TEMPUS Project Quality Plan (PQP) - An important management tool of project coordinator

Nowadays project management is becoming increasingly important. Project management is responsible for securing and improving the higher education outcomes defined by an approved TEMPUS project proposal. Appropriate design, definition, plan and successful implementaion of the project are supported by an adequate project quality plan (PQP). PQP is a powerful management tool that enables the project coordinator and project team to implement all of the planned activities successfully and with appropriate quality within the agreed deadlines and budget. This paper provides an example of a well-designed PQP. The given example provides the required quality of all activities and results (products) of the TEMPUS project that make the project sustainable in the long-term

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids from different dietary sources on cardiovascular risk factors in average middle-aged subjects

Za n-3 polinezasićene masne kiseline (PMK) postoji veliki broj prikupljenih podataka da deluju u okviru svojih fizioloških uloga preko više različitih mehanizama povoljno na različite faktore rizika za razvoj kardiovaskularnih bolesti (KVB). U brojnim studijama unos dugolančanih n-3 PMK pokazao je povoljne efekte na modulaciju ćelijske fluidnosti, funkciju membranskih proteina, aktivaciju transkriptornih faktora, profil lipida seruma, markere inflamacije kao i na vaskularnu reaktivnost i funkciju trombocita. Uloga dugolančanih n-3 PMK, pre svega eikozapentaenske (EPA) i dokozaheksaenske (DHA), smatra se veoma značajnom u održavanju homeostaze brojnih fizioloških procesa, tako da je pre deset godina uveden u praksu novi biomarker rizika od KVB "omega-3 indeks", koji se zasniva upravo na zasićenosti organizma ovim masnim kiselinama. Ciljevi ove studije bili su procena sastava masnih kiselina i sadržaja n-3 masnih kiselina dugog lanca u uobičajenim dijetarnim izvorima ovih masnih kiselina; ispitivanje efekata n-3 masnih kiselina dugog lanca iz dva odabrana dijetarna izvora (losos i riblje ulje standardizovanog sastava u kapsulama) u količinama koje odgovaraju važećim dijetarnim preporukama na faktore rizika za razvoj KVB kod ispitanika srednjih godina oba pola sa umerenom dislipidemijom (sastav masnih kiselina u lipidima eritrocita, trombocita i plazme, ispitivanje profila lipida plazme, ispitivanje parametara oksidativnog stresa i ispitivanje parametara sistemske inflamacije). Dijetarna intervencija je dizajnirana kao randomizovana, ukrštena studija. Ispitanici su po slučajnom izboru podeljeni u dve grupe koje su konzumirale dimljeni losos dva puta nedeljno (274 mg EPA + 671 mg DHA/dan) ili komercijalni suplement ribljeg ulja 396 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA/dan) tokom 8 nedelja. Nakon perioda od 6 meseci ispitanicima su zamenjene intervencije. Analizom različitih vrsta rečne i morske ribe kao najznačajnijih izvora n-3 PMK utvrđeno je da rečne ribe imaju relativno nizak sadržaj lipida u odnosu na morske. Najveći sadržaj n-3 PMK, EPA i DHA nađen je u morskim vrstama skuši sardini i lososu. Sadržaj i odnos EPA i DHA u većini analiziranih dijetetskih suplemenata se razlikovao u odnosu na količinu i odnos u prirodnim izvorima...It is widely accepted that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially long chain (LC) eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3), posses several physiological roles in human organism that can explain their positive impact on cardiovascular events. In numerous human studies dietary intake of LC n-3 PUFAs has shown modulating effects on membrane fluidity, membrane protein function, transcription factor activation, lipid mediator synthesis, and inflammatory markers as well as on vascular reactivity and platelet function. Through these modulating functions LC n-3 PUFAs exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Because of EPA and DHA importance in maintaining the homeostasis of numerous physiological processes, so-called "omega-3 index" was proposed as a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease ten years ago. The aim of this study was to compare the main dietary sources of n-3 PUFA, such as marine or freshwater fish and fish oil dietary supplements regarding their fatty acid profile; further to investigate the relationship between recommended intake of n-3 fatty acids from oily fish or fish oil supplements and selected cardiovascular risk markers in healthy middle-aged subjects with moderate dyslipidemia (including plasma, erythrocyte and platelets fatty acid profile, blood lipid parameters, circulating inflammatory markers and oxidative stress parameters). Participants were randomised to receive salmon (oily fish) providing 274 mg EPA + 671 mg DHA/day or commercial fish oil supplement providing 396 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA/day in cross-over trial over 8 weeks period separated by the 6 months washout period. The analysis of different species of freshwater and marine fish as a major sources of n-3 PUFA showed that freshwater fish had relatively low content of lipids compared to the marine species. The highest content of n-3 PUFA, EPA and DHA was found in marine species, sardine, mackerel and salmon. A common ratio of EPA/DHA in most of analyzed dietary supplements was 3:2, while DHA was presented in a higher amount in all fish samples compared to EPA..

