bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil-Structure Interaction: Understanding and Mitigating Challenges
Authors: Akbar Firoozi Ali , Asghar Firoozi Ali
Published: February 2024

This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI), a key component in solving complex engineering challenges amidst rapid urbanization and changing environmental conditions. It elucidates the theoretical principles and practical implications of SSI, emphasizing its role in creating sustainable and resilient engineering solutions. The chapter explores the soil\'s response to different load scenarios, highlighting the impact on structural reliability and integrity. The narrative includes real-world case studies demonstrating the practical application of SSI principles, advocating their integration into contemporary construction methodologies for improved structural safety. It also outlines innovative strategies to tackle SSI-related challenges, such as employing advanced materials and computational models. Finally, the focus is placed on sustainability and resilience-driven solutions designed to withstand the tests of time and climate change. Serving as a valuable guide for various stakeholders in the field, this chapter underscores the significance of SSI in the development of environmentally conscious and structurally robust constructions.
Extracellular Vesicles for Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Xu Jianbin , Wang Liwei , Wang Di , Xu Kaicheng , Chen Liang , Yao Minjun , Ye Zhaoming
Published: February 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanoparticles containing endogenous bioactivators or loading exogenously therapeutics, which serve as “messengers” in intercellular and inter-organismal communication, in both normal and pathological processes. EVs are reshaping our perspective on life science and public health. They are tools for mediating information exchange between cells and are unique in protecting and delivering their internal cargo to target cells through ligand-receptor interactions. Therefore, EVs are one of the most potential delivery systems for treating various diseases. This chapter summarizes the recent progress made in EV-based delivery systems applications, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, liver, kidney, nervous system diseases, and COVID-19.
Quality Planning, Assurance and Control in Manufacturing, Industrial Projects and Services Environments
Authors: Siriram Rajenlall , du Plessis Chantelle
Published: February 2024

The role of quality planning, assurance and control is well established in manufacturing and production environments; however, the same cannot be said for industrial projects and the services environment. It is evident that the tangibility of the output is different and, as a result, evaluated differently. In a project environment, many projects exceed budget, schedule and performance. One may argue that quality planning, control and assurance have a significant role in ensuring projects meet their budget, schedule and performance objectives. In contrast, in a services environment, quality planning, assurance and control procedures are used to ensure that the set of quality criteria meets the customer’s requirements so that the customer gets a better service experience. There are differences in how quality planning, assurance and control are implemented and perceived in these three environments. This chapter explores the differences and similarities in the implementation, perception and maturity of quality planning, assurance and control. This chapter provides interesting opportunities for quality planning, assurance and control in a manufacturing, projects and services environment.
Advanced Graphene-Based Materials for Electrochemical Biomarkers and Protein Detection
Authors: Ioana Fort Carmen , Cosmin Cotet Liviu , Cristian Pop Lucian , Baia Monica , Baia Lucian
Published: February 2024

In this chapter, recent advances in the field of graphene materials-based (bio)sensors that are used for biomarker and protein electrochemical detection are presented. Approaches related to the synthesis of electrode material for (bio)sensors construction as well as to their morphological and structural characterization, are highlighted, pointing out the advantages of using graphene-based materials for (bio)sensors applications. This chapter focuses on obtaining graphene-based electrodes, detecting biomarkers and proteins, and evaluating the performance of the sensors. Different methods for designing sensors for a large variety of biomolecules are described and comparatively discussed. In order to increase their electroanalytical performances, such as sensitivity, selectivity, detection limit, linear range, and stability, the research performed in the last years was focused on different types of graphene structures including graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene nanofoams, graphene nanocomposites, different functionalized graphene, etc. The detection of analytes including neurotransmitters and neurochemicals (dopamine, ascorbic acid, uric acid, serotonin, epinephrine, etc.), hydrogen peroxide, and proteins, have been discussed. The studies related to electrochemical (bio)sensors are presented in three subchapters, and the key results—electroanalytical performances—of the sensors are summarized. The final chapter provides the conclusions derived from the comparative analyses of different approaches related to these types of (bio)sensors based on graphene materials.
Утицај међујезичке интерференције и типови грешака приликом савлађивања партиципског система руског језика од стране говорника српског језика
Authors: Cтojaнoвић Cтeфaн
Published: February 2024

Овај рад се бави потешкоћама у усвајању руског партиципског система од стране говорника српског језика. Корпус за ову анализу чинили су писмени радови студената 3. године Групе за руски језик, књижевност, културу Филолошког факултета Универзитета у Београду. Утврђено је да међујезичка интерференција са уделом од 12,65% у укупном броју грешака игра мању улогу у погрешној употреби руских партиципа. Додатних 29,75% грешака представљају грешке које нису последица негативног језичког трансфера, али на које се може указати током наставе. Већину направљених грешака – 57,6%, међутим, представљају такорећи немотивисане, непредвидиве грешке, које су последица недовољно усвојеног градива о партиципима и слабог знања руске граматике уопште.
Українська духовна пісня усної традиції : стан і перспективи дослідження
Authors: Сироїд Олена Ігорівна
Published: February 2024

