bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution à la valorisation des ressources naturelles dans l’esprit entrepreneurial des jeunes Congolais
Authors: Bompate Mbolotomo Jérémie
Published: October 2024

This study is based on the entrepreneurial intentions of young Congolese who live in an economic environment that is very rich in natural resources but relatively poor in the spirit of entrepreneurship and capitalising on their country's natural resources. Few studies have been carried out into the entrepreneurial intentions of young people in the Congolese context. This is why we wanted to make a contribution in this field by using documentary techniques through an analysis of the literature and the inductive method to arrive at a synthesis. We concluded that the capitalisation of natural resources in the entrepreneurial intention of young Congolese remains an important step for the development of entrepreneurship in the country.
La ética en la investigación universitaria: un análisis de la conciencia ética entre estudiantes y profesores
Authors: Portelli Raymond , Ponce Alencastro Jhon Alexander , Alvarado Ortiz Juan de Jesús , Lozada Dario Murcia
Published: October 2024

La presión creciente por obtener resultados rápidos en la investigación universitaria puede comprometer los principios éticos fundamentales, como la no maleficencia y la justicia. Prácticas cuestionables, como el plagio y la manipulación de datos, socavan la integridad de los estudios académicos. Este contexto requiere un examen profundo de cómo se incorporan los valores éticos en los procesos de investigación y la influencia de la cultura institucional y las expectativas externas en esta práctica. La falta de un enfoque unificado en la enseñanza de la ética entre diversas instituciones y disciplinas dificulta el establecimiento de estándares universales, permitiendo interpretaciones variadas de los códigos éticos y una actitud permisiva ante los dilemas éticos. Este estudio, basado en un enfoque cualitativo y en una metodología de investigación documental, busca identificar áreas críticas relacionadas con la conciencia ética de estudiantes y profesores. A través de una revisión sistemática de la literatura existente, se analizan patrones y tendencias en la formación ética y su aplicación en la investigación. Los hallazgos revelan que la falta de formación ética adecuada entre los estudiantes limita su capacidad para enfrentar dilemas, contribuyendo a una conciencia ética restringida y facilitando prácticas que afectan negativamente la integridad del proceso investigativo.
The Role of Vaccination in Preventing Infectious Diseases
Authors:   School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda, Mwende Wairimu G.
Published: October 2024

Vaccination has played a critical role in preventing infectious diseases, resulting in the global eradication of terrible diseases such as smallpox and the near abolition of polio. This study investigates the historical evolution of vaccination, the processes by which vaccines stimulate the immune system, and the various vaccine types now in use. Furthermore, the advantages of vaccination, such as herd immunity and lower healthcare expenditures, are explored. Despite these advantages, vaccination programs confront several problems, including disinformation, vaccine reluctance, and new diseases. The study continues by underlining the importance of ongoing worldwide efforts in vaccine development and administration to prevent the comeback of vaccine-preventable diseases and address emerging infectious risks. Keywords: Vaccination, Immunization, Infectious diseases, Herd immunity, Vaccine-preventable diseases.
Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer in Africa: An In-Depth Review
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda, Nyiramana Mukamurera P.
Published: October 2024

Prostate cancer is a major health challenge in Africa, presenting significant regional disparities in incidence and outcomes. This review provides an in-depth examination of the epidemiology of prostate cancer on the continent, considering a range of factors that influence its prevalence and management. Genetic predispositions, including mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and HOXB13, play a crucial role, with African populations displaying unique genetic variants contributing to higher incidence rates. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and substance use, also impact prostate cancer risk. Traditional African diets, rich in fruits and vegetables, may offer protective benefits, while modern dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles are linked to increased risk. Socioeconomic determinants, including access to healthcare, educational attainment, and financial barriers, significantly affect diagnosis and treatment, often leading to late-stage presentations. Hormonal and biological factors, such as androgen levels and age-related changes, further influence disease development. Infections, inflammatory conditions, and occupational exposures also contribute to risk. Cultural and behavioral influences, including traditional beliefs and health-seeking behaviors, impact prevention and management strategies. The review highlights the challenges faced by healthcare infrastructure and screening programs, emphasizing the need for improved access, public awareness, and tailored interventions. Addressing these factors through comprehensive public health strategies, including enhanced screening, lifestyle modifications, and cultural sensitivity, is essential for improving prostate cancer outcomes across Africa. Keywords: Epidemiology, Prostate Cancer, Africa, Genetic, Biological factor.
The Role of Public Health in Promoting Health Literacy
Authors:   School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda, Mugo Moses H.
Published: October 2024

