Use of Non-commercial Software in Mathematics

This work describes the use of non-commercial software in terms of innovation oftraditional educational process in mathematics in higher education in Serbia whichis largely based on the concepts in the last century, with a very low teachingadjustment which follows individual characteristics and abilities of students, sotoday it gives very limited results in efficiency and in study duration. The ideabehind the non-commercial software is to simplify the understanding of basic termsand concepts for students, which are studied in subjects related to mathematics, andalso to reduce the cost of higher education institutions. High price of commercialsoftware can often make them inaccessible to many of our institutions andindividuals. Non-commercial educational mathematical software are designed forinnovative, interactive and dynamic teaching in various areas of mathematics that isthe basis for development of logical thinking necessary for further education. Theiruse would have a significant role in distance education that involves the physicaldistance between teachers and students as well as benefits for students using it in theprocess of visual mastering of mathematical material. This work suggests a simpleand free model in mathematics that includes information technology. Such modelcan be a good recommendation for mathematics in universities and other highereducation institutions that have a similar curriculum in mathematical subjects. Inthis work the emphasis is on GeoGebra Octave and Maxim non-commercialprograms which in mathematical sense join geometry, algebra and analysis. There isalso an explanation how to use this software in mathematics. The work is writtenwith the purpose of popularizing free software GeoGebra, Octave and Maxima, andall with the idea of improving the quality of mathematics in the higher educationinstitutions

Response of maize and wheat to fertdolomite application

Granulated dolomite enriched with NPK (trade name fertdolomite: 24.0% CaO + 16.0% MgO + 3.0% N + 2.5% P2O5 + 3.0% K2O) was applied ( 0, 5 t ha-1, 10 t ha-1, 20 t ha-1, 30 t ha-1 and 40 t ha-1) on standard fertilization. The field experiment was established in spring 2008. In the next years only standard fertilization was applied. In this study results of 3-year investigations (2011 -2013) were tested (rotation: maize – wheat – maize). Maize yields on the control were 10.84 and 10.04 t ha-1, for 2011 and 2013, respectively. Maize in the 2011 responded to fertdolomite up to quantity of 10 t ha-1 by significant yield increases up to 9%, while by the rates 30 and 40 t ha-1 yields were decreased up to 14%. However, in the 2013 effective (up to 17% yield increases) were 20 t ha-1 and the higher doses. As affected by application of 20 t ha-1 and the higher doses of fertdolomite four years ago, yields of wheat in 2012 were decreased compared to the control for 7% (7.47 and 6.96 t ha-1, respectively). Possible explanation of this phenomenon could be too high ears densities (871 vs. 982 ears square m-1) under the highest fertdolomite conditions and water deficit in tillering and stem elongation phases of wheat. Thousand grain weight, hectoliter mass and starch contents were independent on fertdolomite. However, protein-, wet gluten contents and sedimentation in wheat grain were considerably increased as affected by fertdolomite application as follows: 13.8% and 15.7% (protein), 33.5% and 38.1% (wet gluten), 46.5 and 58.1% (sedimentation value), for the control and the highest fertolomite rate, respectively

Distributed network and service architecture for future digital healthcare

According to World Health Organization (WHO), the worldwide prevalence of chronic diseases increases fast and new threats, such as Covid-19 pandemic, continue to emerge, while the aging population continues decaying the dependency ratio. These challenges will cause a huge pressure on the efficacy and cost-efficiency of healthcare systems worldwide. Thanks to the emerging technologies, such as novel medical imaging and monitoring instrumentation, and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), more accurate and versatile patient data than ever is available for medical use. To transform the technology advancements into better outcome and improved efficiency of healthcare, seamless interoperation of the underlying key technologies needs to be ensured. Novel IoT and communication technologies, edge computing and virtualization have a major role in this transformation. In this article, we explore the combined use of these technologies for managing complex tasks of connecting patients, personnel, hospital systems, electronic health records and medical instrumentation. We summarize our joint effort of four recent scientific articles that together demonstrate the potential of the edge-cloud continuum as the base approach for providing efficient and secure distributed e-health and e-welfare services. Finally, we provide an outlook for future research needs