Авторка робить спробу визначити підходи, які б дозволили масштабне дослідження духовної пісні як явища народної традиції. З такою метою формується «погляд згори», так би мовити, зі сучасної точки зору на історію й стан українських народознавчих студій. Складність таких студій зумовлена передусім значною розпорошеністю відповідних рукописних та друкованих джерел, які при значній кількості мають здебільшого принагідний характер. Такій джерелознавчій специфіці розвідки відповідає поєднання історичного і порівняльного методів. Новизна й актуальність пов'язані, з одного боку – з фактом відсутності спеціальної наукової праці про духовну пісню в українській фольклористиці, з невивченістю історії фіксації текстів, як і спостережень щодо їх природи та функціонування; а з іншого – з безсумнівною цінністю цих творів, їх живучістю в усній традиції. У висновках накреслено перспективи дослідження української народної духовної пісні з акцентом на складності найактуальніших проблем, яку зумовлює багатство, різноманітність, об'ємність матеріалу.
Atacurile cibernetice avansate care vizează guvernele: provocări și soluții
Authors:   Romanian Academy, Sfetcu Nicolae
Published: February 2024

În peisajul digital contemporan, guvernele se confruntă cu provocări fără precedent în securizarea infrastructurii lor cibernetice împotriva atacurilor avansate. Proliferarea amenințărilor cibernetice sofisticate prezintă riscuri semnificative pentru securitatea națională, stabilitatea economică și încrederea publicului. Tacticile atacurilor cibernetice avansate continuă să evolueze, necesitând o adaptare continuă a strategiilor de securitate cibernetică. Integrarea inteligenței artificiale și a învățării automate în soluțiile de securitate cibernetică devine din ce în ce mai vitală în lupta împotriva atacurilor cibernetice avansate. Acest eseu examinează natura atacurilor cibernetice avansate care vizează guvernele, factorii care contribuie la proliferarea acestora și propune soluții pentru a atenua aceste amenințări.
Measuring mindfulness in adolescence: Literature review
Authors: Krol Petr , Štěrbová Dana
Published: February 2024

Mindfulness in adolescents can be measured by many self-report inventories, scales and questionnaires. Our literature review summarizes most of the existing measurements. Search strategy was to use main electronic databases related to this field. Articles had to met selected criteria e.g. age of target group, text in english language and academic conditions. Final number of the instruments was seventeen included in thirty seven articles. Measures contain from 10 to 39 items, the most time-consuming psychodiagnostic tool takes 15 minutes. Measures can be sorted by the “times cited“ condition according to Web of Science. The review uses a superficial approach as the aim was to submit total enumeration of tools including new measures based on older. Existing self-report measures of mindfulness for adolescents can be helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of mindfulness interventions.
Attitude to wellness and health life style in modern Russian society
Authors: Zverev Yuriy
Published: February 2024

There is a strong trend of increased popularity of various forms of health related behaviour and the culture of responsible attitude to wellness and health life style in modern Russian society. The major aim of the present study was to assess the awareness of residents of one of the Federal districts of the Russian Federation about the importance of wellness for human life. The investigation included possible effects of gender, age, educational level, residence on the view of people on importance of wellness. It was conducted in the Volga Federal District. Stratified random sampling method was used for the selection of responders and data collection of 933 respondents (422 males; 511 females) in 3 age groups (20-39 years; 40-59 years; 60 years and above) was realised. The diagnostic tool "WellAwarIn" questionnaire included 10 items was used. The questions targeted five areas: association of wellness and health; wellness in workplace; incorporation of wellness activities in daily life; preferences for wellness procedures; obstructions to implement wellness in daily life. The primary data were analysed using a percent of responses. The percent of responses were calculated for the total sample as well as for the subsamples of responders according to gender, age group, educational level and residence. Pearson correlation coefficient or Cramer non-parametric correlation were used for dependency analysis between responses and independent variables The results declare a tendency of males to associate wellness with active forms of health related behaviour (fitness, sports) while females with relaxation, fitness and massage. Significantly more females tended to practice outdoor activities and healthy diet while males, more males than females reported some type of workplace wellness and health related issues support and benefits. Significantly more males than females reported that they incorporate some wellness activities to daily life.
Use of yoga exercises according to the system yoga in daily life © during the reconditioning stay of employees
Authors: Bednar Roman , Kňazovicová Eva , Melichová Anna
Published: February 2024

