bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Development of Artificial Intelligence in Career Initiation Education and Implications for China
Authors: Cheng Yao , Liang Yu Si
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently exerting a significant impact on the development of career guidance education, facilitating personalized guidance and data-driven decision-making for students. The historical and evolutionary trajectory of AI-driven career guidance education can be traced back to its early stages as assistive functionalities, which have now advanced to encompass robust learning applications, such as multimedia and interactive features, machine learning, and natural language processing. Notably, AI has transcended its conventional role in vocational development and expanded into the realms of social and emotional learning. The complexity of AI research in international contexts necessitates consideration of various factors, including cognitive development, parental involvement and supervision, and cultural backgrounds. Despite certain limitations in utilizing AI for career exploration, it has brought numerous impacts and insights. These primarily manifest in the areas of data-driven decision-making and the outlook for career exploration, the demand for cultural sensitivity in AI-driven career guidance, and the provision of personalized career guidance through artificial intelligence in education.
Synthesis of Methods for Distance Digital Learning of Portraiture (On the Example of the Theme “Portrait of a Woman on a Light Background”)
Authors:   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Gagarina Irina S.
Published: October 2023

Conventional art education at the present stage is actively developing. Nowadays there is a purposeful search for means and mechanisms of knowledge transfer from teacher to students using digital technologies. The article reviews the existing teaching methods, the use of which can be applied in the system of remote art edu-cation to improve the level of practical skills in painting, drawing and composition. As an example, the theme “Portrait of a Woman on a Light Background in Painting” was chosen as a training course for a teacher of art disciplines at the Russian State Pedagogical University. A.I. Herzen. The main five methods of online learning are considered, which can be applied using platforms, social networks and instant messengers that can elimi-nate communication difficulties as well as helping to achieve effective solution of educational tasks.
Scientific Approaches to the Study of the Genesis of the Ideas of Substitute Parenting in Russia in the XX Century
Authors:   Moscow Pedagogical State University, Novikova Maria V.
Published: October 2023

The article considers substitute parenting in Russia in the XX century, perceived as a pedagogical formative impact on a child in a foster family, from the perspective of rationalist, natural science, modernization, anthro-pological, axiological and synergetic scientific approaches. These approaches allow solving different problems and opening new angles of the phenomenon under study, which makes it possible to represent substitute par-enting in a concise and multifaceted way. The present study proves the necessity of complex application of these approaches, as it allows to comprehend the theoretical and practical features of substitute parenting, to analyze the historical experience of pedagogical support for orphans in Russia in the XX century and, based on the results of the study, improves the quality of organization of substitute parenting at the present stage.
Comparative Analysis of Law and Medical Students’ Attitudes towards Legalization of Euthanasia
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Naberushkina Elmira K. , Bozhenkova Anastasia A. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: October 2023

The article presents the results of the study of law and medical students’ attitudes towards legalization of eu-thanasia in Moscow. Focussing on students is due to the fact that they are the youngest progressive stratum of society, representatives of the new generation. Faculty selection is dictated by the hypothesis that the context of educational programs and practices imprints on attitudes towards the problem of euthanasia. The study of law and medical students’ opinions helps to comprehend how the young generation and future specialists treat the problem, how they assess the legal and moral aspects of euthanasia legalization and what arguments they give supporting their point of view. Therefore, the results of the study can be beneficial for public dialog on this topic. The aim of the study implied identifying the factors that determine their opinion, considering the dual ar-gumentation about euthanasia in the Russian Federation based on the results of the study.
Youth as a Subject of Historical Memory Functioning
Authors:   Altai State Pedagogical University, Kulish Vitaly V.
Published: October 2023

The article is aimed at solving the problem of studying social subjects of historical memory functioning. The subject of analysis is the subjectivity of high school and college students. Based on the use of the theory of so-cialization and the concept of subjectivity, the article scientifically substantiates the provision about students as a specific and at the same time the main subject of historical memory functioning. At the theoretical level of analysis the characteristics of subjectivity of high schoolers and students, as well as the factors influencing the process of its formation, manifestation and development are determined. The article offers a sociological assessment of high school students’ subjectivity in the context of con-sidering its manifestation at different stages of historical memory functioning, on the one hand, and on the oth-er hand, taking into account all its characteristics. The author pays particular attention to the subjectivity indica-tors of high school and college students – the “ability” and “readiness” of students to preserve, reproduce and transmit historical memory. According to the author, these indicators are determined not only by the amount of historical information available to students, but also by the “specific situation”, “conditions of the social envi-ronment” established by the social institution.
Prediction of Evapotranspiration in the Pampean Plain from CERES Satellite Products and Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Carmona Facundo , Farami˜n´an Ad´an , Rivas Ra´ul , Orte Facundo
Published: October 2023

