Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) 2006 - Opportunities, Trade Relation and Evolution of Macedonian Economic Diplomacy

Main activity in the foreign trade policy of the Republic of Macedonia during the past 10 years was the integration of the country on the Central European Free Trade Agreement – (CEFTA). The reason for this is the expectation that the membership of the Republic of Macedonia in CEFTA will significantly contribute to the continual efforts for strengthening the regional trade cooperation, further liberalisation of foreign trade exchange, and continuation of activities for harmonisation of trade rules with international standards. Additionally, CEFTA 2006 provides a much more comprehensive framework for development of mutual relations and economic cooperation among the countries of South Easte Europe. We will explain the concept of development of economic diplomacy in the Republic of Macedonia as a tool for supporting Macedonian economy. The purpose of these activities is to present the Republic of Macedonia as an attractive destination for foreign investments through the promotion of business advantages, and giving incentive to Macedonian export, as well as through strengthening of the country’s position as a attractive touristic destination

Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Hypoxia on Progesterone Biosynthesis and Mitochondrial Morphology in the Corpus Luteum

The corpus luteum is a transient steroidogenic endocrine gland that forms from the remnants of the ovulatory follicle. This gland is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of the hormone progesterone, which is critical for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. In a non-pregnant cow, PGF2a is released from the uterus to regress the corpus luteum. However, in the case of pregnancy, the embryo must mitigate PGF2a synthesis to prevent corpus luteum regression. If the embryonic signal is either too late or too weak, uterine PGF2a secretion may result in corpus luteum regression and termination of pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish byproduct may provide a nutraceutical approach to reduce luteal sensitivity to PGF2a, which provides a potential solution to early embryo loss. Recent data show that incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids into luteal tissue reduces sensitivity to PGF2a. However, mRNA for key genes that regulate progesterone synthesis were significantly decreased. It was hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids may allow for a rebound in mRNA or adequate luteal cell protein abundance allowing for synthesis and secretion of progesterone following intrauterine infusions of PGF2a. Additionally, it was hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids from fish byproduct affect both lipid droplet accumulation and size in bovine luteal tissue and cells, as well as mitochondrial dynamics, providing a lipid rich and healthy environment for steroid synthesis following PGF2a infusions and a low oxygen environment. Data from the present study show that fish oil supplementation was luteal protective in response to PGF2a infusion. Steady-state mRNA for key genes that regulate steroidogenesis was significantly increased at 48 h post PGF2a infusion as compared to animals receiving vegetable oil supplementation. Additionally, fish oil supplementation in vitro improved luteal cell mitochondrial morphology as compared to control cells in a low oxygen environment. In conclusion, supplementation of fish oil improved luteal function during PGF2a infusion and hypoxia. Outcomes from these studies may allow for development of novel feeding strategies to reduce luteal sensitivity during maternal recognition of pregnancy resulting in improved reproductive efficiency in cattle

Review Of Systemic Approaches And Adjuvant Therapy In The Treatment Of Resectable Colorectal Cancer In Adult Patients

Colorectal cancer continues to present a serious problem for the modern medicine and in particular regarding the treatment of older patients. Specific difficulties are described for the treatment of this population. The adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of stage II and III resectable colorectal cancer is analyzed. The safety and efficacy of the adjuvant chemotherapy as well as the specific difficulties for the treatment of these patients are also reviewed. The life expectancy in years depending on the age during diagnosis and also the number of concurrent chronic diseases are assessed. The latest data are summarized, which recommend the routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy in more fit patients with stage III and high-risk stage II cancer. It is also outlined that older patients with significant functional impairments are not suitable candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy

Equine Assisted Therapy for Veterans

Equine-assisted activities and therapy have been proven to be highly effective in assisting veterans with mental health conditions. This project aimed to provide information and resources about these services to Treasure Valley veterans. In order to do this, an in-person open-house was hosted, to connect veterans to equine therapy. By completing this project, it can be asserted that there is a general lack of accessible and affordable services

Managing Post-Stroke Fatigue: A Guide for Daily Living for Clients and Caregivers

Several research studies have determined that fatigue is a common symptom, that should be viewed as an independent consequence following a stroke: it interferes with an individual\u27s engagement in activities of daily living. Fatigue can be misinterpreted as depression, therefore, may be treated inappropriately or remain untreated. Fatigue is not often addressed by health care professionals, therefore, clients and their families are not receiving the proper education and resources to manage fatigue challenges (Glader, Stegmayr, & Aspuland, 2002; Schepers, Visser-Meily, Ketelaar, & Lindeman, 2006). The purpose of this project was to develop a guide for daily living for clients and caregivers to educate and manage post-stroke fatigue. A literature review of journal articles was conducted to determine what has been done in the healthcare profession and the field of occupational therapy regarding management of post-stroke fatigue. Brief summaries of each of the articles were written to broaden knowledge and synthesize understanding of the topic. Common themes relating to post-stroke fatigue were identified from the scholarly literature and became the focus of discussion throughout the literature review: defining fatigue and how it differs from depression; exploring possible causes and risk factors; studying fatigue\u27s impact on daily living and on caregivers; selecting appropriate measurements and assessments to further future research; and studying current suggested interventions and their effectiveness in managing post-stroke fatigue. A guide for daily living to manage post-stroke fatigue was developed for clients and caregivers using adult learning principles. Adult Learning principles acknowledge that the learner takes the responsibility to make his or her own decisions. By increasing awareness of what the learner needs to know, individuals are able to make personal modifications and to effectively cope with real-life situations (Knowles et a!., 2005). The contents of the guide address the most prevalent needs, as identified in the literature review, of individuals that are suffering from post-stroke fatigue and can be incorporated at any point within the rehabilitation process. This guide for daily living focuses on the integral role played by an occupational therapist to assist clients and caregivers and provides educational information to enable management of post-stroke fatigue symptoms. The product facilitates the ability to define and identify post-stroke fatigue; to identify possible causes and risk factors; to recognize the potential impact on daily living; to seek further information from health care providers; and to provide post-stroke management strategies which include instructions for recognizing fatigue symptoms, energy conservation techniques, tips for staying active, and addressing the psychosocial aspects of living with fatigue

MECHANICAL SYSTEM FOR WIRE ARC ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

This article discusses the reassembly of a mechanical system for 3D printing plastic parts to be used for plasma arc additive manufacturing. The main issues in converting an existing 3D printer designed for plastic additive to used for producing metal parts are: control of the welding power source; installation and realization of the movement with the welding torch; set the height of the zero layer; setting up the program software to generate the control file

Chromatographic systems analysis - Sample injection problem

Mathematical model of sample injection effect on chromatogram outpu