

Conclusion: The system of preventive health care measures in Slovakia is relatively well-defined in legislation and supports the provision of preventive care. However, it is not enforced. There are no serious sanctions in case of neglecting patient´s obligations and people are not motivated to undergo preventive examinations. Only sanctions that in some cases work are financial. The detailed research of access of people from socially disadvantaged environment to the preventive care is desirable.
ACTIVISATION OF THE CREATIVE POTENTIAL IN 7/8-YEAR OLD CHILDREN BY IMPLEMENTATION OF MIXED PAINTING TECHNIQUES IN FINE ART EDUCATION
Authors: Petrov Petar
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The article explores some processes that activate the creative potential of 7/8- year old children after mixed painting techniques introduction and application. Problems on a theoretical and empirical level are discussed, based primarily on the children's creative activity results and determined by the degrees of free experimental application of painting and non-painting materials.                                                                                                                                                                  

Study Objective: The usage of some mixed techniques in the fine arts is considered and how they reflect on the dynamics of the children's education creative process.

Methods: During the experimental work, the following methods are applied: monitoring and analysing the processes of working with different materials, experimenting with mixed painting techniques, composition analysis, image and richness of the expression means.                                                                                                                                                                                     

Results: In the course of the study, it is established that the usage of more than one material for the pictorial activity significantly increases child creativity and better image in graphic and artistic terms are acquired, composition and richness of expression means are attained.                                                                                                                                                    

Conclusions: The application of mixed painting techniques in fine art education of 7/8-year olds increases the creative activity, builds a lasting interest in the fine art, and enhances the emotional and aesthetic impact.
WHY DO PUPILS FROM SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUNDS FAIL IN TECHNICAL SUBJECTS?
Authors: Pikna Jakub , Frajštaková Zuzana
Published: October 2019

Goal: The main objective of this research is to identify the causes of difficulity that pupils from socially disadvantaged backgrounds face in technical subjects at primary school.

Methods: The research group consisted of 65 respondents, of whom 59 were women teachers and 6 were man teachers. The research method was a questionnaire of our own production.

Results: The biggest barrier that pupils from socially disadvantaged backgrounds face is the insufficient conditions for education (97%). From our research results we also perceive the parents' lack of cooperation with teachers (68%). As many as 63% of respondents do not use any form of intervention for disadvantaged pupils. 37% of respondents use methods such as: experiential methods, motivational methods, reward and punishment methods, demonstration and observation methods, brainstorming, repetition methods, practical demonstrations, competitions and games, individual approaches, information - communication technologies and teaching aids.

Conclusions: The biggest problem is the lack of cooperation between the socially disadvantaged pupil's family and the school. In the future, it would be appropriate to measure the issue with a higher number of respondents as well as focus on the teaching process with the intent to determine the different methods which are used to prevent the difficulty that pupils from socially disadvantaged backgrounds face.
THE COMPARISON OF PISA EDUCATIONAL RESULTS WITH GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN MEMBER STATES OF EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Plavčan Peter
Published: October 2019

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) – an OECD international survey project, has become the base for an international comparison of students’ results. This publication is oriented on the wide evaluation of basic statistical data in scientific, mathematical and reading literacy of students. We compare the main results of students in scientific, mathematical and reading literacy and the tendencies of GDP and expenditure to education from the GDP of the Member states of the European Union. PISA helps identify key problems and create effective school policy for all stakeholders.

It seems evident that the above-average education expenditure percentage of the gross domestic product affects also the above-average values of the index of the sum of the scores obtained in the pupils´ scientific, mathematical as well as reading literacy for the sum of the years 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015 in the period under review. It seems Member States which spend a higher above-average education expenditure percentage of their gross domestic product have, on a long-term basis, above-average and relatively stable results in the summary index but also individually – in the pupils´ scientific, mathematical and reading literacy.