A key aspect in agricultural zones, such as the Pampean Plain of Argentina, is to accurately estimate evapotranspiration rates to optimize crops and irrigation requirements and the floods and droughts prediction. In this sense, we evaluate six machine learning approaches to estimate the reference and actual evapotranspiration (ET0 and ETa) through CERES satellite products data. The results obtained applying machine learning techniques were compared with values obtained from ground-based information. After training and validating the algorithms, we observed that Support Vector machine-based Regressor (SVR) showed the best accuracy. Then, with an independent dataset, the calibrated SVR were tested. For predicting the reference evapotranspiration, we observed statistical errors of MAE = 0.437 mm d−1, and RMSE = 0.616 mm d−1, with a determination coefficient, R2, of 0.893. Regarding actual evapotranspiration modelling, we observed statistical errors of MAE = 0.422 mm d−1, and RMSE =0.599 mm d−1, with a R2 of 0.614. Comparing the results obtained with the machine learning models developed another studies in the same field, we understand that the results are promising and represent a baseline for future studies. Combining CERES data with information from other sources may generate more specific evapotranspiration products, considering the different land covers.
Literacia estatística crítica versus as comunicações nas mídias sociais
Authors: Sousa Igor Gabriel Santos de , Souza Leandro de Oliveira
Published: October 2023

Estudos relacionados à educação estatística mostram que a aprendizagem voltada para o conteúdo de estatística necessita de uma abordagem que vá além dos cálculos procedimentais. É preciso que haja reflexões e um preparo perceptivo a partir de contextos reais para a formação cidadã. Partindo desse pressuposto, neste recorte de pesquisa de mestrado teve-se por objetivo analisar as contribuições acerca da literacia estatística crítica, com base em uma atividade pedagógica construída a partir de dados divulgados nas mídias sociais e realizada em ambiente escolar com alunos do terceiro ano do Ensino Médio. A pesquisa tem característica de observação participante, na qual o primeiro autor deste artigo cumpriu o papel de professor e pesquisador. Como fundamentação, o estudo pautou-se no quadro teórico acerca da literacia estatística crítica. Para a investigação, foi exposto aos estudantes o trecho de uma narrativa publicada em um canal do Youtube® por um conhecido jornalista brasileiro. No vídeo, o jornalista comparava o número de óbitos no Brasil entre os anos de 2019 e 2020. Dados foram coletados por videogravação, diário de bordo e pelos textos elaborados por esses alunos ao final da investigação. A análise dos dados indica que o trabalho na perspectiva da literacia estatística crítica desenvolve criticidade acerca de assuntos que permeiam o cotidiano dos estudantes e auxilia-os a construir suas percepções acerca da responsabilidade de atuação em sociedade.
Molecular genetic diagnosis in the group of hemophilia A patients in Belarus: 12 new allelic variants in the F8 gene
Authors: Liubushkin A. V. , Guryanova I. E. , Dmitriev E. V. , Vertelko V. R. , Polyakova E. A. , Volkova L. I. , Aleinikova O. V.
Published: October 2023

Hemophilia A is the most common severe bleeding disorder caused by various genetic changes in the F8 gene, leading to coagulation factor VIII deficiency. Hemophilia A is characterized by high heterogeneity of genetic defects. The severity of hemophilia A varies depending on the type of genetic defects in the F8 gene. More than 3000 unique variants of the F8 gene are associated with the hemophilia A. Approximately 30% of genetic defects occur de novo. The aim of this study is to determine the spectrum of genetic defects in the F8 gene in children with hemophilia A in Belarus. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology (the Republic of Belarus). The study included 98 patients with hemophilia A, who had been treated or followed up at the Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology (the Republic of Belarus). Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on the severity of their disease: severe (n = 82), moderate (n = 3), and mild (n = 13). Twenty (20.4%) patients had a history of inhibitors to factor VIII. For our study, we used venous blood samples. Genomic DNA was isolated from leukocyte suspension (obtained from the whole blood samples) using phenol-chloroform extraction. All severe hemophilia A patients were prescreened for intron 22 and 1 inversions in the F8 gene using inverse and multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays, respectively. Sequencing of F8 coding regions was carried out by next generation sequencing. All clinically relevant variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Genetic testing revealed that 99% of the patients with hemophilia A (n = 97) had pathogenic variants in the F8 gene. Intron 22 and intron 1 inversion mutations within the F8 gene were detected in 45.1% (n = 37) and 1.2% (n = 1) patients with severe hemophilia A, respectively. Two patients had an abnormal pattern of intron 1 inversion, not previously described in the literature. A total of 48 different variants in the F8 gene were detected in 57 patients using next generation sequencing. Eleven of the 48 genetic variants identified have not been previously reported.
Quantitative bone marrow magnetic resonance imaging in children with lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Tereshchenko G. V. , Kriventsova N. A. , Kupriyanov D. A. , Abu Jabal M. I. , Kopaneva A. D. , Myakova N. V. , Litvinov D. V. , Karachunskiy A. I. , Novichkova G. A.
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate fat fraction (FF) changes in patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in comparison with children without haematological disorders. All the patients or their legal representatives gave their informed consent to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology and was conducted in line with the Ethical Principles of the World Health Organization (the Declaration of Helsinki) for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects. The study included 33 healthy volunteers aged 13.4 ± 2.8 years (the control group) and 34 patients with acute phase ALL whose mean age was 12.2 ± 3.6 years (the group of interest). Imaging of the pelvic bones and lumbar vertebrae was performed on a Philips Achieva 3T scanner using the mDixon-quant sequence, with a subsequent construction of FF maps. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare the FF data of the cases with each other and with the controls. Four regions of interest were selected, 100 mm2 each: in the bodies of the right and the left iliac bones as well as in the bodies of the L4 and L5 vertebras. For each group of subjects and each region of interest, mean FF was calculated. In the group of the patients with acute phase ALL, FF was the lowest: 3.53 ± 2.75% and 3,72 ± 3.09% in the bodies of the left and right iliac bones respectively, and 2.62 ± 1.86% and 2.47 ± 2.17% in the L4 and L5 vertebras respectively. In the control group, FF in the respective regions of interest was 51.3 ± 9.5%; 49.9 ± 11.0%; 31.3 ± 8.73% and 32.4 ± 10.3%. It is obvious that bone marrow FF in the patients with ALL differs significantly from the control group. Quantitative MRI can become a new method for the assessment of changes in the bone marrow of children with leukaemias.
Investigación en educación con TIC: retos y oportunidades
Authors: Alastor Enrique , Sánchez-Vega Elena , Martínez-García Inmaculada , Rubio-Gragera María
Published: October 2023