Health literacy, the ability to obtain, process, and understand health information to make informed decisions, is critical to individual and community well-being. This paper examines public health’s essential role in promoting health literacy, emphasizing the importance of equipping populations with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to make sound health decisions. Public health initiatives, partnerships with healthcare providers, and culturally competent health education programs are pivotal to improving health literacy. The review emphasizes the need for strategic policy recommendations to ensure that health literacy becomes a public health priority. By fostering health literacy, public health can improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and empower individuals and communities. Keywords: Health literacy, Public health, Health education, Healthcare communication, Community health.
Advances in quantifying the impact of blue green infrastructure systems on human health and wellbeing
Authors: Maksimović Čedo
Published: October 2024

Background: This paper presents the synthesis of author's research group results, starting with UNESCO endorsed IUWM (Integrated Urban Water Management) project, continuing with EU Climate_KIC project: Blue Green Dream (BGS/BGD) and 2 ongoing EU projects: euPOLIS and HEART, in which the Institute of Public Health of Serbia, BATUT and KBC Dr Dragiša Mišović play significant role as medical partners. Methods and Objectives: The key hypothesis of this research is that properly planned, maintained and managed urban water systems, interacting with urban green infrastructure (GI) can create locally improved environmental conditions which have positive impacts on human health and wellbeing and that their long-term impact can be quantified if supported by proper selection of sensors and monitoring system, integrated with advanced data acquisition, processing and management. These systems need to be supported by all local stakeholders, their awareness raising, combined with clinical and non-clinical data supported by advanced information and knowledge creation and management. The paper demonstrates that, the above methodology can predict and quantify mitigation of negative impact of climate changes and sets up the implementation framework of the projects' paradigm at global scale. The long-term deliverable is a framework for extrapolation of the projects' methodology to the other parts of the demo sites (Athens, Belgrade, Gladsaxe, Łodz, Århus), in the follower cities (Bogota, Limassol, Palermo, Shanghai and Trebinje) and scaling-up to any other city on the planet Earth. Results: Preliminary results achieved in the ongoing projects will be presented and will be open for discussion. Conclusions: The results achieved in these ongoing projects will be open for further inputs and will serve as a basis for developing implementation strategies at both regional and global scale.
Challenges to the future development of health and health systems: From local to global: Opportunities for public health
Authors: Albreht Tit
Published: October 2024

Rapid changes in the development of societies further complicate already existing challenges, such as demographic and epidemiological transition. We are faced with an increasing degree of individualization and the development of particular and private interests, but also with movements that deny certain achievements of medicine and healthcare. Classical and mass approaches are therefore quite limited in their possibilities and in their reach. The largest number of such challenges (and some earlier ones) surfaced during the covid-19 pandemic. We saw a lot of mistakes in communication, especially with the healthy part of the population, which were then reflected in the resistance to the measures that were proposed with the aim of suppressing the spread of the virus. Interventions in the field of lifestyle and environmental protection represent a more recent challenge. Possibilities and opportunities for public health The experience of public health as a whole in the last and the beginning of this century is certainly positive and with significant achievements. But in order to be able to continue with successful work, it is necessary to strengthen some of our areas of work. 1. Work in the local community - this is not only about the promotion of preventive programs in the local community, but above all about work for the development of health and primarily with the healthy 2. Coordination of preventive activities and interventions in the field of lifestyle and environment - the link between national and global priorities 3. Development of communication skills in public health 4. Cross-level and interdisciplinary cooperation in the health system 5. Innovative activities with young people.
RSV detection as part of integrated laboratory surveillance of respiratory viruses in Macedonia
Authors: Boševska Golubinka , Buzharov Teodora , Kochinski Dragan , Nikolovska Gordana , Karishik Senada , Simova Milica , Peshnacka Aneta , Jancheska Elizabeta , Polozani Enkela , Popova Gorica , Stavridis Kristina
Published: October 2024