Application of Cube IQ software and multicriteria optimization models for the selection of vehicles for the transport of goods in the Serbian Armed Forces

Introduction/purpose: An adequate selection of vehicles used for the transport of goods is a very important factor that affects the economical and rational use of vehicle fleets, as well as the quality and efficiency of carrying out transport activities in the Serbian Armed Forces. The goal of this work is to design a model that should be of help to the traffic service authorities to select the vehicle that is best for the performance of the assigned transport task based on the defined criteria. Мethods: This paper therefore proposes a model for the selection of vehicles for the transport of goods using a fuzzy logic system, as a type of artificial intelligence system. In order to solve the problem of choosing a vehicle for the transport of goods, five criteria are defined in the work based on a survey of the commanders of the transport lines, which represent the input values in the fuzzy logic system.The vehicle is selected based on five criteria. The input variables are represented by three membership functions, while the output variable is defined by five membership functions. All the rules in the fuzzy logic system are determined using the rule premise weight aggregation method (ATPP), which enables the formation of a rule base based on experience. By applying this method and based on the number of input variables and the number of their membership functions, a base of 243 rules was defined. The values of the weighting coefficients of the membership functions were determined using the LMAW method. A user "interface" program was created for the developed fuzzy logic system, which enables the practical application of this model. Rеsults: The model was tested on the example of choosing the optimal vehicle for goods transported to the IVP "Pasuljanske livade" in 2020. The selection of the optimal means of transport was made among the transport motor vehicles that are most used in the Serbian Army, namely: TAM 150 T11, FAP 2026 and FAP 1118. After packing all three vehicles with these goods in Cube IQ and after performing calculation and evaluation of individual vehicles in the user "interface" program, the values of the output variable for each vehicle were obtained. The obtained values for each vehicle were ranked and the optimal vehicle for the transport of defined goods was shown to be the FAP 1118. Conclusion: The significance of this study is that it is among the first ones to demonstrate the application of a model based on artificial intelligence that solves the problem of vehicle selection for the transportation of movable assets. The study provides considerable opportunity for further research

Quality assurance procedures in the function of continuous development of tourism study programmes

The main aim of the higher education in the area of tourism is to develop study programmes that will respond to current needs of Serbian market. One of the best ways to accomplish that is to enhance the quality of current study programmes through alignment with best EU practices. Such alignment can be achieved through implementation of quality control systems established in ISO 9001/2008. Implementation of TEMPUS projects related to modernisation and harmonisation as well as accreditation of study programmes leads to educational compliance with related standards, ISO 9001 and EU standards related to the quality assurance. This paper presents a model of how to develop institutional quality control procedures that are used as a setting stone for implementation of Quality Management System (QMS) in Serbian higher education institutions

Acute leukemia of childhood: A single institution's experience

The aim of this study was to investigate distribution of immunophenotypic and cytogenetic features of childhood acute leukemia (AL) in the cohort of 239 newly diagnosed patients registered at the leading pediatric oncohematology center in the country during a six-year period (1996-2002). With approximately 60-70% of all childhood AL cases in Serbia and Montenegro being diagnosed and treated in this institution the used data represent a valid research sample to draw conclusions for entire country. On the basis of five phenotypic markers, the distribution of immunological subtypes was as follows: 169 (70.7%) expressed B-cell marker CD19 (137 were CD10 positive and 32 CD10 negative), 37 (15.5%) belonged to T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) (cyCD3 positive), and 33 (13.8%) were acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) (CD13 positive and/or CD33 positive in the absence of lymphoid-associated antigens). The ratio of males and females was 1.5:1. Most of the cases were between the ages of 2 and 4, and were predominantly B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cases. Another peak of age distribution was observed at the age of 7. The frequency of T-ALL (18% of ALL) was similar to that reported for Mediterranean countries: France (19.4%), Greece (28.1%), Southern Italy (28.3%), and Bulgaria (28.0%). Cytogenetic analyses were performed in 193 patients: 164 ALL and 29 AML. Normal karyotype was found in 57% of ALL and in 55% of AML patients, while cytogenetic abnormalities including structural, numerical, and complex chromosomal rearrangements were found in 43% of ALL and in 45% of AML patients. Our results represent a contribution to epidemiological aspects of childhood leukemia studies