En una realidad digital en la que estamos inmersos las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) se convierten en un elemento fundamental para la transformación pedagógica y metodológica en los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje. En dicha transformación educativa las TIC representan un elemento imprescindible para la investigación, base de cualquier cambio. Para un uso correcto de las TIC en este proceso nos enfrentamos a una serie de retos que debemos solventar, como: la adecuada selección de herramientas tecnológicas, ya que no todas son adecuadas para todos los contextos y objetivos de investigación; la accesibilidad, elemento básico para que todos los participantes en una investigación accedan a la tecnología utilizada, independientemente de sus habilidades y conocimientos tecnológicos; la validación de los resultados, evitando que la tecnología pueda influir en la recopilación y análisis de los datos; la protección de datos personales, requiriéndose la implementación de medidas de seguridad y privacidad adecuadas, etc. Solventando los retos planteados, las TIC recogen oportunidades nada desdeñables en un proceso investigador: acceso a datos en tiempo real, lo que puede ser útil para la toma de decisiones en educación; facilidad de colaboración entre investigadores y participantes, independientemente de su ubicación geográfica; aprendizaje personalizado a las necesidades y habilidades individuales de los estudiantes, lo que puede mejorar su experiencia educativa, etc. Las TIC tienen una gran importancia en la investigación educativa debido a su capacidad para mejorar la calidad, la eficacia y la eficiencia de los procesos de investigación.
Evaluation of the risk of occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs in healthcare sector: part I – medical gloves
Authors: Dugheri Stefano , Squillaci Donato , Cappelli Giovanni , Saccomando Valentina , Fanfani Niccolò , Ceccarelli Jacopo , Mucci Nicola , Arcangeli Giulio
Published: October 2023

Antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are essential tools in cancer treatment, but their cytotoxicity poses a risk to workers involved in their handling. In a hospital environment fundamental strategies for minimising exposure involve proper use of safety cabinets and closed-circuit transfer devices, along with personnel training and increased awareness of risks. However, medical gloves remain the first line of defence. In this respect the evaluation of glove materials and best choices can improve hospital safety management and prevent potential hazards and long-term consequences. The aim of this study was to assess contamination of gloves in samples taken from AD administration and preparation units of nine Italian hospitals and to raise awareness of the importance of evaluating chemico-physical properties of gloves. Our findings show that 33 % of the analysed gloves were positive for at least one AD, with contaminations ranging from 0.6 to 20,729 pg/ cm2. We proposed the alert glove values (AGVs) for each AD as a limit value for contamination assessment and good practice evaluation. Our findings also point to multiple AD contamination (43 % of positive findings in preparation units), calculated as total AGV (AGV-T), and confirm that gloves should be replaced after 30 min of AD handling, based on cumulative permeation and area under the curve (AUC), to maintain safety and limit dermal exposure.
Combined effects of valproate and naringin on kidney antioxidative markers and serum parameters of kidney function in C57BL6 mice
Authors: Jutrić David , Đikić Domagoj , Boroš Almoš , Odeh Dyana , Gračan Romana , Beletić Anđelo , Jurčević Irena Landeka
Published: October 2023