Background: Infections caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) occure most frequent in childhood causing a disease similar to a cold, but can also cause severe disease such as bronchopneumonia and pneumonia, especially in elderly above 65 years and immunocompromised persons. Objectives and Methods: Aim is to present the integration of RSV in laboratory surveillance of respiratory viruses in Macedonia Laboratory surveillance of respiratory viruses is conducted by the Laboratory for virology, Institute of Public Health. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 793 patients (pts) as part of SARI (683 pts) and routine surveillance of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (110 pts) during the period 2022 - May 2024. A real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) test was performed for detection of RSV RNA. 52 samples were subject to sequencing. Results: In both seasons, a total of 190 samples were positive for RSV. 172 were among children aged 0-4 years. Most of the cases (109) are from the capital city Skopje. The higher number is detected among SARI cases (174 people), which indicates the importance of following the case definition for SARI. RSV type B was detected in all sequenced samples in the season 2022-2023, and RSV type A in the season 2023-2024. Consensus sequences of RSV have been deposited in the GISAID database as well as in the WHO and EDC Respiratory Pathogen Surveillance System (TESSy) to identify pandemics and outbreaks. Conclusions: Integration of RSV into existing respiratory pathogen surveillance programs is important to detect the burden, transmissibility, and virulence of RSV among susceptible populations and to direct preventive and control measures particularly during the emergence of outbreaks and pandemics. Molecular methods are recommended for rapid detection and genetic characterization of RSV infections.
Partnerships and public health
Authors: Bino Silvia
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Partnerships in public health play a critical role for effectively addressing public health issues and challenges, improving outcomes, ensuring preparedness and responding to emergencies and pandemics. A partnership is a collaboration that brings together different stakeholders and partners, various sectors within the government and outside it with academic institutions, private industry, international and national agencies and civil society and community groups that combine expertise, resources, and reach different groups to address complex public health issues. Objectives and Methods: The aim of work is to present the work of key partnerships in South East European region and their role in public health in this region. Results: The main stakeholders in the region are governement with ministries of health and social affairs or welfares and public health institutes, ministries of agriculture and veteranry issues and veterianry or food safety institutes and other emergency operation agencies that set health policies, lead public health initiatives, and coordinate responses to health crises. Internationaonal public health agencies such as WHO, ECDC, HERA or others such as CDC, USA, SEEHN or SECID are part of global health partnerships governments partner with to combat global health threats such as infectious diseases, pandemicsm coordinate research, and share resources. Universities and research institutions are also at the forefront of public health research, contributing to the development of diagnostic tools, vaccines, therapies, and health policy or strategic solutions. Academic institutions often collaborate with health agencies to analyze epidemiological data and inform policy decisions or prepare policy documents. Others such as NGOs, civil societies and grass rootes organisations play a critical role in providing healthcare services, advocacy, and capacity-building, especially in under-resourced areas. They also help to bridge gaps in public health systems. Conclusions: Government agencies have enforced public health measures, allocated funding, and mobilized resources during emergencies (e.g., COVID-19 and the vaccination efforts). Academic partnerships have provided evidence-based guidance, developed new technologies, and trained future public health professionals. While international partnerships have helped to face crisis and further develop our public health surveillance systems. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, research institutions, industries, private sector and communities enables a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing public health challenges. These partnerships are particularly critical in times of crisis, such as during pandemics, when a coordinated, multi-sector response is essential to save lives and mitigate health risks. But we need to establish them before the crisis is going on.
Consequences of epidemics in rural areas of Western Serbia during the second decade of the twentieth century
Authors: Krivošejev Vladimir
Published: October 2024

The appearance of different, local, or broader epidemics was frequent in Serbia during peacetime, especially during the war years. For decades, historical science and the history of medicine paid great attention to the outbreak of three combined types of typhus: spotted, relapsing, and typhoid from the first half of 1915, and only recently to the consequences of the Spanish fever pandemic, specifically its second wave from the end of 1918, while other epidemics have been neglected. This work aims to indicate the occurrence and consequences of those other epidemics, with noticeable mortal consequences, which were observed in Serbia during the years of the First World War, but also their occurrence in the previous, pre-war years. The research is a case study based on a random sample selected according to the availability of primary historical sources, namely church death registers. The situation was analyzed in a part of the territory of western Serbia, in five church parishes of the Valjevo and Užice districts, with 26 rural settlements in which 16,039 inhabitants were registered in 1910. It was there during the eight-year period 1911-1918. a total of 4,522 inhabitants died, of which more than half - 2,620 - were caused by various epidemic diseases. The largest number of victims - 826 - was claimed by the aforementioned large epidemic of three combined typhus types from the first half of 1915. The second wave of the Spanish fever pandemic, from the very end of 1918, claimed 530 lives. The rest were victims of other local epidemics of diphtheria (244), scarlet fever (205), whooping cough (188), as well as smallpox, dysentery and typhoid fever, which occurred with similar mortality in pre-war (1911-1913) and wartime (1914-1918) periods.
Following the resistance pattern of mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Shurbeska Boneva , Nikolovska Jasmina , Mitrevski Vladimir , Zejnel Sead , Chamurovski Nikola , Merdžanovski Ersin , Savin Ivanovska , Aleksovska Gjuzelova , Jorganovikj Stojkoska , Bikova Gjurgjica , Sandevski Aleksandar , Filipce Milcho , Nanović Zorica , Metodieva Marija , Pilovska Karolina , Tushevska Mitkovska
Published: October 2024