Presence of <i>Coxiella burnetii</i> in dairy cattle and farms in the Czech Republic

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii on both herd and animal level based on ELISA and PCR tests. Antibodies to C. burnetii were detected in 22 out of the 24 bulk tank milk samples (91.6%) tested by ELISA and the IS1111 element of C. burnetii was detected in 10 out of the 24 samples (41.6%) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). ELISA testing showed individual seropositivity in 67 out of the 165 cows (40.6%) examined in 24 dairy cattle farms in different parts of the Czech Republic. Our study revealed that the prevalence of C. burnetii has increased substantially in the Czech Republic over the past 30 years, and that the causative agent is a potential risk factor for some reproductive problems in dairy farms and a possible risk factor for human infection

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid dietary recommendations are moderately efficient in optimizing their status in healthy middle-aged subjects with low fish consumption: a cross-over study

Several dietary recommendations have been made for marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUPA) intake; however, the effectiveness of these fatty acids has not been thoroughly examined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether public-aimed dietary recommendations for long-chain n-3 PUPA from oily fish or fish oil supplements are efficient in optimizing their status in red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets of healthy middle-aged subjects with low customary fish consumption. In a randomized, cross-over trial conducted over an 8-week period and separated by a 6-month washout period, 33 participants received an oily fish (salmon), providing 274 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + 671 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day, or a commercial fish oil supplement, providing 396 mg EPA + 250 mg DHA per day. Blood samples were collected before and after each intervention period, and RBCs and platelets were used for analysis of fatty acids. After 8 weeks, there were significant increases in EPA and DHA content in RBCs and platelets with both salmon and fish oil capsules. The increase in EPA in both RBCs and platelets was higher with capsules, whereas the increase in DHA in both RBCs and platelets was higher with salmon. In spite of the quantitative and qualitative differences between n-3 fatty acid profiles in salmon and the fish oil supplement, the overall incorporation of these fatty acids into RBCs and platelets did not differ in our short-term study (P>.05). The sum of EPA + DHA significantly increased in both compartments following dietary recommendations for oily fish and fish oil supplements intake in middle-aged healthy subjects with low baseline long-chain n-3 PUPA status, although targeted values with optimal cardioprotective effect of more than 8% were not achieved

Canine babesiosis treatment with three different medicines

Canine babesiosis is a relatively frequent disease in Croatia. Elevated body temperature, anemia and haemoglobinuria are the most common signs. Diagnosis is rapidly obtained by employing blood smears, as B. canis is present in the red blood cells of affected dogs. Treatment is favourable and without consequences. Blood work was performed initialy, prior to treatment, and on the 1st and the 7th day following treatment. Following history and examination of the dogs blood and urine samples were taken. After confirmation of B. canis in the red blood cells, alltogether 226 dogs were tretated. Out of them 80 were tretaed with Berenil® (diminazen aceturate, Hoechst), 72 were tretated with Imizol® (imidocarb dipropionate, Schering-Plough-Animal-Health) and 74 with Oxopirvedin® (fenamidine dizetionate, Merial). Clinical findings, haematological analysis and urine analysis are given and statistically assesed. After tretment with Berenil®, symptoms of babesiosis regressed within 24 hours. Health improved more slowly in the group treated with Oxopirvedin® in comparioson with the group treated with Berenil®. Contrary to the above, Imizol® displayed the slowest regression of the disease and reinfestation with B. canis within 30 days was not noted. That is not the case if treatment was provided by Berenil® and Oxopirvedin®. In all 226 cases of canine babesiosis side effects were not noted, except topically inflammed tissue at the site of subcutaneous application

The effect of cannabinoid receptor 1 blockade on hepatic free fatty acid profile in mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

We used rimonabant to investigate the role of CB1 receptor on hepatic FFAs profile during NAFLD. Male mice C57BL/6 were divided into: control group fed with control diet 20 weeks (C; n = 6); group fed with HFD 20 weeks (HF; n = 6); group fed with control diet and treated with rimonabant after 18 weeks (R; n = 9); group fed with HFD and treated with rimonabant after 18 weeks (HFR; n = 10). Rimonabant (10 mg/kg) was administered daily to HFR and R group by oral gavage. Rimonabant decreased liver palmitic acid proportion in HFR group compared to HF group (p  lt  0.05). Liver stearic and oleic acid proportions were decreased in R group compared to control (p  lt  0.01 respectively). Rimonabant increased liver linoleic and arachidonic acid proportions in HFR group compared to HF group (p  lt  0.01 respectively). CB1 blockade may be useful in the treatment of HFD-induced NAFLD due to modulation of plasma lipid and hepatic FFA profile