Valproate is known to disturb the kidney function, and high doses or prolonged intake may cause serum ion imbalance, kidney tubular acidosis, proteinuria, hyperuricosuria, polyuria, polydipsia, and dehydration. The aim of this in vivo study was to see whether naringin would counter the adverse effects of high-dose valproate in C57Bl/6 mice and to which extent. As expected, valproate (150 mg/kg bw a day for 10 days) caused serum hyperkalaemia, more in male than female mice. Naringin reversed (25 mg/kg bw a day for 10 days) the hyperkalaemia and activated antioxidative defence mechanisms (mainly catalase and glutathione), again more efficiently in females. In males naringin combined with valproate was not as effective and even showed some prooxidative effects.
Effects of concomitant use of THC and irinotecan on tumour growth and biochemical markers in a syngeneic mouse model of colon cancer
Authors: Žunec Suzana , Karačonji Irena Brčić , Čatalinac Martin , Jurič Andreja , Katić Anja , Kozina Goran , Micek Vedran , Neuberg Marijana , Vrdoljak Ana Lucić
Published: October 2023

Clinical treatment with the antineoplastic drug irinotecan (IRI) is often hindered by side effects that significantly reduce the quality of life of treated patients. Due to the growing public support for products with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), even though relevant scientific literature does not provide clear evidence of their high antitumour potential, some cancer patients take unregistered preparations containing up to 80 % THC. This study was conducted on a syngeneic colorectal cancer mouse model to test the efficiency and safety of concomitant treatment with IRI and THC. Male BALB/c mice subcutaneously injected with CT26 cells were receiving 60 mg/kg of IRI intraperitoneally on day 1 and 5 of treatment and/or 7 mg/kg of THC by gavage a day for 7 days. Treatment responses were evaluated based on changes in body, brain, and liver weight, tumour growth, blood cholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress parameters. Irinotecan’s systemic toxicity was evidenced by weight loss and high oxidative stress. The important finding of this study is that combining THC with IRI diminishes IRI efficiency in inhibiting tumour growth. However, further studies, focused on more subtle molecular methods in tumour tissue and analytical analysis of IRI and THC distribution in tumour-bearing mice, are needed to prove our observations.
L-glutamic acid-g-poly hydroxyethyl methacrylate nanoparticles: acute and sub-acute toxicity and biodistribution potential in mice
Authors: Bakan Buket , Oltulu Fatih , Yıldırım Yeliz , Yavaşoğlu Altuğ , Akgöl Sinan , Karabay Yavaşoğlu Nefise Ülkü
Published: October 2023

The aim of this safety study in mice was to determine in vivo toxicity and biodistribution potential of a single and multiple doses of L-glutamic acid-g-p(HEMA) polymeric nanoparticles as a drug delivery system. The single dose did not cause any lethal effect, and its acute oral LD50 was >2.000 mg/kg body weight (bw). Multiple doses (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg bw) given over 28 days resulted in no significant differences in body and relative organ weights compared to control. These results are supported by biochemical and histological findings. Moreover, nanoparticle exposure did not result in statistically significant differences in micronucleus counts in bone marrow cells compared to control. Nanoparticle distribution was time-dependent, and they reached the organs and even bone marrow by hour 6, as established by ex vivo imaging with the IVIS® spectrum imaging system. In conclusion, L-glutamic acid-g-p(HEMA) polymeric nanoparticles appear biocompatible and have a potential use as a drug delivery system.
The Use of Vitamin Supplements and Herbal Medicines Among Members of Elderly Posyandu During the COVID-19 Pandemic in North Jakarta
Authors: Atalo N. S. S. , Suryatinah Y. , Ferdina A. R. , Siahaan S.
Published: October 2023

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the elderly have been identified as a particularly vulnerable group. The use of vitamin supplements and herbal medicines to enhance immunity has been a measure to prevent the development of COVID-19.

Purpose:

This study was performed to identify the use of supplemental vitamins and herbal medicines including analyzing the benefit of using them among the elderly who participated in the “Mawar” Elderly Posyandu (integrated health post) in North Jakarta, Indonesia, during the pandemic.

Materials and methods:

This was a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. The target population for the study were active participants of “Mawar” Elderly Posyandu aged at least 60 years old.

Results:

Although the majority of respondents only had an elementary and high school education as their highest educational attainment, they had good enough knowledge about COVID-19. During the pandemic, 81 and 79 out of 85 respondents consumed vitamin supplements and herbal medicines, respectively. Vita-min C and ginger were the most widely used vitamin supplement and herbal product. There were 55.56% and 35.44% of respondents who felt better after consuming supplements and herbal products for one week.

Conclusion:

This study recommends that government should support the revitalization of elderly Posyandu as it may improve the awareness of the community to maintain their health.
Prospects for the development of Ukrainian-Polish cross-border cooperation in the environmental sphere
Authors: Skorokhod Iryna , Rebryna Nina
Published: October 2023

Subject and purpose of work:

The purpose of the article is to study the peculiarities of the development of environmental cross-border cooperation, as well as to determine the prospects and ways of deepening interregional Ukrainian-Polish cooperation in the environmental sphere. The relevant international environmental cooperation of the states contributes to the improvement of the environment and provides a defined level of environmental safety. The challenges of international economic greening as well as the needs in cooperation between the neighboring states indicate that studying of the ecological state on the cross-border territories is considered to be of great significance.

Materials and methods:

The methods used are the analytical and descriptive ones based on the critical literature review and an experiential reflective attitude on the key issues concerning the cross-border cooperation, ecological safety, and prospects of development of environmental cooperation.

