Problems and challenges facing vulnerable categories of citizens in municipalities in the Republic of North Macedonia

The Republic of North Macedonia (RNM), by ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2011, has joined the efforts of the international community to create and implement national policies that promote the rights of persons with disabilities, combat all forms of discrimination and build an inclusive society. European experiences show that although the rights of persons with disabilities are being promoted, especially in terms of accessibility, persons with disabilities still face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, education, employment and social needs and services. Persons with disabilities have a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion compared to persons without disabilities and are more likely to face the need for social services. Hence, the paper focuses on analyzing the situation in the domain of social services for vulnerable categories of citizens in several municipalities in the Republic of North Macedonia (Stumica, Kocani, Kumanovo and Delcevo), to determine the problems and challenges faced by these people. The general objective of the research is to contribute to the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups, improve the quality of life, as well as encourage social cohesion at the local level by promoting the localization of the 2030 Agenda and its goals, in particular, the principle of "Leaving No One Behind" - LNOB at the municipal level. The specific objectives of the research relate to identifying the problems and needs for social services and the inclusion in the social life of vulnerable groups of citizens, identifying their attitudes towards overcoming problems and improving the services they receive; identifying a database of existing measures and services; and developing recommendations for creating policies and measures. The research methodology is field research conducted using a questionnaire, a focus group with representatives of vulnerable categories of citizens and institutions that are responsible for the protection and exercise of the rights of this category of citizens, as well as an analysis of legal and regulatory acts and other documents relevant to the research. The research sample is targeted, since it is a target group that is not approached randomly, but based on previously obtained data about them. The results of the research showed that on average about 49.2% of people with disabilities need help in the implementation of certain activities. In addition, people with disabilities feel forgotten by the community and need to talk to a professional about their problems are more numerous among men. 1/3 of the respondents expressed a need for a personal assistant. A high percentage of the respondents are not familiar with the existence of day centers and social clubs for people with disabilities. About half of the respondents need to use a social club, which they would use but do not know that it exists. One third of the respondents need rehabilitation and reintegration. This indicates that the Municipalities and other competent institutions for the protection of persons with disabilities should focus on providing measures and funds for the improvement of social services and meeting social needs. Keywords: social services, persons with disabilities, rehabilitation, needs 1Full professor PhD, Faculty of Law, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia, e-mail: [email protected]

Macroamylasemia in a two year old boy as the first manifestation of celiac disease: A Case Report

Introduction: Macroamylasemia is a rare biochemical disorder in which the amylase molecule binds to other macromolecules, most commonly immunoglobulin A or G. The increased molecular weight of this complex reduces renal excretion of the enzyme, resulting in chronically elevated serum amylase levels. It can be associated with various non-pancreatic conditions, including celiac disease. In some reported cases, macroamylasemia resolved with a gluten-free diet. We present a pediatric case in which macroamylasemia was the initial manifestation of celiac disease. Case Presentation:A two-year-old boy presented with a three-month history of abdominal pain, anemia, and, constipation. Physical examination revealed paraumbilical tenderness. Laboratory tests showed hypochromic anemia; elevated serum amylase (171 U/L); low serum iron (2.5 µmol/L); vitamin D3 deficiency (15.9 ng/mL), and low urine amylase with an amylase/creatinine clearance ratio below 1%, confirming macroamylasemia. Imaging studies were normal. HLA typing revealed the HLA-DQ2 haplotype. Celiac serology was positive for tTG-IgA (87.55 IE/mL) and EMA-IgA (1:>100). Duodenal biopsy confirmed Marsh type IIIb histology. A gluten-free diet wasinitiated alongside iron and vitamin D3 supplementation. Symptoms resolved within two months, accompanied by normalization of serum amylase levels and a weight gain of over 1 kg. Vitamin D3 therapy was continued until serum levels normalized. Conclusion: Celiac disease should be considered in patients with unexplained macroamylasemia, even in the absence of classical gastrointestinal symptoms. The primary treatment in such cases is a strict gluten-free diet, which can lead to the normalization of serum amylase levels when macroamylasemia is associated with celiac disease

Dottrina delle comunicazioni militari - Guida sistematica al comando, al controllo e alle comunicazioni nelle forze armate moderne

Questo libro fornisce un esame completo e sistematico delle comunicazioni militari come elemento centrale del comando, del controllo e dell'efficacia operativa delle forze armate moderne. Analizza i principi, l'organizzazione, la pianificazione, la sicurezza, la resilienza e l'interoperabilità dei sistemi di comunicazione militare in situazioni di pace, crisi e conflitto. L'opera integra le basi teoriche con le prospettive operative, affrontando le architetture di comunicazione, i nodi e le reti, i metodi di trasmissione, i ruoli del personale e le tendenze future. Inoltre, l'autore propone quadri di comunicazione e interoperabilità originali e innovativi, contribuendo a nuovi approcci a livello di sistema per comunicazioni militari sicure, resilienti e integrate nel contesto delle tecnologie digitali contemporanee. Scritto per un pubblico accademico e professionale, il libro presenta le comunicazioni militari come una capacità operativa decisiva, essenziale per un efficace comando e controllo e per il successo della missione