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) accounts for over 40% of all mortality cases from communicable diseases in Europe.Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is TB that does not respond to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful anti-TB drugs. 30 countries worldwide are classified as high multi drug resistant (MDR) TB burden countries, nine are in the European Region. The emergence of combined resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid (MDR-TB) is a matter of global concern. Methods and Objectives: Over a period of 10 years we examined patient specimens for TB. Culture-positive samples were subjected to identification, and those cultures identified as M. tuberculosis (MTB) complex were subjected to drug susceptibility testing (DST). DST for first-line drugs was performed using proportional method on Lowenstein Jensen, and in recent years, rapid molecular techniques recommended by WHO (GeneXpert). DST for second line drugs was assessed using Geno Type MTBDRsl. Results: In the period 2012-2022 we tested 1554 TB strains, 1449 (93,24%) were found to be sensitive and 99 (6,37%) resistant to first-line drugs. 75 strains (4,83%) were monoresistant, 15 (0,96%) of which were resistant only to Rifampicin. Of the total 1423 strains, 22 (1,41%) were found to be MDR. Conclusions: Currently a low 1,41% of our isolates are MDR. It is necessary to strengthen our TB laboratory capacity for early detection of drug-resistant TB. This is best done by using rapid molecular diagnosis as an initial method for all cases with clinical suspicion of TB.
Water quality on the beaches of the Tamish River
Authors: Nikolovski Dubravka , Žuža Đorđel , Đurić Snežana , Stajić Tamara , Minić-Vasić Jelena , Trajković Suzana
Published: October 2024

Background: Monitoring of bathing water on the Tamish River includes control of surface water at measuring points in Pancevo, Jabuka and Glogonj. Over many years, the quality of the river Tamish has shown unsatisfactory results. Methods and Objectives: Data from regular monitoring of surface waters for bathing and recreation were processed. The examination period covers 2018-2023. The data are presented descriptively for the ecological status of the Tamish River with some pollution indicators, the Serbian water quality index, and risk assessment based on the number of enterococci. Results: The results show that the physico-chemical parameters that deviate from the III class of ecological status at all three measurement sites are: dissolved oxygen, BOD5, COD, total nitrogen and iron. The microbiological parameters that deviate at the measuring points Jabuka and Glogonj are total coliforms and intestinal enterococci. The latest data show that the waters belonged to class V ecological status in all three places. According to the Serbian water quality index, they were bad, and according to the risk assessment for gastrointestinal diseases, the risk was high in 2018 and 2021, and medium in the other years. None of the beaches meet the hygiene standards for bathing areas. Conclusions: It is necessary to arrange the beaches according to hygiene requirements, prohibit the discharge of untreated wastewater and atmospheric water into the river, monitor the impact of wastewater from the old landfill and remove rafts on the river.
Recommendations for risk communication in biological or chemical terror attacks
Authors: Berg Veire
Published: October 2024

Background: The EU-funded Joint Action Terror project aims to address cross-sectoral gaps in the health preparedness to respond to a biological or chemical terror attack. An important part of the project is risk communication. Risk communication is defined as a core capacity in the International Health Regulations (WHO). One of the deliverables from the project is a guideline for risk communication. What can we learn from existing guidelines, what are the experiences from known incidents, and what sort of recommendations can give added value to European countries? This article aims to present the recommendations on risk communication, alongside with supplementary experiences from exercises and real events over the past year. Methods and Objectives: The methodology underlying the recommendations has been to identify best practices, existing guidelines, main theoretical concepts, literature reviews, case studies, and input from workshops and exercises. The objective for the recommendations has been to identify gaps in existing guidelines that this project could fill in for. Results: The recommendations highlight the need for cross-sectoral planning of risk communication on a strategic level, the need for updated preparedness plans, public awareness, communication targeted against vulnerable groups, disclosure of information that could protect people's health and life, trust and healing, social media and the handling of disinformation. Since biological or chemical terror attack are rare, the recommendations should be implemented using an all-hazards approach. Conclusions: A biological or chemical terror attack will challenge how to communicate quickly and in a coordinated manner both to the public and between the sectors responsible for the response. Specifically, the need for cross-sectoral planning for risk communication in an all-hazards approach at a strategic level is recommended.
Dimensional measurement accuracy to health, quality of life and health related quality of life
Authors: Subashi Brunilda , Kamberi Fatjona , Kokalla Erlini , Fetahu Lejdi , Brokaj Stiliana , Rakipaj Majlinda , Taraj Deona
Published: October 2024