Results:

The role of cross-border cooperation in ensuring environmental security was studied in the article. The strategic priorities of Ukrainian-Polish environmental cooperation were considered. As a result of the analysis of the current state and the achieved results, the prospects for further ecological cooperation between Ukraine and the Republic of Poland in the conditions of European integration were revealed.

Conclusions:

It is concluded that to assure the development of the Ukrainian-Polish cross-border environmental cooperation and to build the ecological safety system on the trans-frontier territories it is required at the regional level to establish partnership relationships in the environmental and economic sector; to intensify the environmental and economic international cooperation at various cross-border scales; to create a network of cross-border environmental information centers; to promote the environmental public education in the border regions of the neighboring states etc.
Modified Bivariate Poisson-Lindley Model: Properties and Applications in Soccer
Authors: Haddari Allaeddine , Zeghdoudi Halim , Vinoth Raman
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the bivariate Poisson-new XLindley distribution (BPNXLD), which may be used to represent dependent and over-dispersed countdata. Among the characteristics considered are the correlation coefficient, mean, and variance of the distribution. Acomparison with several Bivariate distributions is included. The goodness of fit of this novel model iscompared with the bivariate Poisson, bivariate negative binomial and bivariate Poisson-Lindley distributions using two data sets from a German Bundesliga season.
The Interaction Principle in the Assessment of Pillars’ Secondary Stress-Deformation State
Authors: Toderaș Mihaela , Iosif Cristian
Published: October 2023

In the field of mining, one of the exploitation methods that is still the most used in rock salt, potassium, and magnesium salt deposits is the method with the room and abandoned pillar. The salt mining method with rooms and pillars represents a unique spatial system for which the establishment of an optimal correlation between the parameters of the room, pillar, and rock massif is required in any given situation. Thus, the dimensioning of the most requested element in the system is followed, and depending on its parameters, the other parameters of the system are established. Considering the exploitation method with rooms and pillars, the pillars are certainly the elements that are subjected to the greatest loads. In the situation where the deep exploitation of salt is done with square pillars, the evaluation of the optimal parameters of the elements of the exploitation system requires: establishing the loads that appear in the surrounding salt massif (the natural stress state); the qualitative-quantitative determination of the way of distribution of the secondary stress state in the pillars; evaluating the bearing capacity of the pillars; and establishing their geometric elements. Solving this problem can be achieved by different methods: based on the theory of limit equilibrium, taking into account the effective stress in the pillars; methods of the mechanics of the continuous system based on the analytical models for evaluating the secondary stress and deformation state of pillars and floors; and numerical methods combined with the results and measurements from the laboratory and in situ tests. A methodology based on the pillar–room–salt massif interaction principle was proposed for the analytically achievable stability exploitation system of rock salt by the dry method as the depth increased. Applying this method, the secondary stress-deformation state in the pillar can be established by taking into account the rheological behaviour of the salt, changing the pillar shape, and the extraction technology. The presented algorithm can be extended in the field of exploitation, where the room and pillar exploitation methods are used.
Rheological Characteristics of the Rock Salt from Slanic Prahova, Horizon XIV Below Level of 200m
Authors: Toderaș Mihaela , Militaru Ștefan
Published: October 2023

The long-term response and stability of underground mining works are crucial for ensuring the safety of workers, preventing costly accidents, and maintaining efficient operations. This is primarily due to the critical role these structures play in various industries, including mining, construction, and transportation. Understanding the long-term response and stability of such structures is an important factor for ensuring their durability and safety. Additionally, advancements in technology and engineering practices have allowed for more accurate assessments and predictions of long-term behaviour, leading to improved design and maintenance strategies. By examining the creep and relaxation behaviour, scientists can gain insights into the mechanical properties and stability of rocks under different conditions. The time-dependent experiments involve subjecting the rocks to varying rates of loading or deformation to understand their behaviour under different conditions. These methods provide valuable insights into the time-dependent properties of rocks, allowing researchers to better understand their response to various geological processes and engineering applications. This study was carried out in order to determine the rheological characteristics of the rock salt from Slanic Prahova mine, horizon XIV, and to analyse the local stability and the general stability of the resistance structures. The results of the experimentally determined rheological characteristics showed that the analysed salt has a pronounced tendency to creep, being able to be classified in creep category 5, which is a pronounced creep. The values obtained for the dilatancy threshold confirm the fact that salt is a material system that exhibits dilatancy.
The Role of Remittances in Financing the Current Account Deficit: The Case of Serbia
Authors: Čakajac Božidar , Janković Nenad , Luković Stevan
Published: October 2023

