Search

Over the past decades, technological and economic growth has significantly contributed to the improvement of the health care system through increased investment in technological research, training and the application of new technologies in health care. There is evidence that rapid technological and economic growth, contributing to the improvement of the health care system, also leads to a reduction in mortality rates, as well as to a longer life expectancy, which indirectly affects human activity in scientific and political spheres. At the same time, there is evidence that 2.5-micron particles (PM2.5 particles), as a result of industrial development and increased car use, have a negative impact on health outcomes around the world. This paper analyses the impact of increased concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air on economic and technological development, in order to explore whether there is an interdependent relationship between them. The paper aims to clarify the long-term effect of PM2.5 on health outcomes, control of technological and economic growth, as well as other important factors, based on the analysis of given panel data and the application of modern econometric methods. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to provide information on the negative impact of PM2.5 particles on human health, as an indirect impact on the development of new materials and technologies, taking into account socio-economic factors at the global level.

This article argues that, in its pre-biblical version (pre-J), the Cain and Abel story principally dealt with tensions unique to dry-farming families. According to pre-J, the main cause of these tensions was the relevant social structure. The social structure was problematic because it involved two important imbalances, one between the spouses and one between the children. Pre-J offers a novel solution to problems caused by these interfamilial imbalances: rather than accepting their pre-established social roles, people should develop a merit-based social structure. This is why Yahweh says that acceptance and honour are to be found in doing what is right. Focusing on a pre-J narrative in this way and situating the story within the broader context of sibling rivalry solves three puzzles relating to: Yahweh's preference (God challenges unjust social institutions), Cain's reactions (he is angry because his expectations were unmet and depressed because he thought that this was his failure), and Yahweh's final forgiving of Cain (the conflict was not due to Cain's wicked character). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of 222Rn, was measured in a house in Niška Banja town. The continuous radon monitor was used for measurements with standard uncertainty of 3%. The measurement of ambient dose equivalent rate, H*(10), was also performed, with standard uncertainty of 10%, using a dosimeter programmed for continuous radiation detection. The highest radon concentration was as much as being 7300 Bq/m3. A maximum value of H*(10) of 0.885 µSv/h was obtained. The variation of H*(10) almost linearly follows the changes in the concentration of 222Rn. The corresponding effective dose was as much as 74.30 mSv per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Wheat dwarf virus (WDV), the species Mastrevirus hordei of the genus Mastrevirus in the family Geminiviridae , is a cereal virus commonly detected in several European, African and Asian countries that causes economic losses. Methods: In the spring of 2019, a severe outbreak of wheat dwarfing and yellowing was observed in many winter wheat crops across Serbia. A total of 161 samples were tested for the presence of WDV and other common wheat viruses using double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). To obtain the complete genome of 23 selected isolates, several overlapping segments of the WDV genome were amplified and sequenced. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the whole genome sequences of the WDV isolates identified in this study and 40 selected sequences from GenBank. Results and discussion: The results of DAS-ELISA indicated the presence of WDV in all samples collected from 21 sites in all nine districts surveyed. Further molecular characterization based on complete genome sequencing of 23 selected isolates showed that the Serbian WDV isolates had low nucleotide diversity and were closely related to wheat-infecting isolates from Europe, suggesting the presence of wheat-adapted forms of WDV in Serbia. The constructed phylogenetic tree revealed that Serbian isolates grouped in clade E within the wheat-adapted forms. This study provided the first insight into the genetic structure of WDV in Serbia based on its whole genome sequence. Further studies on the vector biology and population dynamics are needed to better understand the factors influencing the emergence and spread of WDV under local agroecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose adequate methodological approaches for Serbian as a heritage language based on the critical analysis of the existing Serbian Ministry of Education's Curriculum for Serbian as a foreign language. This curriculum is recommended for use in Serbian heritage language education; however, it has been shown to be insufficiently effective in the classroom. The methods in question should benefit heritage speakers the most, such as communication-based methods and form-focused instruction, which enhance metalinguistic awareness. Additionally, we suggest an integrative model of teaching as we believe that cross-cultural approaches positively impact both types of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, the expanding environmental and ecological crises highlight the need to broaden the concept of sustainability to encompass support for cultural sensitivity and social well-being. This study explores the role of architectural education in fostering cultural sensitivity and social well-being in embassy architecture within a framework of environment–behavior studies. It starts from the premise that the architectural values of a culture are deeply rooted in the relationship between the users, architecture, and surrounding environment. State-sponsored architectural works (e.g., embassies, consulates, cultural centers) built outside the country are viewed as symbolic representations of a nation's diplomatic and cultural influence. These architectural typologies hold a unique potential to act as bridges for cross-cultural dialogue and foster a