Political and professional decisions to increase education expenditure evidently positively affect the quality of education at schools in general, regardless of how the “economy is doing”. Our results of the analysis support the assumption that even in the case of a state´s restrictive budget, expenditure on education and creative activity in general should not be restricted.
DIDACTICAL ASPECTS OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE MASTERS OF PHARMACY STUDENTS
Authors: Reva Tetiana , Nizhenkovska Iryna , Holik Olena
Published: October 2019

This article highlights the main problems in the national healthcare system of Ukraine that have an impact on its higher pharmaceutical education as well as examines the challenges the system of professional pharmaceutical training faces today. This paper deals with the didactical aspects of professional training of future Masters of Pharmacy students that ensure acquisition of professional competencies in the context of the course of pharmaceutical chemistry. The study delivers evidence that the outlined didactical aspects realized through the modern teaching technologies and proper forms of the learning process organization improve the academic performance of future Masters of Pharmacy students and contribute to an increase in their general motivation to study professionally-oriented disciplines
ELECTRONIC TEXTBOOKS FOR LEARNING THE EDUCATIONAL CONTENT IN GEOMETRY AS PART OF THE EDUCATION IN MATHEMATICS FOR GRADES 1 4
Authors: Temnikova Maria
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The modernization of Bulgarian primary school education is directed towards the applied strategies, technologies, approaches, and methods as well as towards the introduction of new information technologies in the educational process in mathematics in primary school. 

Object: The object of the present research work is to study certain specific characteristics, opportunities, the field of application and the efficiency of the electronic textbooks and their use by the teachers during the process of learning geometry content in the education of mathematics for Grades 1-4. 

Methods: The experimental work includes qualitative and quantitative research of the problems specified in the above paragraph. The following methods were applied: didactical experiment, observation, test, content analysis, mathematical-statistical method for data processing.

Results: The researchers performed observations and analysis of the frequency of use of electronic textbooks by the primary school teachers during geometry classes. Based on the results of the study it was found out that 86% of the teachers use electronic textbooks in their methodology work on a regular basis, 10% of them – from time to time and 4% do not use electronic textbooks at all. 

The analysis of the entry and the exit diagnostic determined that all student had an equal level of knowledge at the start of the experiment. However, the results on exit level of the knowledge, the skills and the competencies showed that there is significant difference. The results on the exit level of the students from the experimental class where electronic textbooks have been systematically used are from 26% to 34% higher than the results of the students from the referent class where textbook have not been systematically used.

Conclusion: The use of electronic textbooks for learning geometry content during mathematics classes in primary school must be scientifically grounded and precise. The introduction of the electronic textbooks into the educational process helps to put the students in an active cognitive position and motivates them for work during mathematics classes.
CIVIL AND MILITARY AVIATION EDUCATION AS INTERDISCIPLINARY DIDACTIC SYSTEM: UPDATED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCES
Authors: Zgodavová Zuzana , Čekanová Daniela , Jr Stanislav Szabo , Košuda Marek , Szabo Stanislav
Published: October 2019

On the basis of a national analysis and the expert discussion, this article presents a methodological approach to the realization of professional education and the creation of the required competencies for civilian and military aviation personnel, based on a system approach platform, with the application in the specific aviation education environment of future employees in the Transport sector. This article presents the third part of a study. The article used analysis and synthesis tools, the method “per partes” (integration in parts) and an expert method. The authors solved the following praxeological questions: How to identify the Interdisciplinary Didactic System for creating the required competencies of aviation personnel in the conditions of the Slovak Republic? What are the core themes of aviation knowledge in the Transport sector, the skills and competencies of our graduates? The strategic framework for the solutions is the implementation of a state education policy, the transport policy, the defence policy of the state and the relevant international and the European agenda, in the conditions of universities in Slovakia, in cooperation with their partners. The core outputs of this article are the framework knowledge, the skills and competences of graduates identified in the new field of study “Transport” in the Slovak Republic.
SEROLOGICAL RESULTS OF MVV AND CAEV ANTIBODIES IN SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM SHEEP AND GOAT FLOCKS OF ROMANIA
Authors: Enache Dan Alexandru , Baraitareanu Stelian , Dan Marius , Gurau Maria Rodica , Nuţiu Camelia , Sarbu Camelia , Danes Doina
Published: October 2019

INTRODUCTION: Maedi-Visna (MV) and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) are specific diseases of small ruminants caused by lentiretroviruses. These diseases are not a public health concern but they are important due to their economic impact.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyse the results of the serological screening for MVV and CAEV antibodies in samples collected from small ruminants farms located in 14 Romanian counties and the proximity of Bucharest city.