Gluten and gluten-free biscuits with functional components: physicochemical, nutritional and antioxidant properties

This study aims to determine the effect of different compounds on the nutritional, antioxidant, microstructural, and color characteristics of biscuits classified as gluten and gluten-free. Namely, biscuits are enriched with dietary fibers, acacia fibers, spent coffee grounds, and anthocyanins. The addition of these functional components to biscuit matrix affected the physical properties of the biscuits; namely, the spread factor value of all biscuits ranged from 2.98 to 7.88, the content of total polyphenols increased, the highest polyphenol content was obtained in the gluten-free biscuits with added coffee grounds (77.98 mg), while in the biscuits with wheat flour has in the range of 44.62–128.63 mg. All gluten- free biscuits can be labeled as products with "rich in fiber" (6.32–7.68 g/100 g) and with a higher antioxidant content compared to biscuits without added ingredients. The total number of microorganisms in the tested cookies is below acceptable limits. The findings of this study show that the inclusion of raw nutritional components in the recipe of traditional gluten and gluten-free biscuits leads to an improvement in the nutritional value and other quality characteristics of the fortified food products

Military Communications Doctrine - A Systematic Guide to Command, Control, and Communications in Modern Armed Forces

This book provides a comprehensive and systematic examination of military communications as a core element of command, control, and operational effectiveness in modern armed forces. It analyzes the principles, organization, planning, security, resilience, and interoperability of military communication systems across peace, crisis, and conflict. The work integrates theoretical foundations with operational perspectives, addressing communication architectures, nodes and networks, transmission methods, personnel roles, and future trends. In addition, the author proposes original and innovative communication and interoperability frameworks, contributing new system-level approaches to secure, resilient, and integrated military communications in the context of contemporary digital technologies. Written for academic and professional audiences, the book presents military communications as a decisive operational capability essential for effective command-and-control and mission success

Hypertrophic gingivitis as a consequence of oversized crowns – Case report

Introduction: Hypertrophic gingivitis is a form of chronic gingivitis common among patients with prosthetic restorations, especially when these are oversized. This condition leads to reduced pink aesthetics, pain, and bad breath, which often drive patients to seek professional help. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if replacing old crowns with new ones can alter the condition of the gingiva and to assess if the state of gingiva in hypertrophic gingivitis is completely reversible. Materials and Methods: The materials for this case study come from private practice, focusing on a 38-year-old female non-smoker without allergies or chronic diseases. Research methods include comparing gingival and periodontal indices before and after replacing inappropriate prosthetic restorations. Results: Replacing the old, poorly fitted crowns resulted in significant improvement in the gingival health of the patient. Keywords: Oversized crowns, Hypertrophic Gingivitis, Periodontiti

Software-assisted analytical Quality by Design for stability-indicating method development: integration of DoE and predictive retention modeling using MODDE® and DryLab®

In modern pharmaceutical development, the increasing complexity of drug substances, formulations, and regulatory expectations has rendered traditional one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approaches to analytical method development inefficient and increasingly impractical. Consequently, analytical development in the twenty-first century is shifting toward systematic data-driven strategies based on Design of Experiments (DoE) and predictive modeling, in alignment with the principles of Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD). Software tools such as MODDE® and DryLab® exemplify this transition by enabling multivariate evaluation of critical method parameters, quantitative definition of design spaces, and prediction of chromatographic performance across wide operational ranges. Although numerous studies report the successful application of DoE-based optimization or predictive retention modeling as standalone approaches, a growing body of evidence, particularly from pharmaceutical applications, demonstrates the advantages of their integrated use for the development of robust, stability-indicating analytical methods. This review provides a comprehensive overview of AQbD-based stability-indicating method development with emphasis on the combined application of MODDE® and DryLab®, examining their roles in systematic risk assessment, statistical modeling, and predictive simulation to enhance method robustness, reduce experimental burden, and support regulatory flexibility within a scientifically justified method operable design region (MODR). In addition, emerging perspectives on artificial intelligence- and machine learning-assisted retention prediction are discussed as natural extensions of current software-assisted AQbD frameworks, highlighting future directions toward more efficient, knowledge-driven, and digitally enabled analytical method development

Bezpieczne systemy komunikacji dla nowoczesnych operacji wojskowych - Podstawy, technologie i przyszłe kierunki