During a reconditioning stay, yoga exercises can have health benefits for ironworks employees who suffer from the risk of hard physical work, noise, heat, dust and vibration. The aim of the work was to find out the satisfaction of the participants of the reconditioning stay during the 7 days of the stay and after the inclusion of yoga exercises among the procedures. Using a non-standard entry and exit questionnaire, with 11 questions closed, 2 open questions, we evaluated the satisfaction during the reconditioning stay of 79 subjects  with the health program (passive and active procedures) and yoga against back pain according to the System Yoga in Daily Life ©. 92.21% of subjects rated participation in the reconditioning stay as a benefit. After the reconditioning stay, the back pain was relieved. In the cervical spine the pain intensity changed from 5.1 to 3.3 p < 0.0001, in the thoracic spine from 4.4 to 2.6 p = 0.0063 and in the lumbar spine from 5.2 to 3.0 p < 0, 0001. Of the active procedures, 20.25% would choose yoga exercises against back pain from the System Yoga in Daily Life ©. 72.36% of respondents would prefer relaxation, 27.63% breathing exercises - pranayama and 13.16% exercises - asanas. Yoga exercises according to the System Yoga in Daily Life © are recommended to be included as standard as one of the active procedures within reconditioning stays.
Social efficiency increasing in physical culture and health-improving work with the population based on the integration of physical and spiritual development
Authors: Rasin Michail
Published: February 2024

The paper presents an original approach to the development of the mass character of the systematic involvement of the population in physical exercises and “Sport for all” with the main idea to create the integration program focused on “physical – spiritual” development. Against the background of the development of “Sport for All” and various forms of physical education development in population, many problems remain that impede the active involvement in the use of physical exercises in organizing a healthy lifestyle and in practicing of sports activities. In this situation, the most effective way is to use the project approach in developing activities, plans and programs based on original ideas to solve the problems of developing mass participation. This approach is built on a logical scheme: “goals-methods-forms-means”. Based on detailed analysis it is possible to create real ideas, the theoretical basis of organizational and managerial activity. Based on the development and implementation of projects: "Irtysh Coast" and "Walking along the history of the city" results have been achieved in increasing the number of people engaged in physical culture in parallel with the formation of value orientations among people of different ages in spiritual and cultural development. Pedagogical observations made it possible to formulate the presentation of the approach as a new "paradigm" in the organization of physical culture movement with a higher social efficiency of physical education of the population.
efence Strategic Review: Air Force Reserve Workforce Targeted Reengagement
Authors:   Air and Space Power Centre, Ivimey Shane
Published: February 2024

The public version of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review (DSR) (and corresponding government response) identified a number of urgent initiatives and recommendations that Defence must undertake to improve its capability. The DSR has attracted significant media and analytical commentaries regarding the best way to implement the review. These discussions have overwhelming focused on the traditional capability and force design aspects of Defence (Bristow & Davis, 2023). However, an equally weighted recommendation, and worthy of its own chapter in the DSR, was that Defence is facing significant workforce challenges and urgent reform must be undertaken to improve recruitment, retention and the use of the reserve workforce (Commonwealth of Australia, 2023, p. 24). Despite its importance, this topic has not garnered the same level of commentary and analysis outside of proposed retention bonuses (Reuters, 2023). Here, I will present a few ideas on how Air Force could engage with its reserve workforce to improve recruitment, retention and deliver the urgent capability improvements that the DSR demands.
ملامح أثر التكنولوجيا في تطوير القانون الدولي العام
Authors: الأعوج د.علي ناجي صالح
Published: February 2024

يتناول هذا البحث ملامح التأثير للتقدم العلمي والتكنولوجي في تقييد بعض القواعد والقوانين الدولية، او في تطويرها. فقد كان للثورة التكنولوجية دور واضح في تقييد بعض القواعد المتعلقة بمبدأ السيادة، او مبدأ حرية البحر العام، او حرية استغلال المواد الطبيعية في بعض المناطق البحرية، او حرية التجارة الدولية، أو حرية استخدام القوة. كما كان لها دور في تقييد بعض حقوق الانسان وحرياته الأساسية، أو في تقليص دور البعثات الدبلوماسية. وعلى العكس من ذلك كان للتقدم العلمي والتكنولوجي اسهام في توسيع نطاق القانون الدولي العام، وفي استحداث مفاهيم قانونية دولية جديدة.
INFLUENCE OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS ON CONSUMERS’ ONLINE REVIEW-BASED PURCHASE BEHAVIOR
Authors:   Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Fatima Kaniz , Khan Rezwanul Huque ,   Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Published: February 2024