Migrations of the resident population in Serbia, with the Western European countries as the main destination, have influenced remittances becoming an important source of income from abroad. Relevant economic literature, as well as the influential views expressed in the international financial institutions’ reports, indicate that remittances are a more stable type of inflow of funds from abroad to developing countries compared to other types of capital movements. In addition to the positive economic effects of remittances, they also play a significant role in the balance of payments deficit reduction. The subject of this research refers to the examination of the role of remittances in financing the current account deficit in Serbia. The research goal is to explore whether the importance of remittances as a factor in the balance of payments deficit reduction in Serbia increased in the period 2007-2021. The results of the research show that remittances have become an important factor in current account deficit reduction in Serbia during the observed period.
Composition of Mastitis Causing Microorganisms and Cytokines in Healthy Cow’s Milk: A Pilot Study
Authors: Junga Anna , Pilmane Māra , Šerstņova Ksenija , Lohova Elizabeta , Melderis Ivars , Gontar Łukasz , Kochański Maksymilian , Drutowska Andżelika , Maróti Gergely , Prieto-Simón Beatriz
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to examine clinically healthy cow’s udder milk microbiota and presence of cytokines in different seasons. Milk samples taken from the cows were checked for the presence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and the somatic cell count was detected. Immunohistochemistry methods were performed to detect interleukin (IL) -2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17a, β-defensin-3, transforming growth factor (TGF)-ā1, interferon-ć and nuclear factor (NF)-źB presence in the milk. S. agalactiae, S. uberis, S. aureus, E. coli, and Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter spp. were found in healthy cow’s milk. In the first round, the highest prevalence was observed for S. aureus. In the second round, the highest mean levels were observed for S. uberis, then followed S. aureus. IL-4, IL-17a and TGF-ā1 demonstrated the highest expression in the milk samples. NF-źB had the lowest expression among all factors. The presence of a rich bacterial microbiome (mostly S.aureus, S.uberis) in the milk of healthy animals, as well as changing bacterial species between in spring and autumn seasons occur as a result of both the immune state of the animal and many external factors, which consequently affects the amount of expressed cytokines.
Primary Burkitt Lymphoma of the Rectum
Authors: Kokaine Linda , Briede Inese , Brikuns Andrejs , Gardovskis Andris , Gardovskis Jānis
Published: October 2023

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive mature B-cell neoplasm with the highest incidence in a pediatric population. Three clinical subtypes of BL are known: sporadic, endemic, and immune deficiency associated. The most common site of involvement in the case of the sporadic form is an ileocecal region. We describe a rare case of sporadic BL in a 71-year-old male with a primary localisation in the rectum presenting with progressive bowel obstruction and rectal bleeding. The clinical evaluation involved colonoscopy, biopsy with a following morphological examination, computerised tomography of thorax, abdomen and pelvis, magnetic resonance imaging of pelvis, and laboratory analysis. Due to the unclear tumorous mass and progressive clinical symptoms, surgical treatment was applied – laparotomy, total mesorectal excision with the formation of permanent colostomy. Morphological examination of the specimen revealed a phenotype characteristic to BL. One month after the surgery, two single liver metastasis were detected. The patient received six courses of DA-EPOCH chemotherapy. Post-treatment radiological examinations revealed full clinical remission and disease-free survival for 68 months (5 years and 8 months).
Approximate Solution of Optimal Pulse Control Problem Associated with the Heat Conduction Process
Authors: Mammadov Rashad , Gasimov Sardar , Karimova Sevinj , Abbasov Ibrahim
Published: October 2023

We consider the approximate solution of the control problem with minimum energy for an object described by the heat equation, with the process described by the linear equation of parabolic type and the system controlled by impulsive external influences. Our optimal control problem deals with finding a control parameter belonging to the class of admissible controls that provides the desired temperature distribution in a finite time with minimal energy consumption (energy consumption is described by the quadratic functional). Previous works dedicated to optimal impulse control problems have mostly used the Pontryagin’s maximum principle. However, from a practical point of view, this approach does not lead to satisfactory results. This is due to the fact that the corresponding boundary value problems in this case have no solution in a traditional class of absolutely continuous trajectories. In this work, we propose a method based on the moment relations. We seek for the approximate solution of the corresponding boundary value problem in the form of finite Fourier sum and state our optimal control problem in a finite-dimensional phase space. As a result, we obtain an optimal impulse control problem in a finite-dimensional function space. Taking into account the given condition for a finite time, we reduce the obtained problem to the L-problem of moments. Thus, the problem of finding a control parameter is reduced to the solution of the system of Fredholm integral equations of the first kind, with the norm of the sought solution not exceeding a given number. By Levi’s theorem, every element of Hilbert space can be represented by the sum of the elements of two orthogonal subspaces. This assertion makes it possible to find control parameters in analytical form. We also establish the convergence of the chosen approximation.
Economic Analysis of Mobile Thermal Energy Storages as Complement to District Heating
Authors: Resch Alois , Dehner Harald
Published: October 2023