Response of soybean and barley to Fertdolomite application on acid soil

The stationary field experiment with the application of granulated dolomite (MgCO3 x CaCO3) enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (Fertdolomite: 24.0 % CaO + 16.0 % MgO + 3.0 % N + 2.5 % P2O5 + 3.0 % K2O) in rates 0, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t ha-1 on standard fertilization was started on 13th November 2007 on the acid soil (pH in 1n KCl: 3.90). The trial was conducted by randomized block design in four replicates (basic plot 40 m2). Standard fertilization of trial was applied in the next years for crops in rotation. In this study the response of soybean (2010) and winter barley (2012/2013) was shown. The average grain yield of soybean was 4830 kg ha-1 with variation among the treatments ranging from 4341 to 5361 kg ha-1. At the rates 10 t ha-1 and 20 t ha-1 soybean yields were significant increased for 8% and 16%, respectively and additionally by 6% at the highest rate of fertolomite. Fertdolomite had a moderate positive effect on protein contents in grain, while oil content was independent on the treatments. The average grain yield of barley was quite low (3630 kg ha-1), mainly due to low ears density (average 493 per m2) which was affected by oversupplies of precipitation in winter period under less permeable soil conditions. Extreme variations of precipitation regime are in connection with climatic change. Due to the application of 10 and 20 t ha-1 of Fertdolomite, yields of barley were significantly increased by 20% and 34%,respectively. However, the rates of 40 t ha-1 showed a non-significant difference of the barley yield as compared to the control level. The ear densities were significantly increased by application ≥ 10 t ha-1 Fertdolomite rates. Improvement of soil status by liming, adequate fertilization and similar managements contribute to the alleviation of detrimental effects of soil limitations and recent climate change on field crop yields

THE EFFECT OF BLOOD AND MILK SERUM ZINC CONCENTRATION ON MILK SOMATIC CELL COUNT IN DAIRY COWS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of blood and milk zinc concentration on somatic cell count and occurrence of subclinical mastitis cases. The study was performed on thirty Holstein cows approximate same body weight, ages 3 to 5 years, with equally milk production. Blood samples were taken after the morning milking from the caudal vein and milk from all four quarters was taken before morning milking. All samples of blood and milk were taken to determined zinc, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. 37.67% (11/30) cows have blood serum zinc concentration below 7µmol/l, and 63.33% or 19/30 cows have blood serum zinc concentration higher then 13µmol/l. Also 30% (9/30) cows have somatic cell count lower then 400.000/ml which indicate absence of subclinical mastitis, but 70% (21/30) cows have somatic cell count higher then 400.000/ml which indicate subclinical mastitis. Results indicate that cows with level of zinc in blood serum higher then 13 µmol/l have lower somatic cell count. Cows with lower zinc blood serum concentration then 7 µmol/l have high somatic cell count and high incidence of subclinical mastitis. According to results in this research there is no significant effect of milk serum zinc concentration on somatic cell count in dairy cows

Hematological Parameters in Cows in Early Lactation Treated with Ketoprofen and their Relationship with Lipid Mobilization and Ketogenesis