Consumers nowadays are being increasingly influenced by online reviews (ORs) of different review platforms on the web for making a purchase decision about a product or service. While existing literature has shed light on different factors of ORs that influence consumers’ purchase decisions, this study aims to find out the influence of consumers’ demographic characteristics on their purchase behavior based on ORs. By analyzing the data collected from 454 participants in Dhaka city, we found that consumers read the ORs for food, drink, and related services like restaurants followed by clothing, accessories, beauty, and personal care products. The study shows that most consumers search various channels for reviews, including search engines, social media, content communities, and review aggregators on merchants’ websites, instead of relying on just one platform. We also found that besides online purchases, ORs are useful for traditional offline purchases and such behavior varies across consumers’ demographic profiles like gender, age, and household monthly income. The study reveals that demographic characteristics, like age and household monthly income, influence how frequently consumers alter their decisions based on online reviews. Thus, this study is the first to explore how demographic factors affect consumers’ choice of shopping channels as well as the degree of variability in their purchase decisions both based on ORs. Finally, the implications of these findings for theory and practitioners have been outlined.
BEHAVIORAL FACTORS AND INVESTMENT DECISION: A STUDY ON THE CAPITAL MARKET OF BANGLADESH
Authors:   Bangladesh Institute of Capital Market (BICM), Bangladesh, Islam Tamanna , Salema S. M. Kalbin ,   Bangladesh Institute of Capital Market (BICM), Bangladesh, Billah Maruf ,   Investment Corporation of Bangladesh, Bangladesh
Published: February 2024

This study aims to examine the influence of investors’ behavioral factors on their investment decision. This study also tries to find the moderating role of investors’ past investment experience between investment decision and capital market performance. The sample was selected through a structured survey questionnaire. A total of 370 questionnaires, distributed to the existing investors of Bangladesh capital market, were used for analysis. The results from the structural analysis suggest that rational and irrational behavior factors influence the investors’ investment decision in capital market. Furthermore, investors’ past investment experience moderates the relation between investment decision and capital market performance. The results show that for rational and irrational behavioral factors, the investors collect complete financial information and based on this information, they make investment decision.
Wskaźniki ubóstwa w ujęciu wielowymiarowym
Authors: Panek Tomasz
Published: February 2024

A methodology for multi-dimensional assessment of poverty is presented in this paper. In this approach the assessment of the households needs is effected not only from the viewpoint current incomes (expenditures) but non-monetary factors are also taken into consideration. The multi-dimensional approach has been based on the theory of fuzzy sets in which the conventional poor/non-poor dichotomy is replaced by assessment of the degree of households poverty threat. The same methodology facilitates comprehensive monetary and non-monetary poverty analysis. Four indicators of the incidence and depth of monetary and non-monetary poverty were constructed.
Inwestycje w sektorze prywatnym
Authors: Guzik Bogusław
Published: February 2024

Survey results on inter-voivodship diversity of the investment level in fixed assets of the private sector in years 1999–2007 are discussed in the article. Simple measures of the variation rank as well as investing intensity index were used in the analysis. An attempt of the voivodship ranking, based on current investment allocation, was undertaken. The results disclosure very important territorial disproportions and show predominance of Mazowieckie voivodship resulting from the capital potential of Warsaw. Other voivodships improve their positions. But within of next 10–20 years they have not too much chances to achieve the Mazowieckie voivodship's level.
Analiza wpływu nierówności płac na wzrost gospodarczy z wykorzystaniem funkcji asymetrycznej
Authors: Kumor Paweł
Published: February 2024

Two different views of income (earnings) inequalities coexist in political economy. First, motivating, which postulates bigger earnings differences and second, egalitarian, which postulates less earnings differences. The hypothesis has been advanced in the presented study that inequalities cause different waste of economic effectiveness. On one hand, when Gini indexes are less than the optimum one, their increase causes considerable economic growth. Then the majority of the society accepts the increase of earnings differences. On the other hand, when Gini indexes are too big, their downfall gives less economic profits. The demands of poor people to reduce too big differences in earnings can be corrected by the necessity of using different work input and education level. The research was based on the economic growth model.
Effectiveness of Cream Preparations Combination of Bay Leaf Extract (Syzygium polyanthum Wight) and Papaya Leaf (Carica Papaya L) as Anti-Inflammation
Authors: Samodra Galih , Kusuma Ikhwan Yudha , Melani Reina
Published: February 2024

Bay leaves (Sygyzium polyanthum Wight) and papaya leaves (Carica papaya L) are plants that have anti-inflammatory activity due to their flavonoid compounds. The purpose of this study was to determine the formulation of bay leaf and papaya leaf extracts into cream preparations. The treatment group consisted of 4 groups. The first group is the positive control (voltarene), the second group is the negative control (1% carrageenan). The third group was the group that was given the combination cream treatment of bay leaf and papaya leaf extract formula 2 and the fourth group was the group that was given the cream treatment combination of bay leaf and papaya leaf extract formula 3. The anti-inflammatory test was carried out based on observations for six hours by looking at edema volume and edema percentage. LSD test results showed that the cream formula 2 treatment (anionic) and the cream formula 3 treatment (nonionic) showed a significant difference with the negative control with a significance value of 0.000 (p <0.05). This shows that formula 2 cream treatment (anionic) and formula 3 cream treatment (nonionic) can potentially reduce edema volume and can inhibit edema on the soles of rats induced with carrageenin
Thank you: Statistics as a Journey
Authors: Modrák Martin
Published: February 2024

