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Investigating the Virulence of some Plasmopara halstedii Isolates in Hungary
No full textDowny mildew a major threat to sunflower cultivation globally, frequently leads to substantial reductions in sunflower yields. This disease is caused by the highly virulent and aggressive oomycete pathogen Plasmopara halstedii. Investigating the regional spread of the disease and the evolution of virulence in the downy mildew population is crucial for developing new sunflower inbred lines that are resistant to the current variants. This study aims to clarify the virulence phenotypes of Plasmopara halstedii isolates collect-ed in Hungary in 2021, particularly focusing on sunflower differential lines with the Pl6 and Plarg resistance genes. The aggressiveness of these isolates was also analyzed by evaluating the disease rate. Sunflower genotypes Iregi szürke csíkos, HA-335 (Pl6), and RHA-419 (Plarg) were tested against isolates I3 and I9. Seedlings were germinated at different temperatures (19°C and 24°C), inoculated with Plasmopara halstedii at a concentration of 50,000 sporangia/ml, and then incubated overnight at 16°C. Disease evaluation was based on the presence of sporangia on cotyledons and damping-off/chlorosis on 21-day-old leaves, with classifications of susceptible (S) or resistant (R) after the second assessment. Isolate I9 was not able to overcome Pl6 and the Plarg resistance gene. On the other hand, I3 was a more aggressive isolate, as it was able to cause disease on the plants carrying Pl6 resistance gene but not the Plarg resistance gene
The Effect of Sulfites and Their Analysis in Wine Production: A Case Study in Kosovo
No full textSulfites, long employed in wine preservation and stabilization, remain a topic of debate in the wine industry due to concerns about their potential adverse effects on consumer health. This study examines the role of these compounds in maintaining wine quality, with a specific focus on local varieties, including Theranda Wine. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is widely used in the wine industry due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, due to health concerns, consumer demand for wines with lower levels of SO₂ or that have completely replaced it has been increasing. Using advanced analytical techniques, the research evaluates sulfite concentrations and their influence on both the product\u27s characteristics and the well-being of consumers. As essential preservatives, sulfites prevent oxidation and microbial growth, helping to preserve the distinct qualities of wines. The findings aim to inform producers and consumers about the benefits and risks associated with sulfite use, contributing to the ongoing improvement of winemaking practices
The Importance of fruit, vegetables and dietary fiber in cardiovascular diseases and different types of cancer and their consumption in the municipality of Pristina
No full textEating healthy should be the goal of every person. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber is one of the foundations of any diet. Their consumption is recommended for their ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as various types of cancer. The purpose of this study is to learn and examine the role of fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber in our health, the relationship between the consumption of these food groups in cardiovascular diseases, cancer and mortality. For the realization of this study, a questionnaire was used which focused on the residents of the capital of Kosovo, Pristina. About 200 participants are expected to be taken as a sample of the research, in April 2024. According to the results of this study, we came to the conclusion that only 26.2% of respondents consumed sufficient amounts of dietary fiber. 62% of participants do not consume sufficient amounts of fruit. As for the consumption of vegetables, 50.6% meet their daily needs with vegetables. When the participants were asked about cardiovascular disease, 47.6% indicated that they have any cardiovascular disease and 71.2% do not meet their daily needs with fruits and 67.5% with vegetables. 26.8% of the respondents declared that they are affected by cancer and of these people, 57.8% do not meet their daily needs with fruits and 51.1% with vegetables. The findings indicates that fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber consumption remains a problem for the citizens of Pristina and not only. The high number of people with cardiovascular diseases or different types of cancer shows that as a society we have serious health problems. Literature and questionnaire results, suggest an increase of dietary fiber intake by about 50%
Prevalence of Analgesic Use in Primary Care in the City of Istog During the Period January-June 2024