Background: Dairy cows are exposed to numerous hematological and biochemical changes, what is bringing cows into the state of increased metabolic activity and physiological adaptations. These adaptive processes have resulted in increased lipid mobilization and ketogenesis with increased concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). As a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ketoprofen produces anti-inflammatory effects. The main objective of the present study was to found relationship between hematological parameters and ketoprofen administration and high lipid mobilization and ketogenesis in cows treated with ketoprofen immediately after calving.Materials, Methods & Results: Ketoprofen was used (3 mg/kg body weight) intramuscularly for three consecutive days post-partum on 15 cows of Holstein-Friesian breed. Cows of the control group (n = 15) were not treated with ketoprofen. Blood samples were collected at the day of calving, in the first and in the second week after parturition from the coccygeal vein of the both groups. Hematological parameters (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, neutrophils, lymphocytes and mean platelet volume) were determined on the automatic hematological counter. Metabolic parameters (NEFA, BHB) were determined by standard colorimetric kits using a semi-automatic biochemistry analyzer. Student’s t-test was used to determine the influence of the application of ketoprofen to the hematological parameters. The data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 19.0, software package for Microsoft Windows (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The results of comparison with (P < 0.05) were considered to represent statistically significant differences. Difference in correlation test between NEFA and BHB and other blood parameters in experimental and control group of cows were determined by the Fischer r-to-z transformation. The research results show that there was a increased red blood cell count and a higher concentration of hemoglobin (P < 0.05), fewer neutrophils (P < 0.01), lower number of lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and fewer mean platelet volume in cows that received ketoprofen after calving than those of the control. Determined hematological parameters and values of NEFA and BHB are in correlation. The correlation coefficients were significantly lower in the experimental group of cows. The intensity of the connection between hematological parameters and value of NEFA and BHB decreases.Discussion: It is well known that dairy cows with excessive adiposity manifest a low-grade inflammation and that elevated NEFA concentrations present positive risk factors for many proinflammatory diseases. Analyzing the results in this examination, it has been noticed that the increase of NEFA and BHB after calving were significantly lower in group of cows treated with ketoprofen. Also, determined hematological parameters and values of NEFA and BHB are in correlation. The intensity of these connection decreases in ketoprofen treated cows. In current study, in cows treated with ketoprofen there is decrease in concentrations of inflammatory mediators such as neutrophils and lymphocytes. Red blood cell and hemoglobin concentration decreased in the peripartal period as a result of inflammation. In cows treated with ketoprofen these concentrations increased. In many inflammatory conditions mean platelets volume is increased while there is a decrease in ketoprofen treated cows. Presented results indicate strong relationship between the concentration of NEFA, as well as BHB and hematological parameters indicating that the dependence of hematological parameters of intensity of lipid mobilization and ketogenesis was significantly lower in cows treated with ketoprofen immediately after calving

Hematological Parameters in Cows in Early Lactation Treated with Ketoprofen and their Relationship with Lipid Mobilization and Ketogenesis

Background: Dairy cows are exposed to numerous hematological and biochemical changes, what is bringing cows into the state of increased metabolic activity and physiological adaptations. These adaptive processes have resulted in increased lipid mobilization and ketogenesis with increased concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). As a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ketoprofen produces anti-inflammatory effects. The main objective of the present study was to found relationship between hematological parameters and ketoprofen administration and high lipid mobilization and ketogenesis in cows treated with ketoprofen immediately after calving.Materials, Methods & Results: Ketoprofen was used (3 mg/kg body weight) intramuscularly for three consecutive days post-partum on 15 cows of Holstein-Friesian breed. Cows of the control group (n = 15) were not treated with ketoprofen. Blood samples were collected at the day of calving, in the first and in the second week after parturition from the coccygeal vein of the both groups. Hematological parameters (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, neutrophils, lymphocytes and mean platelet volume) were determined on the automatic hematological counter. Metabolic parameters (NEFA, BHB) were determined by standard colorimetric kits using a semi-automatic biochemistry analyzer. Student’s t-test was used to determine the influence of the application of ketoprofen to the hematological parameters. The data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 19.0, software package for Microsoft Windows (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). The results of comparison with (P < 0.05) were considered to represent statistically significant differences. Difference in correlation test between NEFA and BHB and other blood parameters in experimental and control group of cows were determined by the Fischer r-to-z transformation. The research results show that there was a increased red blood cell count and a higher concentration of hemoglobin (P < 0.05), fewer neutrophils (P < 0.01), lower number of lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and fewer mean platelet volume in cows that received ketoprofen after calving than those of the control. Determined hematological parameters and values of NEFA and BHB are in correlation. The correlation coefficients were significantly lower in the experimental group of cows. The intensity of the connection between hematological parameters and value of NEFA and BHB decreases.Discussion: It is well known that dairy cows with excessive adiposity manifest a low-grade inflammation and that elevated NEFA concentrations present positive risk factors for many proinflammatory diseases. Analyzing the results in this examination, it has been noticed that the increase of NEFA and BHB after calving were significantly lower in group of cows treated with ketoprofen. Also, determined hematological parameters and values of NEFA and BHB are in correlation. The intensity of these connection decreases in ketoprofen treated cows. In current study, in cows treated with ketoprofen there is decrease in concentrations of inflammatory mediators such as neutrophils and lymphocytes. Red blood cell and hemoglobin concentration decreased in the peripartal period as a result of inflammation. In cows treated with ketoprofen these concentrations increased. In many inflammatory conditions mean platelets volume is increased while there is a decrease in ketoprofen treated cows. Presented results indicate strong relationship between the concentration of NEFA, as well as BHB and hematological parameters indicating that the dependence of hematological parameters of intensity of lipid mobilization and ketogenesis was significantly lower in cows treated with ketoprofen immediately after calving