Background: Health is only one dimension of quality of life, and quality of life is more than health status, clinical symptoms, or functional ability, however it might be challenging to distinguish between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and both health and quality of life (QoL). Methods and Objectives: This study aims to identify dimensional measurement accuracy to health, quality of life and health related quality of life, and the focus of studies related to these terms. The PubMed database was searched for studies related to the terms 'dimensional measurement accuracy', 'health', 'quality of life', and 'quality of life related to health' without time limit. Results: A total of 14 results were found from the search: 4 results in relation to 'health', 5 results in relation to 'quality of life', 5 results in relation to 'health related quality of life. Among the 4 studies found in relation to health and dimensions of health, 2 of them had the objective of highlighting the importance of physical activity (respectively 6-minute walking and cardiorespiratory fitness) while one of them had the objective to compare weight estimation methods in an inner-city pediatric population with high obesity rates, while another study emphasizes the role of spatial contiguity and interfeature distances in the composite face illusion. While the 5 studies related to quality of life and health related quality of life turned out to be the same studies. 3 of the studies are related to the development and validation of an instrument (PROM) with respectively objectives, one study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of various symptoms and domains in differentiating patients with fibromyalgia from healthy controls, and the other study aims to assess psychological personal factors in individuals with spinal cord injury using Rasch analysis. Conclusions: The accuracy and precision of the dimensional measurement is essential for the validity and reliability of the studies.
Optimizing alcohol interventions in sororities: A social network analysis approach
Authors: Miljković Kristina , Valente Thomas , Ward Rose
Published: October 2024

Background: Alcohol consumption is prevalent among college students in sororities and fraternities (i.e., Greek life) across America, with members exhibiting an elevated risk for risk-oriented alcohol consumption. Addressing this public health concern requires optimizing alcohol intervention strategies by understanding drinking network structures. Traditionally, formal leadership in these organizations is leveraged to disseminate preventive measures. This study investigates a sorority's drinking buddy network to identify influential members and their roles, thereby informing more targeted and effective intervention approaches. Methods: Social network analysis was applied to examine the structure of a drinking buddy network within a sorority at a Midwestern university. Survey data from 99 members (45.21% response rate) were analyzed to identify drinking patterns. UCINet was used to assess network centrality, subgroups, and homophily based on year in school and leadership roles. The hypothesis was that a member's year in school and leadership role within the sorority would be significantly related to their ties in the network. Results: The analysis revealed that year in school significantly correlated with drinking ties (r = 0.092, p < 0.001), with members predominantly associating within their cohort. Contrary to expectations, sorority leaders were less central in the drinking network and did not significantly influence alcohol-related social connections (Adj R² = 0.003, p > 0.09). Instead, non-leaders were highly central and pivotal in network connectivity, suggesting that these individuals may be key network actors for intervention strategies. Conclusions: These findings challenge the conventional reliance on sorority leadership for alcohol risk management intervention delivery. The results suggest shifting focus to central, non-leaders within drinking networks. Targeting these key network actors could enhance the diffusion and effectiveness of intervention initiatives, aligning intervention points with the actual social structure. Further research should explore the broader applicability of network-based strategies in public health interventions within Greek life.
Evaluation of the knowledge about hepatitis B of high school students in the city of Vlore, Albania: Need for information and awareness
Authors: Jaho Jerina , Malaj Krenar
Published: October 2024

Background: Hepatitis B is a disease that affects the liver, leading to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Being an infectious disease, anyone is at risk of being affected by it. Especially, young adults who are sexually active, drug users and not well-informed. Methods and Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge that teenagers have about this disease and also the attitude they have about awareness or preventive measures to be affected by the Hepatitis B virus. The data was collected from high school students of the three largest public high schools in the city of Vlore. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to knowledge about the ways of transmission, the preventive vaccine and the attitude on vaccination. Results: A total of 543 young people agreed to participate and answered all the questions. Young people lacked information about hepatitis B. 470 students answered that unprotected sexual intercourse is the most common way of transmission. Likewise, 157 students declared that they were not at risk of being affected by hepatitis B and 290 did not believe in the hepatitis B vaccine. Adolescents referred that the main source of information is social media. Conclusions: In conclusion, young adults lack adequate knowledge about hepatitis B, risk factors and the role of the vaccine. Addressing misconceptions and myths about hepatitis B is crucial. By increasing awareness and understanding, we can enhance prevention efforts and reduce the burden of hepatitis B in adolescents.
Utilization of private healthcare services in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Mihailović Isidora , Atanasijević Dragana
Published: October 2024