Urban areas are increasingly supplied by district heating networks (DHN) because this technology is reliable, provides easy handling for the customer and contributes to the required reduction of greenhouse gas emissions if it is operated from renewable sources. Waste heat from the industrial sector can serve as such, however, industrial plants are often not in the meaningful range of DHN, as they are mostly located in the periphery. For this reason, the application of mobile thermal energy storages (M-TES) is investigated by the present research work. M-TES systems are technically capable of exchanging heat between a DHN and heat sources or heat sinks, as previous studies have shown, but economic viability could not be reached with former energy prices. However, geopolitical incidents of 2022 resulted in massive fluctuations on the energy markets and unpredicted price increases. Therefore, this paper provides an updated analysis of M-TES, considering the premises of 2022. An economic model according to VDI2067 was developed for calculating the costs of transported heat for different storage technologies and materials. Moreover, transportation by a Diesel driven truck was compared to an electric driven one. The updated analysis yielded economic feasibility for specific M-TES configurations, achieving minimum heat costs of € 89.5 per MWh. This is equivalent to a reduction of 40.3 % related to the prices of conventional district heating in Austria by end of 2022.
The Development and Evaluation of the Slovenian Version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS-SVN)
Authors: LIKAR OSTRC Lenka , FRANKOVIČ Sabina , PAVLIČ Alenka
Published: October 2023

Introduction

There has been no valid and reliable instrument available to measure the impact of oral health on the quality of life of Slovenian preschool children. The main aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the validity and reliability of the first Slovenian instrument assessing Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) preschool children: the ECOHIS-SVN.

Methods

The ECOHIS-SVN was developed using forward-backward translations and with the participation of children aged under six and their parents. The children’s teeth were examined, and parents were asked to complete questionnaires, including the ECOHIS-SVN. The internal consistency of ECOHIS-SVN was evaluated through the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha (α), test-retest reliability with an intra-class-correlation coefficient (ICC), convergent validity with Spearman’s rank correlation (r) and criterion validity with the Mann-Whitney test. The association between the ECOHIS-SVN score and parents’ age, educational level, self-reported oral health and OHIP-SVN14 was estimated using multiple linear regression.

Results

In the study, 255 children participated, with a mean age of 4.8 years (±0.8). The ECOHIS-SVN questionnaire was completed by the parents of all 255 children and re-filled by 71 parents. The results of the total ECOHIS-SVN scale include α=0.85, ICC=0.85, and r=0.6-0.75. A statistically significant association was found between the ECOHIS-SVN and parents’ age and between the ECOHIS-SVN and parents’ OHIP-SVN14 in the whole group and in the subgroup of children with no teeth affected by cavitated caries (dmft=0) (p=0.025, p=0.028), respectively.

Conclusion

ECOHIS-SVN enables further studies to assess the OHRQoL of preschool children in the Slovenian-speaking population.
Vitamin D Supplementation During COVID-19 Lockdown and After 20 Months: Follow-Up Study on Slovenian Women Aged Between 44 and 66
Authors: VIČIČ Vid , PANDEL MIKUŠ Ruža
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The main objective was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vitamin D supplementation habits and their changes in the follow-up, 20 months after the study in Slovenian premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2021. 176 healthy women aged 44 to 65 from the Central Slovenian region were included in the final analysis. Vitamin D status was determined by measuring 25(OH)D concentration. After 20 months an online follow-up questionnaire was sent out, to which 123 participants responded with complete data.

Results

Between March and May 2021, 61% of the participants were supplementing vitamin D. 55% of the supplementers and 88% of the non-supplementers had insufficient levels (total 25(OH)D <75 nmol/L). After 20 months in the follow-up, it was found that 62% of participants were taking vitamin D supplements, but only 70% of those who had initially reported taking supplements were still doing so. In the follow-up 61% of participants stated that they started or increased vitamin D intake due to COVID-19.

Conclusions

Vitamin D supplementation increased 7-fold compared to pre-pandemic levels and remained at a high level after 20 months. However, a significant number of participants discontinued supplementation, and only one-fifth were taking vitamin D throughout the entire year. Supplementation is effective for vitamin D deficiency prevention only at the individual level, however due to low compliance it should not be the only strategy for preventing vitamin D deficiency in the population.
Penerapan Metode Economic Order Quantity pada Ino Coffee Samarinda
Authors: Dachlan Rudy Syafariansyah , Afrian Subkhan
Published: October 2023