No full textIntroduction – Pain is an unpleasant and unavoidable sensation that accompanies humans throughout their lives. Since ancient times, the treatment and management of pain have captured people\u27s attention. Through the discovery of treatment methods and the invention of various drugs, there are now a large number of medications that have effective use and treat a wide range of dis- eases. Although painful and often challenging, pain is essential for survival. Aim – The aim of this study is to investigate the use of analgesics in the Primary Health Care Center (PHC) in Istog, the most commonly used types, their importance, routes of administration, and the appropriate dosages that should be used. Methodology – This study was conducted using a descriptive method, a review of the literature, and data collection from pa- tient protocols in the PHC in Istog during the period from January to June 2024. Results – Based on the data collected, all patients during the specified period were included. These are detailed results con- cerning the use of analgesics, their types, and routes of administration. It was observed that the prevalence of analgesic use has significantly increased, with diclofenac being the most dominant. The results are presented in graphs, each accompanied by comments explaining their content. Conclusions – From the results of this study, it can be observed that the use of narcotic analgesics has significantly decreased. NSAID analgesics now dominate in usage, being widely employed, and adjuvant analgesics have also found increased use in re- cent times
Initial experiences for HPV vaccination in Kosovo
No full textIntroduction: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a common infection primarily transmitted through sexual contact and is a ma- jor cause of cervical cancer and several other types of cancers. HPV vaccination is an effective intervention for preventing infec- tions and complications caused by this virus. In Kosovo vaccination programs have begun to be implemented in recent years, aiming to protect the young population from this disease. Objective of the study: The objective of this study is to examine the current state of HPV vaccination in Kosovo, to analyse the latest data on vaccination coverage and effectiveness, and to identify challenges and opportunities for improving the vaccina- tion program. Methodology: This study uses a research approach based on secondary data, analysing reports from Health institutions in Ko- sovo, published data from studies and statistical data from the Ministry of Health and international organizations such as the World Health Organization, (WHO). Additionally, interviews were conducted with health care professionals in the field to gather additional information on the implementation and perception of HPV vaccination in Kosovo. Results: Analysing data indicate that coverage HPV in Kosovo is still relatively low, with significant variations between re- gions. Many young girls and boys remain unvaccinated, primarily due to lack of information and misconceptions about the vac- cine. However, in regions where successful awareness campaigns have been conducted, there is a noticeable increase in vaccina- tion coverage. Age of vaccination in Kosovo with HPV vaccine typically begins at the age of 12 for both genders. The program recommends series of two doses for children under 15 years and three doses for those above this age are improved. Experiences of Regional countries suggested that regional countries such as Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia have simi- lar vaccination policies regarding initial age and dosing. However, vaccination coverage varies significantly, with some countries achieving higher coverage levels due to strong awareness campaigns and better access to health care. Conclusions: HPV vaccination in Kosovo faces several challenges, including lack of accurate information, negative percep- tions and limited access to vaccines. To improve vaccination coverage, it is necessary to intensify education and awareness cam- paigns, increase collaboration with healthcare professionals, and ensure a stable supply of vaccines. Priorities should be given to high-risk groups, and strategies should be developed to reach even the most isolated communities
Potential hazardous effects of radio wave radiation as non-ionization radiations on humans: A literature review
No full textThis comprehensive research analysis focuses into the possible health risks of radio wave radiation, a non-ionizing ra- diation type, on humans. The research consists of data from an array of research, focusing on the influence of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF- EMF), which are constantly released by appliances and electronics. The analyzed research from re- viewed literature indicate that most significant effect of RF-EMF exposure of some delicate tissues and organs is the thermal ef- fect, which causes a temperature rise of tissues andpotentially cellular damage. Even though the evidence is inconclusive some studies suggest a potential link between RF-EMF exposure and cognitive function, memory and attention, therefore further re- search is needed to fully understand the impact of RF-EMFs on human cognitive capacity. These effects increase with extended exposure and closeness to the original source of radiation. The review also emphasizes the increased sensitivity of particular groups, such as young people and those in occupational settings, who might be exposed to RF-EMF more often or at greater dos- es. Despite the rising amount of data, further study is required to completely understand the long-term health effects of RF-EMF exposure. The study highlights the importance of public understanding as well as the implementation of regulatory measures to reduce the possible health concerns related to radio wave radiation exposure. It suggests for a balance between technology inno- vation and health safety, highlighting the importance of ongoing study in this crucial field
Prevalence of Rhinoconjuctivitis and Eczema in 300 Online Respondents