Contamination of Cow Milk by Heavy Metals in Serbia

Background: Dairy cows are exposed to numerous environmental hazards, such as heavy metals. Milk and dairy products could be harmful to humans when maximum tolerable amounts of heavy metals are exceeded. Analysis of heavy metals in milk is important because milk is a source of essential nutrients and is an indicator of environmental contamination. Some heavy metals are essential to maintain proper metabolic activity in living organisms, but at exceeded levels they could be toxic to living organisms. The main objective of the present study was to determine the residue levels of ten heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in cow milk in Serbia.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was conducted at three farms at Vojvodina district, Serbia. Cows from all three farms were on pasture during spring and summer time. Randomly 50 cows from each farm were taken for this experiment. The cows have similar body condition score they were in their third or fourth lactation and gave approximately the same amount of milk in the previous lactation. Total 150 milk samples were collected from cows during the morning milking, in the period between April to May in 2016. All 150 milk samples were transported to laboratory as soon as possible and analyzed for the heavy metals. Heavy metals were analyzed by Inductance coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry. Data are presented as mean values ± sd. Statistical analysis was done by one way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. The highest average concentration in cow milk was determined for Iron (283.9 mg/kg), then for Zinc (60.21 mg/kg) and Copper (4.404 mg/kg), while the lowest concentration was for Cobalt and Lead (less than 0.005 mg/kg).Discussion: Bioaccumulation is one of the biggest problems with heavy metals. Heavy metals residues in milk can be very dangerous for the calves and humans as well. The existence of trace elements and heavy metals in dairy products and milk has been recorded in various countries since it is considered as one of the most dangerous aspects of food contamination. The presence of heavy metals in cow's milk may be attributed to contamination due to exposure of lactating cow to environmental pollution or consumption of contaminated feeding stuffs and water. Heavy metals after intake in cow organism distributed to all organs and glands such as udder. By that, secretory udder tissue gets intoxicated with heavy metals and after that they can be found in milk. After analyses the results in this experiment the highest average concentration of Fe in cow milk it might be because cows were fed with hay from pasture rich in iron between April to May. Some researchers found the amounts of Cu in the milk of individual varied from 0.2 to 0.8 mg/kg. Contrary to this finding, in current study the average value of Cu in cow milk was 4.404 mg/kg. It is found that the highest concentration of Zn in cow milk is 10.75 mg/kg, lower compare to result in current study (60.21 mg/kg). Arsenic (As) concentration was 0.058 mg/kg, cadmium (Cd) was 0.01 mg/kg, cobalt (Co) was 0.002 mg/kg, chrome (Cr) was 0.018 mg/kg, manganese (Mn) was 0.493 mg/kg, nickel (Ni) was 0.119 mg/kg and lead (Pb) was 0.08 mg/kg what is just above recommended values by International Dairy Federation. The results showed that most of the milk samples from the different farm contained all the studied metals with concentration higher than those recommended by International Dairy Federation and Codex for cow milk