Kegiatan ini bertujuan agar UMKM INO COFFEE dapat mengendalikan persediaan bahan bakunya dengan Metode EOQ (Economic Order Quantity). Dengan menetapkan metode ini, diharapkan dapat mengefisensikan biaya persediaan bahan baku pada UMKM INO Coffee. Mitra kegiatan adalah UMKM INO Coffee yang berdiri sejak November 2018, bergerak di bidang industri dan perdagangan kopi. Bahan bakunya adalah biji kopi mentah yang diperoleh dari beberapa wilayah di Indonesia. Dilakukan proses pemasakan/sangrai biji kopi mentah menjadi biji kopi masak. Biji kopi masak tersebut selanjutnya digiling menjadi kopi bubuk dan dikemas untuk dijual. Proses produksi dapat berlangsung dengan tersedianya bahan baku. Besaran stok bahan baku selalu menjadi perhatian perusahaan untuk menjaga kelangsungan produksinya. Stok tersedia harus terjaga untuk menjamin kelangsungan produksi perusahaan. Persediaan bahan baku biji kopi mentah menjadi sangat penting sebagai bahan baku utama dalam usaha ini. Namun, karena belum adanya kebijakan dalam penentuan persediaan biji kopi mentah yang akan dipesan, maka membuat sebuah pesanan hanya berdasarkan keputusan subjektif perusahaan. Model EOQ atau Economic Order Quantity, menggunakan pendekatan matematis dan kuantitatif dengan memperhitungkan total bahan baku digunakan dalam satu periode dan biaya-biaya berkaitan dengan pemesanan dan penyimpanan bahan baku. Dari perhitungan yang dilakukan menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan metode EOQ pada UMKM INO COFFE akan berdampak efisiensi bagi perusahaan dimana terjadi penurunan total biaya persediaan, sehingga disarankan agar UMKM INO COFFE mengunakan metode EOQ untuk mengelola persediaannya
TECNOLOGIA SOCIAL PARA O PROCESSAMENTO DE ALIMENTOS: AVALIAÇÃO, DIMENSIONAMENTO E APLICAÇÃO
Authors: Nascimento Gustavo Costa , Hayashi Cybele Ayaka , Brandão Natali Alcântara , Campelo Pedro , Clerici Maria Teresa Pedrosa da Silva
Published: October 2023

A Tecnologia Social (TS) é uma forma de desenvolvimento tecnológico que busca estar diretamente ligadas às pessoas, território e diferentes realidades que envolvem o grupo social o qual será beneficiado. A secagem solar é uma tecnologia simples e limpa, capaz de auxiliar a agricultura familiar, hortas urbanas, farmácias vivas, no processamento de vegetais para o aumento de sua conservação, do valor agregado, concentração de nutrientes, diminuição de desperdícios e necessidade de transporte. As especiarias são exemplos de vegetais que podem ser secos. Esse trabalho teve três principais objetivos: i) avaliação de TS relacionadas ao processamento de alimentos; ii) dimensionamento de secador solar e realização de testes de secagem de especiarias; e iii) aplicação das especiarias em pães. Para o primeiro foram utilizados dados do banco de tecnologias e os princípios da TS. Em seguida utilizou-se referências de secadores de modelo simples e sanitário. E por fim, os pães foram produzidos em panificadora automática e foram avaliados tecnologicamente (volume específico, atividade de água, firmeza do miolo e cor). Nota-se que os trabalhos de TS possuem limites relacionados principalmente a questões de autonomia e a relação com o meio ambiente, e potencialidades ligadas a resolução de demandas e presença de espaços colaborativos. O secador solar mostrou-se como boa alternativa para secagem de especiarias e após melhorias poderá ser aplicado para diferentes vegetais. Os pães com especiarias (gengibre e mix de ervas), são considerados de consumo imediato e foram viáveis tecnologicamente para as quantidades aplicadas. Por fim, considera-se que esse trabalho dá um suporte teórico às ações de pesquisa-extensão relacionadas ao processamento de alimentos, principalmente junto a grupos sociais que buscam melhores condições de vida e alimentação.
FATORES ASSOCIADOS AO CONSUMO DE FERRO E SUAS FONTES ALIMENTARES EM IDOSOS RESIDENTES EM CIDADES DA REGIÃO DE CAMPINAS – SP.
Authors: Xavier Zaminelli Caroline , Neves Freiria Carolina , Da Silva Graziele Maria , Pires Corona Ligiana
Published: October 2023

No envelhecimento, ocorrem diversas alterações que podem interferir na ingestão, absorção e metabolismo de nutrientes e contribuir para o surgimento de patologias, sendo importante estudar o consumo alimentar dos idosos. Objetivo: verificar as principais fontes alimentares de ferro, adequação do consumo do nutriente e os fatores associados entre os idosos da região de Campinas. Métodos: estudo transversal com 586 idosos com 60 anos ou mais residentes de cidades da região de Campinas. O recordatório de 24 horas foi o método utilizado para a análise do consumo médio de ferro e como valores de referência foram utilizados os Requisitos Médios Estimados. Os alimentos-fonte do nutriente foram analisados por contribuição relativa. Variáveis socioeconômicas e de saúde foram selecionadas para a análise dos fatores associados, sendo utilizados o teste Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher para variáveis categóricas e os testes Mann Whitney e Kruskall Wallis para variáveis contínuas, adotando a significância de 5%. Resultados: os cereais e farinhas (27,75%), arroz (20,8%), carnes, ovos e derivados de leite (20,47%) e o grupo das leguminosas (17,02%) foram as principais fontes alimentares do ferro. O consumo médio foi menor em mulheres, sarcopênicos e maior naqueles que consomem bebidas alcoólicas. Entre os participantes, 99% apresentaram consumo adequado do nutriente, e diferenças significativas foram observadas de acordo com o nível de atividade física praticado. Conclusão: os resultados obtidos evidenciam as diferenças de padrões alimentares e a influência de variáveis. As fontes alimentares observadas se relacionam com a alimentação habitual da população brasileira.