Background: Health care represents the basic segment of every developed social community, with the aim of preserving and improving the health of the population. Utilization of healthcare encompasses various aspects, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Factors influencing healthcare utilization are numerous and complex, including the availability and accessibility to the healthcare services, an individual's economic status, educational attainment, demographic characteristics, and cultural and social norms. Methods: The goal was to determine, through descriptive statistics, the characteristics of attitudes and factors that influence the utilization of Private Healthcare Services in Serbia of the population aged 15 years and over. We used data from the 2019 National Health Survey (NHS). The final sample thus included 13,178 participants. Results: According to the data obtained in this study, Private Healthcare Services was used more often by women 57.2%. Among the age groups, respondents aged 35 to 54 (37.6%) and older than 55 to 74 (37.6%) most often used Private Healthcare Services, as well as those with secondary education (46.5%) and good health (55.3%). Of the four observed regions, 32.5% are most often in Belgrade. Conclusion: Unmet health needs of the population present a significant challenge for the health care system. Understanding the factors associated with the utilization of private outpatient services could help in the development of effective initiatives designed to enhance outpatient care access among the population of Serbia and balance the burden of outpatient care provision on the public and private sector.
Employee satisfaction in the Institute of Public Health of Šabac and the Mačva District (year 2019-2023.)
Authors: Stojanović Olivera , Stokić-Mirković Vesna , Vujković Branko
Published: October 2024

Backround: Employee satisfaction is one of the most important, motivating factors that contribute to the quality of work of a healthcare institution and the quality of services that employees in the healthcare system provide to users. That is why it is very important to regularly conduct research in this area, evaluate the results and implement measures to constantly improve employee satisfaction. Methods and objectives: The paper presents the results of research from 2019. to 2023. year. The aim of the research is to assess the professional satisfaction of employees in the Institute of Public Health of Šabac as well as to compare it with the level of professional satisfaction of employees in the Mačva District. The research was conducted through an anonymous survey, created by the Ministry of Health, according to the methodological instructions of the Institute for Public Health "Dr. Milan Jovanović Batut". The questionnaire evaluates various aspects of job satisfaction: Satisfaction with working conditions, the possibility of professional development and continuous education, the relationship with management staff, direct cooperation with colleagues, the relationship between patients and employees. Respondents have the opportunity to express their satisfaction with certain aspects on a scale of 1 to 5. Over a five-year period, more than 8,000 employees in health care institutions of the District participated in the research. Results: Results of the research show that the average rating of general satisfaction is higher in the Institute compared to the average rating in the Mačva District. In the analyzed time interval, the average rating of general satisfaction of employees in the Institute is 3.67, and in the District 3.56. Employees of the Institute are 3% more satisfied with their work, compared to employees in other health institutions of the District. Conclusion: Bearing in mind the results of the research, it can be concluded that the employees of the Institute are more satisfied with their work compared to the employees of the Mačva District, especially in the sphere of satisfaction with equipment, work space, available time for work and financial compensation.
Food safety risk perception: Gender differences
Authors: Azabagić Selma , Mokayes Nadina
Published: October 2024

Background: A significant factor in food safety is the consumers perception. The aim of this study is to determine consumers perception of food safety in the city of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to analyze the risk perception differences between genders. Methods and Objectives: The study included citizens of both genders (total sample was n = 211, 99 men, 112 women), between the ages of 15 and 55, during the year 2022 in Tuzla Canton in B&H. The standardized Food Safety Questionnaire was used through an online platform. Results: 52.1% of respondents stated that safety is one of the things that concerns them, while 26.5% stated that safety is the main concern when choosing food. Awareness and risk perception of food safety are at a high level, but the difference between genders is not significant either in the interest in food safety (P= 0.366) or in awareness and risk perception (P= 0.268). Conclusion: The results encourage continuous strengthening of awareness about the importance of food safety and informing the public. It would be desirable to compare the attitudes of people from rural and urban areas, and the entire population of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Utopia or doom?
Authors: Tešmanović Darko
Published: October 2024