Książka ta oferuje kompleksową analizę bezpiecznych systemów łączności dla współczesnych operacji wojskowych, odnosząc się do technologicznych i operacyjnych wyzwań związanych z wymianą informacji na współczesnych i przyszłych polach bitew. Śledzi ewolucję komunikacji wojskowej od systemów analogowych i cyfrowych po szyfrowane, definiowane programowo i wspomagane sztuczną inteligencją architektury, z naciskiem na interoperacyjność NATO, zagrożenia cyberbezpieczeństwa i wojnę elektroniczną. Analizowane są podstawowe zasady, takie jak transmisja sygnału, szyfrowanie, uwierzytelnianie, techniki przeciwzakłóceniowe i odporne taktyczne sieci radiowe. Zaawansowane tematy obejmują bezpieczną komunikację UAV z centrum dowodzenia, routing oparty na sztucznej inteligencji i zarządzanie widmem, systemy satelitarne, zastosowania wojskowe 5G/6G, komunikację kwantową i kognitywne sieci radiowe. Książka proponuje również przyszłościowe ramy bezpiecznej komunikacji zintegrowane z systemami C4ISR, poparte praktycznymi studiami przypadków, w tym badaniami doktoranckimi autora. Przeznaczona jest dla naukowców, specjalistów wojskowych, inżynierów i decydentów poszukujących odpornych i inteligentnych rozwiązań komunikacyjnych w dziedzinie obronności

The Pragmatics of Sorry: A Cross-Linguistic Analysis of English and Macedonian Online Communication

This paper examines the use of the lexeme sorry in English and Macedonian online communication, focusing on its multifunctionality beyond the conventional role of apology. While sorry is typically associated with expressions of regret, its pragmatic value extends to discourse management, mitigation, and even ironic or non-apologetic uses. The study outlines the theoretical framework of apology and discourse marker research, describes the methodology used to collect instances of sorry and its Macedonian equivalent forms, and analyses their syntactic and pragmatic properties. The analysis distinguishes three main functions: (1) sorry as a prototypical apology speech act, (2) sorry as a discourse marker that softens or manages interaction, and (3) sorry as a sarcastic or non-apology. Examples from English and Macedonian corpora are examined with attention to syntactic structure, frequency, and pragmatic implications. The findings suggest that English speakers employ sorry primarily to convey sympathy and regret in online contexts, often extending its use beyond explicit apologies. Macedonian speakers, however, tend to use sorry or the orthographically adapted sori to address minor offences, typically accompanied by explanations or justifications. The study also finds that the orthographic adaptation sori does not significantly affect the range or frequency of its pragmatic functions. Although limited in scope, the research identifies valuable patterns in the cross-linguistic use of sorry and highlights the need for further investigation on larger corpora to fully capture its role in online discourse and intercultural pragmatics

Употреба на натриум флуоресцин како доказ за адекватен крвен проток после клипсирање на мозочна аневризма

Основната цел на аневризматските операции е да се исклучи аневризматското проширување од циркулацијата со помош на клипса без притоа да биде спречен дисталниот крвоток. Современата неврохирургија се стреми кон изнаоѓање на методи за се попрецизна оперативна интервенција. Најпрецизната имиџинг техника која помага во исклучување на аневризма од крвоток и постигнување на соодветен крвоток дистално од тоа место е интраоперативната Компјутеризираната Ангиографија (CTa).За таа цел е потребно оперативната сала да биде опремена со специфична компјутеризирана томографија (О-arm), поголем број на медицински персонал за промена на положбата на пациентот и блска соработка помеѓу анестезиолошки, хируршки и радиолошки тим на лекари. Наведените неопходни услови плус негативните моменти како што се големото изложување на зрачење, виската цена и одолговлекување на операцијата се причини поради кои оваа имиџинг метода не може рутински да се користи во повеќето институции. Поради тоа како замена се појавуваат фуоресцентните средства. Првото флуоресцентно средство употребено како контрастно средство за видео ангиографија е зелениот индицијанин во 2003та година (1).Поради високата цена почнува да биде заменето со други флуоресецнти средства како што се АЛА-5 (5-аланинлевулонска киселина) и НаФл (Натриум Флуоресцин).За разлика од интраоперативната компјутеризирана томографија, флуоресцентните контрастни средства се поедноставни за употреба. На современите оперативни миркоскопи постои ‘сина и жолта ‘ светлина со 400 и 560 брановидолжини последователно, која овозможува директен приказ на флуоресцентните средства како кај туморите, така и долж големите крвни садови. После поставување на клипса, крвотокот може да се провери со активирање на жолтата светлина на оперативниот микроскоп. Правилната поставеност на клипсата се одредува со појава на флуоресценција долж крвниот сад дистално од аневризмата и истовремено отсуство на флуоресценција во аневризматското проширување. Нашиот случај е одличен пример за позитивна примена на натиум флуоресцин кај аневризматски операции