Recently another high-profile piece on abandoning statistical significance by Amrhein, Greenland & McShane was published. I have mixed feelings about this, me and my Twitter bubble are mostly like “Another one of those?!”… But how did I get from not doing almost any statistics five years ago to considering myself a cool insider that can look down on a prominent piece by a group of lifelong experts?
Three ways to compute a Bayes factor
Authors: Modrák Martin
Published: February 2024

This post was inspired by a very interesting paper on Bayes factors: Workflow Techniques for the Robust Use of Bayes Factors by Schad, Nicenboim, Bürkner, Betancourt and Vasishth. I would specifically recommend it for its introduction into what actually is a hypothesis in the Bayesian context and insights into what Bayes factors are.
Identifying non-identifiability
Authors: Modrák Martin
Published: February 2024

 This is a second post in my series on taming divergences in Stan models, see the first post in the series for a general introduction. Also see guide to Stan warnings   Standard caveat:   I am not an expert on Stan, I consider myself just an advanced user who likes to explain things. 
Aporias of the existence and action of the high representative in the legal and political system of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Džakić Tiho
Published: February 2024

The appointment of Mr. Christian Schmidt as the new high representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina met with great opposition from the Serbian political elite in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is supported by Russia and China. The key problem lies in the process of appointing Mr. Schmidt. According to Article I paragraph 2 of Annex 10 of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in BiH, the high representative should be appointed in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. Of the eight high representatives, in the period from 1995 to 2023, six were appointed with the consent given by the appropriate resolution of the UN Security Council after the appointment was made by the Steering Committee of the Peace Implementation Council, and the seventh should have received this consent, but the resolution was not was adopted. Only one high representative was not appointed with the consent of the Security Council, and there was no draft resolution to give that consent. Considering that Mr. Christian Schmidt was not appointed with the consent of the Security Council given by the corresponding resolution, his challenge is justified. Despite this, there is disagreement about this position, because the US, the UK and France believe that the high representative was appointed legally without a resolution, while China and Russia dispute this position. High representatives intervened in the legal system of BiH and the entities, often through the adoption of laws and their amendments at the level of BiH and the entities, and the adoption of amendments to the constitutions of the entities. Of course, such behavior is controversial and the question has been raised as to whether the high representative has normative competences. By analyzing Article II and Article V of Annex 10, which the high representative used as a legal basis, we can conclude that his competences are not of a normative character, and by interpreting this annex it is not possible to arrive at such competences. Analyzing point XI/2 of the Conclusions of the Peace Implementation Council held in Bonn on December 9 and 10, 1997 (the so-called Bonn Powers), which the high representatives also refer to as a legal basis, it is evident that there is no authorization to enact laws either amendments to entity constitutions. Normative powers of the high representative would be contrary to the First Protocol of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, because the democratic principle of the sovereignty of the people requires that laws should be adopted by a body elected by the people. In addition, it would be contrary to Annex 4 - the Constitution of BiH and the constitutions of the entities, according to which the parliament is the body that enacts laws and amends the constitutions.
The influence of economic migration on modern geopolitics: A demographic perspective
Authors: Teodosić Dimitrije
Published: February 2024

In the modern world, migration is an extremely complex and dynamic process that has a great impact on the demographic, economic and political development of a country. Monitoring migration trends and phenomena is crucial for their understanding, especially when it is taken into account that the number of economic migrants in developed countries has increased significantly in the last few years. Migrants today shape the political and economic system of many countries and thus change the structure of the world geopolitical order. Contemporary authors speak of geopolitics as the geography of politics, the spatial dimension of politics that is motivated by the concrete interests of various state and non-state actors. One of the key factors of geopolitics is the population, since it is used to achieve the most effective and firmest possession of the territory. Through this paper, an approach based on economic migrants and how they shape contemporary geopolitics will be addressed. The initial idea will be discussed from the theoretical point of view of economic migration, and further elaborated through the point of view of contemporary geopolitics and economic migration. Also, the idea about the relationship between demographic transition and geopolitics will be discussed. Finally, through the analysis of demopolitics, an insight into how contemporary geopolitics is developing and in which direction it could develop in the future will be given. The aim of this paper is to present as best as possible the interdependence of geopolitical decisions and economic migration trends.
Assessing premature mortality in Serbia: Insights from the Median Age of Years of Life Lost
Authors: Galjak Marko
Published: February 2024