Background: We call them Generation Z and they are children born between 1997 and 2012. They feel more comfortable on the Internet than at parties, they are physically safer than adolescents have ever been (they participate in traffic less, use alcohol less). But they are on the verge of a mental health crisis. They do not know life without mobile phones and tablets. Around 2011-12. psychologists notice sudden changes in the behavior and emotional states of teenagers. Methods and Objectives: The background and data were obtained by looking at the Netflix documentary "The Social Dilemma", the documents of the Center for Humane Technology and the work of psychology professor Jean Twenge. Examine the link between mental health and social networks; are social media throwing today's kids into depression? Results: The advent of the smartphone has radically changed every aspect of teenagers' lives, from the nature of their social interactions to their mental health. Rates of teenage depression and suicide have skyrocketed since 2011. Today's teenagers are less likely to leave home without their parents. Therefore, they are less likely to have fun and enter into romantic relationships. The decline in dating is accompanied by a decline in sexual activity. These teenagers describe getting a driver's license as something their parents forced them to do. That would have been unimaginable to previous generations. Across the spectrum of behaviors-drinking, going out, spending time unsupervised: 18-year-olds now behave more like 15-year-olds, and 15-year-olds more like 13year-olds. Social networks carry additional opportunities to feel excluded and lonely when they see their friends or classmates gathering without them. Smartphones are also disrupting teenagers' sleep: many now sleep less than seven hours a night. Conclusions: Greater control over the use of devices, limiting the time spent on the screen, blocking dangerous contacts and "technology-free zones" at home are suggested, so that children can also adopt healthy habits.
Sustainable trade facilitation: Evidence from small and medium enterprises in Serbia and CEFTA 2006 region
Authors: Popović-Petrović Ivana , Dragutinović-Mitrović Radmila
Published: October 2024

This paper analyses the wide range of trade facilitation measures implemented by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a focus on the CEFTA 2006 region. Generally, SMEs are more exposed to numerous impediments provoked by customs administration activities than large enterprises. Among them, trade costs seem to be more significant barriers to SMEs enrollments into international market than tariffs. The problem of trade costs may be partially overcome due to implementation of trade facilitation measures, as essential for SMEs competitiveness on international market and for the deeper regional trade integrations. The analysis is based on a relatively new methodology of the UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, as the only source of trade facilitation data for SMEs in observed region. One of the main advantages of this data source is the fact that trade facilitation measures go beyond articles of the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement, meaning that it also covers other specific measures. Some of these specific measures are contained in the Sustainable Trade Facilitation group which is associated with sustainable development goals focused on inclusive economic growth for vulnerable categories, such as SMEs. The results indicate that, within Sustainable trade facilitation group, Serbia and other CEFTA 2006 signatories did not achieve full implementation of most measures which enhance opportunities for SMEs in the observed period 2017-2023. Particularly, the lowest implementation rate was identified in SMEs access to Single Window. Despite these modest results, some progress in implementation of trade facilitation measures for SMEs is evident in relatively short period. This is the case particularly in Serbia with the best performing in 2023 compared not only to CEFTA 2006 average, but to developed countries as well. It was the only CEFTA 2006 signatory with implementation progress in all measures within the sub-group of trade facilitation for SMEs as the main stakeholders in international trade and key for sustainable and inclusive growth.
Biometrics, video surveillance and facial recognition technologies in Republic of Croatia
Authors: Paljug Karlo
Published: October 2024

The paper aims to point out some of the key issues of modern society in the context of data protection in the way of ensuring public safety. The use of video surveillance, biometrics and facial recognition technology is placed in the context of the Republic of Croatia, and the largest part of the work is devoted to these issues.
International law in countering fake news: Scope and alternatives
Authors: Todorović Marko
Published: October 2024

This paper delves into the intricate role of international law in countering the surge of fake news, particularly within the digital realm, and its potential ramifications for international peace and security. The analysis draws upon various sources of international law, including the principle of non-intervention, the International Convention Concerning the Use of Broadcasting in the Cause of Peace, and the Convention on the International Right of Correction, as well as secondary literature that examines the relationship between fake news and international law. The findings suggest that while international law establishes a framework discouraging the creation and dissemination of fake news by entities subject to international law, this regulatory structure proves insufficient in the face of contemporary challenges. Presently, establishing the culpability of a specific entity for the production and/or dissemination of a particular piece of fake news has become exceedingly complex. Furthermore, achieving a consensus within the international community on this issue seems implausible, hindering the likelihood of further development of international law in this domain. Consequently, the author proposes three alternative avenues for regulating fake news: first, through national legislation, as exemplified by the Republic of Serbia; second, via supra-national European legislation; and third, through "self-regulation" by multinational information companies such as Alphabet, Meta, and Twitter. Each of these approaches represents distinct strategies that could offer more pragmatic and feasible solutions in the ongoing battle against the proliferation of fake news.
Determination of rational parameters of liquid finishing of leather semi-finished product using acrylic polymer and modified fats
Authors: Zaiets Antonina , Andreyeva Olga
Published: October 2024