METHODS: The samples were analysed by indirect ELISA, using a commercial diagnosis kit. We investigated 702 serum samples in 160 iELISA tests: 148 pools (2-5 samples/pool) and 12 individual animals.

RESULTS: We noticed 27.50% positive samples that confirm the exposure to MVV and CAEV viruses of small ruminants, but the confirmation is requesting investigation using molecular biology tools or other serological techniques.

CONCLUSION: A reliable picture over the SRLV infections could underlie a national program for monitoring.
INVESTIGATION OF HEART RATE VARIABILITY BY STATISTICAL METHODS AND DETRENDED FLUCTUATION ANALYSIS
Authors: Georgieva-Tsaneva Galya Nikolova
Published: October 2019

The physiological signals that are recorded from different parts of the human body have a non-stationary nature and the tracking of their dynamics is an interesting research problem. This report examines Heart Rate Variability through the use of statistical methods of analysis that are traditionally used to study the functionality of the heart and via Detrended Fluctuation Analysis. The use of the technique of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis allows the investigation of short-term and long-term correlations in non-stationary Heart Rate Variability series. A study has been made of the changes in the functioning of the human heart, depending on the age. The study encompasses healthy individuals in three different age groups. The analysis of the obtained results shows a change in the correlated behavior of the investigated signals with an increase in age.
STUDY OF LIFE QUALITY AND TREATMENT SATISFACTION OF ROMANIAN DIABETIC PATIENTS
Authors: Muntean Andrei Cătălin , Morgovan Claudiu , Cosma Smaranda , Cosma Smaranda , Butucă Anca , Juncan Anca Maria , Rus Luca Liviu , Vonica Andreea Loredana , Gligor Felicia Gabriela , Ghibu Steliana
Published: October 2019

In Romania, antidiabetic medication is free, based on a program of the Ministry of Public Health: “Treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus”. Since October 1, 2006, antidiabetic drugs have been delivered through open circuit pharmacies in contractual relationship with the National Health Insurance House, after four years of centralized delivery through hospital pharmacies.

Objectives: This study aims to describe the influences of the diabetes treatment regarding patients’ quality of life and their satisfaction.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed in pharmacies. The study includes 477 patients with diabetes mellitus from Cluj County, Romania. The interviewing method was used on a questionnaire base. The participants included in the study admitted to participate in May-June, 2016.

The questionnaire was systematically developed following comprehensive literature review and structured according to 3 main fields: 1) patient demographics; 2) diabetes patient treatment and 3) glycaemia control and patient satisfaction.

Results: The research performed in two months showed that 78% of the respondents used oral antidiabetics for treatment, more than 19% of the inquired patients reached normal glycaemia values following antidiabetic treatment, and about 82% of patients were satisfied with the current system of acquisition of antidiabetic drugs.

Conclusions: The treatment with antidiabetic drugs maintains a relatively good health status. Also, the life expectancy of diabetic patients has increased over the past period.
PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACT OF RAPID IDENTIFICATION OF EPIDEMIOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS OF SALMONELLA SPP. BY MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Novak Martin , Kochlanova Tatiana , Tvrda Anna , Kotlebova Nina
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Infections caused by Salmonella are an ongoing worldwide public health problem, often found as a source of nosocomial infections, which cause significant socio-economic burdens. Salmonella is a major food-borne pathogen causing primarily gastrointestinal diseases as well as other localized and systemic infections and extraintestinal complications. MALDI-TOF MS is a new method used by clinical laboratories for rapid, reliable, cost-effective and user-friendly diagnosis of many medical important bacteria of public health interest. The use of this technique improves early identification of genus Salmonella on the species, subspecies and even serovar level, which has a positive impact on public health.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the importance of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for rapid identification of epidemiologically important Salmonella serovars. Based on the latest knowledge about specific biomarker molecules the possibility to identify Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis was verified, which is one of the most common serovars present in Europe associated with gastrointestinal diseases. For serovar Enteritidis a unique mass peak at m/z 6,036 was used.