Premature mortality, defined as death occurring before a predetermined chronological age, is a significant public health challenge in Serbia, compounded by an aging population, high rates of non-communicable diseases, and healthcare system challenges. This study introduces a novel indicator, the Median Age of Years of Life Lost (MeAYPLL), to assess the age distribution of premature mortality in Serbia and selected European Union (EU) countries during the pre-pandemic period (2000-2019). The findings reveal that Serbia is among the European countries with the highest rates of premature mortality, similar to other former socialist countries. However, the age distribution of premature deaths varies considerably across countries, influenced by factors such as the cause of death and population age structure. The results show that Serbia, in the period between 2017 and 2019, lost 539,591.3 years of potential life annually with Serbian MeAYPLL being 57.62 years in this period. The study underscores the importance of considering multiple dimensions of premature mortality, including its intensity, age structure, and geographical variations, for designing effective public health interventions. It also highlights the limitations of the MeAYPLL indicator, recommending its use in conjunction with other measures of premature mortality intensity for a comprehensive assessment.
The influence of distribution channels on the profitability of banks
Authors: Radojičić Jelena , Jemović Mirjana , Stojanović Tamara
Published: February 2024

The introduction of digital channels for the distribution of banking services has become a necessity in the conditions of growing digitization and changed customer requirements. Without denying the importance of other marketing mix instruments, banks are increasingly basing their strategic competitive advantage on digital distribution channels. This regularity is especially emphasized given the emergence of digital technology companies (fintech and bigtech) which, owing to the development of digital distribution channels, are gradually taking over numerous financial services from banks. Nevertheless, for certain forms of banking services, traditional distribution channels and personal contact with the banker remain indispensable. The aim of the paper is to examine the impact of the introduction of digital distribution channels on the profitability of banks. The analysis covers the banking sector of the European Union member states in the period 2015-2020. In order to examine the influence of distribution channels (number of branches, number of ATMs, number of POS terminals and number of internet banking users) on the profitability of banks, measured by the return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), panel regression is used. The results confirm the significant and positive impact of digital distribution channels on bank profitability.
Interplay between technology and society: Effects of remote emergency teaching on undergraduate students' performance
Authors: Štilić Anđelka , Krstić Boro , Puška Adis , Nicić Miloš
Published: February 2024

The primary objective of this research paper is to investigate the potential impact of emergency remote teaching on the academic performance of undergraduate students, while also assessing the consistency of academic outcomes across various courses during the emergency transition to distance learning. The research methodology involves the collection of students' accomplishments and course passing rates spanning four consecutive academic years, from 2018/2019 to 2021/2022. The study identifies three distinct teaching environments: traditional, distance learning, and hybrid. The academic year 2018/2019 is designated as a pre-pandemic reference point. The subsequent years mark a transition from distance learning to a hybrid teaching model and a return to the traditional in-class environment. The analytical framework includes descriptive and correlation analyses, supplemented by an analysis of variance to derive meaningful insights. It is essential to highlight that the results obtained are further validated by the passing rates for the academic year 2022/2023, reinforcing the contemporary relevance and credibility of the research findings.
Understanding the dynamics of investment factors and exchange-traded funds performance in the U.S. market 2018-2022
Authors: Korenak Boris , Stakić Nikola , Vesić Tamara
Published: February 2024

The increasing popularity of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) among retail and professional investors necessitates a deeper understanding of their value-creation process. Recognizing inconsistencies between stated investment strategies and portfolio exposures is crucial for appropriate rebalancing in accordance with investment policy statements. Against the backdrop of evolving investment factors during the pandemic and changing geopolitical circumstances, the performance of ETFs has undergone significant shifts. Analyzing the directional changes of prevailing investment factors within specific macro environments is essential for optimizing portfolios composed out of ETFs. This study has a dual objective: firstly, to comprehend the dominant investment factors and their dynamics in the U.S. market, and secondly, to evaluate the performance of ETFs that adhere to specific investment philosophies and strategies. To achieve these objectives, the Fama-French three and five-factor models were employed to analyze a dataset comprising 72 U.S. ETFs. These ETFs were then categorized into four portfolios based on investment style and size. Performance appraisal measures were utilized to compare portfolios on a risk-adjusted basis relative to the benchmark. The bear market that commenced in early 2022 had a universally negative impact on observed ETFs due to their longonly exposures. This inflection point also marked a shift in the relative performance between value and growth styles, as well as the outperformance of more conservative investing approaches, underscoring the importance of adapting to changing market conditions. Additionally, the absence of a size premium throughout the observed period confirms investors' preference for large-cap stocks as a resilient factor. Furthermore, the size effect exerted a universal negative influence due to the size drift of ETFs employing a stated large-size investment strategy. During the observed period, the value style experienced a significant recovery, characterized by higher book-to-price ratios, operating profits, and more conservative investment policies that produced superior results compared to the previous longer period. The findings of this research enhance our understanding of the influence of investment factors on U.S. ETF performance, providing valuable insights for investors and portfolio managers who may need to adjust their strategies in response to observed changes in market dynamics.
Analysis of the efficiency of banks in Serbia and Montenegro using the DEA method
Authors: Simonović Dragoljub , Milojević Stefan , Milašinović Marko , Dimitrijević Mlađan
Published: February 2024