A mathematical model of the processes of liquid finishing of semi-finished leather products using modern chemical materials in the form of acrylic polymer and modified fats has been obtained, revealing the influence of the consumption of these materials on the content of substances extracted by organic solvents (the so-called unbound fat), elongation at a stress of 10 MPa and the yield of leather by area. Rational parameters of liquid finishing have been determined, allowing for more efficient use of scarce raw materials while reducing the harmful burden on the environment.
Optimizing textile effluents treatment: From conventional to cutting-edge solutions
Authors: Vlahović Milica , Vušović Nenad , Vlahović Miljan , Mihajlović Slavica , Žarković Darja
Published: October 2024

The textile industry is a significant global water consumer, generating wastewater laden with pollutants such as dyes, organic compounds, detergents, and heavy metals. The safe disposal and treatment of these effluents are critical to mitigating severe environmental threats, including pollution of water bodies and health risks to humans and aquatic life. This paper reviews various methods for treating textile wastewater, focusing on the ecological and regulatory demands for sustainable water management. Traditional treatment approaches, often insufficient, have driven the exploration of advanced and integrated wastewater treatment technologies. Key methods include physical, chemical, and biological treatments, alongside emerging techniques like membrane filtration, activated carbon adsorption, and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). AOPs, particularly, off er high efficiency in removing non-biodegradable organic pollutants, making them a promising solution for the textile industry. This comprehensive review underscores the need for innovative, cost-effective, and eco-friendly treatment strategies to ensure sustainable operations and compliance with environmental standards.
Braća R. Pijade hosiery factory
Authors: Lukić Nenad , Ćosović Olivera
Published: October 2024

Based on preserved sources, the paper shows the establishment and operation of the Braća R. Pijade Hosiery Factory. This little-known factory has been in business since 1927, surviving on the domestic market and maintaining stable production despite the challenges imposed by various regulations and dictates of the cartel, made up of the largest hosiery manufacturers. Located in Belgrade and owned by Lazar Pijade, it had men's, women's and children's socks in its assortment. Although the business was burdened with various debts, it continued until the Second World War and the tragic fate of the owner's family.
Singapore: Insights from Hong Kong Case Law on Locating the Source of Business Profits
Authors: Poh E.H.
Published: October 2024

This article reviews landmark cases from Hong Kong concerned with locating the source of business profits. It extracts guiding principles from these cases and evaluates their relevance in interpreting statutory provisions that define the scope of income taxation in Singapore, and for resolving issues relating to whether business profits are sourced in Singapore.
Effect Of Post-Sintering Heat Treatments On Mechanical And Tribological Properties Of A Ni-Cu-Mo Alloyed PM Steel
Authors: Fortini Annalisa , Vezzani Ottavia , Gragnanini Michele , Garagnani Gian Luca , Merlin Mattia
Published: October 2024

Powder metallurgy (PM) steels containing diffusion-bonded Ni are characterized by microstructural inhomogeneities related to the lack of Ni diffusion during sintering. As a result of sinter-hardening treatment a martensitic microstructure with Ni-rich austenite areas is obtained. Aiming at homogenizing the Ni distribution by diffusion, in the present study two different post-sintering treatments were performed, consisting in a vacuum quenching at 900 °C for 1 h and 3 h, respectively, followed by inert gas cooling. Microstructural evolution was investigated through hardness tests, optical and scanning electron microscopy, coupled with image analysis techniques. The mechanical properties of sinter-hardened and heat-treated samples were evaluated through Charpy impact, tensile and pin-on-disk tribological tests. The main effect on material properties was given by austenite content reduction and the resulting formation of Ni-rich martensite.
Modelling Of The Uf6 To Uo2 Conversion Process
Authors: Marie Antoine , Nicollet Cédric , Bischoff Jeremy , Viry Frédéric , Namy Patrick
Published: October 2024

The ceramic-grade nuclear powder can be produced under two main routes, dry or wet "reconversion" processes, consisting in transforming crystalline UF6 as UO2 powder usable to produce fuel pellets. The dry conversion processes, used in Framatome, are divided in two steps: pyrohydrolysis and reduction by thermal treatments. The process used in Romans manufacturing plant has been studied years ago, but the improvements applied since and the product evolution associated have not been modelled. \n First, the UF6 to UO2F2 reaction and vessel are being modelled, with as benefits: \n • Better understanding of the process, \n • Set-up parametric tests without using industrial equipment, \n • Development of a numerical twin to be used as a training tool.\n In a further extent, the purpose is to be able to model the whole reaction vessel and calciner, including the chemical and thermic reactions, in order to correlate the final UO2 properties to the process parameters.