No full textIntroduction: Allergic diseases are a well-known global health problem, among them rhinoconjunctivitis is the most common chronic allergic disease. There are wide global differences and variations in the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema symptoms, being higher in high- and low-income countries, but the prevalence of severe symptoms has been described to be greater in less affluent countries. Purpose: The purpose of this work is to collect data on the symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and allergic eczema, their fre- quency, age, gender, aggravating factors, the frequency of medical care as well as their diagnosis and treatment. Material and methodology: The study is cross-sectional. The data were obtained based on the questionnaire with a total of 14 questions. Statistical processing was done with Excell pwrmes Pivot Table. Results: A total of 300 electronically interviewed cases were analyzed in the research. Of them, 126 women and 174 men. The average age was 24 years. According to the place of residence, 66% (198) of them lived in the city while 34% (102) lived in the countryside. Among the research subjects, 172 (57%) of them resulted in sensitivity to 1 or more allergens, while 128 (43%) of them did not result in allergic sensitivity. 124 (72%) represented persons with symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis. while 48 (28%) of them resulted in eczema. The most frequent symptom was sneezing in 58% and pollen is the most frequent cause of allergic symptoms among respondents. The most frequent show season is spring. Regarding diagnosis, 46.3% of cases indicated that they were tested for allergies. The respondents noted the highest use of antihistamines (131) and corticosteroids (137) and nasal spray (114). Conclusions: The prevalence of allergic symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in this research indicates a high preva- lence of allergic diseases among the respondents
AI-Powered Platforms for Institutional Accountability: A Comparative Analysis of AI Algorithms for Anti-Corruption Systems
No full textInstitutional accountability is crucial in combating corruption, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers significant opportunities to enhance transparency and efficiency in governance. This paper presents a comparative analysis of various AI algorithms to determine the most suitable for developing an AI-driven platform designed to detect irregularities in asset declarations and financial records. By automating the cross-referencing of data from public records, tax filings, procurement databases, and civil registries, the envisioned platform aims to provide real-time insights for authorities to identify discrepancies and conflicts of interest. The study evaluates multiple machine learning techniques based on their capabilities in pattern recognition, handling large datasets, scalability, and interpretability. Each algorithm is assessed for its strengths and limitations in specific tasks within the anti-corruption framework, such as relationship detection, fraud identification, and real-time analysis. Ethical implications of deploying AI in governance are also explored, particularly in balancing data privacy with the need for transparency. Design considerations include implementing robust security measures and adhering to local and international data governance standards. This paper offers a comprehensive roadmap for selecting the optimal AI algorithm in the development of AI-powered anti-corruption systems. By addressing technical, ethical, and operational challenges, the comparative analysis ensures the platform\u27s adaptability and effectiveness in combating corruption across various sectors and regions
Climate change impacts on water resources
Get PDFClimate change threatens source water quality through increased pollutant and sediment runoff, reduced water availability from drought, and negative impact on overall efforts to maintain water quality. Heavy rainfall is predicted to increase due to climate change. Heavy rainfall can increase pollutant runoff and sedimentation in source waters such as rivers, lakes and streams. Such runoff and sedimentation can complicate treatment in drinking water utilities and result in increased costs. Increased erosion and sedimentation can reduce water quality, clog stormwater management systems, and reduce storage capacity. The paper presents the great importance of climate changes in the water resources used for drinking water, the case of Kosovo - Lake Badovci
Performance-based earthquake engineering: Seismic and structural assessments of an existing building in Prishtina
No full textThe earthquake disaster that has struck the world in the last 20 years have shown that, despite buildings that are planned according to traditional principles of earthquake-resistant design, major damage can still occur. This points out the limitations of current codes, which fail to ensure the minimum performance of structures during earthquakes. The buildings expected behavior during a design earthquake is assessed using performance-based earthquake engineering, or PBEE. Performance-based earthquake engineering offers a mechanism for testing a building seismic performance, assuring life safety and reducing financial losses, in contrast to the force-based method. This paper is divided into 4 parts.1. The theoretical part; 2. Structural In-situ Investigation; 3. Determination of dynamic, applying the Ambient Vibration Test and 4. Seismic analysis for earthquake resistance according to EN 1998 -1, 1998-3. Analytical model is developed in SOFISTIK based on laboratory examinations, and Pushover analysis is used to evaluate the building performance