The banking sector of a country plays a crucial role in the overall economy of a nation. The efficiency of banks is a critical factor in assessing their financial performance and competitiveness. The aim of this paper is to measure the relative efficiency of the commercial banks in Serbia and Montenegro by using the non-parametric methodology Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The efficiency of banks will be measured using DEA for two models with different input and output variables. The sample consists of banks from Serbia (21) and banks from Montenegro (11) for the period 2017-2022. According to the obtained results, there are four banks that are relatively efficient every year, two from Serbia and two from Montenegro (AIK banka and 3M banka according to the first model and Crnogorska komercijalna banka and Hipotekarna banka according to the second model). The findings from the paper are valuable for further use by regulators, policy makers and bank management who are expected to identify a sustainable business strategy in line with the company's capabilities.
The role of Trade policy in enabling access to COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Popović-Petrović Ivana
Published: February 2024

The aim of this paper is focusing on the role of the trade policy measures in managing the faster and more successful allocation of specific products such as vaccines in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis particularly points at the specifics of the pandemic, and their impact on the choice of trade policy measures. The priority was given to the decrease of non-tariff measures in relation to tariffs by creators of the trade policy. After the invention of the COVID-19 vaccines, the possibility to distribute them to all parts of the world without barriers and obstructions was significantly hindered in a several ways. The role of international trade in that process could have been jeopardized by many barriers in trade. The first notable barriers were tariffs as the best-known trade policy measures. Very soon they were followed by Non-tariff Measures which have become more recognizable and frequent. One part of these barriers is related to numerous logistical obstacles as well as to the elimination of administrative non-tariff barriers caused by inefficient work of customs authorities and related inspectorates.
Frequency and antibiotic resistance of bacterial agents causing respiratory tract infections in adults
Authors: Tončić Danijela , Bogdanović Svetlana , Vacić Nebojša , Gajević Ivana , Zlatković Ivana
Published: February 2024

Objective. Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the most common infectious diseases of the modern times, and among the ten leading causes of death at global scale. They have the highest mortality rates within the infective etiology, as the fourth leading cause of death in the world, with 2,603,913 cases in 2019. The goal of this paper was to define the most common organisms causing ARI, as well as their resistance to antibiotics in outpatients from the territory of town of Prokuplje. Methods. The analysis was performed retrospectively after six months of sampling. It included isolation and identification of bacterial agents of respiratory infections, as well as their resistance to certain antibiotics. Results. The studied sample, collected during the 6-month period, included 308 individual samples of throat swabs and 308 individual samples of nose swabs. Out of the total number of tested samples, pathogenic microorganisms were recorded in 43 samples of throat swabs (13.96%) and 107 samples of nose swabs (34.74%). The most common pathogen in nasal swab samples was Moraxella with 39.25%, followed by bacteria Haemophylus sp., St. aureus and S. pneumoniae with approximate values of 21.50%, 19.63% and 17.77%. As expected, the smallest value was recorded for Enterobacter sp. with 1.85%. The analysis of group resistance toward the tested antibiotics has shown that the most susceptible bacteria were Moraxella sp., as they failed to show complete resistance to any of the tested antibiotics. The highest levels of sensitivity were recorded toward gentamicin and ofloxacin. The greatest level of resistance was recorded for Haemophylus sp. which has shown resistance above 50% for all studied antibiotics except cefotaxime. Conclusion. As incidence of acute respiratory infections in the primary care patients is quite high, the studies of this type are particularly important as they enable better choice of therapy in future cases of ARI.
Lexical-semantic analysis of names of infectious diseases in English and Serbian
Authors: Jurinjak Zorana , Lukić Nataša
Published: February 2024

The issue of this paper is the analysis of infectious disease terms in English and their Serbian equivalents. The author also deals with the influence of the English language on the terminology of infectious diseases in Serbian as a consequence of the contact between these two languages. During the study, professional literature in English, bilingual and monolingual medical and veterinary dictionaries, bilingual collections of papers, abstract books, etymological dictionaries and other works on a similar topic in this area have been used. The analysis is based on 185 English terms and 196 Serbian equivalents for 173 infectious diseases. The processes of the development of terms are established on lexical level and they show great influence of Latin and Greek on both languages. Hybrid loanwords constitute a large section of English corpus, and the most common translation technique is calc. Based on contrastive analysis, the match, mismatch, similarities and differences are found in morphological, syntactic and semantic level. The research shows that a match occurs in over 60% of cases, and that the semantic differences are largely a matter of zero relations. The paper provides the statistical analyses of the research and a series of representative examples in both languages.
Flavonoids and their antioxidative, antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties and capacity
Authors: Pirić Slađana , Ilić-Todorović Violeta , Miljković Bojana , Nenezić Nemanja , Todorović Momčilo , Kaluđerović Zorica
Published: February 2024