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COPING STRATEGIES AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AMONG PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Background: Behavioural investigation has become increasingly more focused on emotional intelligence as researchers strive to understand its influence on various social interactions. Recent research indicates that EI plays an integral role in adopting active and effective coping strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and coping strategies in patients with schizophrenia. Subjects and methods: The research included 102 stable patients with ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia. The sample consisted of 46 (45.1%) female and 56 (54.9%) male patients, in the 18-55 age range (M=35.54; sd=10.48). All the participants completed the Questionnaire of Emotional Intelligence and Competence (UEK-45) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Results: Data were analysed using the correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. The results showed that emotional intelligence correlates significantly with both task-oriented and avoidance-oriented strategies (including social diversion and distraction). Regression analysis revealed that emotional intelligence can be a significant predictor for these two coping strategies (task-oriented and avoidance-oriented strategies (including social diversion and distraction)). Conclusion: Patients with lower emotional intelligence mainly use strategies focused on coping with their own emotions. These results may prompt the devising of prevention and treatment programs for patients suffering from schizophrenia. Namely, numerous studies and research on emotional intelligence show that emotional intelligence can be enhanced through learning and behaviour modification at any age

Effects of Ketoprofen Administration on Relation between Acute Phase Proteins and Metabolic Parameters in Cows during Early Lactation

Background: Acute phase proteins (APPs) are clinically useful parameters for measuring the occurrence and severity of inflammatory responses in cattle. As large group of proteins, APPs are mainly secreted by hepatocytes whose concentration increase or decrease as response to tissue injury, inflammation or infection. The transition from late pregnancy to early lactation is associated with a compromised immune status coupled with increased acute phase response. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used in treatment of inflammatory conditions. The main objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of a preventive administration of the NSAID (ketoprofen) in post-calving dairy cows on concentration of APPs (haptoglobin and fibrinogen) and their relationship with indicators of liver function.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The treatment group (n = 15) was given an intramuscular injection of ketoprofen in the concentration of 3 mg/kg during three consecutive days after calving. The control group (n = 15) was not treated with ketoprofen. Blood samples were taken from coccygeal vein, on the first day of treatment and in the first and second week postpartum and they were analyzed for metabolic parameters (albumin and aspartat aminotransferaze) and APPs such as haptoglobin and fibrinogen. Compared with control, ketoprofen administration decrease the levels of haptoglobin and fibrinogen and AST activity. Increase in albumin concentration was recorded in experimental group of cows compared with control. Negative correlations (P &lt; 0.01) were found between the haptoglobin concentration and albumin concentration and aspartate aminotransferaze activity. Discussion: As inflammatory indicator in dairy cows, it is recorded that serum concentrations of haptoglobin is increased during mastitis. Beside haptoglobin, fibrinogen represents one of the APPs whose serum concentration increases during response in the acute phase. During the first and second week after partus, in cows with acute puerperal metritis, an increase in fibrinogen concentration was observed in relation to clinically healthy animals. Based on our results, it can be concluded that an intramuscular injection of ketoprofen (3 mg × kg. bw.-1) administered in cows in the first days following parturition reduces the concentration of some APPs (haptoglobin and fibrinogen). In regard to Hp concentration, the treatment success agreed with previous results using i.m. acetyl-lysine salicylate during the first 5 days of lactation. Reduction in APPs concentration in our research results could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effect of ketoprofen. In addition, use of ketoprofen reduces the intensity of relationship between inflammatory markers and indicators of liver funcition. Impaired functional capacity of the liver may be associated with reduced albumin concentration in the peripartal period, and during inflammatory or infectious diseases. Increase in albumin concentration in experimental group of cows compared to the control in our research could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effect of ketoprofen. Hence it can be concluded that the use of ketoprofen immediately after calving reduces the intensity of relationship between inflammatory marker liver function and that NSAID treatment could be used in in improving animal well-being and controlling of the occurence and intesity of postpartum diseases