Methods: 140 clinical Salmonella isolates were collected from January to October 2017. Serotyping of Salmonella species, subspecies and serovars was performed by slide agglutination technique: 139 isolates were identified as Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica and one isolate as Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae (IIIb). From 139 isolates of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica the following serovars were detected: 108 Enteritidis, 12 Typhimurium, 6 Infantis, 3 Agona, 3 Derby, 7 others. All isolates were identified also by MALDI-TOF MS as Salmonella spp. For all isolates a unique mass peak at m/z 6.036 was used, which is considered to be relevant for serovar Enteritidis according to the most recent known data.

Results: 103 isolates from a total of 108 slide agglutination positive isolates for serovar Enteritidis showed a specific mass signal at  m/z 6,036 (+/-). 5 isolates did not contain this specific protein. After repeated analysis from re-culture, the specific protein was found also in the remaining 5 isolates. 32 serovars other than Enteritidis did not contain this specific biomarker molecule.

Conclusion: We can confirm that MALDI-TOF MS is a rapid and reliable method to identify of the most common serovar Salmonella Enteritidis based on the diagnostic marker peak at m/z 6,036 identified by recent studies.  This unique mass signal showed 100% specificity and 95% sensitivity for Enteritidis serovar in our study. We can conclude that the determination of this frequently present serovar is significantly accelerated by MALDI-TOF MS. The rapid and reliable diagnosis is important for the early treatment and prevention of the spread of salmonellosis with a positive impact on public health.
Latest clinical research
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2019

Mark Greener rounds up the latest research relevant to primary care nurses
Effects of phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor SHBM1009 on cancer cells proliferation
Authors: Wu Dujiao , Huang LiHao , Shen Qi , Zhu Bijun
Published: October 2019

Abstract: Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays an important role in cellular proliferation and tumor progression. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential mechanism and therapeutic effects of new PI3K inhibitor SHBM1009 on various cancer cells of digestive system on proliferation.
Author Meets Critics: Buying Gay: How Physique Entrepreneurs Sparked a Movement
Authors: Johnson David K. , Bengry Justin , Parkin Katherine , Sender Katherine , Timke Edward
Published: October 2019

Abstract: This "Author Meets Critics" conversation focuses on David Johnson's book Buying Gay: How Physique Entrepreneurs Sparked a Movement (Columbia University Press, 2019). Johnson meets with four advertising and history scholars to discuss the following topics covered in the book: what physique magazines were and why there were important after World War II; advertisements in physique magazines; active government efforts to target and discriminate against LGBTQ individuals; important court cases contributing to advances in gay rights; the vulnerability of keeping and joining gay publication mailing lists; the imagined and virtual communities formed through gay publications and pen pal organizations; the market's place in shaping sexual identities; how gayness was defined after World War II; sexual identities' place in advertising and marketing; the international dimensions of physique culture and gay publications; and advice to advertisers, marketers, and other professors based on the reading of this book.
Disability and Advertising
Authors: Timke Edward
Published: October 2019

Abstract: Studies of advertising representations have often focused on important social categories such as class, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality, but it is less common that the discussion is centered on advertisers' tendency to sell able-bodied perfection. Therefore, this ADText unit focuses on disability and advertising. In addition to defining what is meant by disability and how it forms a complex social category and identity, the unit covers common historical and current representations of disability. Although there are positive signs of change in representing and including people with disabilities in the advertising business, fair and more respectful treatments of people with disabilities are still needed.
Review
Authors: Saeji CedarBough T.
Published: October 2019