The goal of the paper is to analyze the results of the research and present the general characteristics of flavonoids, including their biosynthetic pathway and peculiarities of secondary metabolism, through a review of available published works. Also, the work follows the antioxidant, antimicrobial and antitumor properties, and capacity of flavonoids. Flavonoids including flavones, isoflavones and anthocyanidins are formed by the condensation of phenylpropanoids with the participation of three molecules of malonyl coenzyme A. Flavonoid synthesis begins with phenylalanine, using the enzyme phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL) which catalyzes the release of phenylalanine and phenylalanine. Various experimental studies have shown that phenylalanine is a precursor of a large product of the secondary metabolism of phenolic compounds. The professional literature points out that o-dihydroxylation of the B-ring contributes to the antioxidant activity of flavonoids, while its antimicrobial properties are determined by the presence of (+) - catechin and quercetin against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. When it comes to antitumor properties, antioxidant activity, regulation of p53 protein, inhibition of protein kinase activity and apoptosis have an impact.
Fructose metabolism: The pathogenic potential of a little molecule
Authors: Mirić Dijana , Kisić Bojana , Pavlović Dragana , Dragojević Ilija , Puhalo Sladoje
Published: February 2024

In recent decades, the use of fructose in diet has increased worldwide, and coincided with increase of obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and non-alcoholic liver disease. This review presents molecular aspects of fructose metabolism, its characteristics and contemporary knowledge about control mechanisms in order to answer how this small molecule can exert pathogenic effects. When present in small, physiological amounts, fructose actually exerts protective glycoregulatory effects. However, long-term exposure to supraphysiological amounts of fructose creates conditions for the development of certain pathological states. In such conditions, lipogenesis is intensified causing dyslipidemia, gluconeogenesis is also intensified leading to hyperglycemia and compensatory hyperinsulinemia, while insulin signaling through IP3K/Akt is blocked. Moreover, exposure to high fructose levels can induce inflammation, redox balance disruption and a decline in energy synthesis. It is most likely that the ability of the liver to metabolize large amounts of fructose and the absence of autoregulatory and hormonal control mechanisms are responsible for pathogenic potential of fructose.
Fournier 's gangrene: Literature review and case report
Authors: Jakovljević Aleksandar , Igrutinović Gojko , Miljković Nikola , Kasalović Mladen , Vićentijević Danijela
Published: February 2024

Fournier's gangrene is a progressive necrotizing bacterial dermo-hypodermitis of the perineum and external genitalia. It represents a secondary polymicrobial infection with an aerobic and anaerobic group of bacteria, which have a synergistic effect in the development of this disease. Fournier's gangrene is an urgent, potentially life-threatening, medical condition that requires a multimodal approach: surgical debridement of the necrotic tissue, resuscitation of the patient, and the application of a broad spectrum of antibiotic therapy. We present the case of a 45-year-old male, referred to our department due to pain and swelling of the perineal region and scrotum, in the initial stage of Fournier's gangrene. The patient was hospitalized, a surgical incision and drainage of the areas affected by gangrene were made, and he underwent surgical treatment of the wound and intensive suppurative therapy for 23 days. After 23 days of hospitalization, the patient was discharged for home treatment with prior suturing of the incisional wounds, with an orderly local status and good general condition. Timely incision, debridement and application of intensive therapy in a condition such as Fournier's gangrene is of crucial importance. In this way, the possibility of potential complications, the progression of local to systemic disease, as well as the percentage of fatal outcome, is reduced.
Cor triatriatum sinister as an incidental finding in elderly woman
Authors: Šačić Dalila , Šačić Mirza , Šačić Mirsad
Published: February 2024

Cor triatriatum is a rare condition. It comprises around 0.1% to 0.4% of all congenital heart malformations. There are two types of this anomaly: cor triatriatum sinister (CTS), which is more common and accounts for 92% of all cases, and cor triatriatum dexter (CTD). This condition usually presents at an early age and is diagnosed mainly during early childhood. In some patients, who have less severe cases of CTS, diagnosis could be made in adulthood. We report an unusual case of a 78-year-old woman who was diagnosed with CTS for the first time. The patient was admitted to the cardiology department with symptoms of chest pain and dyspnoea. Physical examination revealed diffusely diminished breath sounds, with focal wheezing, and irregular heart rate, with no murmurs, while blood pressure was 140/90 mmHg. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed an accessory membrane in the left atria suggestive of CTS.