collective sense of global citizenship. In order to develop and assess the teaching curriculum, a specific assignment was given to master's students of the Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade, with the aim to explore how engineering education can be adopted to motivate students toward sustainable attitudes and design solutions. While traditional diplomatic architecture emphasizes inward-facing, fortress-like design strategies, establishing physical and symbolic barriers between the embassy's territory and the surrounding context, this research advocates for a more holistic approach oriented toward cultural sustainability, openness, and integration within an urban context. Key findings highlight creative solutions for balancing cultural representation with functional requirements while prioritizing community engagement, environmental responsibility, and user well-being. By demonstrating the two distinctive architectural strategies, this study contributes to the culturally responsive embassy design within the broader context of sustainable architectural education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food produced using an organic agricultural approach does not use conventional pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Purchasing organic food is influenced by several factors. This study investigated the factors influencing young people from Serbia's intention to purchase organic food. Constructs from earlier research that have been demonstrated to have strong correlations with the desire to purchase organic food were combined in the study model. The database was created from a survey of 111 questionnaires completed by individuals in the 20--30 age range and structural equation modelling was conducted. The findings demonstrated that the most important factors influencing the purchase intention of young people in the country are health consciousness, food safety concerns and society. The study also showed that price sensitivity and environmental awareness had moderate but not negligible effects on purchase intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organizations have started more progressively using and offering family benefits including parental leaves to address the issues of balancing work and family life. Although such leaves are fundamental for supporting, attracting, and retaining women, we examine whether such leaves may also inadvertently affect women's careers in occupations that overly value masculine traits, unless managed carefully. Drawing on the literature on gender stereotypes (micro factors) and occupation gender type (macro factors), we argue that longer (vs. shorter) parental leaves negatively affect women's work outcomes (i.e., annual income, salary recommendation, hireability, and leadership effectiveness) in men-dominated but not in women-dominated occupations because it lowers perceptions of women's agency. We find support for our hypotheses across three studies in the Australian context with an archival data set and two experiments. Our work shows that men-dominated organizational structures reinforce traditional gender stereotypes, whereas such reinforcement does not happen in women-dominated organizational structures. Our research equips leaders and organizations with insights into the unintended negative consequences of parental leave for women. This understanding serves as a crucial first step in developing strategies and programs to mitigate these effects, thereby supporting women in men-dominated occupations and fostering more inclusive and healthy workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the urgent need for a transition to sustainable, zero-waste green technology, the extraction of bioactives from food and agricultural by-products and waste has garnered increasing interest. Traditional extraction techniques often involve using organic solvents, which are associated with environmental and health risks. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as a promising green alternative, offering advantages such as low toxicity, biodegradability, and the ability to dissolve a wide range of biomolecules. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent trends in the application of NADESs for extracting bioactive compounds from sustainable sources. The review explains the composition and principles of preparation and highlights various applications of NADESs in extracting different classes of bioactive compounds, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize extraction processes. By summarizing the latest advancements and trends, this review aims to support research and industrial applications of NADESs, promoting more sustainable and efficient extraction methods in the food and agricultural sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogels using a microwave-assisted synthesis method, aligning with green chemistry principles for enhanced sustainability. This eco-friendly approach minimizes chemical use and waste while boosting efficiency. A curcumin:2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex was incorporated into the hydrogels, significantly increasing the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the structure and successful incorporation of curcumin, in both its pure and complexed forms, into the polymer matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed distinct thermal transitions influenced by the hydrogel composition and physical cross-linking. Hydrogels with higher alginate content had higher swelling ratios (338%), while those with more chitosan showed the lowest swelling ratios (254%). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed a porous structure as well as successful incorporation of curcumin or its complex. Curcumin release studies indicated varying releasing rates between its pure and complexed forms. The chitosan-dominant hydrogel exhibited the slowest release rate of pure curcumin, while the alginate-dominant hydrogel exhibited the fastest. Conversely, for curcumin from the inclusion complex, a higher chitosan proportion led to the fastest release rate, while a higher alginate proportion resulted in the slowest. This study demonstrates that the form of curcumin incorporation and gel matrix composition critically influence the release profile. Our findings offer valuable insights for designing effective curcumin delivery systems, representing a significant advancement in biodegradable and sustainable drug delivery technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]