Pop City: Korean Popular Culture and the Selling of Place, Youjeong Oh (2018) Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press, 252 pp., ISBN 978-1-50173-071-9, h/bk, $42.95
‘Daddy’s Lil Monster’: Suicide Squad, third-wave feminism and the pornification and queering of Harley Quinn
Authors: Geczy Adam , Karaminas Vicki
Published: October 2019

Harley Quinn as she is represented in the film Suicide Squad directed by Ayers (2016) marks a dramatic and provocative departure from the manner in which she was originally cast in the DC Comics Batman: The Animated Series (1992) and Mad Love (1994). Depicted as an anti-hero in a dysfunctional relationship with The Joker, she is now transformed into a deviant and defiant super-villain in the film. Gone is her harlequin costume to be replaced with fishnets, blue and red velvet hot pants with red brassiere and high-top Adidas sneakers with heels. Although Quinn has been represented as heterosexual and stereotypically feminine there has always been a queer subtext operating. This article will examine the pornification and queering of Harley Quinn, through dress codes and appearance. It will argue that visual signifiers of femininity challenge notions of gender and sexuality and fold heterosexuality back upon its historical imperatives and conventions.
The contribution of domestic animals to the transmission of schistosomiasis japonica in the Lindu Subdistrict of the Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
Authors: Budiono Novericko Ginger , Satrija Fadjar , Ridwan Yusuf , Handharyani Ekowati , Murtini Sri
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is endemic in Indonesia and is found in three remote areas in Central Sulawesi Province. Non-human mammals serve as reservoir hosts, meaning the disease is zoonotic. The previous schistosomiasis studies in animals from the Lindu Subdistrict did not determine which domestic animal species can serve as the primary source of transmission. No animals have been treated in Indonesia to control the disease; therefore, the parasite's life cycle is not blocked entirely. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with, Schistosoma japonicum infection in animals, and identify animals' relative contributions to S. japonicum transmission in the Lindu Subdistrict.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of S. japonicum infected animals was conducted in five villages of the Lindu Subdistrict. Fecal samples were collected from 134 selected animals (13 cattle, 26 buffaloes, 28 horses, 59 pigs, and 8 dogs). S. japonicum infection and infection intensity were determined using the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory method. Environmental contamination with schistosome eggs was measured. The data were analyzed using a Chi-square test.

Results: The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 32.9%, with the prevalence of infection in each species of animal at 61.5% in cattle, 42.3% in buffaloes, 25.0% in horses, 35.6% in pigs, and 12.5% in dogs. Free-range pigs were 8.667 times more likely to have S. japonicum infection than pigs kept in cages. Buffaloes, cattle, and horses were the primary sources of S. japonicum egg contamination, with relative transmission indices of 59.15%, 22.80%, and 10.61%, respectively.

Conclusion: Bovines and horses are the main contributors to schistosomiasis transmission in the Lindu Subdistrict. In conjunction with other schistosomiasis control programs, the government should treat infected animals living within endemic areas where there are high infection rates of S. japonicum.
Colonic Involvement of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Rare Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Claytor Jennifer D. , Herfarth Hans H. , Weaver Kimberly N.
Published: October 2019

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) represents a spectrum of rare but severe mucocutaneous drug reactions. Gastrointestinal involvement of SJS/TEN is associated with high morbidity and mortality and often presents 2–3 weeks after the initial appearance of skin lesions. There are no evidence-based treatment algorithms for the management of SJS/TEN. We report a case of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding from colonic involvement of SJS/TEN and discuss potential therapeutic options.
Clinical significance of Janus kinase inhibitors in the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis: achievements and prospects
Authors: Mazurov V. I. , Belyaeva I. B.
Published: October 2019

Significant successes in the use of biological agents (BA) have been achieved in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); nonetheless, about 36% of patients cannot respond to therapy or achieve the expected effect. A new area in the treatment of RA is the use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, targeted synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (chemical molecules with a molecular weight <1 kDa for oral administration) that inhibit the activity of intracellular signaling systems. The authors consider the clinical achievements and prospects, which open the use of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of RA.